Photo by Gary Fountain.
So the rabid rowdies over at Kentucky Sports Radio are having a spirited debate about whether UK should pursue former recruit and now Florida transfer Jai Lucas, a debate sparked by our H-L’s mention this morning that Lucas has included Kentucky on his transfer list.
(First of all, I thought Matt Jones, who ably runs KSR when not hosting his radio show, or filling in on the Padgett/Ragone morning show, or figuring his billable hours, had boycotted the H-L, but that’s another issue. We kid Matt because we care. And as a Duke law school grad, we know he can take it.)
As for the Lucas issue, what’s the debate?
Of course, the Cats should jump at Jai.
I know, he’s barely 5-foot-9, or 5-foot-8, or 5-foot-7. He could ride the favorite in next year’s Derby, for heaven’s sakes. (Stay away from Dutrow.) In other words, he’s no taller than me, and that’s not good.
And yes, yes, yes, if he is getting squeezed out of the point guard spot at Florida, wouldn’t Kentucky fans want him to be squeezed out of the point guard spot here, as well. Kentucky’s job isn’t to pick up Billy Donovan’s discards. Kentucky’s job is to beat Florida. One way to beat Florida is to get better players than Florida.
Still, I think Lucas is a good player. He is chase-worthy. He knows how to play the game. He has lineage. He’s a smart kid, savvy, even if his lack of height makes him a liability on defense. Best news: Lucas can run the point. Kentucky could use someone who can run the point. You can always use someone who can run the point. And he turned out to be a better scorer than I expected last season, too.
I’m not saying Lucas will be a big star.
I am saying that if I’m Billy G., I jump all over Jai.
What about you?
John Clay is a sports columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader. A native of Central Kentucky and graduate of UK, he covered UK football for 13 seasons before being promoted to columnist in 2000. Born in Paris, he graduated from George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester in 1977. He lives in Lexington with his wife and two sons. You can e-mail him at jclay@herald-leader.com.
No, absolutely not. Frankly, he had his chance. The first thing we have to do in recruiting is to stop bringing in players who don’t really want to be here. This is what Tubby Smith did.
It is an HONOR to wear the UK uniform and there are many who would give their left n*t to play for UK. Don’t cast your pearls before swine.
Wow, Jack, tell us how you really feel {grin}
I can’t believe I’m saying this after the way I felt at the end of calendar 2007, but I’m all for letting Billy decide. He’s sure won me over. I look at last year’s teams’ makeup and progression, and then look at the early video of this year’s team, and the progress seems stunning. Whatever he’s doing and deciding, let’s just get out of the way and watch.
I told my wife over the weekend that this year should be “very interesting” and she almost fell over laughing while replying, “That’s the 20th time I’ve heard you say that about the upcoming season” (we’ve been married 20 years)…
We’re UKat Fans, and we just can’t help it.
Yes, Lucas had a chance to attend UK in the same class with Patterson and Stewart, but it would be pointless to turn him down simply because he said “no” once before. Look at UK’s track record with transfers: Derek Anderson did well, as did Travis Ford. Matt Pilgrim supposedly offers great promise. Heck, Kevin Galloway has already attended TWO schools and fans don’t seem to mind.
If Lucas can provide something this team needs, then go for it. If, however, the coaches are confident that Liggins, Vilarino, and Ross-Miller can run the point in the future, then maybe their focus should be on finding more post players to complement Patterson, Stevenson, and Orton.
But good gracious no…don’t shy away from Lucas simply because he spent a year in Florida. The kid’s got talent and a good basketball IQ.
Good work John, you just increased your readership by 5000% by mentioning Kentucky Sports Radio.
I was hoping for 10,000%
Only if he pays his own way.
Leave Mr.Lucas to his previous decision-FLA.