John Clay's Sidelines

E-mail from Mike, who doesn’t describe himself as a Memphis fan, but it sort of oozes through:

Kentucky has not built, worked hard, or for that fact even remotely done anything for you, your paper, or your school to make you happy or proud. You have stolen or bought a team from another city like thieves in the night. I have a hard time understanding that during next year’s Selection Sunday when Coach Cal is in his living room grinning from ear to ear that you want have some kind of guilt, because you know Memphis made it possible for Kentucky to enjoy that moment. Outside Kentucky Basketball little world most basketball fans really know what you did, and are very disgusted and deep down really think you are nothing more than cheaters. Kentucky and Coach Cal are perfect for each other because every one knows that both of you just sold your souls and hurt the game for your historical ego. Dick Vitale is right and you can try to discount it all you want, but Kentucky Basketball has just stooped as low as you can go.

Here’s a look at John Calipari’s draft record at Memphis:

Sam Robey

David Jones of Florida Today has an interesting report this morning regarding the Florida football team. Seems the Gators are thinking of moving Maurkice Pouncey, last year’s starting center, to guard in order to make room for the son of a former Kentucky basketball star.

Writes Jones:

Sam Robey, the son of ex-Kentucky basketball star Rick Robey, has been so impressive at center that both UF coach Urban Meyer and offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said they are considering moving Maurkice Pouncey — last year’s center — to guard and putting Robey, a true freshman last fall who redshirted, at the starting center spot.

“Right now, he’s the starting center and he’s a guy that’s operating with the (starters),” Addazio said. “I’m real proud of him. He’s really stepped up. He’s still a young guy, but he’s a guy that’s showing us signs he can really give us quality depth as we progress through spring and then into the fall.”

Sam Robey played his high school football at Louisville Trinity. Here’s his Florida bio.

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• William Wilkerson of the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram writes that Nolan Dennis’ mom says, “We would love to go to Kentucky.”
• My column on UK’s open basketball practice Wednesday.
• Jerry Tipton of the H-L writes that John Calipari shows a softer side at practice.
• Tipton reports on DeMarcus Cousins’ commitment to the Cats.
• Tipton writes on Calipari’s new assistant coaches.
• And, finally, Tipton gives updates on other possible UK recruits.
• Chip Cosby of the H-L reports that DeAunte Mason has been moved to tight end on UK football team.
• Mark Maloney of the H-L reports on UK baseball’s 10-9 loss to Western Kentucky.
• Tom Leach wants to see Michael Porter in a UK uniform one more time.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Dennis’ mom, “We would love to go to Kentucky.”’

SEC links for Thursday:

• Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean reports that Vandy’s bowlers seek a second straight national title.
• Tim Tucker of the AJC writes about Georgia basketball practice with new coach Mark Fox.
• Also in the AJC, Chip Towers reports that Fox has hired ex-Alabama interim coach Philip Pearson.
• Robbie Andreu of the Gainesville Sun writes that Aaron Hernandez is now Florida’s go-to guy.
• Gary Laney of The Advocate reports that LSU’s Tasmin Mitchell has declared for the NBA draft.
• In The State, Paul Strelow reports that Clemson bounced back to beat South Carolina in baseball.
• Rick Fires of the NW Arkansas Times reports on Arkansas’ second straight win over Arizona State.

Continue reading ‘SEC links: Vandy’s bowlers go for another title’

Daniel Orton

Ah, recruiting craziness.

No sooner had Scout.com reported that Daniel Orton had requested to be released from his letter-of-intent to UK, his father, Larry Orton, says the report is not true.

Mr. Orton told WKYT, “”The guy made it up, like a lot of this stuff is made up.”

Daniel Orton told Larry Vaught at Kentucky Sports Report that he did not know yet if the family would ask for a release. “If it comes to that, I will be the one asking,” said Mr. Orton. “There’s no need to ask for a release until we decide if we need one.”

Meanwhile, Scout is now reporting that Memphis signee Nolan Dennis has asked for his release from Memphis and will give Kentucky a look. Dennis’ mother had said earlier that the family had an agreement with the school that if John Calipari left, Dennis could look elsewhere.

Stay tuned.

Updated: Orton’s father denies report.

Evan Daniels at Scout.com is reporting that UK signee Daniel Orton wants his release to explore other options.

The Orton switch comes less than 24 hours after Alabama center DeMarcus Cousins committed to Kentucky and John Calipari after having originally committed to Memphis when Calipari was the coach of the Tigers.

Note: Daniels story requires a subscription.

R.D. sends along an e-mail which I speculate represents the feelings of many:

The Kentucky sports universe can finally stop spinning out of control. Natural order has been restored. The top two sporting interests in Kentucky are, once again, (1) UK basketball, and (2) UK basketball RECRUITING. (My apologies to UK football–but, come on, let’s be real about this.) The economy be damned–life is good again. Thank you, Coach Cal Sincerely, RD

Look at how the UK basketball scholarship roster for next year looks right now:

As expected, looks like the John Calipari move will catapult Kentucky from somewhere in the mediocre middle to right near the top of the recruiting rankings. Look at this chart from the Rivals’ rankings: