UK just released a joint statement from the parents of Michael Gilchrist, Anthony Davis, Kyle Wiltjer and Marqius Teague on their decisions to bypass the Derby Classic. Or we presume this is the subject matter behind the statement.
It says:
“We are honored that our sons have been considered for so many prestigious all-star games but the NCAA only allows them to play in two such events. Anthony, Michael, Marquis and Kyle will fulfill their lifelong dreams of playing in the McDonald’s All-American game and the Jordan Brand Classic.”
Can’t blame them. Sucks the NCAA limits them to 2 games. But seriously, who wouldn’t choose the 2 biggest games that are nationally televised over a local event.
IT IS A SLAP IN THE FACE OF EVERY KENTUCKIAN THAT THE UK WOMENS CAOCH/TEAM IS AND HAS NOT RECRUITED THE ONLY HIGH SCHOOL ALL AMERICAN THAT KENTUCKY HAS EVER HAD – SARA HAMMONDS FROM ROCKCASTLE COUNTY. WHERE IS THE MEDIA PRESSURE, IF IT WAS SOMEONE FROM LEXINGTON, EVERY T.V., RADIO AND NEWSPAPER JOCK WOULD BE SCREAMING. DON’T GUESS THAT THERE JUST ISN’T ENOUGH DRAW FROM SUCH A POOR COUNTY AS ROCKCASTLE. I HOPE THE CAOCHING STAFF IS PROUD OF THEMSELVES, IT IS FOR SURE I AM NOT. AS FOR ME I DO NOT CARE IF THEY EVER WIN ANOTHER GAME.
John, Any thoughts on the the tone of Bozich’s column, or the “controversy” in general?
I think the signees made the right call on All-Star games as they stand today. The Derby Classic is not a prestigious as it used to be when Kentucky, Louisville and Indiana represented the triad of college basketball. I always felt that since Mcdonalds was one of the sponsors of the Derby Classic in those days, the organizers should have approached the McDonalds people about making the DC, THE McDonalds All-American game. I think it may have been possible then. It seems like our competition for what was then the second most popular venue was with the Dapper Dan Classic.
Alex, the All-Star pecking order has changed, just as players’ priorities have changed. The elite players want to play in elite games like the McDonald’s All-American and the Jordan Brand. That’s where they will get the most exposure. They’re not coming to Kentucky because of the tradition of Kentucky basketball, per se, they are coming for the exposure and the hope that John Calipari will prepare them for the pros just as he did Rose, Evans, Wall, Cousins, Bledsoe, etc.