John Clay's Sidelines

Update: Blog commenter wanted me to add Patterson to the mix, so I did.

Update II: Jeff Goodman at Fox Sports has Meeks No. 7 and Thornton No. 10 in his national Player of the Year rankings.

I still think Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks will be named the SEC’s Player of the Year. But in my column this morning, I note that Kentucky’s point machine has more competition than we once might have expected. Here’s a chart comparison of the top contenders:

Conference and non-conference games included. Leader in each category marked by gold box.

On the road, so these Big Blue Links are a bit late:

• Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader has the advance on tonight’s UK-South Carolina game.
• Jerry’s notes package includes note that UK has started a Jodie Meeks for Player of the Year campaign.
• My column on the breakdown of the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, which includes just four of 10 members boasting a basketball background.
• There’s word from KSR that Kevin Galloway did not make the trip because of a death in the family.
• In The State, Seth Emerson writes that UK-Carolina is something to shout about.
• The State also has a Q&A with SEC commissioner and NCAA Selection chairman Mike Slive.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes on the Kentucky-South Carolina showdown.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger weighs in on tonight’s game.
• Bobby Reagan of the Kentucky Kernel writes on the battle for first place.
• The Kernel’s Jon Hale writes that a deep tournament run could send two Cats running to the NBA.
• Ken Howlett of A Sea of Blue breaks down the Cats and South Carolina.
• Straitpinkie breaks down the game.
• Kentucky Sports Radio talks about stopping Devan Downey.

Big Blue Links for Tuesday:

• Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader writes on South Carolina guard Devan Downey.
• Mark Story of the Herald-Leader asks what will Darius Miller do for an encore?
• Seth Emerson of The State writes that it’s “go-time” in the SEC East.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes that it’s a strange view for Gamecocks atop SEC East.
• Jody Demling of the Courier-Journal writes on Carly Ormerod, ending her career at UK.
• Hal Morris of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes on UK’s show of support.
• Ken Howlett of A Sea of Blue writes on a ton of UK trends.
• Matt Jones at Kentucky Sports Radio reports that UK is allowing ESPN to go behind the scenes.
• Bobby Reagen of the Kentucky Kernel writes on the threat imposed by Carolina’s Downey.
• Tom Leach writes on a big week for the Big Blue.
• On his WLAP blog, Dick Gabriel writes on a foul trip to Myrtle Beach.
• Cat Scratches has a UK practice report.