Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
So after we released the name of Matthew Pilgrim here, the flood doors opened and now everyone is saying that Pilgrim will be the next Cat. He is apparently on campus today visiting and the announcement of a transfer may come soon. So who is this young man? Well already talks of a transfer the likes of Derek Anderson are taking place around the UK land, so it might be good to know a little bit about the guy first. After speaking with a couple of people familiar with Pilgrim, here are the three things that seem universally correct.
1. Pilgrim is a talent, once called the “most talented player coached” by the current Hampton coach.
2. Pilgrim has had a series of issues at Hampton due to “attitude issues” and has had a bit of difficulty at his former stop.
3. Pilgrim has the talent to be special, but has yet to show the work ethic to do so.
In addition to the above three factors, Pilgrim is coming off an injury last season that limited his time on the court. He will be a rising Junior after sitting out next year, meaning that he will have two years left beginning in the 2009-2010 season. He has the talent and body to be a good player at Kentucky and has the potential to step in immediately and contribute. His commitment however would mean that the 2009 recruiting may be almost complete, with three scholarships set to Jon Hood, GJ Vilarino and now Matthew Pilgrim.
Bottom line, IF this ends up being the transfer, I like the pickup. But everyone needs to temper expectations….this is a guy with the potential to be a real help to UK and to step up his game. But as the person close to the program told me, “it is a bit of a flyer, but one worth the risk.” I think that sums it up well.
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May 15th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Sounds good to me!
May 15th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
If he is taking up the last 2009 scholly I am not sure that is what we want. I guess I should just wait and see since I have not seen him or any of the 2009 guys that have us on their list. I am sure a lot can change between now and next year as far as who is on the team.
May 15th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I’ll be honest, I hate to see that last “09″ scholly tied up with a questionable problem recruit…
May 15th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Sounds like Carruth. We don’t need another one like that, no matter how talented he is. If he comes to work and not mouth off and show attitude, then we want him. (Assuming he’s as good as he’s being portrayed.) Again, I don’t know that much about him. All I know is the little bit I found out when I Googled him.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
This is insane, how can we get this guy when all these big-time recruits are looking at UK?
John Wall or Matthew Pilgrim? There’s gotta be more to this…
May 15th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I read an article a while back where Coach was asked about scholarships, he basically stated that he didn’t worry about that, if there were mutual interests between the school and a prospect that we could always find a scholarship.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Hmm, as I feared, possible attitude problems. I guess we’ll see if they’re just part of his personality, or a product of the environment he was in there.
As for schollies…don’t worry folks. Next year, when we make the Final Four, Patterson will leave as a lottery pick and Galloway will go as well, as I recall someone saying he hopes to make the NBA ASAP. Then we’ll have 2 more schollies.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Just doesn’t sound like the typical Gillispie recruit that we hear about. All of the ones we have heard Gillispie going after seem to have a similar trait “work ethic”. Now they say this guy doesn’t have work ethic? Is this a Gillispie player?
May 15th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Why is it so hard for everyone to trust the coach’s judgement? I guess it just second nature, but if BG sees something in him, then I have to believe he is worth the risk…and the scholarship.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
#9-
Has BCG said anything about him? I don’t know. Just asking…..
May 15th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
If anybody wants to meet Payne in person I know where to find him every Tuesday night around 7:00 in Lexington lol.
truBLU@yahoo.com
May 15th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
He’ll have to practice an entire year under Gillispie. As we know, he takes practice as seriously (or more) than games. I’m sure if he has an attitude it will either get fixed OR we’ll boot him and get an 09 freshman. I think it is a very well calculated risk.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
10) If he accepts him as a transfer, I think we can safely assume Coach will have talked to him.
All still speculation at this point, I think.
Hey Matt…you should beat the newspapers to the punch and use the headline, “Pilgrim heading to basketball mecca?” You’ll leave them scrambling for other clever puns.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
13-
Thanks
May 15th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
10) I haven’t heard anything from BG, but I have to assume that he is familiar with Pilgrim if he has supposedly offered him the last scholarship for ‘09. I doubt that he offers players that he knows little to nothing about (the 8th grader not withstanding).
May 15th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
He was a Fresh at Hampton this year….why does he only have 2 years left after sitting out 2008?
May 15th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Let’s hope this Pilgrim isn’t a turkey…we’d hate to have to send him back in a Mayflower moving truck.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
16 - He was a soph
May 15th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I would love to meet myself in person. Where would that be? I don’t think I’ll make it there this week though since I live in Wisconsin.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Why in the WORLD do we want to use up our last 09 scholly on some kid from Hampton? My Gosh, I think 95% of Big Blue Nation would like for UK to rescind one of the two verbals we have already, and UK is thinking of burning their last one?
Do the words Jon Wall, Daniel Orton, Favors, Silva, Kemp mean anything? We have a shot at two more 5 Star players in 09 and we burn them on a 3 star non-150 PG and possibly on a troublemaker from a very low D-1 school?
May 15th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/matthewpilgrim.html
Good info here.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
20, thats what I am saying! How come no one else is wondering about this??
May 15th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
From the looks of the picture, it seems as if a certain guard would like to set up the offense. Obviously, the guy is not a team player. Maybe, I am reading a little too much into it though. By the way, I am kidding.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
20) I bet a dollar to a donut that Vilarino wavers on his commitment.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
20 and 22, because we trust coaches judgement on offering this kid. Has anything he has done so far made you think he that stupid to take kids he doesnt think fit his system?
May 15th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
22- I said that you guys shouldn’t get all misty eyed and was roundly booed off the stage so to speak. Since I am not a “fan” none of what I say can possibly be anywhere close to reality. Maybe no one else is concerned because they are more realistic than you and I (and 3 fan and claw and etc.)?
May 15th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
20) & 22)Maybe no one else is coming unglued because we are not talent scouts, recruiters, or coaches in the NCAA–I trust BG’s judgement over any yokels on this site.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
20 & 22…I was wondering that too. I believe GJ will have a good year next year, and move up in the ranks and give us fans more confidence. But I don’t love the idea rather it be our last scholly or not. If Hopson’s D and work ethic was not worth 110% recruiting effort, then how is this guy even worth a visit.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I think everyone is making a big deal out of this attitude thing. I mean, I’d have an attitude to if I had to play for Hampton and was good enough to take a recruiting visit to Kentucky.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I’m sure if there is another 5 star recruit that wants to play at UK a scholly will become available…it will work itself out
May 15th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
2) EVERYONE needs to quit worrying about scholarships! WE HAVE THEM! Don’t know how many times this has to be posted… Ramel, Joe, Jasper, Williams leave (ever present Carter ?) and Coury becomes a walk on while Porter moves to academic scholarship. Those moves open up 6 scholarships for next year. Assuming our 2008 recruiting is done that would leave 4 for 2009. Hood, GJ, Pilgrims and ____________.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Folks, The NBA report from feb of LAST year says this guy can be scary good and gives him an 8 on the NBA potential scale. UK maybe only has two other guys that could have a similar type potential review. If anyone can get it out of him, Coach can. Coach doesn’t take crap and this is probably this guy’s last chance… And its a heck of a chance. he is probably very motivated himself, or he would still be at a mid major or D II.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
13–”Pilgrim Lands On Basketball Rock”
May 15th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I’m thinking that maybe GJ Vilarino does an Adam Williams and goes to IMG or somewhere like that. Opening a scholly. Something tells me that Vilarino may never make the UK campus.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
29 - Out of 2 BCG recruits that have played for him ay UK (PPAT, Legions) one left because of an attitude problem with the coach. He is not a coach that will put up with attitude, or at least does not appear to be. So, he comes in next year, things don’t work out and he leaves, total waste of scholarship in my mind.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
27.) 25.) I think that some people on this site are way too obsessedv….I hope the kid turns out to be a stud, but I def. think that everyone on here is right to be concerned about this pick-up right now. As a matter of fact I would go so far as to say that if you are not concerned that this may be our last 09 scholarship, and may keep us from Wall, Kemp, Favors, Sidney, Orton, Williams, Johnson etc. then you need to wake up. I hope the guy turns out great but right now it all seems a little weird to me.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
It’s not I don’t trust BCG.. the fact is that if he is going after this guy with one scholarship, what does that say about our chances with the 5* players? The staff has worked too hard to pass them up for a transfer, so what’s up? I mean, they have been after John Wall for over a year now. There must be something else going on…
May 15th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
36) Maybe I need to wake up…OR maybe some people should not let their lives revolve around decisions made by 17 & 18 yr old kids that are beyond our control.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Until a BCG scholarship recruit turns out to be a dud (and I’m not talking about someone who transfers, I’m talking about someone who takes up space on the bench)…
then you can’t criticize anyone he takes based on a bad assessment. Sure BCG will some day take a chance on a kid that doesn’t pan out, but, THINK ABOUT HOW LONG TUBBY GOT AWAY WITH THAT.
My god, even Pitino took some whiffs…
Can you say Oliver Simmons?
May 15th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
33) Good, but I just figured out a way to beat it.
Pilgrim-Age begins at Kentucky.
35) Legion was accepted, I think, in part because BCG knew he wasn’t walking into a stocked shelf situation, and Legion was a Parade All-American. Now, once he got here, it became obvious they weren’t going to get along, so like you say, that ended. Still, I think Gillispie is more likely to take fliers on talent-with-attitude than Tubby, though.
36) I expect Gillispie is aware of where he stands with most of those people, and while he strikes me as a “Bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush” type, I doubt he’ll take lesser talent if he is confident in getting better talent. And coming to Kentucky, the man is not lacking in confidence.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
38.) Hmmmmm Im not sure that I follow you, b/c that really has nothing to do with what I said.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Number of commits that have actually signed: 0
If I were Coach, I wouldn’t be taking anything for granted either. Not having a back up plan to the backup plan is what got us in this mess to begin with.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
35.) I do not see how this could be a problem. If he does not fix his attitude he would be gone before the 2009 season and we would get the scholarship back.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
38) No one’s life is revolving around it. We just take our basketball hobby more seriously than most fans. I believe that’s a large part of the reason UK has always been attractive to players, and a large part of the reason our current coach is here.
While it sometimes gets cartoonish, and can even put off some players, the passion of this fanbase is a plus.
39) Yup. And while Jared is still with us and will hopefully contribute some next year, BCG has already shown that he is comfortable encouraging unproductive kids to leave, as is happening with Williams. Something, I might add, many here were calling for before the season even started. It’s a little ruthless, but UK is supposed to be the peak of the sport at this level, so if you come here, you are expected to be the best, else you go somewhere else to be with the rest. Again, ruthless, but part of the appeal and tradition of powerhouses.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
You mean you aren’t one of the shockers that go to B dubs every Tues night? Used to be though right?
May 15th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
^^^^Meant for Payne
May 15th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
If he is a problem and leaves so what we get his scholly back for next year. That is better than giving it to some no talent prospect who sits the bench for four years. If he does stay he will be a NBA talent with three years worth of college practices under his belt and two years left. As for schollies for next year I hope PPat goes pro. If PPat doesn’t go pro next year something bad has happened. And who knows what else. 5 stars don’t worry about how many schollies a school has left. I bet if you asked John Wall was to play a pickup game this summer Pilgram would encourage a lot more intrest in our program than say Maurice Sutton. 5 stars want to play with other great athletes.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
#43 halfcourtshots - Good point. But is that accurate?
Pilgrim would be able to practice all next season while attending school at UK (any attitude issues would be exposed/corrected then). Since he won’t be taking up a scholarship in 2008-2009 since he’s a transfer, how would his school be paid for?
How is his school paid for in 2008-2009 and by what mechanism (where does the money come from) if we could just toss him before the 2009 season because he didn’t work out?
May 15th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I don’t think 2 Pat will be close enough to graduate to leave after next year. The Pats are pretty serious about getting a degree. I think he’s gone after his Jr year no matter what happens next year. Are people also considering that Carter is actually a Sr next year?
May 15th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I’m all for anyone BCG wants to bring aboard but have to confess that this is the first recruiting decision that really baffles me. Apart from the intangibles, the production at a relatively small school has been modest. His natural talent must be significant for BCG to be willing to allocate a scarce ride to him.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
2009/2010 Scholarships:
1. Liggins 2. Miller 3. Harrelson 4. Galloway 5. PPAT 6. Harris 7. Meeks 8. Porter 9. Stevenson 10. Stewart 11. Hood 12. Vilarino
That leaves 1 available scholarship if Hood and GJ sign, and nobody else leaves.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Or he comes in. Graduates. Goes in the Lottery.
Total benefit to UK and Gillispie recruiting.
Until G starts pulling a Tubby, I’m going to take a wait and see approach. Heshimu Evans was a great player for UK.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
He should have DJ’s scholarship for next year.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
41)Hmmmmm…ok, how does what I said not relate to your post? You said that if someone is not concerned about the last 09 scholarship that could keep us from getting Wall, Kemp, etc then they need to wake up. My response was that people need to quit freaking out about whether 17-18 yr old kids (ie Wall, Kemp, etc) choose UK, b/c you or I have no idea what they are really thinking when it comes down to picking a school. Add that to the fact that NO ONE knows how many scholarships we’ll have in ‘09, and you have all these fans getting worked up over pure speculation.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Yeh this means that DJ is gone fo sho
May 15th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Thanks 51..
May 15th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
While I admit my reservations on this recruit I won’t second guess Billy G. until he wins a championship and then rolls off 6 or 7 mediocre seasons… lol..
May 15th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
54.) Thank you for your attempt at clearing it, but seriously that has nothing to do with what I was saying. I never mentioned freaking out about 09 recruits, I just said that people are right to be a little concerned about possibly losing a top incoming freshman b/c of a mid-major transfer that will be a junior. But now that you mention it your right, why bother with 17-18 year old kids, we dont know where they are going to commit to so why even recruit them right????
May 15th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
57.) Thats not necessary ….. plus I would like for you to define mediocre
May 15th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Never thought good natured sarcasm needed explanation
May 15th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
hog shit
May 15th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
If anyone on here freaking out about the possibility of Coach Gillispie taking Pilgrim knew jack squat about running or recruiting for a college basketball program I might take their concerns seriously.
Since they don’t, in Gillispie we trust!
May 15th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I seem to recall most people on here think that Joe Crawford had an attitude problem pre-BCG. You didn’t think so after one year. This kid has the skills and potential to be a stud for UK and an NBA player. He’ll realize that potential and flourish under BCG and he gets a whole year to adapt and learn.
For all those that wished Joe and Ramel had 1 more year under BCG, you should be pumped for him. For those who say, “He went to Hampton, he must suck,” think of all the mid-major talent we’ve watched and wondered how they slipped through the cracks. Quit whining and trust in BCG.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
62) Amen!
May 15th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
63 - how do you know he has the skills, work ethic and desire to become a study? Becuase you read the NBA draft link? I think he could turn out to be a player, but when you are recruiting to KY you don’t have to take as many “chances”, and to me, he reads “as a chance” to me.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
62,63,64) Amen!
May 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
*stud not study
“because
May 15th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
65) Somebody has to be a backup player. Why not take a chance?
May 15th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
It really seems like all this guy needs to develop is some consistency. After seeing what BCG did to Perry Stevenson/Joe Crawford/Ramel Bradley last year, I’m not at all worried that he can be a contributor to this team.
May 15th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
I know that the Michael Avery hullabaloo has passed but a guy posted this on my blog today. Thought some of you might be interested. Again….THIS IS NOT ME>>>
“i’ve seen this kid play for a few years…. Gillespie bought a lemon and even in 4yrs will not produce lemonade… overzealous dad trying to “live the dream”…. it worked, he’s been quoted in SI, LA times, Yahoo sports….. in all seriousness, the kid may still have some physical growth coming (6′6? 6′8?) but his game is nowhere near D1 level prospect — not to mention he’s soft, gets frustrated when he doesn’t get the ball , so he trudges back on D…. no matter, even if he sprints back…he can’t guard anyone”
May 15th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
70) If he turns out to be a complete and unsalvagable dud by the start or end of his junior year, my guess is Gillispie calls them up and says, “You can still come here, but you won’t see very much from the end of the bench”, and then the kid goes on to a school where he can actually play. It looks a little bad, probably, but a lot would also depend on who else was coming in and how the last couple seasons have gone for us.
Yes, Gillispie has promised we will honor the early commits, but that doesn’t mean the situation won’t change. Up until a LOI is signed, it’s very negotiable.
And that’s only if the kid turns out to be a complete dud.
May 15th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
65) Outside of the top 15 players in each class, everyone is a “chance” and plenty of the time some in the top 15 don’t work out. Nothing’s guaranteed. And, until UK and BCG consistently win, get back to the top (which they will), and put guys in the NBA, then we will continue to have to “take chances”. I trust BCG’s judgement in the calculated chances he takes. Contrary to what some of us armchair recruiters and scouts may think, no one wants the best talent more than BCG and staff and no one has a better pulse on the program than them.
As for how I know about the kid, I respect a few people’s internet analysis but I really respect a friend of mine’s analysis who was a former D1 All-American and now in the sports agent business and he says he’s got all the tools but needs the right coaches and right challenges — both of which I think he’ll find at UK.
May 15th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Look at 51…Porter goes academic, Vilarino aint coming…leaves 3 spots to sign studs. Give me a break guys quit the worrying. that roster right there with three 4 and 5 star recruits added are just what the he!! we have been asking for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I promise its going to be just fine…take some chill pills
May 15th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
besides next year isn’t going to be nat champ material…so what…I give us good odds of SEC season or SEC tourney title and good NCAA run. and whats wrong with that in coach’s 2nd year? With then next year to be VERY promising. we are coming back fellas
May 15th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
one more thing…we have teams coming in that will stop this Fla and Tenn nonsense in OUR conference. sorry havent posted much but these are things we should realize that are happening
May 15th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Do y’all think it’s possible that if our recent young commitments don’t develop into high D1 prospects they’d de-commit knowing they wouldn’t touch the floor in 4 years if they came. Or do you think they’d still come and think “who cares, it’s UK and it’s a free ride…hell yeah” I know I’d rather play, but I’m curious to hear what y’all think…
May 15th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
73- I don’t believe you can move a kid to academics if they were recruited as a scholarship athlete. Pretty sure.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
76) It will be up to them. I am sure coach will revisit with each recruit as they get closer to G day. He won’t tell them they can’t come, but he may have to tell them they have a lot of ground to make up if they want to play.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
72 - So what you are saying is that the risk of taking a player who averaged 7 points and 5 rebounds a game in a weak conference, is the same amount of risk as any player ranked 16 - 20, for example? Would you rather have this guy or Jon Hood, or is Hood the same amount of a “chance” player as this guy.
I think this guy can develop and become a good player under BCG, but so can top 25 players and players that appear in no way to have attitude problems.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Porter’s here on scholly two more years as long as Porter wants to be a Cat. And there is nothing wrong with that. The kid has done nothing to be demoted. He may even surprise some folks before he leaves. He’s always been a guy that needed time to mature.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
79.
And what qualifies you to evaluate talent? Did you even stop to consider that Pilgrim was injured or recovering from an injury for most of the last year before you started spouting his averages from that season as a reason to not want him on the team? Do you have any idea what you are talking about?
I didn’t think so. Shut up.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Uk is the perfect place for this young man if he intended to get the most out of what talent he has. Apparently he needs work on his effort/attitude, and quite simply, BCG will either bring the effort/attitude out of him, or he will not be here long.
A young man with his reputation, the only way he would even consider coming to UK, is if he knows he needs strong leadership and development in this area. If he wants it, BCG will give it to him.
He sound as if he could be a really good addition.
With his size, which is very similar to PP, and skill set, he sounds like a kid that could be a PF, but also SF. He sounds like a really versatile individual.
Next year he will set out, practice with the team, learn the system, work on his game, beef up himself in the classroom, and then be a junior the following year with Harrelson.
You never really know, but this sounds like a big win for both he and UK!
May 15th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
79 - I’d rather have the guy who is ready to commit and get on board than possibly be stuck sitting on our thumbs. It’s a bonus that he’ll get a year to learn and adapt. Hood is already on board, the other guys aren’t and, regardless of Pilgrim, in the end may never end up being on board (see recent years).
From what I’ve been told, people are getting a little overboard on the “attitude problem.” Much of it stems from lack of challenge and boredom. It happens in all aspects of life for all kinds of people whether in school or work. It won’t be a problem for him at UK or the SEC and if it is, BCG will show him the door before he gets a chance to suit up.
May 15th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Porter should not be on a scholly for next year. He should get his grades up so he can go academic scholly or whatever. Whatever the case may be he should not be on Scholly. I say offer Pilgrim, take Porter off Scholly and give it to Jon Wall, Favors, Sidney or whatever other player comes along. I don’t think coach G will quit recruiting in the ‘09 class so obviously he has something up his sleeve.
May 15th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
This kid sounds like one of those mid-major guys that end up starring in the NBA. Like a Michael Finley, The real strong kid from Utah along with many other players. After reading his NBA scouting profile I think this kid could be a great addition. I hope we get him.
May 15th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
# 83 nybrasky - Glad to know you sit on your thumb when we have empty scholarships.
Are you related to payne?
May 15th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
84- See #77, Can anyone back me up on this being fact? Or am I just dreaming this?
May 15th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
#87 - I’ve never heard that but I don’t any supporting evidence. Technically, why would a rule have been established to prevent that? If a kid in a program earns academic honor, he should be able to take advantage of it. Also, if the NCAA doubts the grades and the classes a kid achieved that honor in, then the whole system is going down.
#84 - Notwithstanding injury or transfer, Porter is truely going to provide critical relief minutes for us over the next 2 years. I hope you and anyone else who wants to call him out will be ready to eat their words after the next 2 seasons.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
#87 I honestly can’t stand the topic of how many scholarships we have. I thought that scholarships were a yearly commitment. I may be wrong. The topic has been discussed several times on this board. I wouldn’t count on G.J. not coming. He had a down year this year, but he very well could light it up in his senior year. I think he would be exactly what we need at point if we can’t pull in Wall. He would provide a back up for either Galloway or Liggins and would be a speedy small point that could get out on the break with the dribble. Liggins and Galloway are more big defensive guards who can really pass, but aren’t speedy guys.
#87 Trust me I would like nothing more than to eat my words about Porter. I just see him as more of a 2 who can come in and knock down threes. I just don’t believe he has the quickness and ball handling ability to run the point. IMO he does not have the talent to be on a Athletic Scholarship to play ball for us. Again I am not sure of the rules, but I believe he could go to an Academic Scholly if his grades are up. I have heard stories of other teams where guys have been taken off of scholly’s to provide one for another player. Like I said I think it is a year to year commitment. The team would be better served with Porter off scholarship to make way for Pilgrim and possibly another incoming freshman that can come in and make a difference right away like Wall or Favors. Beyond those two guys and maybe a few more I would keep Porter on Scholly.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I’m okay with attitude issues if he doesn’t have a crazy mom to go with it.