John Clay's Sidelines

Winston Bennett and Joe B. Hall at Melvin Turpin

Big Blue Links for Tuesday:

• Fans and friends remember Melvin Turpin, report Karla Ward and Josh Kegley of the Herald-Leader.

• North Carolina may join the mix for UK target Anthony Davis, reports Zagsblog.

• UK receiver Chris Matthews finds his safety away from Los Angeles, writes Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal.

• Rick Bozich of the C-J writes that the “First Four” is likely to be a first bore.

• Wall’s Wizards best Bledsoe’s Clippers in Las Vegas Summer League, with report by AP.

• DeMarcus Cousins was impressive in his summer league debut, reports Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee.

• The Oklahoman reports that Daniel Orton was a summer league dud. (Hat tip Bluegrass State Basketball.)

• Eric Lindsey of Cat Scratches says UK’s NBA draft crop proving they were worth the hype.

Continue reading ‘BBL: North Carolina now after Anthony Davis’

Video of Sam Maxwell, Chris Matthews and Christian Johnson after UK’s 37-12 win over Eastern Kentucky. Maxwell made his fourth interception of the season. Matthews had seven catches, including a touchdown grab. Johnson blocked for an offense that compiled 444 yards.

Continue reading ‘Video: Sam Maxwell, Chris Matthews, Christian Johnson’

New UK wide receiver Chris Matthews, who caught a TD pass Saturday, talks after the rout of Miami of Ohio:

Big Blue Links for Wednesday:

• NEW: Card Chronicle confirms Pitino’s hiring of Shabaka Lands, Marquis Teague’s assistant coach.
• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader reports on the impact being made by juco transfers Chris Matthews and DeQuin Evans.
• Karla Ward and Greg Kocher of the H-L report on former UK player Ed Davender being involved in a basketball ticket scam.
• Zagsblog reports that Rick Pitino has hired Marquis Teague’s assistant coach as assistant to the head coach at Louisville.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes on UK receiver Chris Matthews.
• Jody Demling of the C-J reports on John Calipari’s book signing in Louisville.
• Nick Craddock of the Kentucky Kernel writes on UK linebacker Danny Trevathan.
• H-L report on Jesse Witten’s win in first round of U.S. Open tennis.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Pitino hires Marquis Teague’s assistant coach’

Darnell Dodson

Big Blue Links for Monday:

• John Calipari writes on CoachCal.com that Darnell Dodson is battling a hip injury.
• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader writes that Rich Brooks is tired of the talk and ready for the football opener.
• Cosby’s Sunday notebook leads with Chris Matthews praise.
• My Monday column saying UK is convinced that offense is “light years” better than a year ago.
• My Sunday column predicting Kentucky will go 8-4.
• Jerry Tipton’s Sunday notebook says John Calipari wants to instill confidence.
• Tipton also reports that Calipari insisted his book tour start in Kentucky.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes that Joker Phillips is happily soaking up the Rich experience.
• ESPN’s Andy Katz lists Eric Bledsoe as his top player to watch in the SEC.
• Jody Demling of the Courier-Journal reports that UK target Kyrie Irving will visit Indiana.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Darnell Dodson battling hip injury’

Joker Phillips and Mike Hartline talk about juco receiver Chris Matthews’ impact after today’s scrimmage:

Big Blue Links for Monday:

• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader reports that UK’s offense exhibited night-and-day improvement over last year in first scrimmage.
• Cosby also writes on the team concept of fall camp.
• Jerry Tipton’s notebook talks about John Calipari mending fences at UK.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes that UK receiver Chris Matthews is making an impression.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes that UK is wide open at wideout.
• Tom Leach writes that the improvement on offense is noteworthy.

Continue reading ‘BBL: UK football kicking into gear’

Big Blue Links for Monday:

• Zagsblog reports that Josh Selby will visit UConn on Wednesday.
• Chip Cosby of the H-L writes that UK has high hopes for junior college teammates.
• Cosby also writes on UK linebacker Danny Trevathan.
• H-L reports that UK has picked IMG to continue plans for new arena.
• Jody Demling of the Courier-Journal writes on the return of UK cornerback Paul Warford.
• Brett Dawson of the C-J writes on the UK juco duo from Los Angeles.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes on Christian Johnson.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Josh Selby to visit UConn on Wednesday’