John Clay’s Sidelines

Kentucky freshman DeMarcus Cousins talks about his 27-point, 18-rebound night, which the Cats needed all of beat to Sam Houston State 102-92.

UK freshman DeMarcus Cousins before Wednesday’s practice:

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• Fabian Lyon of the Miami Herald talks to top guard prospect Brandon Knight, who is considering UK.
• Bluegrass State Basketball says Tobias Harris made his decision just before midnight. (He announces it today at 5:30 on ESPNU.)
• Mike Griffith of the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that Harris sat in Thompson-Boling’s upper deck on Tuesday.
• Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader writes that John Calipari has found plenty wrong with his Cats heading into tonight’s game with Sam Houston State.
• Tipton’s notes lead with some info on Sam Houston State.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes that Darius Miller fits the dribble-drive.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger reports on Darnell Dodson’s spot in Calipari’s doghouse.
• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader writes that Kentucky isn’t fooled by Georgia’s sub-par football status.
• Chris Low of espn sings Rich Brooks’ praises.
• My column saying Kentucky’s best football efforts have come on the road this season.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Tobias Harris’ midnight decision’

(H-L photo/Mark Cornelison)

Big Blue Links for Wednesday:

• Jennifer Smith of the Herald-Leader reports on UK women’s 72-55 basketball triumph at Morehead.
• Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader examines John Calipari’s statement that “we’re a post-up team.”
• My column arguing that Monday’s near-loss is actually a good thing for UK basketball.
• Chip Cosby of the H-L writes on UK’s old-school wide receivers.
• Herald-Leader photos from UK women’s win at Morehead.
• Bluegrass State Basketball reports that Tobias Harris was in Knoxville last night to see Tennessee’s romp.
• Josh Selby’s mother tells The Hoosier Scoop that her son is working on a visit to Kentucky. (Hat tip to Aaron’s UK Basketball Blog.)
• Wildcat Blue Blog thinks Harris is looking more and more like a Volunteer.
• Eric Lindsey of Cat Scratches runs down the UK volleyball SEC title scenarios.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Tobias Harris watches Vols; Selby setting up UK visit’

Kentucky freshman forward DeMarcus Cousins talks about his 10 points, 10 rebounds, and the scare UK got from the Miami RedHawks.

Big Blue Links for Friday.

Traditional:

• Doug Binder of the Oregonian reports that UK target Terrence Jones may wait until spring before choosing a school.
• Gary Bedore of the Lawrence Journal-World reports that Brandon Knight will also wait until spring. (See Zagsblog link with blogs section.)
• In the Herald-Leader, Chip Cosby reports that UK’s defensive line wants redemption.
• Mark Story of H-L writes on Eastern Kentucky coach Dean Hood’s connections.
• Jerry Tipton of the H-L reports that John Calipari is challenging his team to improve.
• Tipton of the H-L writes that Mark Krebs’ focus is paying off.
• Tipton also blogs that Calipari said Patrick Patterson needs to be more aggressive.
• Paul Gattis of the Huntsville Times writes that Tennessee basketball has taken a backseat to Kentucky this off-season. (H/T to Aaron’s UK Basketball Blog.)

Continue reading ‘BBL: Terrence Jones is waiting; Knight to visit Florida’

UK freshman DeMarcus Cousins, aka “Big Cuz” admits that yes, he’s a “Momma’s Boy.” He also talks about his play, which said could have been better, in tonight’s Blue-White scrimmage at Rupp Arena.

Kyrie Irving

Big Blue Links for Wednesday:

• Zagsblog reports that Kyrie Irving has committed to Duke, with an announcement to be made this week.
• Irving says via Twitter he has not committed, however.
• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader writes on UK quarterback Will Fidler.
• My notes column, leading with Rich Brooks being honest about being dishonest with the media.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal also writes on how Will Fidler supported Morgan Newton.
• James Pennington of the Kentucky Kernel writes that other UK teams can learn from win at Auburn.
• Tom Leach talks to espn.com basketball writer Dana O’Neil.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes on DeMarcus Cousins.
• A Sea of Blue says SEC officiating stinks.
• Mr. SEC compares UK’s football commitments with rest of the league. (Hat tip to Aaron’s UK Football Blog.)
• Wildcat-Den writes on UK freshman Jon Hood.
• Wildcat Blue Bog looks at Doron Lamb and Terrence Jones.

UK freshman DeMarcus “Big Cous” or “Dancing Bear” Cousins was the first one I talked to at UK Basketball Media Day today. Cousins has the rep of being intense, with a mean streak on the court, but can be playful off the court. He was one of several who referred to the Cousins-John Wall-Eric Bledsoe group as “The Three Amigos.” Steve Martin, Marty Short and Chevy Chase they’re not. Best thing Cousins said was that he and Bledsoe are “from the same dirt.”

(H-L photo/Charles Bertram)

Update: As to the headline, Scout.com’s Evan Daniels offered a simple answer via Twitter: Yes.

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader reports that John Calipari has been writing inspirational letters to his players.
• Jerry also has a report from Camp Cal, a tent city formed by those camping out for Madness tickets.
• Chip Cosby of the H-L writes that Alabama’s offense packs a powerful punch.
• My column whining about the new SEC television package.
• Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that many expect Michael Gilchrist to sign with Kentucky. (Hat tip to Aaron’s UK Basketball Blog.)
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes that Calipari’s first job will be herding Cats.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes that DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall like the big expectations.
• Gentry Estes of the Mobile Press-Register writes on the Alabama offensive line.
• Ray Melick of the Birmingham News writes on Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy.
• Metz Camfield of the Kentucky Kernel writes about the tents outside Memorial Coliseum.
• James Pennington of the Kernel writes that Calipari is getting high marks.
• Bluegrass State Basketball reports that more SEC staffs are discovering Chane Behanan.