Big Blue Links for Wednesday:
Insight Cable will show the UK-Austin Peay game to its customers: “The game is being carried on the Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast channel – one Insight doesn’t usually carry – but the company made an agreement to broadcast the game on basic cable on channel 17 in Lexington, 2 in Louisville, 6 in Northern Kentucky, 5 in Bowling Green and 2 in the Evansville/Henderson area. Channels might be different for customers with digital packages. Contact Insight at (859) 514-1400 for more information.”
Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski on John Calipari: “What’s more, James’ cozy relationship with Calipari has long inspired discussion within the league that the star could make a power play for him to become his coach. Calipari has deftly created the illusion that James is his player, a powerful association in the recruiting battles. In fact, a source says LeBron was on the Rupp Arena pass list – along with his two Cavs teammates, UNC alums Jawad Williams(notes) and Danny Green(notes) – for Kentucky’s victory over North Carolina on Dec. 5. They were supposed to fly down in a private jet for the Saturday afternoon game, but a snag in Cleveland cancelled the trip.”
Tom Leach talks to Greg Anthony about John Wall.
Zagsblog on Brandon Knight: “The 6-foot-3 Knight, the top prospect in the Class of 2010, has narrowed his list to four schools – Kentucky, Kansas, UConn and Florida – and will sign in the spring. Considering Kentucky freshman John Wall will likely be the top pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, does it make sense that Knight will end up following in Wall’s foosteps?”
Bluegrass State Basketball reports on juco star Ricardo Ratliffe: “He did report that both Kentucky and Louisville are still calling and he is still looking at several other options including Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Oklahoma, Cincinnati, Clemson and Missouri.”
Draft Express breaks down John Wall: “Needless to say, Wall has done everything that’s been asked of him and then some, both on and off the court, and is at this point the run-away favorite to be drafted first overall in June, regardless of who is making the pick. The question now becomes, just how good can he become in the future? And what does he need to do to get there?” (Hat tip to Spam’s Wildcat Page.)
Intentional Foul compares John Wall to Xavier Henry: “Granted, there really isn’t a wrong choice here, but the point remains: If you were a coach of college basketball team and both of these players wanted to come to play for you, but you could only choose one, who would it be? Both are extremely talented players who can impact a team as soon as they step on campus. While both Henry and Wall are guards, they are different kinds of players.”
Kentucky Sports Network talks to Derrick Locke.
Rick Bozich of the Courier-Journal writes that some ratings are not kind to UK or U of L: “Enough games have been played that Pomeroy has projected every remaining game this season. His numbers are surprisingly ugly for Louisville, head-scratching for Kentucky and mildly disappointing for Indiana.”
Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger on Trevard Lindley: “Despite missing four games with an ankle injury, he’s still a dynamic player covering the pass and solid tackler that has helped UK’s pass defense improve steadily over the past four years.”
Eric Lindsey of Cat Scratches takes a last look at the UK volleyball season: “But in just about any other way you choose to view the season, it was yet another historic success for fifth-year head coach Craig Skinner and his team. For the fifth consecutive season, the Cats landed an NCAA Tournament berth – one of just 20 teams to accomplish that feat five years in a row – and UK was just mere points away from an Elite Eight berth, its longest trek into the tournament since 1992.”
(H-L photo/Charles Bertram)
Wildcat-Den gives 10 thoughts on the first 10 games: “Take John Wall out of the picture and this team isn’t the same. Wall is showing why he was one of the top players in his class with his dominating performances and adding to his professional credentials on a weekly basis. Wall’s pro stock is high. Imagine what the rate will be at the end of the season.”
Wildcat Blue Blog reports on the UK-Kansas rivalry: “But on to this season: the Jayhawks are 9-0, Kentucky is 10-0. While Kansas came in as a lead pipe cinch to compete for the title, there were questions about Kentucky’s youth and adjusting to a new coach. Kentucky has answered every test so far this season and owns wins over #10 North Carolina and #14 Connecticut. True, Kentucky has struggled with some “lesser” teams but that is all about a young team learning and growing together and learning how to win.”
Inner Circle says be careful what you wish for: “With Kentucky’s sudden explosion back onto the national basketball scene, many Cat fans are wanting more and more. During the latest polls the Wildcats have moved up to a #3 national ranking. In what may end up being one of the most historic turnarounds in Kentucky basketball history, it might be too much too soon. Moving to #1 in the polls will inevitably lead to heartbreak.”
Aaron’s UK Football Blog has a recruiting tidbit: “UK will receive a visit from Four Star WR Dyjuan Lewis (Indianapolis, IN) in January per Rivals. It appears Lewis has decided to take some visits since Brian Kelly left Cincinnati. Lewis could potentially visit Michigan State and Purdue as well.”
