Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
picture by Jonathan Fulkerson….who did a great job
Its going to be fine Matt….this is Kentucky.
That sage advice was uttered by none other than the Woo as he looked at me sitting in the floor of the Christian County basketball locker room stressed about the events ahead. Planning a Barnstorming Tour is a lot harder than I had thought. My initial reaction when Bobby Perry and I made the decision to pursue it was this, “hey you get the guys, play some games, get on the bus and go home.” That doesnt sound too hard now does it. Aww but how naive we were. Planning 10+ events is not child’s play….a lesson that I learned during my initial conversations with Athletic Directors, Prinicipal and High School Coaches around the state. There is a lot of detail that goes into every event and more than a few people in each town that you have to make happy in order for it to run smoothly. Plus, and this is VERY important to me, I wanted the event itself to be good. I want this to be more than simply a glorified pickup game….thus we added events that promoted crowd interaction and allowed the players to thank the fans directly….all positive attributes, but all also potential stresses to be included.
Which brings me back to my seat on the floor of the Christian County locker room. Part of my nervousness was based on the fact that it had already been a long day. While resting in my bed, dreaming of beautiful walks on the beach with Heidi Montag, my foundation was literally shaken by the largest Earthquake to hit Louisville since the Natural Disasters left the WWF (I still miss Typhoon). Realizing that attempting to sleep any more was futile, I got up, enjoyed the luxury of a McDonalds breakfast and headed to Lexington to pick up the players (yes it makes little sense to drive from Louisville to Lexington and then back to Hopkinsville, but this is the life I lead). As I pulled up to the Lodge to get the guys, I realized the absurdity of the situation that was to come. Sitting on a bench was the Woo, his hair heading in seven directions, already in his UK gear, ready to suit up immediately. I got out of the car to Woo’s polish voice bellowing “MATT JONES”!!! and packed up my favorite person in the front seat. Joe and Ramel then walked out to the car, Ramel’s “publicist” in hand and we headed down the road, ready to take out the 2nd Region All Stars.
The trip down was one that if I were the least bit intelligent, I would have recorded for posterity. Woo is a one man comedy show by himself and his repeated assertions that “I will dunk on anyone who tries to mess with me tonight” made me laugh at each utterance. Joe and Ramel spent most of the time laughing at Crawford’s feet (simply the nastiest set in the Continental United States), but somewhere in the middle of the Western Kentucky Parkway, the conversation changed to more serious topics. For the next hour or so, the guys opined on everything ranging from Barack Obama to Ramel’s experiences being in New York on 9/11. And I must tell you folks, I was genuinely impressed. I understand that while at UK, players are encouraged to keep such thoughts to themselves and to generally only talk about basketball. But all three guys have interesting opinions and all three are full of ideas that dont just have to do with dribbling a ball. Hearing Woo talk about his journey from the countryside of Poland to an NBA training camp is fascinating, as it is to hear the Seniors talk about their hometowns. I kept thinking to myself that if fans and the media were able to see this side of these guys, their heroic stature in the state would only grow….so long as Joe left his shoes on.
When we arrived in Hopkinsville, I quickly realized that being a Kentucky player is not like anything I have seen in my life. I am not sure about you, but I can generally go to Wendy’s, order a chicken sandwich, eat it and leave without any hassle. These guys walk in and time stops. The people taking orders begin freaking out, hugging the guys, asking for autographs and generally becoming children in their presence. It really is unbelievable to watch these guys be unable to move without being swarmed by people who want to meet and speak with them. For these guys, it is just normal life but this journey has made me realize just how different their existence is and has made me respect all the good and bad that comes from that responsibility. When every step you make is watched by all those around you, it has to be very difficult to go and do normal things in your daily life. I am amazed at how well all three of these guys handle it and I am impressed with ho
We took all three guys to three middle schools in Hopkinsville, all of which acted as if the Beatles had walked into the building. At Christian County Middle, there were literally girls crying as we introduced the group to the crowd. As middle school students can generally be they were a bit rowdy, but we remedied that by sending the Woo to take over. You Kids need to be quiet so we can tell you these things” he bellowed, and the kids immediately obliged. All three were great as they told the kids the importance of staying in school and how proud they were of the fact that all three will end up with college degrees. We had little contests in the schools, which culminated in a pregnant teacher matching Ramel in a free throw contest and Woo playing volleyball against an intramural team and spiking it into a little kid’s chest.
As for the event itself, Woo was correct (as always) and my worries on the locker room floor were unfounded. The fans in Hopkinsville were great and the event ran smoothly. The Seniors (joined by Woo, Bobby Perry, Joe Thurston and some local Hoptown legends) took out the 2nd Region All Stars 103-79. Ramel led all scorers with 33, Joe had 25 and Woo 20. The Seniors won the three point contest and Woo went 2 for 3 in the “Woo one-on-one challenge”, falling to a 12 year old with glasses who banked in a three pointer from 28 feet (the loudest ovation of the night). The guys signed autographs until the last individual was gone and the night ended up a success. I arrived home at just past 1 am and went to sleep….because the next day was Hillbilly Days in Pikeville….and well, it was a whole different ballgame.
Part II tomorrow…..
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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April 21st, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Nice story, but where are the pictures Matt?? Woo throwing a spike down on an eight grader is a picture worth sharing. Hope to meet you when you all pull into Paducah on Thursday.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Matt,
Thanks for sharing these stories. I really enjoy reading them. You are a lucky guy to be able to see the men our UK heroes really are.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:49 pm
You’re a good writer…great stories.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Sorry I’m no longer there to have come out, but Hoptown was a fantastic opening venue. I can’t imagine the contrast of going from Hoptown in day one and Pikeville in day two. Two way to show the uniqueness of our proud state.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Did Johnny Bruce not point you towards Ferrel’s? Taking WOO in there 10 years ago before the older ladies that had cornerstones of that place died would have been too classic to turn down. Having WOO order a “Gutbomb with a side of Heartburn” and getting run out of the place, too good!
April 21st, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Joe Thurston? Why did he play? He is terrible. Hoptown legends? What are we talking here, Josh Artis? Haha.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:02 pm
#6 is a stud with being able to get sarcasm
April 21st, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Matt, any chance of you telling the story about Woo in the steakhouse arguing with a UL fan?
April 21st, 2008 at 1:08 pm
This is the best UK story I have heard since Keightley’s memorial speeches. You are very fortunate to have the opportunity to see the things that Barnstorming Tour will bring. Keep the -behind the scenes- stories coming, I love to hear good and funny things about the players outside of basketball. I think UK fans want to feel like they “know” UK basketball players more than just their names and stats.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Matt,
What are you driving during these events??? Woo probably doesn’t fit too well, and 3 grown guys in the back probably isn’t that comfortable in most cars…. Long drives too. I think you need a BUS like John MADDEN! How many ads do you think you can sell for this website??? After all, this is the first place most of us come for Wilcat info.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
The UL fan blew ONION breath on Woooo
April 21st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Horry Kow!!!
April 21st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Matt… is this your first year barnstorming? Did you do this last year? Just wondering cause Woo and Randolph Morris, Bobby Perry and others came to my hometown of West Liberty last year just wonderin if ya might have been there?
April 21st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Is anyone else wondering why it is 2 in p.m. and there is no word on commitment from any recruits. If we couldnt get McCoy to commit this weekend, it makes me wonder if we have even offered. I kinda got a feeling that Sutton and McCoy neither one hold offers, and that we are waiting for Harrellson, and or Majok/flemings to sign …. If McCoy holds an offer and didnt commit this weekend we have some serious recruiting issues.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Woo needs his own radio show. I know I would tune in daily. That guy is a riot.
Matt, this must seem overwhelming for you at times, but 20 years from now, I’m sure this is something you will cherish. I’m green with envy, you lucky dog. You’re fortunate enough to see a side of UK basketball that most of us fans can only dream about. Just take it slow and enjoy yourself.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
They were all in a Van when they pulled up to HOPTOWN MIDDLE WHERE THE STORY WHERE WOO GOT INTO IT AT THE HORSE SHOE… The Hoptown legends were Micheal Cansler and JP Blane the guy that also play with them Joe Thurston was a friend of Ramel i think if im not mistakin.. Still a good time… Great Stories..
April 21st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
“I am amazed at how well all three of these guys handle it and I am impressed with ho”
Wow~ A little unreported, extracurricular activities taking place in the locker room Matt?
Hi-ooooooooooh!
April 21st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Zing!
Matt, like all great writers, leave us wanting more…
April 21st, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I have yet to see a time for any of these events. Is it the same for each venue? When?
April 21st, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Looks like fun, Matt. Wish I was, what, 24? 25? Wish I was 25 again!
April 21st, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Perhaps they should have made a trip to UHA for a visit with the students. I bet Schooty Hopson would have thought twice about committing to tennessee after seeing the love the comes with being a Kentucky Wildcat.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:05 pm
^ ooops, Scotty.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I would have paid good money to see Woo spike a volleyball on to a 12 year old.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:21 pm
14 i agree…i thought we would would at least have McCoy by this morning…if what he said is true and he is heavily leaning to kentucky, i don’t see how a trip on campus wouldn’t woo him into committing. The only solution to that is MUST not have gotten an offer!
April 21st, 2008 at 7:25 pm
http://ukbasketball.kentucky.com/harrellson-nearing-commitment-to-uk/
Jerry Tiptons comments on Harrelsons visit
April 21st, 2008 at 7:29 pm
i didn’t think we had a shot with Majok before, but i do now…unless Ater doesn’t care bout playing time. I don’t care what anyone says, UCONN signing that 7 footer DOES affect him. Ater aint gunna play the 3 no where esp. UCONN. He’s 6′10″, that’s 2 inches away from 7′, anyone on here name a team that has a 7 footer playing the 3 spot. there for the extra 7 footer will have an affect on his 4/5 spot!!
April 21st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
i think both Harrellson and Majok would be great additions to the team and would make an INSTANT impact.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:36 pm
God bless Matt Jones!
April 21st, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Mr. Jones, I think it is a fine thing that you are doing for the Kentucky fans. I doubt that appreciate it as much as they should. A few things concern me, though. Have any of these former players ever been hurt by any of those rednecks they play against? I would hate for Ramel or Joe’s pro career to be ended prematurely due to a elbow or rollblock by an overzealous hotshot from Hopkinsville.
Even worse would be the humiliation a fine European gentlemen like Woo could suffer by getting a social disease from one of those Eastern Kentucky skanks that stay out past their bedtimes. Please be careful and watch over our former players for us, Matt. Especially young Woo. Some of those 15 year olds can look 19 with the right kind of make up.
PN out.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:54 pm
#27, I agree. Those two players would immediatetly be in the rotation. Sign ‘em up!
PN out.
April 21st, 2008 at 7:57 pm
14, 24 from the Apr 12-Apr 20 time period we’ve had 5 visits but nothing to show for it. If we aren’t concerned we should be.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Matt, again I really appreciate all the hard work that you and your crew do. I get my daily fix of Wildcat on here.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Harrellson and McCoy will both sign with the Cats by May 1st I believe. It never happens where a player signs with a school immediately after his visit. Oh wait, it did happen once…Neon Boudreaux and Butch McRay signed after their visit immediately.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:11 pm
i think our class will be complete by next tuesday. Eveyone’s visits will prolly be over and we’ll see where we’re at with everyone. As far as Majok goes, as long as we can get him through next weekend without committing to UCONN on that visit, i think we’ll have a real strong shot with him.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I think Gillispie is being very careful with this scholarship. He wants Harrellson or Majok for sure so he is holding it for them. He may not be able to give it to McCoy or Sutton until he knows for sure about Jasper and Williams. I believe he wants Harrellson for sure and he wants either McCoy or Flemings. Gillispie will make sure he has a back up plan for any of these.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
35 i think williams will be gone for sure. Jasper’s not making his decsion till the school simester is over with correct? And If that’s the case,the singing period will be over by then wont it? So even if that does free up a scholorship, won’t it have to be used for next year?
April 21st, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I think the semester ends before the signing period is over but if he is waiting for that then McCoy, Flemmings, and Sutton will go elsewhere. I believe the signing period is thru May 20th? and the semester ends second week of May
April 21st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
May 21st
http://www.national-letter.org/dates/
April 21st, 2008 at 8:32 pm
According to Jody Demling, Sutton was told by Gillispie yesterday, that there wasn’t a scholarship available for him. So, as of this point, Sutton doesn’t have an offer.
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/blog.html
April 21st, 2008 at 8:33 pm
39) That explains why Rivals now says Boston College is his favorite, it said UK last week. They dont update it that quick do they?
April 21st, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Hopefully that Sutton story means Gillispie is definitely saving it for Harrellson
April 21st, 2008 at 8:38 pm
40) I’m not sure about the update. But it makes sense that they would stay in touch with a recruit after such a public visit.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:39 pm
#40 GoCats, are you sure that isn’t just alphabetical order?
April 21st, 2008 at 8:40 pm
43) no Im not sure, but I am 100% positive Kentucky was the top team on that list last week
April 21st, 2008 at 8:45 pm
39) Are there any articles like that about McCoy’s visit? I’m interested as to whether BCG offer him.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:45 pm
#44 Could just be alphabetical now cause there isn’t a leader now since we didn’t offer.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:46 pm
^^^^if BCG offered him*
April 21st, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I just saw that Jeff Taylor committed to Vandy.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
who’s that? what class?
April 21st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
He is in this years class, small forward. We were suppost to be recruiting him cause he could score at will.
April 21st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Jeff Taylor is a 3 star forward from New Mexico, I believe he is pretty good 6′7 200 lbs. We were never involved
April 21st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
#29 Puffynips.
“Joe, Ramel, and a fine European gentleman”
vs.
“Eastern Kentucky skanks with social diseases and overzealous rednecks”?
Way to alienate a very substantial portion of the Kentucky fan base. You are making way too many assumptions about the kind of people that our “fine gentlemen” are encountering whilst out and about on their barnstorming tour. These guys–Joe, Ramel, Woo, & Bobby–are revered throughout the state, and are not the targets of “overzealous rednecks.”
Get off your high horse.
p.s. What would you know about contracting a “social disease” from a 15 year old E.Ky girl?
Methinks there is a story lurking somewhere beneath your shadow.
April 22nd, 2008 at 3:43 am
Matt - We finally agree completely on something!
I have always been “…impressed with ho” I don’t think I could agree with you more on that point.
Even when I was a youngster and mom said don’t look. Now be careful, I heard Tipton is on the prowl for stories about ho’s.
May 10th, 2008 at 1:55 am
[...] a point of discussion for you Wildcat faithful. From all accounts, the new Barnstorming Event is going along swimmingly. From what little I’ve gathered, Louisville doesn’t offer the same kind of [...]