John Clay's Sidelines

Hat tip to All KY Hoops, who passes along this morning a news note about the name Michael Avery.

You remember Avery.  He was the eighth-grader whom Billy Gillispie coaxed a commitment from when Billy G. was the Kentucky coach. The move caused scrutiny and controversy and helped lead to an NCAA directive asking coaches not to offer scholarships to middle schoolers. Of course, Gillispie was fired after two season as Kentucky coach.

Now Avery is a senior in high school and, according to the Los Angeles Times, has committed to Sonoma State.

An excerpt:

Crespi Coach Russell White said in a statement, “Obviously, a lot has changed for Mike since he committed to Kentucky prior to his freshmen year at Crespi. But what hasn’t changed is his love for the game. On a recent visit [to Sonoma State], Mike fell in love with the campus, Coach Pat Fuscaldo, and the current players. Our program is excited that Mike will continue his basketball journey at the next level.”

Update: I’ll be at UK football scrimmage this morning, sending updates via Twitter at jclayiv.

Big Blue Links for Saturday:

• Kyle Veazey of the Clarion-Ledger reports on UK baseball’s 5-4 win over its former coach John Cohen at Mississippi State.
• Chris Lawlor of espn.com writes that insiders believe John Wall will come to UK.
• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader reports that UK football coaches are excited about the secondary.
• Tom Leach reports that the Boyd brothers have been working together.
• Brett Dawson of the C-J writes that the Johnson brothers are ready for their football finale.
• Jody Demling of the C-J reports that ex-UK commitment Michael Avery is looking at Indiana.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger writes that John Calipari likes Darius Miller.
• Vaught also writes that Matt Pilgrim is adjusting to changes.
• Straitpinkie has a link to a video interview with John Wall.
• Bluegrass State Basketball thinks Calipari is formulating a backup plan.
• Joey Fosko writes that Calipari ain’t Pitino Lite. (Hat tip to Spam’s Wildcat Page.)

Big Blue Links for Friday:

• Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader reports that John Calipari is confident Demarcus Cousins will deliver.
• Tipton reports that Calipari says he is not a lifer.
• Calipari confirms that Scott Padgett and Tony Delk will be on his staff.
• Beverly Fortune of the H-L broke the story on Calipari’s house.
• John Wall tells Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger that he’s not interested in the NBA.
• Christopher Lawlor of espn.com writes that Xavier Henry’s decision could come soon.
• Casey Keefer of the University Daily Kansan also reports on Henry’s recruitment.
• Metz Camfield of the Kentucky Kernel writes on Calipari’s journey to the top.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Calipari, Calipari and more Calipari’

Updates:

• ADDED at 8:58: Josh Bean of the Mobile Press-Register writes that Memphis showed its wisdom.
• ADDED at 8:53: William Rhoden of the New York Times on Calipari and Kentucky.

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• Jerry Tipton and Ryan Alessi of the Herald-Leader write on the official hiring.
• My column saying that UK hired a coach who really gets UK.
• Mark Story writes that a greater need pushed UK to Calipari.
• Ryan Alessi writes that Calipari brings ambitious plans with him to the program.
• Alessi reports on the UK board of trustees giving ok to signed contract.
• Jim Warren and Valarie Honeycutt Spears report that UK says contract will not overstretch budget.
• Tipton and Jennifer Smith write about Calipari’s relationship with World Wide Wes.
• Mark Maloney writes on the introductory press conference.
• Beverly Fortune writes on the fan reaction to the Calipari hiring.
• Bluegrass State Basketball reports that G.J. Vilarino has re-opened hhis commitment.
• Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty writes that the press conference was a slam dunk.
• Tom Leach has an interview with Jodie Meeks’ father.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Calipari day-after links’