Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Now that we have all had the time to come down from the difficulty of the Marquette defeat and are internalizing another six months without UK basketball, the thought immediately turns to next year, specifically, what the roster will look like next season. There are crazy rumors coming from every direction, the vast majority of which have little to no factual basis to them. That is the nature of following Kentucky basketball and is especially the nature of the internet world we live in. I have spent the last 3 or 4 days talking to people in and around the program and those that follow recruiting closely on both a local and national level. From those conversations, here are some tidbits that are fairly universally agreed upon:
1. There will not be a major roster overhaul this offseason. Many fans have speculated that there would be a large change in the composition of the roster, with multiple players leaving in order to make way for new faces. The general consensus from all I have spoken to is that there could be a small roster change (potentially 1 transfer), but that no one should expect an overhaul. At Christmas this did not necessarily look to be the case, but to Coach Gillispie’s credit, he has truly made the UK team a family that everyone is excited to be a part of next season.
2. There will be another 2-3 new players added this Spring….maybe more. It is likely that we will see at least 2 new guys joining the team in the Spring, and there could be more depending on the qualification status of the guys now coming in. Darius Miller is qualified and will be a beloved Cat beginning next year. Kevin Galloway is likely to be fine, although that isnt assured yet. DeAndre Liggins’ status is still up in the air and is a question mark to all involved. If all three of those guys are a go, then I expect the addition of two more players, with the scholarship situation working itself out in some way, shape or form. If one of those guys isnt eligible, then there could even be three new players. But long story short, dont expect recruiting to end any time soon.
So who are the players Kentucky wants? I was told that the wish list at this time is something like this:
1. Josh Harrellson (pictured above)
2. Scotty Hopson
3. Potential Spring surprises (like the Indiana duo of Devin Ebanks and Holloway)
4. The always talked about “foreign big man”
From that list, all seem to agree that given a perfect world JUCO big man Josh Harrellson is the dream get. Harrellson is a guy who can come in right away, score from the inside and outside and provide a perfect third big man with Perry Stevenson and Patrick Patterson. Add to that the fact that he would have three years of eligibility and that he loves Kentucky, and you get a situation where he could have been a Cat yesterday. But there is still that sticky situation with the fact that he signed a LOI with Western Illinois out of high school. They still have rights over him for another year (which is ridiculous and part of the NCAA system that I find outrageous) and thus UK still needs them to release him to be able to get Harrellson next season. Some have talked about offering Western Illinois a home game and the like, but nothing I have heard substantiates that as a real possibility. For now, it is a waiting game to see who Western Illinois hires and if they will let Harrellson go….the perfect option for UK.
Then there is Scotty Hopson. No matter what anyone suggests to the contrary, Kentucky wants Hopson. Scotty is playing in the McDonald’s All American Game this week and then afterwards will be heading to visit Kentucky in the next 2-3 weeks, along with Tennessee, Cincy and potentially Louisville. The Vols are still the leader here but Kentucky is in the game. As a matter of fact, I think if it werent for Kentucky being involved, Hopson would have already made a commitment to Tennessee. But the Cats have a chance to impress and with Hopson’s scoring ability, that visit may be as important as any that didnt involve a guy named Patrick Patterson, in a long time.
There there are the guys who may come open this Spring. We know of the Indiana duo that includes all-world Devin Ebanks. The Cats want in on Ebanks and are making strides in that direction, although it is still too early to tell where he may end up and what schools he is even interested in. At this point however, knowing who the Spring guys will be is still up in the air. First you need to see how the coaching merry-go-round shakes out (specifically who gets the Indiana, LSU and if he retires, Maryland jobs) and what the recruits associated with those schools decide. But know this…..anyone that is a top player in the country who comes available, this staff is interested.
Finally, there is the always rumored foreign big man. For years we have been hearing about this creature, and nothing has ever happened. And that could certainly be the case here as well. But this staff likes big men that can play perimeter basketball like many Euros and I am told that there are some names they are interested in looking into. AS to who these individuals are, I have no earthly idea. But dont be shocked if one day we all find out at once that a young man with many consonants in his last name is joining the team….it is certainly being considered.
Then there are the potential in-state walk-ons. Expect to see at least one in-state kid join the team next year as a preferred walk-on. If I were a betting man, I might put the cash on Landon Slone, from Paintsville who has caught the coaches’ eyes lately and loves the Big Blue. Clark Stepp from June Buchanan is a potential candidate, although he hasnt shown a strong desire to walk-on as he has scholarship offers from other Division I schools. And then there is Bud Mackey. An individual with Scott County ties told me Bud wants to come to Kentucky…..a lot. But nothing will happen until the court issue is settled….and right now, that date is unclear. But watch the criminal docket in Scott County….if that issue is gone, the best walk-on in America might become a Cat.
So that is where we are. This week we will have more with Darius Miller, insight on the game of Josh Harrellson and some other JUCO big men names that have been associated with the Cats. And beginning next week, we shift the focus to 2009 and profile some of the guys UK has been high on and who will be the focus during the summer.
More during the day, including a look at who to cheer for when Louisville plays Tennessee….
[powered by WordPress.]
Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
30 queries. 1.591 seconds
March 24th, 2008 at 12:56 am
liggins better get his ass in the study hall and get qualified. enough already!
March 24th, 2008 at 1:13 am
seriously…a kid can do absolutely nothing and pass high school, I don’t really get it….achieving a 2.5 or whatever he’s after can’t be that hard..
March 24th, 2008 at 1:14 am
hope that scott county judge is a uk fan
March 24th, 2008 at 1:20 am
wow that `would be big to get Harrelson or Ebanks…. I think we have a decent shot at landing Hopson… if Mackey would get his court case over and then come walk on at UK we would be seating very good on the depth chart and talent wise.. imagine
PP, Stevenson, Meeks, Hopson and Jasper..
with a rotation with
Miller, Liggins, Harrelson, Mackey, Razor, Galloway and the Razor that would make a really good team and put us in the running for at least a elite 8 appearance next season…. i hope we can get those 3 players and it would be a awesome job done by BCG.. GO CATS and cant wait for the next few weeks of recruiting… keep us updated Matt…. I love the anticipation of the following weeks and years with BCG
March 24th, 2008 at 1:25 am
When should we hear something about Liggins qualifying? Is the foreign big man a relative of the South American point guard?
March 24th, 2008 at 1:28 am
We will hear something in the next few weeks and from what i hear Liggins will be ok.. he is suppose to have a tutor and he has made strides the last few weks and will be ok for the fall semester.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:28 am
We really need a true PG, with that and perry improving it could be a great season. All these 6′6″ wing guys are great, but a team without a true PG will have problems.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:30 am
quality writeup. Job well done. All info is pretty damn spot on and I couldn’t have said it better myself.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:33 am
Galloway is a true PG and Meeks could get the job done also but with a combo of jasper, liggins, meeks and galloway we will be in good shape there also miller can handle the ball well iknow he is not a guard but he can help them break the press
March 24th, 2008 at 1:33 am
oh yeah… and Liggins was always the one studying the hardest before and after Findlay games this year. Kid always had his head in a book. He’s had trouble qualifying from high school because he’s been diagnosed with a learning disability (likely ADD or something similar, I wish fans wouldn’t comment on crap they know nothing about like “it’s only high school, why can’t he pass?”). The NCAA is going to have a difficult time not giving eligibility to a kid with a LD. My money’s on him being qualified when it’s all over. The UK staff, the Findlay staff, and Liggins himself feel quite good about it.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:35 am
#7, both Liggins and Galloway are true PG’s. Just because they’re not 6′1″ and speed demons doesn’t mean they’re not PG’s. They’re quick, have excellent ball handling skills, are leaders on the court who always direct traffic, and will hit the open man. I’ll take a player of that mold who’s 6′6″ over one who’s 6′1″ every time.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:35 am
96 Championship game is on ESPNC Wed. at 4.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:36 am
Excellent post, Matt! Maybe I missed it, but does anyone know the word on Leonard Washington?
March 24th, 2008 at 1:40 am
I have watched Liggins play, your right he will find the open man, but he is not a Div. 1 PG and will not be our PG next year at least.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:40 am
All of our tall PG’s will be able to dominate Jai Lucas all day long
March 24th, 2008 at 1:40 am
They may bring the ball up the court, but a PG does a lot more.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:42 am
….Trevor Setty from Mason Co. has also talked about walking on to UK even after getting quite a few D1 looks
March 24th, 2008 at 1:42 am
Look at every single title we have won and the type of PG we had.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Jasper can do everything that we want a PG to do, I dont know how true this is but i have heard rumors that they didnt recruit Liggins to run the point all the time, he will play a wing spot and help bring the ball up in the press, dont know how true that is but i still say we will be all right. We have enough ball handlers on the team
March 24th, 2008 at 1:47 am
we do have a lot of talent who can handle the ball, hopefully it will work, I just bet the staff is looking at a JUCO or HS guy for the position as much as any other pos.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Did you see how Jasper reacted when running the point under pressure, I hope he is not our only option.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:53 am
As of now Porter may be the man
March 24th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Jasper was hurt most of the year also… he will have all year long to adjust to BCG and work on becoming a better PG
March 24th, 2008 at 1:54 am
(21) i seem to remember absolutely FREAKING about bradley running the point just last spring.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:55 am
true
March 24th, 2008 at 1:56 am
He didn’t make his teammates better though, like a good PG can do.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:58 am
who didnt make his team mates better. if your talking about Jasper remember he was hurt for most of the year just give BCG time to work with him he will be fine…. Tubby took all of Jaspers confidence away from him now BCG wiull build him back up and he will be good to go
March 24th, 2008 at 2:01 am
Look at all the #1 seeds, they all have a natural at the postion. I hope Jasper does develop into a great PG, but Porter may be the best option right now.
March 24th, 2008 at 2:05 am
Porter no way…. he is a tough kid and i respect him but he is best suited to come off the bench….
March 24th, 2008 at 2:09 am
Imagine if we had someone to affectively run the point this year with Joe and Ramel playing the 2 and 3.
March 24th, 2008 at 3:29 am
i have been wondering about leonard washington as well! And #3 i sure hope so!!
March 24th, 2008 at 6:09 am
If even half these new guys come, are you telling me we are going to continue to carry the 4 or more scholarship players we now have that will never see the floor?
That doesn’t seem logical for the team or those players. They are basically OVC caliber players and I for one think it best to explain that to them so they realize their only real hope of ever playing college ball is down the road and slightly of the radar.
I don’t like taking advantage of players for practice bait on the outside hope that they just might earn a six-man type role when they are seniors.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:12 am
What is the deal with this Harrelson kid? Is he really as good as he’s getting hyped up to be or is it just because we have basically nothing else? It seems like he can’t really be that great….I don’t know anything about him.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:43 am
What about Jordan Crawford??? He might be seeking a transfer.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Did someone put in the cheat code that unlocks unlimited scholarships?
March 24th, 2008 at 7:49 am
34) Jordan Crawford is a knucklehead, I wouldnt want him, I didnt see a single player, except for Joey Dorsey, with a bigger attitude problem that Jordan Crawford this season, after Kelvin Sampson got himself fired it was Crawford that walked out of the meeting with the AD about Dakich being the head coach, thats immature and i wouldnt want it
March 24th, 2008 at 8:23 am
36) Yeah your probably right, but I think all of the Crawford boys have
shown inmaturity as freshman.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:30 am
I think people are being a little to harsh on Jasper about handling on the ball pressure this season. Coming back from microfracture surgery makes it a little tough to get low to the ground and cut hard. But the important thing about tall point guards is you can’t press them. If there are other athletic players on the team they can pass out of double teams, which was Ramel Bradleys kryptonite this year depite all of his speed and ball handling ability.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:32 am
And the downside of Ramel or Ramel sized player as a 2 guard is that they are a defensive liability when facing large 2s’. Don’t you remember Matt Malsh vs Patrick Sparks? 6′6 vs 6′0? Or hell, Chris Lofton getting torched by Nick Calathes or basically any 2 guard taller then he is?
March 24th, 2008 at 8:43 am
18. I would venture to guess whoever our point guard is next year will be better than Anthony Epps. 36. I believe that was jamarcus ellis. I know he’s the only one who was suspended after Sampson was fired.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:49 am
37. Nice shot at a guy who gave us all he had last week. Guess you were perfect at 17 and never got homesick.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:56 am
I know that up,up,down,down,left,right,left,right,b,a,start gives you 30 scholarships a year, is there a code for unlimited scholarships or do we have to use a game genie?
March 24th, 2008 at 8:56 am
I agree #32. We keep talking about adding talent without the realization that someone is going to have to go to make the appropriate room. Matt knows infinitely more about the state of the program, but simple math says that some of these guys have got to go. Either way, it is going to be exciting to see how it all plays out.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:57 am
33-
http://alleyoopscoop.wordpress.com/2008/01/24/coach-gillispie-interest ed-in-juco-freshman-josh-harrelson/
That’s what I found so far.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:01 am
42) Nice, very nice.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Although I respect Porter and the toughness he brings to the table, he couldn’t start PG for my YMCA team. He is simply turnover prone. If you don’t believe me look at his assist to turnover ratio. KY is back on track under BCG’s watch and we will no longer have to resort to just filling positions.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am
41) Wasn’t taking a shot at Joe, just saying that as freshmen both of the
Crawford boys showed inmaturity. Joe did turn around and had an extraordinary year.
I was trying to defend why we should look at his brother Jordan if he
decides to leave IU. Read the posts from (36). I think that if Joe made
the turnaround that he did that his brother with the right guidance, hence
Coach Gillispie, could do the same.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am
If Mackey comes to UK, he needs to stay out of trouble, he also needs to stay out of Georgetown, KY. That probably defeats the purpose of going to UK (being about 15 minutes away). The Scott Co. coach (Billy Hicks) and BCG (must be a “Billy” thing) apparently are getting pretty close. That is also why Scott Co. is getting Euton next season as a transfer. Anyway, the biggest question is what is going to happen in Mackey’s court case. If everything goes well, look for him at UK at some point. This is my opinion, but I have talked to some people in the know.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Jasper does alot of things well. One thing he doesnt do well is penetrate in the half-court. I dont think he willl ever posess the type of quickness or moves to set people up, so i hope Ligggins and Galloway can do this. I love to hear all this news about the guys we are going after and how we want in on anyone. Great to see the effort off the court matches the effort expected on the court
March 24th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Guys,
Don’t get your hopes up on Mackey. Here’s why.
1. If he goes to jail for any period of time we won’t let him in our program.
2. If the charges get reduced SOMEBODY, (UC, UAB, UL, UT, or some other thug based program) will take a chance and give him a scholly.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:17 am
GASP… No Leonard Washington? The savior? The greatest 6′6 pf in the WORLD that nobody wants?
March 24th, 2008 at 9:23 am
I don’t understand where this Jasper bashing is coming from. He’s the best passer on our team. A decent amount of his turnovers this year were due to the fact that his good passes just weren’t handled. A few days ago it was all about how he can’t score. Now he can’t play point. Next he won’t be able to play any defense. Why doesn’t someone just suggest that he transfer? I don’t think you can understate how much his PG skills were hurt in the off-season by not being able to move. He’s still young and needs that extra practice time to improve. He’s even said that the reason his shot improved was due to the fact that he could only stand still and shoot. Give him an off-season with no injury to practice being a PG and he’ll be just fine.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I hope something good happens this spring. We can’t go through another season of having Harris and Jasper on the floor at the same time since neither has an offensive game. It’s disappointing to hear our 14′ of scholarships may be staying put.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:26 am
52- I agree. It’s pure ignorance. Of course, referring to Liggins and Holloway as “not true point guards” pretty much confirms that sentiment.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:27 am
47. Could you not say something like “yeah but he’s young and he can use the year off to work on his game and mature”. Instead you had to call his brother immature.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Joe was immature. Remember…he tried to go back home to Micheeegan during his frosh year? Don’t know about you, but around these parts, we call that immature.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:33 am
53 - yeah makes sense…let’s not give our two best on the ball defenders any time on the court. I guess you didn’t realize the improvements they both made on the offensive side of the ball either…all around solid observations there
March 24th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Great write-up - seems in-sync with what we have been hearing from bloggers here.
It is also good to hear that there are few transfers expected. If the players like each other, they will play as hard as possible because nothing is worse than letting your freidn or family down.
A slight concern is that I have read that both Harrelson and Hopson can be punks… but that might just be talk.
How awesome would it be to have Hopson, Miller and Mackey on the team?
March 24th, 2008 at 9:39 am
31, here’s the latest on Leonard Washington.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SsaS8xBD6o
March 24th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Jasper and harris will be MUCH better offensively next year. Will they be our main threats? no, but both will develop nicely.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Joe is also one of the top 20 scorers in our history. He was 17. I think he more than made up for it. I just don’t know why we have to say stuff like that about any of our players. Using your logic I guess Kyle Macy was immature in 1976. Was anderson,pope,ford and evans immature as well. Why can’t we just say the kid was homesick and leave it at that?
March 24th, 2008 at 9:47 am
42. I think you’ve been listening to too much Moldy Peaches.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:47 am
#52, I wasnt Jasper bashing. I just think his weakness is penetrating. I loved the improvement in his shot. He has the potential to win us alot of games over the next two years. But we do need some guys to help penetrate and create easy looks. Hopefully, Liggins and Galloway can do this.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:48 am
61 - I really don’t understand why you’re so upset by someone saying Crawford was immature. Is that a bad word or something? He was immature. He’s not anymore. Most of us were immature once. Some of us aren’t anymore. Jordan is immature. He may or may not still be immature when he graduates. That is the nature of college sports. Not everyone is Patrick Patterson coming into school. I mean, Joe was homesick. But don’t you think that 30 minutes of playing time each game would’ve solved that problem? I don’t think it’s a secret that he wanted more PT and that was a major factor in his attempt to leave. And if it weren’t for the NCAA rule that would’ve forced him to forfeit a year of eligibility, he probably would’ve been gone. He turned into a great player, but he was an immature kid back then.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:51 am
42.
Holy cow! The Contra Mantra!
March 24th, 2008 at 9:51 am
63- what? Tubby bent over backwards to get Joe to come back. Are you deranged or just dumb as a box of crackers?
March 24th, 2008 at 9:51 am
62. Then think God for immature people if not for them we’d be 50 years without a title now.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:00 am
68. A coach holding a kid hostage because of a technicality is mature? You really tubby was in the right doing that? The right thing would have been to give him his release. As far as pt goes i’d probably been upset if he was backing up who he was. Some call that competetiveness.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:03 am
71 - Competetiveness is earning the PT and if you don’t, working harder until you get it. Not transferring to another school so you can work less and play more. Alex Legion must be your favorite UK player of all time.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:04 am
70. You like to give insults how about answering questions. Was Kyle Macy immature? And why can’t anyone have a discussion on here without making things personal?
March 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am
72. Actually more partial to people who stick it out, earn their pt and then become one of the top 20 scorers in school history.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:19 am
71) I truly dont care about either of your arguments and its really pointless because you both like joe crawford, but i would only say that crawford not only had the spat with tubby his freshman season but also with gillispie this year, so much so that he didnt start for most of the season, that being said joe was a great player at uk, VERY underrated, but lets not act like he was a TON more “mature” than when he got to UK, he is just who he is, and he NEVER acted like his brother does at IU, it would really disapoint me if Jordan Crawford left IU and ended up at UK, Joe is, was, and always will be more “mature”
March 24th, 2008 at 10:23 am
57, I guess you want to go through another year of playing 3 on 5, of yet another 10+ loss season? We should at least have someone who can hit a layup and FT.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:29 am
72. Was there really a spat or just a matter of Joe working his way back into shape? Not arguing just asking.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:33 am
73 - I think you are being a bit drastic here. They both made improved as the season went on. Jasper developed a 3 point shot and Harris finally started gaining confidence driving to the basket. Granted they both need to improve from the foul line…mainly Jasper…but they are by no means useless on offense. Give Jasper a full off-season being healthy and I think you will see a big improvement next year…same with Harris….he came along so much this year compared to how he looked all last year and the beginning of this year. Give them a chance. All 5 of your starters can’t always be huge offensive threats…you need defense as well…especially in BCG’s system.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:33 am
73. The free throw issues are my biggest concern with DJ. I really think his offense can be there if he gets confidence.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:34 am
i had always heard that joe was not real receptive to gillispie’s style initially, but i have NO first hand knowledge of that relationship
March 24th, 2008 at 10:38 am
What about Roderick Flemings? I think I’ve asked this questions like 12 times in the last two weeks.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:40 am
77. Congrats on the toppers. Hope you don’t need any calls late in the next game.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Having a “larger” point guard has some advantages when it comes to passing over defenders and even wing defense(IF YOU PLAY A ZONE, WHICH WE DON’T)but it hurts when it comes to stopping penetration. An example being that Marquettes guards went around our guards like they we wearing that new “NIke Granite”sneaker. I think you have to have speed and quickness at the point. JMO
March 24th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Lets see here. Possible starting lineup of 6′6″PG, 6′4″SG, 6″6PG/SF,
6′8″PF, 6′9″PF/C. With possible 6′7″SF either starting in the place of
one of the others or coming off the bench early.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:49 am
79) thanks, but lets remember the Tops got screwed on several calls late in the Drake game and still pulled that out, so I think it evened itself out over the weekend, even I am not stupid enough to think they will win, Lee will have to play the game of his life, and brazelton will somehow have to control collison, they should just accept love will hurt them but if they can figure out a way to control collison then they might have a shot
March 24th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Basically, alot of things have to happen for this team to be better next year. I am stunned and saddened that more players aren’t thinking of leaving. UK needs 4 to transfer. This dead weight will kill us in recruiting for 09. Flat kill us. Dang
March 24th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Who are those 4 players?
March 24th, 2008 at 10:59 am
80) “Nike Granites”, do those come in a low top?
March 24th, 2008 at 11:02 am
here are the players who would be on scholarship if everyone comes back and every recruit qualifies:
Jared Carter
Ramon Harris
Derrick Jasper
Jodie Meeks
Patrick Patterson
Michael Porter
Perry Stevenson
AJ Stewart
Mike Williams
Darius Miller
Deandre Liggins
Kevin Galloway
Thats only 12 scholarship players unless I am forgetting someone, that means they can grab one more player to reach the 13 limit, and thats with no one transferring, I would bet 3 fingers Mike Williams is gone, so that to me means they will have 2 more scholarships to play with
March 24th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Bud Mackey receives Deferred adjudication after completing four years playing basketball for the CATS!
March 24th, 2008 at 11:07 am
#40 ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT EPPS! HE DID NOT COMMIT ONE TURNOVER IN THE 1996 NCAA TOURNAMENT. THE WHOLE TOURNAMENT.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:18 am
#83. I wouldn’t mind seeing 2 go, as bad as I hate to see things not work our for them(that would be Williams and Carter)I just have not seen anything that leads me to believe that they will ever contribute anything to this team. Man I’ve pulled so hard for Carter, just kept hoping that the light would come on, but I’m affraid the fuse is blown. Porter in my opinion has earned his keep. Although he will never be a offensive threat, he has learned to fill in minutes without “Hurting” us. He is also familar with Clydes system, and can make free throws and even a deep ball every now and then. It will also be interesting to see how moving the 3 point line back next year impacts the game overall. We’ll find out who the real shooters are in the country.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:26 am
#86, both Jared Carter and Michael Porter meet the requirements to go on academic after this year. They can still have their school paid for, but not take an athletic scholarship. This is likely to happen as the staff has talked to both sets or parents about it. All parties semm to think it’d be a good idea, plus it’d open a couple more roster spots for athletic scholarships. UK will sign 2 more and possibly 3 this spring other than Liggins, Miller, and Galloway.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:30 am
#84, just my opinion but Williams, Carter, Porter and Stewart. Even Harris would not hurt me. Nothing against these players but UK can do better and there are several top 20 players in 09 looking at UK. We have to have space for them.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:35 am
91) Stewart?
March 24th, 2008 at 11:40 am
91 - I just can’t agree with that. I can understand that desire to free up the Carter and Williams scholarships but not Porter, Stewart and Harris. Every team needs role players. You can’t have a team of all blue chip prospects, even if you could possibly recruit all those guys. And you have to give a guy like Stewart time to improve. He’s obviously a raw player, but there’s room for improvement. Again, not everyone can be Patrick Patterson coming in. You also have to remember that not all top recruits turn out to be superstars.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Just remember how many people would’ve called for Perry Stevenson to transfer after last season.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:46 am
kansas has had a roster FULL of blue chip guys and has not won a national title in 20 years!!! they may prove me wrong this year though
March 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Doesn’t Duke have like 9 McD’s All-Americans on their roster too?
March 24th, 2008 at 11:51 am
96, It’s 8 and this is what the Mountaineers had to say about it in the New York Times:
“When told that the Mountaineers had just beaten a team with eight McDonald’s all-Americans, (Joe) Alexander seemed startled. He arched his eyebrows and asked in a serious tone, ‘Who?’ ”
As a reporter was leaving, the reserve Cam Thoroughman asked if Duke point guard Greg Paulus was one of the eight McDonald’s all-Americans. When told yes, Thoroughman said: “Oh my God. Are you kidding?”
March 24th, 2008 at 11:55 am
97 - Although, I guess a lot of that is due to the fact that the McD’s teams are selected after most people commit and ACC schools are always overrepresented. I bet most of those guys were only selected because they committed to Duke.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
No way do we want Stewart to transfer.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
75, you’re right, these 2 did improve and Jasper should get credit for a valiant effort on one leg. Guess I just get frustrated of seeing college players who can’t score.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
97) classy kids at WVU… must get it from their coach.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
88. That is an awesome stat. If it were true. I’m not smart enough to know how to post a link but I did a google search and got the boxscore for each tourney game and he had at least one in every game. Maybe the least accomplished title winning pg in 20 years.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Wow anyone hearing Gottlieb rip duke on the cowherd show?
March 24th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
#40 joe crawford is the man - You have said enough. Dis Anthony Epps, one of the scappiest, hardest working point guards Kentucky has ever had and you show your ability to decifer talent is only worth keeping to yourself.
I’d take Anthony Epps on this team in a heatbeat. I’d take him on any Kentucky team now or in the future. I’d take Anthony Epps even if it took 2 scholarships.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
JOE CRAWFORD IS THE MAN.) EPPS WAS A VERY GOOD PG WORKED VERY HARD AND RAN THE TEAM VERY WELL.
104.) TALENT WISE ANTHONY EPPS WAS PROBABLY THE LEAST TALENTED PG UK HAS HAD IN THE LAST 15 YEARS AS FAR AS TANGIBLES. THAT BEING SAID, IF WE COULD FIND A GUARD THAT WORKED HALF AS HARD AS HE DID AND WAS HALF AS BASKETBALL SMART AS HE WAS I WOULD TAKE THEM IN A HEARTBEAT, WITH THE TWO SCHOLLIES.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Both Williams and Carter should transfer, and that’s all from this squad. I don’t understand why either one want to stay and just be space heaters on the bench. Porter, Stewart, and Harris all will be good role players and contributors in the future - Stewart perhaps more.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
No need to bash Epps. He knew what his role was and performed it magnificently. Every year Pitino would try someone else at the point, and Epps would win the job every time. Those teams, though, were loaded with talent, and Epps’ weaknesses (not quick, rather weak defensively) were mased by his teammates’ abilities. He was very smart on the court and clutch.
March 24th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
some of you guys are absolutely idiots!!!
Harris and Stewart should transfer??? expect to see quality minutes from both of them next year.
Ripping on Jasper??? kid was like 80% this year and still changed our team when he was able to get back. I will concede we lacked in ball handling ability, but give it time…some of you would throw your mothers under the bus if it meant getting an unproven top 20 recruit, who has only shown that he can dominate other high school players.
Keep in mind that you are wanting to get rid of people with experience under BCG for freshmen or JUCOs who haven’t proven their mettle.
Championships aren’t won with 75 McD’s all-americans on the team…3 or 4 good players and guys that give quality minutes constitute good teams…
I feel like some of you posters have only ever watched basketball, never played or taken the time to learn the game…
March 24th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I believe one of the 2 25-30 foot three pointers hit in the last minute of regulation against Zona was hit by Epps, the other by Mercer. Even though we lost, still one of my favorite memories of UK basketball when they nailed those 3s. I think we need a gutsy guy that handles the ball like Epps or the HAWK. loved watching both of them
March 24th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Please jump off a cliff if you think Harris and Stewart should transfer.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
If we want Mackey, we’ll get the legal issues resolved. You don’t think we have powerful boosters makin deals in dark rooms? This is Kentucky.
March 24th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
#109) I miss the HAWK. What a balla.
March 24th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
#105 CAnTuckeeBoi - You think Saul Smith was more talented than Anthony Epps? If I keep looking at that statement I might spit sandwich all over the floor after a self-heimlich.
Please, just leave my original statement to stand on it’s own. “#40 joe Crawford the man” opened the door, I close it, then while your making sure it’s closed you open it back up.
Leave Anthony Epps alone, he has more floor burns from Rupp’s floor than any cat in the last 20 years. I think that alone earns you deep ass respect from the real blue bloods.
March 24th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
91. What! You might want to catalogue your thoughts on Stewart and then read again in about 2 years. Athletically, he’s a beast. His basketball skills are rough (like most freshmen) but we’ve seen Gillispie improve every guy on the team in less than a year. Porter isn’t great, but he’s earned his spot.
The other 14 feet shouldn’t even be allowed to practice. They should get the “donovan special” and have their blue taken away and replace it with black.
March 24th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Williams and Carter will never contribute. With the depth we will have in the backcourt, Porter will only fill in for 1-2 minute intervals. It would not hurt us to see Porter go if we can add even more talent. AS for Harris and Stewart, we would be crazy to get rid of them. Harris is a great defender who has shown some offensive improvement. Stewart has as much upside as anyone (though his athleticism may always exceed his skill). I think
March 24th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
113.) Are you questioning my fanhood? ….. I am sorry you are right, he was statistically better than one point guard in the last 15 years. The problem with all of this is that I was agreeing with you. Your an idiot, and just for that I think I will call you out. He was less talented than Ford Turner Delk Rondo and bradley….. Thanks have a nice day throwing up on yourself.
March 24th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
#116) Delk…point guard? Not even close.
I’ll take Epps on my team any day of the week. And define “talented” please. If by “talent” you mean “having no jump shot,” then yes, Rondo and Turner were more “talented.”
I’ll take the college PG who can hit clutch 3’s late in NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES.
P.S. How you can leave the HAWK off that list of who Epps was “worse” than is absurd. Go get me a sandwich.
March 24th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
hahahah you guys kill me first of all I agreed and said I would give up both schollies for Epps this year, second of all you are just reassuring my claim with adding Hawkins in the mix, and finally yes I would take Rajon Rondo and Wayne Turner before I would take Anthony Epps, if you wouldnt then that is your opinion. The guy had a lot of heart and he was one of my favs at the time and he ran the team very well, but Rondo is going to be a very great player at the next level and was a lot better defensively and much more skilled, and Turner somehow someway went to three straight national chmapionships and won 2. What do you want on that sandwich???
March 24th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Oh yeah and before you run more mouth about the HAWK (your self applied nickname) Epps had more points assists and rebounds, and yes cliff could play defence but he owed it to us for all of his T.O’s so for you to say he was better than Epps only proves my point more. Thanks.
March 24th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Man you guy’s play rough. Epps was a good PG but remember what made him good was the players he had around him. If Jasper had the talent level Epps had he would be an All American his senior year. What makes a good PG is to have some high level of talent at the other 4 spots. We for sure did not have that this year.
March 24th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
You guys are pretty rough. I never said a bad word about Epps. Can you name me one other point guard on a title team less accomplished in the last 20 years? Before you start ripping read what I say.
March 24th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
105. I hope Jasper and Ramel don’t read this. I’m sure they both work pretty hard and they both seem pretty savvy to me.
March 24th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
#116 CAnTuckeeBoi - I didn’t question your fanhood, I questioned your assessment, which even you agree afterwards was flawed.
Regardless, you call me an idiot because I pointed out your self admitted mistake? I think that clearly defines where you stand. Should I even mention your “just for that I think I’ll call you out” comment which includes Delk as a point guard?
When did posting a comment just because you have a keyboard become standard on this forum again? What happened to being patient and intelligent enough in your post to not make a fool of yourself along with a point backed by credible and verified information? I know, that’s asking way too much.
BTW, you can’t call someone out on a point you made that they proved inaccurate. You can make a new point, but holding onto the old one when already defeated is sandwich coming out the other end.
Rub it into your chest and understand I wasn’t attacking you, I was defending one of the best examples of hustle Kentucky basketball has ever had.
March 24th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
YES SIR. Thanks for the lecture but your wrong. Just because you have it embedded in your brain that Epps was great b/c he hustled doesnt make it true. Saul smith hustled and to be technical their stat really favor each other. (I think Epps avg. 1 more point assist and rebound a game throughout his career. Please save your breath you are wrong. Delk may have been a stretch as a pg and I’ll give you that but being a fan I know that he did play pg many of times for us. Anthony Epps is one of the least talented point guards to play for UK in the last 20 years. He had a lot of heart but not that much skill, I can think of many players who played for UK who had just as much heart and much more skill (Chuck Hayes, Tayshaun Prince, Jeff Shepherd, Travis Ford, should I keep going??? NO???? Thanks.
March 24th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
So you’ve decided that stats = talent. That’s fine.
Come back now, ya hear? A little statistical comparison coming up shortly.
I’m posting this so you don’t run off and forget this conversation. Be back real soon…
March 24th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
113. While you’re calling people out and being a keyboard bully you still haven’t disproved my original point. While Epps was a decent(at best) point guard Jasper is a better all around player now. The only thing Epps did better was shoot and that was just because he had NBA talent all around him. Never made all conference averaged double figures or 5 assists a game. Now show me one point guard who cut down nets who you could say that about in the last 20 years. Didn’t think so.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Jasper will be a great point guard next season… he will have a full season around him to grow under BCG and he will be healthy, also he will have more talent to practice against… it will be Galloway going against him instead of Porter so he will now have to step it up, Liggins can also take Jasper’s spot so Jasper will only continue tp get better, Jasper will be awesome next season.. i do wish we could somehow tell Carter, Williams and Porter to hit the road somehow, no disrespect to Porter because i like Porter but he was suppose to shoot the ball well, and i have never seen him shoot the ball well in a game situation,
March 24th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
#124 CAnTuckeeBoi - You want to say that Anthony Epps was one of the least talented point guards to play for UK in the last 15 years (then later you adjusted it to 20).
You take yourself a nice view of the stats Mr. Bumpkin, because if you want to deny them, then you truely are of no value to the discussion on this board.
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/7595/kypgjr2.png
I laid out the stats, then listed each player in ranking to the right. I bolded the stat rows which would most likely be valuable stats for a point guard. Get yourself a good eyeful of the most important stats that a point guard should have. You know, the skill stats…
Assists, Turnovers, Steals, Free Throw percentage, 3 Pt. Percentage… Should I go on??? Yes??? Hell, Epps even was 3rd best of all UK PG’s during that time span in rebounds.
And I guarantee if there was a stat for floor burns during that time period, Epps would be at the top.
Not that much skill. LOL. You Sir not only don’t have much skill at debate, but your even worse at admitting when your wrong.
March 24th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Swaller down a big heapin’ tablespoon of you don’t know what the #%@& your talking about kids!
Victims of the day so far:
-joe crawford is the man
-CAnTuckeeBoi
Come one come all, line right up… your the next contestant on, “Mommy, Please Make Him Stop!” ROTFL
March 24th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
129. That’s great while you’re gloating you still haven’t named one championship pg with worse stats or less accomplishments. You call me a victim yet you can’t answer my question. Come on just name one genius. Can’t do it can you. Prove me wrong. Please. As great as epps was surely you name one just one please. And you do know you’re arguing for s guy who wasn’t good enough to start at pg for a whole season. You may have made your point with him but have yet to refute my point. Come on stat boy find one point guard less decorated that won a title.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
#130 joe crawford is the man - Look I will diagram out what you have stated about Epps in this thread. I will add my comments after each post of yours:
Post #40 - “I would venture to guess whoever our point guard is next year will be better than Anthony Epps.”
This is just rediculously poor analysis. We would have to have one of the best PG productions of the past 15 years to accomplish your statement (Most Assists, 39.6% career 3 pt %, higher career FT % than Ramel Bradley at 81.9%, 3rd in career steals just behind Hawkins, lowest turnover margin of any PG except Rondo and Blevins - who didn’t have full careers at UK - check the minutes played). It is clearly a negative stab at Epps as you are proving you did’t feel he was accomplished when you made the post. To say that our PG next year will be better is just foolish, especially after reviewing the stats I posted in post #128.
Post # 102 - “Maybe the least accomplished title winning pg in 20 years.”
This is the proof of your extreme misunderstand of what Anthony Epps did at UK. You either didn’t watch those years, you just don’t have a clue what your talking about, or you hit your head real hard on something since then.
Post # 121 - “I never said a bad word about Epps” Then you state this question, “Can you name me one other point guard on a title team less accomplished in the last 20 years?”
You posted comments that regarded Epps as unaccomplished and beatable next season with talent that has yet to show better yearly stats. The answer to your manufacturered to not fail question is easy too. Even though you thought you could sneak away by posing a bs question, since we only had 2 championship years to chose from in the last 20. Regardless, I still have an answer: Saul Smith. He was a point guard on the 97-98 squad, and he was less accomplished than Anthony Epps (check the stats).
Now just so you know, I’m not the only person who criticized what you said in your posts. At this point, you should stop squirming and resist the urge to clarify your question with NEW details or limitations. Just another victim.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Hmm… so much animosity towards Anthony, Epp’s must have cuckold this guy at some point…..
March 24th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
131. Since you’re the brains here come up with some comparison for Epps’ first 2 years vs Jaspers’. 2nd off there have been 20 national title winning starting point guards in the last 20 years. That’s how that works see 20 years 20 title winning starting point guards. I can name every one of them none accomplished less in their college or pro careers. Now the balls in your court stud give me one STARTING point guard since 1988 less accomplished.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
130. corey beck, derrick phelps, and kevin pritchard…
beck (arkansas 94) and phelps (north carolina 93) had stats that were very comparable to epps…though they both had higher TO numbers
pritchard (kansas 88) had slightly higher point numbers, but less Assists and Rebounds
epps–6.7 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 1.5 TO/g Assist+Steal/TO= 4.26/1
beck–8.8 ppg, 5.0 apg, 3.9 rpg, 2.8 spg, 2.8 TO/g Assist+Steal/TO= 2.79/1
phelps–8.1 ppg, 5.4 apg, 4.4 rpg, 2.3 spg, 3.1 TO/g Assist+Steal/TO= 2.48/1
pritchard–10.6 ppg, 3.1 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.4 spg, 2.3 TO/g Assist+Steal/TO= 1.96/1
these stats are from each players championship seasons, and i didnt include ft%, shooting %, or 3pt%….i would say epps stats match up quite favorably with all these PGs from championship teams…these were also the only ones that i checked, because i assumed all the others had better numbers, so there may be more.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
hey scat jones who cares why dont you try to look up some stats on who will be coming to UK next season. Epps was a decent player will awesome talent around him, he had way better talent than Jasper does but Epps did hustle… the past is over and now we shouyld look forward to the future.. enough with comparing Epps and Jasper, Jasper is better and Epps had better talent around him
March 24th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
134. Nice try. Pritchard only scored 1692 points 1st team all big 8 as a senior. Also 5 seasons in the NBA. Phelps was 2nd team all ACC. Still playing pro ball overseas. Beck made almost a million dollars in the NBA. Anyone else?
March 24th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
#133 - I already named one. If you want me to name another (in attempt to change the subject) then give me the list of PG’s and I’ll give you the ones less accomplished (whatever that means to you).
Who said anything about pro careers? Ever since I nailed your statement earlier, you feel you’ll get me soon enough with new challenges and puzzles. If you have to get ME back then wait for another opportunity, I post here all the time. Better yet, quit posting unsubstantiated crap about KY players/teams and you won’t face ridicule from people on this site.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
kevin pritchard managed to play 92 games in 5 years in the NBA and 62 were in his first season (must have been hard to be named all conference in a conference with 8 teams and your school won the nat’l championship that year)…phelps played a total of three games in the NBA and was paid the league minimum each of those years…corey beck may have made almost a million dollars in the NBA, but played 88 games in 4 seasons and couldnt manage to stay in the league…you wanted STATS provided to you, and I provided you some…accolades don’t necessarily mean that a player is great, ask coach k and the 23 burger boys on his current roster…
saddens me that the worthiness of epps has to be argued on a KENTUCKY fan site…
poser….
March 24th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
#135 achtermann_03 - I’m not knocking Japser. My statements clearly state who and what they were for (to defend Epps from an undeserved bashing). What makes you think Jasper will be the starting PG next season? I personally see him sharing that role with several other players (Galloway, Porter, Liggins). Galloway might be the PG with Jasper at 3. Regardless, the Epps bashing was ended when I dusted off the stats.
Also, what does having better talent around you have to do with Epps having a much better Free Throw percentage, much better 3 pt %, more assists p/g, less turnovers p/g? I love Jasper, and if he’s our starting PG next year I’ll be happy with that. I just think to say that definitely he will be better than Epps is a monumental goal, as Epps careers stats show.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
137. You really think Saul was a starting point guard in 98? Really? I would think the NBA would be the ultimate accomplishment. Thus anyone who cashed an NBA paycheck would be more accomplished. See how that works? The list would be as follows. 88 Pritchard, 89 Robinson, 90 Anthony,91 and 92 Hurley, 93 Phelps, 94 Beck, 95 Edny,97 Bibby, 99 el-amin, 00 Cleaves, 01 Williams, 02 Blake,03 mcnamara, 04 Gordon, 05 Felton and the last two Greene. Have it genius.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
# 140 joe crawford is the man - As I predicted NEW details are added to your previous question. Nowhere did you say anything about “Starting”.
You have anymore questions that have nothing to do with the original crap you posted regarding Epps and next years PG?
March 24th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
138. Nice try hoss. Pritchard was all conference after his senior season. Won the title after sophomore. And yeah it probably was quite an honor with Oklahoma and mizzou in the same league. Exactly how many NBA checks did Epps cash? Like I said the least accomplished starting point guard to cut down nets in 20 years.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
141. I guess you’ve seen the light. I knew you’d are the light. You could take a scrub off any team and use a an example. Only UK could take a below average starting point guard and win a title with him. Oh I’m still waiting for the two year comparisions with epps and dj. And telling the truth isn’t bashing. If someone is the least accomplished starting point guard to it down nets in 20 years it isn’t bashing to say so.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
i knew pritchard one the title his sophomore season…but those stats don’t lie…they are the stats from each of those player’s championship seasons…all comparable, you can’t argue that…i would just like to know where your obsession with breaking ex-UK player’s balls is gonna end…every year there are scores of “NBA” players that cash checks…that doesn’t necessarily make them extremely accomplished, or more accomplished than other players…your vendetta against Epps is clearly evidence of your disgust for Kentucky Basketball…Inside the Ville would like to get you back, poser.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
won the title*
March 24th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
last time i checked, basketball was a team sport, and individual honors were secondary to individual achievements…Epps was 3rd Team all-sec his senior year, not necessarily something to brag about, but better than 13 other starting point guards in the SEC…
March 24th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Yea you got me. I make what should be a total innocuos statement that no matter who our starting point guard is they’ll be better than epps. People wanted to call me out and I defended myself. Sorry my opinion doesn’t agree with yours.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
thanks for the apology…you should have hated on marques maybin or tony harris
March 24th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
#142 joe crawford is the man - Your “changing the subject” question is worded so that you can make up new additions as you go. Nice work indeed! You should work really try to find work for the government.
Why didn’t you just ask specifically if any starting PG’s on Championship NCAA Division 1 teams in the last 20 years made less money in the pros than Epps?
Instead, you don’t mention anything about from other schools (other than UK), what accomplished means (to you - as that’s the most important thing, “Your definition of a vague choice of words”). It’s a useless bit of trivial information that helps no one. We’re talking about college basketball here. Specifically UK basketball.
Got topic? (Like “Got Milk” but designed specifically for you).
March 24th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
146. I didn’t know they had 16 teams in 97. Learn something new every day I guess.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
149. The original statement you called me out on was when I said whoever our STARTING point guard is next year will be better than epps. I assumed after that everyone knew I meant starting. Wonder why you’re the only one that came up with a backup. Least accomplished to me means person who accomplished less in their field compared to others. I guess next you’ll ask what is is.
March 24th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
yeah, that should read 9 other starting PGs in the SEC…sorry, i must be drunk off my love for Anthony Epps…
March 25th, 2008 at 12:13 am
For “joecrawford is the man”…
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2729/kypgaevsdjju3.png
I don’t think there’s really much to say. Stats speak for themselves.
I love Jasper, and see him as a nontraditional point/forward, but he’s got work to do to put up the numbers that Epps did. Also, Epps deserves an apology from you.
Epps assist to turnover ratio is phenominal, along with his free throw percentage, and 3 point percentage (considering the number he shot as well). His steals per game are almost double, assists per game almost double, less turnovers, and never was on foul trouble.
You need to quit bashing players when you have nothing to back it up other than post UK accomplishment. Unsubstantiated crass comments that attempt to discredit the efforts of past/current players really make no one but the person posting look bad. We care about UK potential, nothing more, nothing less.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:37 am
TONY DELK DID NOT PLAY PG!!!
March 25th, 2008 at 3:40 am
I would take epps anyday. If you say Epps was not a great pg, you must have missed the 96 season.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:21 am
155. Yea you’re right I missed that season. What made him a GREAT point in 96. He averaged less than 5 assists per game on the best team in the last 20 years. Got beat out by a true freshman for some games. I think Turner started something like 10 games that year. And Tony Delk did start the first 2 games at point that year. 153 the first season dj has more assist points and rebounds shoots the same ft% and a few more turnovers. Epps had more steals of course pitino pressed. And if you can’t understand the 3s epps shot were a product of being wide open then I don’t know what to say. Again Epps was a sun average point guard on a great team. If epps were a Great point guard in 96 surely he made all conference or something right. You guys refuse he was never more than average at best. And if he were a Great point guard he would’ve started at point in 97 against bibby who was great. Once again no apologies skat. You’re priceless argue as long as you can and when facts don’t suit you say I’m bashing a player.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Epps was a great TEAM player. Was he an all star? NO! But what he did for his team helped to win NCAA championship #6! How’s that for an accomplishment? Some of you people are unbelievable. You’re not happy unless you’re bashing a UK player. What a pathetic life you must lead.
On a side note, Porter should not transfer and I believe Coach G would agree with that. But if it makes some of you happy to say that, then go ahead. Have a nice day.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:17 am
THANKS 157) I HAVE ADMITTED TIME AFTER TIME AFTER TIME THAT EPPS WAS A VERY GOOD POINT GUARD THIS GUY IS ARGUING WITH ME ON SOMETHING THAT WE AGREE ON. HOWEVER WHEN YOU PUT EPPS UP AGAINST EVERY POINT GUARD THAT WE HAVE HAD IN THE LAST 20 YEARS, (THAT HAS ACTUALLY PLAYED) THEN STATISTICALLY AND BASKETBALLY SKILL WAS HE DOES NOT MATCH UP. I AM REALLY GLAD THAT EPPS COULD HIT HIS FREETHROWS AND KNOCK DOWN CLUTCH THREES, AND WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT COULD NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER AS AN OVERALL POINT GUARD I WOULD TAKE MANY OF OURS FROM THE LAST 20 YEARS BEFORE I WOULD TAKE EPPS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE FOR ME TO LIST THEM AGAIN THEN HERE YA GO: BRADLEY, RONDO, TURNER, FORD, WOODS. I WOULD TAKE EPPS BEFORE PATRICK SPARKS AND CLIFF HAWKINS. OH AND IF YOU CAN COUNT ED DAVENDER IN MY 20 YEAR SPAN THEN I WILL TAKE HIM TOO THANKS.
SKAT YOU CANT NAME ALL OFFENSIVE STATS AND NOT INCLUDE POINTS PER GAME, AND LETS GO PER GAME BECAUSE RONDO HAD ABOUT 50 LESS REBOUNDS IN 2 YEARS THAN EPPS HAD IN 4.
YOUR KIDDING YOURSELF WITH THIS ARGUMENT, ITS ALL OPINIONATED SO YOU CAN TRY TO CONVINCE YOURSELF YOUR RIGHT BUT YOU CAN NOT PROVE IT, IMO I WOULD TAKE ALL OF THOSE GUYS BEFORE EPPS. THANKS AND SHUT UP.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:48 am
128. Is there a reason you left out Jeff Sheppard and Gerald Fitch? Just sayin
March 25th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
OK, both of you (joecrawford is the man & CAnTuckeeBoi) have proven that you don’t understand what the role of a point guard is on a basketball team. Since you don’t understand the role, it also makes sense that you don’t know how to read stats that show the value of a point guard.
Since this is the case, any discussion with either of you regarding basketball from here on out is useless, since you don’t support your arguments and when others do you don’t even know what to look for to see their point.
I really thought everyone who could get on the internet and type was at least smart enough to understand simple debate. Even if they didn’t I always thought they could be taught along the way to understand simple rules in how to make a point and support it with factual evidence. You have both proven that is not reality. This is a sad day but I will still keep hope. Hope that neither of you spread your seed to prevent anyone else from being doomed into the lonely shell you guys call your opinions.
BTW CAnTuckeeBoi - Turn your caps lock off (I know you won’t know what that means but I’m at least hoping you might write it down get someone at Eastern State Hospital to show you). When you type with caps lock on it is interpreted by people as your yelling everything you say. I can see that might be your intent so please disregard if you have to yell (you know what they say about yellers? That they have to yell because they are unable to get get their point across to others when they speak at a normal tone).
March 25th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
So skat am I to assume you aren’t smart enough to know Fitch and Shep were starting point guards at UK? Hell Shep even beat your boy out in 95. I wish I could be as smart as you. And trust me I understand what a point guard does.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Dear Skat,
Sorry for making it appear as though I was yelling and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I am also deeply sorry for not living up to your standards as a basketball fan and for not sharing the same OPINION on what type of point guard you prefer. I am also sorry that you have been mentally interrupted into a narrow minded state of thinking that your views are above all. However, if you can find it in your heart to forgive me then I will get your name and address and I might send you my one and only Anthony Epps card from his tenure with the United Professional Basketball League autographed to you personally its the least I could do, I feel a true fan like yourself deserves this card more than me. Finally I am sorry I do not share in your opinion of talent being measured by floor burns and I hope you can accept my apologies.
Thanks,
CAnTuckeeBoi
March 25th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Nice job there skat . You can’t refute the point I made so you make it personal and tell me I don’t know basketball. That’s fine we all know if you could dispute my point you would. Since you haven’t even tried to mention anyone else I assume you agree that epps is the least accomplished starting point guard in the last 20 years to win a title. Glad we could agree. That’s debate. Notice not one iota of animosity?
March 25th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Again #161 - If you don’t understand that since neither Fitch or Shepard played PG a majority of the time while they were at UK, their stats compared to guys who did play point guard a majority of the time during their career would not be apples to apples.
Shooting guards traditionally tend to have a higher points per game average, with less assists. Thus, they weren’t included in the stat list comparison since they wouldn’t have comparable “point guard” stats.
A point guard blueprint for Kentucky should be:
*Assists- 5 or more per game (Preferably 10 or more)
*Turnovers - Less than 2 turnovers per game
*Free Throws - Shoot in the 80%’s or better (preferably 85%+) (with enough shots taken to actually produce an accurate statistical reading)
*3 Pointers - Shoot in the upper 30%’s or better (preferably 38%+) (with enough shots taken to actually produce an accurate statistical reading)
*He has to have the best handle on the team
*He should have a good floater in the lane and from each side from 5-8 feet, as well as a solid 10-15′ jump shot.
*He should be active enough to cause at least 1-2+ steals a game.
*Never…. Ever… get in foul trouble, Period.
Anything else is gravy. That includes deflections, blocked shots, rebounds.
If your point guard isn’t doing those things, then someone else will have to not only do their job, but will also have to add to their expected output the deficiencies from the point guard on the court. If not, then your team has holes in it and will not be consistently successful throughout a full college season.
Jasper’s stats this year aren’t even fair to look at in comparison to a traditional point guards due to him playing injured and at a nontraditional point/forward spot this past season. I didn’t want to put Japsers stats against Epps because I knew they wouldn’t compare in point guard categories.
Out of all the UK point guards in the last 15 years, Epps fits the mold of the blueprint in almost all categories. Ford and Turner do as well, with each being extremely successful in different disciplines (Turner - steals, Ford - 3pt% & FT%). But to say that you would take all the point guard in the past 15 years over Anthony Epps is just plain ignorant. Also, to argue that Epps couldn’t even keep his starting spot as evidence that he was obviously deficient is also a stupid statement. When you match one of the greatest point guards in the history of UK (Wayne Turner) up against anyone it will be a tough road to winn the spot. Turner had the quickest first step in the game when he played, which allowed him the front door to the lane for easier access to dish or score.
I’d love to see a healthy Jasper after a second summer and boot camp under BCG. Billy will help him enhance the advantages he has physically along with shoring up the parts of his game that need work. Things look great for his future, and hopefully he can surpass Epps like numbers as a true lead guard. That will be good news for all cats fans.
March 25th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Whose blueprint stipulations for a UK pg are these???? How did you get your hands on those …. do you know Mr. Wildcat?? Whats even more suspicious is that Epps barely fits into these standards of a point guard ….. something fishy is going on……did you rig your post to mathc his stats???? Yes you did!!!!!! Hey would you mind posting a legible source for your point guard stipulations, as much as I want to believe that you are actually Bob Cousy himself, I just cant take your word for it. Get me a source matching your claim and maybe I’ll buy in. doubt it though!!!!
March 25th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I think pg I think playmaker, someone who can run a team and make the players around them better, someone who can take over any time of the game that it is needed. Epps was very good but did not make everyone around him better, it is actually probably safe to say that everyone around Epps made Epps better. Listen I am not taking anything away from the guy b/c he is a lot better than I will ever be, but I have seen a lot better than him too.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Interesting that you have yet to define your textbook point guard. Laying it down with averages per game would be a good way to analyze your opinions. But then, your not about that.
Let’s see it… what would your realistic perfect PG for UK have as averages (include all stats as I did). Let’s see who knows WTF they are talking about.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Is this a competition???? Whos gonna be the judge??? Anthony Epps???
A.FT 3P% REB Asst TO PPG Stl.
65% 29% 4.9 7.0 3.8 13 3.7
B.FT 3p% REB Asst T.O PPG STL.
82% 39 3.15 5 1.5 9 1.7
Pick which one you would rather have…..
March 25th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
167. My ideal point guard would first off be at least be 6 foot 3 so they could a 1 or 2. I think point guard should be defense first. Also average at least 8 points about 4 assists and a ratio of 2 to 1. Shoot at least 75% from the line and be able to shut down penetration while also being able to penetrate. You can probably guess my favorite in the last 20 years would be Sean Woods. Offense would be secondary for me. I know Woods didn’t shoot free throws great but he did all the other things pretty well.
March 25th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
164. I guess I was going more year by year than career. If you go by career you wouldn’t have a good comparison for 95 or 03 because you exclude the starting punt guards for those respective teams.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
you there skat??
March 25th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I guess you have accepted defeat. Thanks for playing.