Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
On a night where ice has overtaken the central part of Kentucky (and made people go running to the grocery for milk and bread….why do people do that by the way? Is it the case that if you are stuck in a storm, you need milk and bread more than other foods? Besides 4 year old pre-school kids, I know no-one that drinks milk in large amounts, but it is always emptied on the shelves the moment a storm is predicted), the word around UK basketball circles is of our traveling coach, Billy Clyde Gillispe. After giving the team off on Wednesday as he traveled the country to North Carolina and Illinois, Gillispie found himself in Hopkinsville tonight watcing Scotty Hopson as he poured in 37 points on Senior night to delight the UHA faithful (both of them). Gillispie joined a host of other coaches, including Rick Stansbury and Tennessee assistants, at the game as the world goes after the hottest recruit left in the continental United States. Hopson, who was recently named a McDonalds All American and a participant in the Jordan Classic, now can certainly be said to be on Kentucky’s radar as Gillispie has made multiple trips to watch the phenom play. Where Kentucky ranks on Hopson’s radar is up for debate. Those close to Scotty continue to tell me that the Cats are behind the original leaders (Miss St, Tenn, UL) but that UK can make up that ground if they express interest. It is clear that there is some interest by the fact of Gillispie’s appearance, but if it will be enough remains to be seen.
Whatever happens however, it is clear that the Scotty Hopson recruitment has been a bit bizarre. Back in the fall, I was told by someone close to the coaching staff that there was very little interest in Hopson and the Cats were happy with Miller and Liggins in that position. But over the last couple of months that has changed, and some recruiting followers insist that contact has occurred between the staff and Hopson. However the Hopsons continue to deny this and claim they have been told that Gillispie would call, only to never hear from him (a similar charge was made by Brad Tinsley, the Oregon guard that all are drooling over). Yet Gillispie has now taken in multiple Hopson games and has said that he is still looking for a dynamic wing scorer in this class….a role that really only Hopson can fill. It is safe to say that UK now wants Scotty in blue….but the courtship process is interesting to say the least.
Scotty is shifting into tournament mode and the news on Hopson may be scarce for a few weeks. He says he will take a couple more visits after the season is over, and may expect that Kentucky will be one of those. If the Cats can somehow land Hopson in Lexington and squeeze out a JUCO big guy, watch out…..that would put this class shooting up the rankings and into Top 10 land….and give the Cats what they REALLY need for next year….another scoring option. The Cats need a big man…but with the development of Perry Stevenson, they can squeeze out a year without another low post scoring machine. But Crawford and Bradley are leaving and taking 40 points a game with them. Miller and Liggins may bring 15-20 of those points with them, but someone else needs to find another 15 or so if the Cats are going to improve. That man may be Hopson and it looks as if Gillispie’s decision to go visit him in Hoptown shows that Billy Clyde is hoping to make it a reality.
Later today you will Know Your Enemy and learn more about Arkansas….and dont forget that Saturday is the all-day Bracket Buster Blog here on this site. Make sure and tune in. More later…..
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February 22nd, 2008 at 12:55 am
Gillispie doesn’t know how to call recruits. Just text.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:58 am
i sure hope we get hopson, when he trys and wants to play he is easily one of the best in the nation!
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:59 am
that a boy gillispie!!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:03 am
He said that he was a big UK fan growing up.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:17 am
I don’t know what to make of this recruitement..just really weird..I am to the point now that I would love to see Hopson in a UK uniform..I have heard all the stuff about his work ethic but he is obviously a very talented player and UK could use his services…I really hope he signs with UK.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:23 am
if Gillispie could land Patterson after that whole debacle, then he *can* land Hopson. Will he? Well, that’s half the fun of the recruiting game as spectators…
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:24 am
Hopson may be a good player, but I just dont see him lasting with Gillispie. I mean, you hear how he pouts and how he says no one will start above him in college, but if he doesnt practice hard we already know Billy G doesnt care how good of a player you are. I dont know though. I guess we will see if that day ever comes.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:30 am
1. didnt the ban texting?? Hopson could be the 08 version of Patterson
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:34 am
[...] As the Hopson Turns [...]
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:43 am
The milk and bread is for making French Toast. As if one could survive without it.
February 22nd, 2008 at 1:57 am
If that’s hopson attitude, he’d have a hard time seeing the Curry Flurry start over him!
I hope the kid comes to UK, and especially not go to UL, or UT. BCG will need a lot of help next year and this guy could start the helping process. I’m still amazed by his you tube videos. He’s so quick.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:05 am
I just don’t have a good feeling about landing Hopson. I think we have entered the recruiting war way too late and with Hopson’s ego, I think he wanted Gillispie to “show the love” much earlier. Secondly,I think Hopson knows with his attitude and work ethic that he may be in Gillispie’s doghouse a lot if he came to UK. He’ll play it safe and go to UT where he can be Pearl’s poster child, regardless of his attitude.
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:35 am
Wow, a UK coach who actually recruits, again.
Wow, a UK coach who actually wins close games in the end, again.
Wow, a UK coach who has a virtual mountain in front of him created by “I saw a Yetti” gimps who think he’s gay or is out drinking and banging 18 year old chicks. It doesn’t matter if your a fast talker from New York, black, or enjoy a drink, if your UK’s coach you’ve got a larger group of morons than any other school talking like Gomer Pile about you (Since UK has a larger follow, the % of morons is larger).
When will the 3rd grade drop-out Kentucky “GED proud” homers let a damn coach who can recruit do his job without getting so bored with their own lives that they create some idiot’s tale about Gillispie being capable. A guy who appears to be working his ass of FOR US TO BE BRAGGIN BIG TIME in the next couple of years should get nothing but support.
Like anyone in the UK administration gives a damn what Jimbob dreams up about BCG. It won;t change anything so either support the coach or root for another team.
If I hear anybody else say some crap about Meeks playing and Gillispie being at fault I might be reaching in his truck window for his shotgun. Meeks plays because the Medical staff clears him, and Meeks is eager to get back on the court. Coach G can only use what the docs and Jodie say about his readiness. If Jodie wants to hurt himself further by concealing his pain and acting ready to play when he knows he isn’t ready, then no one can prevent that.
This message is directed at both fake fans and Matt Jones. Get with the program folks!
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:37 am
if gillispie doesn’t want to recruit hopson, then he is going to have another year similar to this. maybe not this bad, but similar.
Now I agree that we should trust Gillispie, and this I do, but there is no reason he should not go after hopson. There is no reason not to go after a player this good. I just don’t think Gillispie can just let hopson go to UT or MS State and expect us to compete with elite teams next year. Let’s be honest ya’ll. Take away Joe and Ramel and we are not good at all. Who knows who will be healthy next year. I just think hopson is critical to Gillispie having a successful career at Kentucky. There are probably a lot of people who disagree, but come on folks, this is Kentucky, we should be in the top 5!!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:39 am
(13) way to not be a bigot
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:39 am
sorry, “way not to be a bigot”
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:42 am
13….Risking the Health of Meeks and Jasper to have an outside shot at making the NCAA tourny as a 14 seed is unacceptable. They should have been medical redshirted.
I keep having flashbacks of Varsity Blues with this situation.
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:13 am
To receive a medical hardship waiver, a player can’t play in more than 20% of the teams contests…and he can’t play a single game in the second half of the season.
Meeks was eligible for a medical hardship waiver until he came back for the Florida game. He knocked out the 20% rule and the second half of the season rule in one fell swoop.
February 22nd, 2008 at 3:14 am
Hopson= helpful, but not critical. Gillispie will find other ways to win if we don’t land Hopson. It won’t be the first time he’s had to deal with a lopsided roster. As for Scotty’s recruitment, maybe UK is too late or maybe Clyde’s hoping for the ‘last but not least’ mantra to apply here. It is human nature to want what you can’t have~ Gillispie might have been dangling a carrot to “help” Scotty realize his inner desire is to play for the CATS! Hopefully BCG’s reverse psychology will work. Plus, I think its good that BCG waited to evaluate Hopson and make sure he’d be a good fit/succussful at UK. That’s gotta earn some respect from Hopson– its in both sides best interests.
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:04 am
Gillispie should be getting Hopson cause one of his promises when taking over UK was to secure the top talent in the state of Ky. For him, Hopson should be the biggest agenda right now.
February 22nd, 2008 at 7:18 am
You mentioned the development of Perry Stevenson, I just don’t see it. I think he is total dead weight. As for Hopson- it would put us back in the field with the likes of Kansas, North Carolina, and the other elite programs if we can put him in our beloved blue.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:03 am
Anyone know if Tyrone Appleton is making the trip tomorrow (or today) for a visit? If so, let’s show him some love!!!
Good luck tomorrow fellas.
GO CATS!!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:16 am
To say Perry Stevenson is dead weight is hilarious. We are infinitely better when he replaces Coury in the lineup. Is he an All-American? No. But he does provide a shot blocker who can finish on the offensive end when properly set up.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 am
Don’t think there’s a big mystery about the change in Gillespie’s efforts toward Hopson and in contrast to last summer(though it’s been suggested, by others who claim to be in the know, that there’s also an unspecified, peculiar history involved, as well). All else aside, team needs for a wing scorer had to have changed when Legion booked. Beyond that, I guess Scotty’s play this season has removed some of the doubts (justified or not)about his motivation, etc.that previously existed. Bottom line,if BCG is satisfied that he’s the guy we need and that we have a shot at landing him, I hope he winds up in blue.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:56 am
23) If by “finish on the offensive end” you mean dunk, ok. But if Perry’s not dunking it, it
ain’t going in.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:04 am
Coach Billy, has consistently said he wants the best available basketball players with good attitudes. I’m one of the believers that its been SH attitude that has keep BG from expressing more interest. Perhaps Scotty has improved in this area as well.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 am
@ shmu evans - Last year I may have agreed with your statement. However, sophomore Perry has a developed a nice little 12-15 foot jump shot and is one of the best free throw shooters on the team.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 am
This seems to me to be Clyde’s way of getting Hopson to buy into his style. If he fawns over him from the beginning, Hopson’s ego will continue to balloon and he could be trouble when he steps on campus. IMO, this is to humble him a bit to make sure he really wants to be here…and if he doesn’t that’s probably best too.
Why are we forgetting Jodie Meeks? Is he gone? He could EASILY give us 20 ppg next year. Though I’m starting to wondering with Clyde obviously recruiting over him and the early season grumblings.
Matt, any insights?
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:28 am
Yea, that 14 ft. airball by Perry looked pretty good Tuesday night. As thin as he is, if he doesn’t develop a mid range shot, he will never be scoring threat. I mean he can get 6 ir 8 a game off of Offensive rebounds and dunks, but otherwise, not a double digit threat, and next year, we will need a couple more than we have right now. I too would like to know the deal with Meeks.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:35 am
28 BCG isn’t recruiting OVER him he is simply adding depth. We can’t count on Jodie to give us 40 minutes a night, and having offensive fire power to spell Jodie off the bench is huge. I mean, who is going to back him up next year? Deandre is definitely a “point-wing” type of player, and is more likely to get a triple double then go for 30. Darius is (at this stage) more of a slashing 3, although he has a dependable shot. Hopson is an offensive machine. He can score the ball from anywhere on the floor. He comes next year, he averages 13 a game I believe. But Darius can’t back up at the 2, and I think Deandre is so much better suited for the 1.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:45 am
30) Very good post. Not even any talk about how you and Hopson are alike. Very well done, and nice points sir.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 am
Everybody was in agreement last night. UOFL is NOT in the picture. Pitino has not been in contact in a while per the Hopson’s request. He is OFF the list. The Hopson’s do want to hear from UK…
See my post on Catspause about the events last night.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 am
Yea, that was ugly but it wasn’t an air ball. I’m pretty sure it caught some of the backboard. lol. I’m not sure why but I want to defend Stevenson. I’m not saying he’s going to be our go to guy offensively. I’m just recognizing that he has added a short jumper and doesn’t have to be a dunk to go in. Also, he’s playing with a little more aggression and not backing down every time someone get physical. Props to Perry.
As you know, we are anything but deep. BG wants the best players regardless of position. The only position that may get recruited over is the five spot so PP can consistently play the four.
Hopson is a Kentucky kid and rumored to be a cat fan growing up. If so, he knows what it means to be a cat. I’d like to see him in Lexington.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:17 am
17) The lowest seed we could receive would be a 12 seed.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:17 am
I feel like people on this board are forgetting about Jodie Meeks for next year as a scorer, with Joe C gone, Jodie will step in and be dynamic, not saying I don’t want Hopson, cause I do, I just want a little respect and love for the players that we know will wear BLUE next year JODIE MEEKS 15ppg next year
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:19 am
From the LHL today:
—–
Legion refused to speak specifically about his experiences at Kentucky. The player’s mother spoke of a negative environment that her son kept from her until Thanksgiving.
“Three or four hours, nothing but negativity,” Annette Legion said. “Just told you’re nothing. …
“My son kept a secret I didn’t know. He said, for two months Billy talked about him, demeaned him and privately told him to go home and take your mother with you.”
—–
YOU GOTTA LOVE THAT - take your mother with you!
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 am
Haha thanks 31
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:23 am
HAHAHA good! Alex Legion was way too immature to handle playing at UK and for BCG. To be perfectly honest I don’t know how he is going to handle playing for Bruce Weber…..
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:43 am
Anyone know when the IU presser is today??
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:46 am
Its obvious by today’s LHL article that tipton DOES NOT LIKE BILLY G. one bit. He’s is trying to demonize him every chance he gets.
Comic book guy says:
Worst. columnist. ever.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:47 am
deadspin is reporing that IU players told the AD they will refuse to play unless Sampson is coach. We’ll see if that mutiny holds true.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:51 am
Well said, Wonderbread (13) I love my Cats, but sometimes our fans (though they may mean well) really tick me off.The proof is in the pudding, and so far I think Bill Cosby would be quite satisfied.
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:57 am
If Gillispie pulls this one off it will go down as a legendary recruiting job. I am now starting to think we have a chance. I’m telling you BCG is the man and we will have a team of studs in no time. guaranteed. Boy the future sure looks bright.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:08 am
I agree #35 Meeks will easily average 15 ppg with Bradley and Crawford gone. I do think though that Meeks needs to work on getting to the basket in the offseason. I’m sure he hasn’t been driving because of his injury, but I think next year he will come out and tear it up. Especially with 4 good passers on the court with him at the same time in Liggins, Jasper, Miller, and Patterson.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
We might have one of the best passing fives ever with those 5 in the game at the same time.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:10 am
What about when we had JP Blevins, Stockton, Sheray, Bobby and Big Ran on the court?
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
#36 that’s hilarious. Its no secret that Gillispie breaks em down only to build them back up. What did Legion expect from a coach hugs and kisses. What a pussy.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:59 am
Any chance BG was there to watch Tyshwan Edmondson instead of Scotty?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Yeah 44 I think he will but I still feel his game is better suited to the jump shot. He is a one foot leaper with great athleticism but not much leap. The difference in a power leaper and a one foot leaper is this: The power leaper (think Joe Crawford) goes up in a more linear way which keeps you in the play, this puts you in position for offensive rebounds. Notice how Joe collects a lot of his own misses because he is in the right place to pick them up. Now a guy like Jodie has one shot at that layup, because his momentum will carry him out of the play. Also, it is hard to make floaters and leaners off of one foot because your momentum makes you adjust that shot at the apex of your leap as opposed to being able to size up the floater the same way you do a jumper. So to conclude Meeks HAS TO HAVE someone around him hitting those runners, floaters, and creating havoc in the lane. Enter Darius Miller (a power leaper extraordinare) and hopefully Scotty Hopson. This forces any defense to sink inwards in the expectation that at any second someone can pull a Jack Givens on you and start wrecking you with 13 foot one handers. Enter Jodie Meeks, who can consistently shoot from 22 feet.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
47 I would like to think he was there to watch both.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
In my last post I meant to say length, not leap
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Anyone else read the article by Jerry Tipton in the Herald Leader today? It is obvious Tipton is abusing his journalism to attack BCG’s character and coaching principles. This makes the second story in as many dyas where he has went to extremes to cover meaningless crap. What Tipton is doing is not only bad for BCG but also the Wildcat Nation. Stories such as these are bad publicity and can potentially hurt our recruiting. I realize this is nothing new and only stems from Tipton’s love for Tubby but something has got to give. I undertand he has the right to cover whatever story he wants but how about creating a positive spin rather than trying sabotaging our program.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I don’t particularly like Tipton’s article, but I didn’t think it was that bad. In fact, it galvanized my faith in Clyde…much like the NYTimes is doing to the GOP with McCain.
The problem I do have with the article is he relies on a recently booted walk-on for a lot of information. A walk-on, that in no other program in the country would have had a chance. 5′6″, 130 lbs., and averaged 3 ppg in HS? Come on, the kid was lucky to be on the team for as long as he was and he should treat it like every other schoolboy dream…which it is. I’m not saying he needed to be abused, but some things you just deal with.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Meant to say I don’t like Tipton. I liked the article.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I swear Dusty won that “walk-on” contest becaue he looks like Ollie from Hoosiers. I have a hard time believing he could run in a lot of games at the Johnson Center.
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
What does Matt mean by “the UHA faithful (both of them)”?
February 22nd, 2008 at 4:52 pm
My two cents. If we don’t get Hopson it won’t be the end of the world. His attitude is not good. He and BCG would clash and he might not stay (ala Legion) should he attend UK. Scotty’s doesn’t play hard. He and his Mom have big ego problems. Does the name Rashad Carruth ring any bells? It will be interesting nevertheless. And Matt, there are more than two faithful UHA fans.
February 23rd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
He’s going to Louisvile. ‘Nuff Said! Go to LYesReport.com to find out why.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Dude, Quit trying to get us to go to LYesReport.com. Unlike you we stay on our own site. You louisville fans need to get the Wildcat Penis out of your mouths. You will always be the little brother.