Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Ask and ye shall receive. For months now, Kentucky fans have wondered who the next Kentucky Wildcat commitment would be and now we know 6′7″ 200 pound, PG/SF Kevin Galloway from a Junior College in Idaho. Galloway is a playmaker, but more in the mold of a pass-first type, a la Derrick Jasper and with the possibility that DeAndre Liggins might not qualify (still an under-the-radar concern), his importance next year may grow. He played for a team in Idaho that put up huge numbers of points, but was more of a set-up man, averaging only 8 himself. But he is long and super athletic, with one person who has seen him telling me “he will dazzle you with the space he can cover.” His defense and rebounding are a strength and he is a hard worker according to his JUCO coaches. He told Jeff Drummond at TCP that he actually committed to UK a month ago after interest from Tennessee, Memphis and Oklahoma State. Out of high school he committed to USC before heading off to Junior College. I havent seen him play (and for the record, I dont think anyone around here has), so all we can do is take the coaches’ word on this one….easier because Gillispie has a pretty good track record worth of trust. I do still worry that UK doesnt have a scorer yet, but Gillispie has been holding onto this commitment for a month and said tonight he is still actively seeking a scoring guard….so one may still be coming. As for big men….well Mark “Every Night is Senior Night” Coury may be running the recruits off. In all seriousness however, this is a good get for the Cats and follows a pattern….Gillispie obviously likes long, athletic guys who can guard people….a recipe for success in his system. Galloway is the latest to fit in that mold.
In other news….
UK MEDIA DAY — Just in time for the postseason, Billy Gillispie hit the national media scene today with appearances on Mike and Mike and PTI. You can catch the latter appearance a few posts below, as both turned out fairly well. On PTI, Gillispie looked comfortable, played up the effort of his players and generally did a good job (although he could smile a BIT less if possible). But what was important (and what UK Media Relations does a good job with) is getting Gillispie out in public just as the interest level in college basketball rises….aka during March. Billy Clyde was out promoting the fact that Kentucky basketball is still relevant. While it isnt likely the case that either of these appearances was watched by tons of young people, the perception that they bring is one that Kentucky has “buzz” and that perception IS VERY MUCH watched by recruits. You have to like what you saw today from Billy Clyde as he continues to fit more and more comfortably into the UK head coach chair.
SAN DIEGO WINS — The only group of people that may have had a worse day than Elliott Spitzer today are the bubble teams as San Diego won the WCC Tournament while South Alabama fell in the Sun Belt. The former result is a mixed bag for the Cats, as now the San Diego loss at home isnt QUITE so bad, but another bubble spot has been taken away as Gonzaga is surely in the tournament. The South Alabama loss opens up the tournament for Western Kentucky to get in, but the fact that South Alabama is likely in means yet another bubble spot is taken. A couple of upsets taking away bubble spots is ok….but the trend needs to stop….another four or five in the major tournaments and Kentucky could be in jeopardy again if they fall to Ole Miss. Certainly that is a pessimist view, but you want to make sure and cover your bases. But what has happened tonight is that the San Diego loss may no longer be looked upon as one of epic proportions and the Cats RPI will likely improve….if only slightly.
SEC TOURNAMENT — As a long-time attendee of the SEC Tournament (my Top 20 moments of the last 20 years comes tomorrow), I am always excited for the big event. Due to the last couple of weeks however, I am noticing a huge buzz around the weekend in Atlanta forming for Cats fans. People who never head to Cat-lanta are now planning on going and I get the feeling the “Sea of Blue” will be back around the Georgia Dome. The Cats have a draw that puts them last on the court….one I kind of like due to the fact that it gives my friends and I a chance to have some non-pressure absurdity before it begins. We have A LOT of stuff planned for the SEC Tournament blog, including a lot of new features and interviews that we have never had before. Plus we will be doing multiple podcasts from the event, so make sure and check it out. We shift tomorrow to SEC Tournament mode with lots coming….the Top 20 list, the Intern’s SEC Tourney preview and our blog moving its way in on Thursday…be ready as it is the best time of the year around these parts.
More throughout the day as Cats fans welcome Kevin Galloway to the fold….
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March 11th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Great get!
March 11th, 2008 at 12:23 am
You and the crew going to ATL Matt? Any activities planned?
March 11th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I ignore the PG and only see the SF. Great get and must be a gem for BCG to get him.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Yep be there all weekend…hope to have some activities to announce
March 11th, 2008 at 12:26 am
I still would like a nice big man for next year. You all know that UK dont get any love on the road in the SEC. If PP or PS get in foul trouble it would be nice to have a good big man off the bench to help us out. GO CATS and GO BCG
March 11th, 2008 at 12:27 am
#9 what a Governor!!You have to like the way Gillispie is out in the national media.Tubby had to be forced by Barnhardt his last couple of years to do that.MM says Galloway is a Penny Hardaway type player,sounds great if true.Hopefully Liggins qualifies and Hopson comes aboard.But I think Miller somehow has been lost in the mix.WE still need a bug to compliment Pat and help Perry as well.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Big bug!!
March 11th, 2008 at 12:32 am
This just gets me pumped for what should be an exciting April for signings!!!!!
March 11th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Hey Matt, you heard anything about the rumor that Mackey could be walking on next year? He could help with the scoring and leave the last scholarship open for a big man.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Matt:
At some point this week, could you guys give a run-down of “what to do in Atlanta” for those of us who are first-time attendees? I know that there are occasional pep rallies and gatherings, but i’m clueless. Does ukathletics release this stuff with times and locations?
March 11th, 2008 at 12:39 am
RPI went up to 49…ahead of Ohio State, who is a lock if you listen to the Seth Davis-types. So we have to be a lock. Our SOS is way better and we have a better league record.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:46 am
I LOVE THIS GET!! BCG is only gonna get better at coaching and he can already develop 4th year seniors who didn’t know they could get better in his first year….I have a good feeling about this one, boyce.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:55 am
awesome if we could get Hopson and if Mackey will walk on we will be a elite 8 team next year
March 11th, 2008 at 12:55 am
we have the right coach
this is the start of something very, very special.
not just in the history of kentucky, either.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:57 am
13, hopson, mackey, liggins, miller, DJ, jodie, pat, perry, harris, galloway to the elite 8? try further
March 11th, 2008 at 1:00 am
yeah but right now i would love just to see a elite 8 and win would be awesome in BCG second season…
March 11th, 2008 at 1:02 am
true, dont let me get all carried away. I just want the title in 2010 when i graduate from UK, a lot to ask for, but feasible if pat hangs around.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Right in time for bedtime–thanks Matt. I can now dream about Pippen to Jordan aka Galloway to Meeks next year. Good night boyce and girlce.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:04 am
Make that Liggins/Galloway/Jasper. I forgot we have 3 Scottie Pippen types now.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:08 am
UK Atlanta Pep Rally info: https://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/UKY/events/UKY2154223.html
March 11th, 2008 at 1:12 am
I love the size that BCG is recruiting. The long 6′7 athletic guys that can run the floor make for great college basketball teams. I love the fact that BCG is loading up with those sizes and hope that he plans on amping up the energy. Maybe even some more full court pressure once he gets a bench. Yet, the huge gaping hole that will exist in our offense still needs to be addressed. We need some shooters.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:20 am
Matt, gee whiz, now you have gone and done it. I am so excited that I won’t get any sleep tonight. The future looks bright, indeed.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Don’t sell Galloways offensive abilities short. His team scored over 110 ppg. That’s insane, but they didn’t NEED him to score. He still averaged 45% from three point range and a 50% shooter overall.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:41 am
To all you doubters: Just think how great having a guy like Galloway around to feed Meeks and Patterson (and possibly Stevenson/Miller/Jasper… or even Hopson/Majok) is going to be.
From the footage I’ve seen of the guy, he is capable of much larger scoring numbers than he’s put up, is lightening-quick, a great passer, a good rebounder, and a 6′7 sized guy with incredible ball handling ability. Gillispie got another steal.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:44 am
Currently, meeks is our only legit offensive threat from outside for next season. Jasper has shown improvement but the three is not his strenght and it takes him about an hour to load one up. Liggins is not known as a shooter. We need another scoring option. Bradley and Crawford will not be replaced easily, especially by freshmen. Galloways seasoning should help a little in that department.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:50 am
Not trying to be a doubter, just think that a couple good shooters will make life a lot easier for PPat if BCG doesn’t land another big that can help him out. Jasper is a good distributor and play maker, but we need a couple guys who can finish when our growing number of point fowards set them up.
March 11th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Gonna need some freethrow shooters also because Ramon and Jasper aren’t those guys. Gonna have to let perry and PPat bring it up the floor at the end of the close games.
March 11th, 2008 at 2:02 am
6′7″ Miller (4 star)
6′6″ Liggins (5 star)
6′7″ Galloway (4 star)
and possibly 6′5″ McDonald’s All-American Scotty Hopson (5 star
This is awesome!!!!!! UK is going to be VERY athletic next year and very fun to watch. I just hope Jared Carter hooks up with Barry Bonds and gets some juice. LOL
March 11th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Chris Robbins do you know where we can get some footage at? Im am truly excited about are athletic tall gaurds we have. I am wondering how his team scores 110 a game and he only gets 8. I dont care how much he distributes the ball he should score more than 8 on a team that averages 110. I love and trust in Billy I know he knows what he is doing. GO CATS and GO BCG
March 11th, 2008 at 2:46 am
He had 17 assists in one game. That’s enough for me.
March 11th, 2008 at 3:17 am
Thinking about the match-up between Galloway (6′7″) or Liggins (6′6″) and Jai Lucas (5′9.5″) makes me very happy inside.
March 11th, 2008 at 3:17 am
I love the news but we need Liggins too!
Dammit… Liggins was my first man crush. Miller was my second. OK, maybe Patterson was my first.
I WANT LIGGINS TOO “CHIAPETS NAME IN VAIN” DAMMIT!
March 11th, 2008 at 3:26 am
try inbounding the ball against a full-court press comprised of Liggins, Galloway, Jasper, Harris/Miller, and Stevenson. Speed and monstrous wingspans everywhere.
March 11th, 2008 at 3:30 am
OMFG… He averaged a triple double in high school as a junior (points, assists, and rebounds).
Add to that a handful of salt and pepper (steals and blocks) per game and dag nabbit, I think we’ve got our own version of March Madness… Kentucky style!
http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/Player.mxp/AreaID-d663c9bc-2efc-42a4- b1f5-f51200644ccc/AthleteID-06bb7430-6a02-4b23-98b7-fc09579779b2/Schoo lID-6cbe40d8-bebd-4886-bb45-09ff73d260fb/Boys_Varsity_Basketball_Winte r_04-05/California
March 11th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Didn’t you forget Patterson #33… with his name in yours, I don’t see how you cuold make such a blunder… lol
March 11th, 2008 at 4:01 am
(35) ammendment: “Stevenson/Patterson”, Son.
we good now? haha
March 11th, 2008 at 5:06 am
HillbillySlim, Galloway is not a 4 star, he is a 3 star, but he does seem like a good get since UCLA, Arizona, Gonzaga and USC all wanted him out of high school.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:11 am
33. BG doesn’t really full court press very much and never has. When he did at Texas A&M is was basicly a one man full court press with Acie Law to take time off the shot clock, and I’m fine with that. But, us UK fans need to get over the idea of uptempo, full court, trapping pressure defense. That is not Bg and really when is the last time you have saw a full court, free for all, uptempo team win a championship in the last few years? I can’t remember any, and I don’t think UT is gonna win one or Memphis and they play that style.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:26 am
CBC has said many times he would love to play full court pressure. He has just never been at a place long enough to get the players he wants to play that type of game. At Kentucky he will.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:12 am
(38) I never said it would be done constantly. Every coach in America uses a full-court occasionally for different situations; Gillispie is just going to have an advantage when he does use it bc of the personnel.
Not sure what you were trying to say.
March 11th, 2008 at 6:16 am
correction: “not sure what you thought i was trying to say”
March 11th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Whats the latest on Liggins?
March 11th, 2008 at 7:34 am
#38. i completely agree. nowadays you have to control the clock limit the other teams posessions.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Check out the stats on #34’s link…..
Looks like Galloway and Michael Porter squared off against one another in high school, with KG’s squad winning. He had a line of 2 pts, 6 rebs, 7 assists, while Porter went for 13 pts, 5 rebs, 6 assists.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:20 am
38. I think one thing we have all enjoyed this year
ironically is the half court game Kentucky has played.
I love it when the clock gets down to 10 seconds and the
opposing team is desperately trying to find a shot. And
you gotta love it when the Cats run their offense to 5-
seconds then throw a 3-point dagger right through the
heart of the opponent. It may not be the up-tempo style
we all love, but it aint bad either.
Forever Blue…Go CATS!!!
March 11th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Jody Demling is reporting that both IU recruits are looking to get out of their LOI, including Devin Ebanks. Is there a chance UK could get in the mix?
March 11th, 2008 at 8:27 am
#27–He was a 4 star coming out of high school.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:37 am
If we can some how get Scotty, Wow. That will give us the most athletic and team in school history. If by some miricale this Bud Mackey thing works out then it could be scary. We will be able to matchup athleticly with any team in the country. The Defense with quick long 6-6 guess pressuring the ball with interchangible parts everywhere. I can see them forcing a lot of turnovers in the half court. Then with all the ballhandling and passing ability leading to high flying dunks on fast breaks off those steals. Scotty would just be the perfect icing on Billy Clyde recruiting cake. If it happens I will have a hard time waiting for next season to start.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:37 am
I am going to get laughed at, but PORTER can shoot the ball! He has been plagued by turnovers, but if he gets to play the 2G position, he is more than capable of knocking down shots! A lot of people are down on him, but I believe he just needs a little confidence. He will be a JR next year. Hopefully Meeks fully recovers, and will light it up like he did to start the season! Let BCG recruit, and lets just sit back and watch the fun! GO CATS!
March 11th, 2008 at 8:42 am
I love the way he smiles. When he smiles, it makes me smile. It’s as if playing ball at KY will be fun and have you grinning from ear to ear. I thought he did a great job on the interview. And, I think his vocabulary and knowledge are great compliments to his Aw Shucks demeanor. Never have I been more proud of a coach!
March 11th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I can’t believe you actually suggested that Coach Gillispie should smile less.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:07 am
40 You can play up-tempo without the full out full-court pressure. North Carolina is second in the nation in scoring and they almost never press. They just get the ball and go after putting heavy pressure on in the half court. With the athletes we are gathering I think we will be able to play a similar style. Hard-nosed pressure man to man and then run, run, run. Jasper, Liggins, Miller and Galloway are all able to get the ball and lead a fast break. Sprinkle in Meeks and Harris and that is some pretty devastating wing players and ball handlers.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am
http://usctrojans.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/galloway_kevin00.html
Good summary of Galloway’s high school career.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:24 am
From one winningest program to another….This may be why he hasn’t scored much in JUCO. He apparently doesn’t have to.
http://athletics.csi.edu/mensBasketball/index.asp
March 11th, 2008 at 9:26 am
I love this in that he is a great rebounder which is what Patterson needs to help him. Also he could be defending some of the other post players which will help keep Patterson and Stevenson out of foul trouble. Help in the middle with rebounding and defense is what I have been looking for. Thank You Billy Gillispie, you are truly the coach we have been looking for. Obsessed with basketball, never satisfied, always expecting more…sounds like me!!
I do not want this season to end but I am looking forward to next year to watch a new team develop.
GO CATS!!!
March 11th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Where is the CATS RPI at, since San Diego won last night?
March 11th, 2008 at 9:34 am
RPI 49
Scout has updated with a story about Galloway heading to UK. Can anyone get the inside story here?
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=3622890
March 11th, 2008 at 9:34 am
someone aboved stated that RPI was now 49
March 11th, 2008 at 9:40 am
What’s awesome is that everyone thought Appleton picked Kansas when it looks like we actually picked Galloway over Appleton, assuming this commitment actually happened a month ago.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:53 am
#54 Eddie Sutton was there first coach. Small world.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:55 am
By the time Billy G is done the shortest player on our team will be 6′5″. With Galloway’s length and athleticism I have a feeling we will continue to see our opponents stay in the 50s or low 60s next year. If we can get one more scorer and find enough offense to score high 60s low 70s we should be set in most games..Plus dominate the boards
March 11th, 2008 at 9:56 am
BEST WORSE CASE SCENARIO - HOPSON GOES ORANGE BUD MACKEY WALKS ON AND BRINGS HOLLOWAY AND EBANKS WITH (EXTRA SCHOLARSHIP COMING FROM JARED CARTER GOING TO PLAY FOR HAPPY)
March 11th, 2008 at 9:59 am
BEST CASE SCENARIO - WE SIGN HOPSON MOVE PORTER AND CARTER TO ACADEMCIC AND BRING IN AJOK AND MACKEY WALKS ON AND DECIDES TO BRIN HOLLOWAY WITH HIM … (SINCE THEY ARE TEAMMATES AND ALL)
March 11th, 2008 at 10:03 am
This is a link to their Media Guide. http://athletics.csi.edu/mensBasketball/mediaGuide/mensbb07_08.pdf
Not a lot of basketball info but his favorite pop is root beer and likes small towns better than cites. One basketball tidbit is he prefers offense to defense. The stat that jumps out to me is that as a freshman at USC, playing only twelve minutes he averaged 2 assist. Translate that into 35 minutes and the added maturity of the past two years.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Dude, your worst case scenario has Ebanks coming here? LOL.
Ebanks coming to UK would be like buying the lottery winning ticket after the winning ticket number was announced.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:07 am
No actually that is my BEST …. Worse case scenario …. we lose Hopson and gain Ebanks
March 11th, 2008 at 10:08 am
dude
March 11th, 2008 at 10:09 am
THis guy is listed as one of the best shooting guards left in 2008. Was he at the Florida game?
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=3455894
March 11th, 2008 at 10:12 am
dude, I hope you’re right.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:19 am
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=378996
This is a good article on the beast as we know him.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:22 am
68.) Yes he was there …. better known as “Twanny” he be from da ville (Ballard)
March 11th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I believe when he first came out he signed with ew wee poo wee
March 11th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Back to the Bubble Watch…while I think we’re comfortably in, we’re not a lock, and the last thing we need is a flame out in the quarters. A win in the quarters puts us in the lock category. Worst case scenario…we flame out in the quarters, and then a bunch of upsets happen in the conference tourneys.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:38 am
37: Galloway was a 4 star (SCOUT.COM) and was a 3 star (RIVALS). But I don’t really care what star he is because USC, and many other HUGE D-1 schools wanted him and he’s 6′7″ with freakish ability so bring him on.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Porter will be awesome in next year’s system because he won’t have to handle the ball as much. He’ll be able to shoot off screens and spot up more. Porter is nearly a 50% 3 point shooter so I’m glad we still have him.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:47 am
http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=727
This was a post on here from a couple of year ago. The post is about Jasper and Meeks and their superb projections, but you may notice a name right under Jaspers in the future NBA prospects.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Kentucky added its third recruit to the 2008 class on Monday when junior college guard/forward Kevin Galloway picked the Wildcats, the Louisville Courier-Journal reports. The 6-foot-6 Galloway originally signed with Southern California in 2006 and suited up in 13 games for the Trojans before transfering to Fresno State. He failed to qualify academically in Fresno and did not play for the Bulldogs before heading to the College of Southern Idaho. Galloway led the National Junior College Athletic Association in assist in 2007-08 with 8.5 per game.
Galloway, who was considering offers from Memphis, Oklahoma Oklahoma State, joins small forwards Darius Miller and DeAndre Liggins in coach Billy Gillispie’s 2008 class.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:24 am
76. good company. Ty Lawson. Also noticed Stephen Curry’s (Davidson) up there. I just watched him light it up last night on ESPN.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:24 am
[...] you’re yearning for more, then check out what Rivals.com, Jody Demling an Matt Jones have to say about [...]
March 11th, 2008 at 11:39 am
i have full faith in jasper, meeks, patterson, and the current freshmen right now to be our scoring threats. the growth and improvement we have seen in jaspers shot in just one season will only get better. meeks will take over crawfords duties (minus the size), but he can drive and create, plus shoot the three. we will be great next year.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Go find from the archives Cantuckee– seemed like many of those predictions were correct, except a couple. One might be DJ Augustin as a struggling PG & Luke Harangody was also a ’struggler’…. But, overall that was a pretty good list. Its great to see how well Meeks & Jasper fared and now we can throw Galloway into the mix (had to love that the author wrote ‘can play many positions’ about him).
Also loved the Stevenson article. He’s so much better now and I love his newfound courage, toughness, and confidence. He’s flourishing under this coaching staff. Its great to see him getting some media attention, its well-deserved.