Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Kentucky just received a commitment from an 8th grader. Michael Avery from California, a 6′4″ power forward just committed to the Cats. Apparently the kid is good, but I have no idea. There is my report. I am not talking to 8th graders about basketball.
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May 1st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
What in the hell is going on here?
May 1st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
class of 2012 looking strong for the cats
May 1st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Seriously, WTF?!?
May 1st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Is he just writing a satire, making fun of getting 2010 recruits?
If he is, what a dick.
If he’s not, I don’t know what to say besides huh.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
6-4 8th grader? Is he a 16 year 8th grader? Take your scholly offers while you still can boys.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
#5, it’s true.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. But, I’ll take it I guess.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Seriously, we need some kind of report on this guy. If we’ve offered the kid a scholly, somewhere someone has to know a little bit about the kid.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Is this the Michael Avery in which you speak:?
http://leagueathletics.com/Page.asp?id=7223&org=KINGJAMESSHOOTINGSTARS SOUTH.COM
May 1st, 2008 at 1:25 pm
In all actuality, I have seen 8th graders who can flat out play such as OJ Mayo etc. I remember Mayo in 8th grade and he was D-1 material then. If this kid is 6′4″ now, he’ll probably grow another 4-6 inches before college and I welcome him with open arms. The game is changing!!!!!!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Five Star 8th Grade Recruit averaged 34.7 ppg, 13 apg, and 8 spg.
Nice job BG
May 1st, 2008 at 1:27 pm
any irony in that she shares a name with a Duke alumnus?
May 1st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
nevermind…i confused the names on a google search.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Since you guys are always posting funny videos, here is one.
This video gives you hope about our children’s future:
He could sign with UK for the class 2019. I think he would make some kind of defensive tackle.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iprUJeDEXUo
May 1st, 2008 at 1:33 pm
You sound a little upset, Matt.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:34 pm
How do we even know an 8th grader will stick to basketball in high school? How do we know he will put in the effort in high school even if he keeps playing? I don’t think recruiting 8th graders to college is a good thing, but if Billy G wants him, I’m for it.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:34 pm
WTF is up with recruiting? I guess we wanted an aggressive recruiter and we got one.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:35 pm
10) Thank You!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:35 pm
This is not a bad thing.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I’m not suprised Billy G was at 5th grade tournament last weekend watching a 5′5 shooting guard with mad handles.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Apparently this kid was invited to a PHENOM camp and is considered a Junior ALL American.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:38 pm
This is wrong for so many reasons, but the fact that it is just a commitment and not a signed letter of intent is a good thing. This is just too crazy for me, Sophomores are my limit, this kid is in the middle of puberty….
May 1st, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Next thing you know Billy G. will be interviewed by Chris Hansen on one of those Dateline specials…
May 1st, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Great ONIONS.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Are some of you seriously complaining. How can this be a bad thing? Who knows if he’ll ever actually show up, but it can’t hurt to have studs wanting to be at UK. It also can hurt to pull kids from the west coast. I don’t care if they are 5 years old if they can play.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
It is just a verbal.
Maybe he’s really bright and can just game the system by getting his GED within the next couple years, so he can get in by 2010.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
17. Question:
How do we even know an 8th grader will stick to basketball in high school? How do we know he will put in the effort in high school even if he keeps playing?
Answer: Because he is committed to Kentucky and vice versa
May 1st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
That is crazy to get a committment from that kid. That makes him the class of 2012…still a long ways off. There’s only one bad thing player committing so early…lots of things happen between now and their senior. We will see when the time comes if he sticks with UK and does back out on his verbal. One things for sure though, Billy G is a busy man. It’s good to see this much excitement about recruiting in KY again.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
You guys are unreal. Be happy, he is a stud.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:44 pm
USC has signed 2 8th graders. This is recruiting today. You have to take chances on young guys as crazy as it is.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Michael Avery 6’4” 2012 Lake Sherwood CA
Avery is an 8th grader playing up with the big boys in the 17 & under division and he fared well – knocking down opportunity jump shots as well as impressing onlookers with his nice court instincts. A future star, Avery contributed to Belmont Shore’s 7-0 run to the title — http://www.fullctpress.net/page/page/5837094.htm
May 1st, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I knew Billy G liked them young, but not THIS young!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:51 pm
30- I dont think anyone is unhappy with this–just amazed!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I would like to hear what BCG has to say about this.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Our previous coach did not want to rub elbows with the AAU guys and his staff took the easy way out. I appreciate what he did, but did not appreciate that he was willing to change.
BCG needed time and is proving that he will do what it takes. Below is a group of posts of the Naysayers that did not believe in BCG just a week or two ago. DO YOU BELIEVE NOW?
CAnTuckeeBoi was the only one that I noticed admitted that he made a knee jerk reaction and stands corrected.
Enjoy!
3 fan Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
CBC is getting thumped badly in recruiting. Shape up or ship out Billy. Signing Sutton will further infuriate the fan base.
bigshaun Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Anyone can fly here and drive there to visit recruits if they’re dedicated, but it all boils down to whether they get the players they want to commit to commit and the players Billy G. wants are dropping him like a bad habit.
K-NOTH Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
UK has gotten thier a$$ handed to them on the recruiting trail as of late. where is this BCG recruiting
magic? why did the UK players get the shaft in da draft? tough times for the Cats faithful.
K-NOTH Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
part of my UK heritage will not allow me to look two years ahead. thats for schools that rebuild.
NewUK Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
god, can we get a f-ing commitment
CAnTuckeeBoi Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I am tired of hearing this BCG pulled in Patterson crap……Tubby was on the kid from day one and like a loyal coach pitched his school rather than himself (see Mike Davis). He pitched the university so well that Pat decided to still go here. Its getting old to take hidden shots at the old coach. I have faith in BCG but he has not brought in a decent recruit yet. Maybe time will tell, but quit making excuses for the present.
joe crawford is the man Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
21. We weren’t even competetive in recruiting this year. Olec Czyk and Tyler Zeller didn’t even have us as finalists. Trae Golden visits one weekend supposedly we lead the next week he commits while visiting Ohio State. Rotnie Clark and Willie Warren get away those are just right off the top of my head. That’s not to even mention Hamga, Sanchez and Andre Clark. What happened to witherspoon? And if anyone thinks the SEC will be as down next year you’re crazy.
Phili5 Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Wake me up in three years….cuz KY basketball is about to get real bad.
dwayne Says:
April 28th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
uk basketball sucks really bad right now
Chris Robbins Says:
April 25th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
*head asplodes*
The last by Chris Robbins was a comment after Flemmings decided to go to Hawaii. LOL– I found it quite funny.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:54 pm
You guys crack me up! We get a commit from a Phenom and you’re complaining and acting all holy. No wonder people think UK fans are nuts. We push Tubby out for not recruiting and Gripe when Billy does recruit. Sure the kids young. So what he’s obviously good. Sheesh.. Matt, it’s a good thing you dont recruit. You’d be with Tubby up north somewhere!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I don’t think anyone here is necessarily unhappy. Posting all the critical thoughts of what is involved with getting a commit from an eight grader, but that doesn’t mean we’re unhappy.
I’m thrilled, and not because I think this pubescent kid is a stud, but because it is a clear sign of WHERE WE ARE versus where we have been lately. Out-frigging-standing.
I don’t care if this particular kid comes or not, the direction and actions, the strategy and subsequent tactics, are both encouraging and exciting.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I for one, am all for it. Matt Jones, ask him if he took his GF 4-EVER to a Hannah Montana concert this summer………….curiously not that it matter, is the kid white/black/neither?
May 1st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Maggard’s got a podcast up talking to the kids Dad. Sounds like they pursued BCG actually.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
#38– You are correct. It at least creates a “BUZZ” that KY has sorely missed for some time now.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
My oldest son is in the 3rd grade. I think he is gonna committ to UK next week.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
“I’m not talking to 8th graders about basketball”
Thanks, Matt. That made my day!
May 1st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
MM’s podcast
http://www.kentuckyink.com/podcast/media/2008-05-01_avery.mp3
Really interesting!
May 1st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
this is great
May 1st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
39 see #10
May 1st, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Michael Avery sounds like the real deal and it’s good to see young players taking interest in UK especially all the way across the country.
Good job BCG
May 1st, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I’ve got a 12 year old who can ball. I think I’ll call BCG and tell him he wants to go ahead and committ.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:10 pm
36 ouch, what an i told you so. i can still kind of stand by my posts. We did get spanked THAT day. and i/we expect the Blue and White to naturaly attract good players. Now i have to go get that burning cross out of Billy clydes yard. my apologies for jumping the gun.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Some of you would do the UK FAITHFUL a lot of good by never claiming to be fans again. Some of you are a total embarrassment. You are not on BCG’s staff, you have no idea who he does and doesn’t want. We won’t get them all because we are no longer the only Elite school in the nation. Grow the hell up and understand that just because UK basketball is the only passion you have in your life that others aren’t entitled to think differently.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:13 pm
K-NOTH– we are all family here. (Well at least most of us) If we can’t laugh at ourselves then we are taking entirely too seriously. I enjoy your comments with everyone else’s. I live in AZ and this keeps me in touch with the best FANS in world.
Peace.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Tangentially (like that word?), I still think we have a shot with 2010 next-LeBron-caliber-if-that’s-possible-to-tell PG Brandon Knight, even if I do get ignored on the subject.
Check this out:
He lives in Florida, and so of course listed FL State, UF, and Miami; also lists Duke, UConn and North Carolina. So that all makes sense. The home schools are interesting because he lives there, and three of the big dogs on him outside of the home front. But the other name on that list, which I believe is a bit dated, is TEXAS A&M. What??? I know what. You know what. Coach is all over it. We have no ideas who he is talking to, where he’s been. Seeing some stud commit to UNC doesn’t mean we “lost out,” it could just mean Coach is looking at someone else he thinks is a better fit for what he’s putting together.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:13 pm
UK will never again be behind the 8 Ball in recruiting so long as G is the man in Lexington. That’s what I’m talking about.
Kobe Bryant, KG, OJ Mayo, James Lebron, Shaquille O’Neal, Tracy McGrady….all of these guys were being recruited in the 8th Grade. No precedent being set here.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
40) His dad had to pursue BCG because of NCAA rules it couldn’t be the other way around due to the kid’s age. Interesting podcast. Sounds like they’re debating a move to Culver, Indiana — as is Vinny Zollo, I believe.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Welcome to the Big Blue family, Michael! I hope to live long enough to see you suit up.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:22 pm
53 I’ve heard that James Lebron kid can really play. He might make something of himself some day.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
my 13 year old nephew is 6′1″ and is a monster on the boards…hopefully BCG can watch him play and get him to commit.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Combo guard not a power forward. The interview MM did with his father is great. This kid is a baller and a great addition to the program.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:26 pm
My prediction= he transfers to Lexington Catholic or Lexington Christian. Anyone want to bet?
May 1st, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I think he ends up at Culver with Zollo and Anderson.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:28 pm
59 Unless he is one of the most mature kids ever there is no way he should transfer to a Lexington or Kentucky period school. Ask Euton about that?
May 1st, 2008 at 2:29 pm
This has very successfully stopped us from talking about the disappointing news about McCoy
May 1st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Is there something special at Culver I am missing on?
May 1st, 2008 at 2:33 pm
61- what?
May 1st, 2008 at 2:34 pm
62) McCoy has to have never gotten an offer to suddenly shoose SMU. Trust in BCG!
May 1st, 2008 at 2:35 pm
64) Clarification, no way he should transfer to a Kentucky high school. I think Euton could tell you the glare is pretty hot for a young player.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Does anyone have a ranking on this guy? Jody demling said Clark francis has him at # 45. If that’s true if say he’s far from a phenom.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:35 pm
62. Look for the next commit to be Maze.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
66- I agree, but I would not be surprised if his dad ends up with a job in the area. Am I totally off base?
May 1st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
65) You’re probably right. Hopefully this means good news about Jasper.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
McCoy loss sucks… but perahsp we can sign John Wall now for 2009.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
67– ranked # 4 in the country in under 17 group (the big deal is he is only 15)!
May 1st, 2008 at 2:39 pm
The “real” recruiting/grading/evaluating services don’t bother with kids that young. I would say the fact that he is kicking ass on a 17U team says a WHOLE lot.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:40 pm
72. If he’s ranked that high how can he only be # 45 in the class of 2012?
May 1st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
ASOB is saying that he is ranked #8 in his class and #2 at his position.
http://www.aseaofblue.com/
May 1st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
74- SHOW ME THAT RANKING PLEASE. only rankings i know of for that ages group is on the aau circuit/ elite/phenom camps.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Where are you getting that ranking #74?? Chances are it didn’t come from Rivals, Scout, ESPN.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
68) Tennessee has now offered Maze and Maze’s JUCO coach worked for Pearl at UW-Milwaukee and is very close with their assistant Forbes. I guess Ramar Smith may have gotten the boot, clearing the way for Maze. We’ll see, but I’d rather him be in blue than that ugly orange but the connections seem to point to Knoxville.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I notice a KY boy on that 7th grader all american team, we better get him quick….lol..(Darryl Hicks, Jr. - 6-0 - Shelbyville, KY)
http://www.jrallamericancamp.com
We sure as hell don’t want Pearl getting him….
May 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm
78– what’s this about Ramar? Do tell!
May 1st, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Guys read # 67. Jody I think is good Clark I think is a tool. That’s the only rating on him I’ve heard. I was just wondering if the other services had that low or it was just Clark.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Hey, BCG, “why don’t you have a seat.”
May 1st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
79) there was also a kid out of Corbin,KY on the 7th grade team.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
To be fair, he’s finishing up the 8th grade, and will be in high school in a few short months.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I hear the 8th grader was very impressive in Double Dribble on Nintendo so we signed him.
6′4 Power Forward?? I hope he grows if he is a Power Forward!!
Great work by #36 Patience is the key to recruiting success
National Title run from 2010 thru 2016 would be nice.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I hope the kid improves his game and grows another 3 to 4 inches throughout high school, but it just makes me skeptical getting a commitment this early from a player…one thing is for sure though, I would much rather have this type of recruiting compared to what Tubby did..if we lost out on a recruit during his senior year we were screwed in the past but not so anymore…the days of Shag, Woo, Sheray, Perry classes are over..I appreciate what those guys did for the program, but you can’t contend with those types of classes.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Lets review the facts:
1. He’s a guard, not a PF
2. He and his family sought UK and BCG out, so we can not really say Gillispie is going around trying to rob the cradle, so to speak.
So I don’t think there should be much criticism, considering he hasn’t signed anything and Coach was not running around watching middle school games trying to lock this kid down. He obviously really wants to play for UK and in the long run he might just be a stud for our squad.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Avery plays on a U17 AAU team. He plays with and against kids older than him and he standouts among them.
Great pickup IMO
May 1st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
ok…are you people serious…it was clearly a joke by Matt, thus the “I am not talking to 8th graders about basketball.” Really, I love UK, but this is a satire site that is supposed to make fun of things as well as inform. You people really dont have anything better to do than discuss the possibilities of an 8th grader from Cali. We are having trouble keeping a guy that’s gonna be a Jr. from there so I dont think we should get to hot in the pants for a 16 y/o.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:34 pm
OMG why lord why
May 1st, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Ok guys I found a link p catspause that had him #6 in his class so as I figured Clark is clueless.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:37 pm
We, as UK fans, are not used to this type of recruiting. We have always relied on our Name and Tradition in the past as a recruiting tool in itself. These days, coaches need to be “salesmen” and BCG is doing what all of the other power schools have been doing in the past 10 years and that is to hit
the AAU circuits and get in with these kids (and maybe more importantly, their families) very early. UNC, Kansas, UCLA have been contacting very young players for many years now. UK IS FINALLY RECOGNIZING thatwe cant stand just behind our name anymore–we have to sell a product!
May 1st, 2008 at 3:41 pm
You’ll probably see more and more of this as parents seek to limit the circus type atmosphere and the inordinate amount of distraction that comes from recruitment of these basketball “Wunderkind” by the universities.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:47 pm
80) Earlier this story about Maze having a UT offer mentioned the Ramar Smith news. It then had an edit that said part of the story has been retracted upon request of people affiliated with the situation (presumably UT) and now it makes no mention.
http://www.hoopsreport.com/news/hoopsnews/tennesseeoffersjucopointguar d
May 1st, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Maze must be a bad egg, a dismissal and “withdrawel”….
May 1st, 2008 at 4:02 pm
There’s nothing wrong with this at all. Welcome aboard Michael Avery!
Everybody’s different. Some people would not be right for this. Some would.
The problem I think people have is when they think about an 8th grader they just think about THEIR mindset and experiences when THEY were in the 8th grade in making the judgement. You weren’t 6′4″ 175 playing in select tournys with kids who were older than you then.
For all those people who think it’s messed up, your judgement is limited, your exposed. Go back to your closet and smell your farts for a while or something.
May 1st, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I think you guys are missing the point a little bit. Point is that even if this kid never puts on a UK uniform he has created a buzz that will probably make other kids want to wear a UK uniform. This also shows that BCG has created such a buzz on the national landscape that kids and their parents are actually seeking him out to coach their kids.
May 1st, 2008 at 4:32 pm
It’s safe to say that Gillispie can get the big names!
May 1st, 2008 at 4:39 pm
This Kid and his dad chose Gillispie and Kentucky. There was no pressure put on them. What was Gillispie supposed to say? NO. NO you can’t commit to play ball here Michael. That wouldn’t make any sense at all. Go ahead and get him before some other coach does. I guarantee Thad Matta, or Bruce Pearl would have accepted the committment.
May 1st, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Don’t put much stock on those rankings. The are hardly accurate until they’re Jr. or Sr. and even then the experts disagree with one another. I say, “Way to go Coach!”
May 1st, 2008 at 5:10 pm
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsitytimesinsider/2008/05/eighth-gra der-m.html
May 1st, 2008 at 5:27 pm
http://www.kentuckyink.com/podcast/media/2008-05-01_avery.mp3….Listen to this guy dad he is so pumped about coming to UK…
May 1st, 2008 at 5:53 pm
way to go
May 1st, 2008 at 6:56 pm
What’s with all the fanfare? Didn’t Richie commit to UK in the 8th grade too?I Remember him driving up to the press conference in Manchester in his Chevy Blazer, plus how promising and mature he looked under the circumstances. Til this very day I still wish I could grow as full and robust a mustache as he sported that morning?
May 1st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Great game tonight man. Thanks for putting it together. I even enjoyed the trash talking, and that made the game a heck of a lot more competitive.
I say bring Jared Carter and his turf toe on the barnstorming tour next year.
Looks like Pitino is on his way to Dallas or Miami. You called it Matt