Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Plenty of time for this now?
Our fearless KSR leader is on the road tonight so, once again, I’ll be doing my best to fill in for him and get the day started off on the right foot. I’m sure you’re all excited about the two-hour season finale of Lost tonight and your attention span is pretty short at this point, so let’s just jump on into things.
- I spoke with Matt tonight and he said that, according to his source close to the situation, Derrick Jasper expects to officially get his release from Kentucky today. As a big Jasper fan myself, it’s a little bittersweet knowing that a guy who, in my opinion, was very responsible for the turnaround in last season’s fortune does not want to continue his career in a Kentucky uniform. But, with that being said, I think the word “thrilled” would be a severe understatement when trying to explain my feelings that this situation is coming to an end. In case you’re keeping track at home, it’s been 41 days of “any news on Jasper?” and speculating on who will be filling in for Ramel Bradley should Jasper choose to leave.
Now, with this news, the eyes of the Big Blue Nation anxiously turn toward the most hyped standardized test in recent memory. If DeAndre Liggins doesn’t achieve the needed score on his final attempt next month, then you’re looking at a point position that takes a massive hit in quality from last year’s squad. JUCO transfer Kevin Galloway and a (hopefully) older and wiser Michael Porter provide the great unknown at the position and, even if you’re supremely optimistic, you can’t expect them to provide the type of experienced play or offensive upside that Ramel Bradley gave the Cats. Kentucky needs DeAndre Liggins. And they need him bad. If he doesn’t make the score, then I think Hunter McClintock - or another ball-handler - becomes an absolute must if for no other reason than to have another body to use against the pressure defenses in the SEC. This is now the biggest story on the Kentucky basketball front.
- Though it’s not really much of a surprise, Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson will not be heading to UK. Johnson, a 6′7″ forward who averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds last year as a sophomore, was granted his release today by the Cyclones under the condition that he transfer to one of the schools agreed upon. Those schools are Arkansas, Connecticut, Marquette, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Villanova and West Virginia.
- The NBA Pre-Draft Camp got underway today in Orlando and Joe Crawford came out strong as he tried to assure himself of a spot on an NBA roster next year. Crawford’s 19 points were the most scored on the day, which featured three games in addition to morning drill work. Crawford was unstoppable off of the dribble and knocked down 2 out of 3 three-point shots in his team’s 90-85 loss. Ramel Bradley’s team also lost and Smooth struggled as part of a three point guard rotation with Gonzaga’s Jeremy Pargo and WKU’s Tyrone Brazelton, finishing with 3 points and 3 turnovers. The camp continues today and can be seen starting at 2 p.m. on ESPNU.
- Some interesting news out of the SEC spring meetings in Destin. The SEC football coaches voted 9-3 to add an early signing day, which would come during the week of Thanksgiving. This was a complete reverse of the vote at last year’s meeting that shot down the early signing day by the exact same margin. The coaches voting in favor of the rule change (including Rich Brooks) want to add the earlier date to allow for prospects to sign, ending what Phil Fulmer called “babysitting” of committed prospects. The recommendation will now go before the university presidents and athletic directors of the SEC schools, who will then decide whether or not to endorse it at the national level. The coaches that voted against it were Bobby Petrino, Urban Meyer and Steve Spurrier or, as I like to call them, “Menage a Douche”.
- It was too little, too late for the Pistons tonight as the Celtics took a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. Rajon Rondo had a rough night from the field, shooting 3-14, but his 13 assists helped the C’s get the crucial home victory. It really pains me to say it, but Tayshaun Prince was again basically M.I.A. with 8 points, 4 boards and 5 assists. In the last three games, he’s averaging 6 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists in about 38 minutes to play and, while you can attribute it to some stellar defense, it seems as if Prince just isn’t picking his spots like he usually does. If the Pistons are going to turn it around, you have to think that the X-factor has to step up his game.
Sorry, Tayshaun. I still love you. That last paragraph hurts me more than it hurts you.
- We’ll have more throughout the day as things develop and we inch ourselves toward that fine ABC programming.
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May 29th, 2008 at 12:41 am
first.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Thanks for the update, I thought Lost was over a couple of weeks ago.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Hunter McClintock is going to prep school, he has already decided, so he would be no help for next season.
Now in 09 he might be an option but we would have 3 PGs in the 09 season (Galloway GJ Porter) with KC Ross and probably another guard coming in 2010
But Hunter McClintock is going to prep school and will be a part of the 09 class.
May 29th, 2008 at 1:28 am
3- Where did you find that? Does he still want to play for UK?
May 29th, 2008 at 1:46 am
#4 I have no idea how interested Hunter is in UK and UK in him. I have heard him say in interviews it be hard to turn down an offer from a place like Kentucky. But I do not know how much interest there is from the UK side of things right now. I do know they probably haven’t really evaluated him but he will attend UK elite camp this summer.
He has said in interviews that he is going to prep school. I’ll try to find the name of the school for you.
But if it is true that Jasper is not coming back, and UK likes what they see from Hunter at the elite camp, I bet money there will be some talk about him coming straight to Kentucky and being a part of the 08 class. If Liggins doesn’t qualify I bet you can almost be for certain that UK will offer at the Elite camp for 08 only. Which means that they will take him right then if he comes for the 08 season and if not, there is no offer as of then (which still doesn’t mean there won’t be one down the road).
There are still some PG options for 08 out there. Probably don’t need to get into in now bc things could happen if word got out. example - Wesley Johnson, word got out that UK was interested and he in UK, Iowa state coaches for some reason think UK had contacted Johnson without permission, so therefore they didn’t release him with UK as an option.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:20 am
Who is the Lucky Pierre in that Menage a Douche?
May 29th, 2008 at 2:27 am
Finally some UK Hoops material:) Furthermore, Matt I think you need to implement something on the page. I would like to see a KSR “Babe of the Day” somewhere on the page especially for this time of year when UK hoops is in hibernation. If you do this, YOU MUST start out with none other than our little doll baby Ashley Judd:)
May 29th, 2008 at 6:03 am
Dont let the door hit you on the ass Jasper!
May 29th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Say it isn’t so! Even if DJ leaves I will refuse to believe it!!! Just teasing, though it will never make since to me that he throws away a great opportunity at UK. Best wishes to DJ, but just like Pitino he will eventually regret this day.
There is no grass greener than the Bluegrass!
May 29th, 2008 at 7:17 am
7. I second that idea!!!
May 29th, 2008 at 7:26 am
5, McClintock is an 08 recruit. The only way he would go to prep school is if he didnt get an offer. UK is only interested him as a late minute 2008 player.
What are the other point guard options out there that you mentioned?
Could you please provide a source for your conspiracy theory? Even Oliver Stone is skeptical of that one.
May 29th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Also, gotta love Woo rocking the ’stache in the top left of that pic.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Sucks. Hope Liggins has a tutor or something.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:23 am
there has to be some way liggins can pass one of the two tests remaining. i mean 80% of the people on this board, including myself, were masters of disguise in cheating! we need to do some collective research on ways to beat the system! ill buy the beer
May 29th, 2008 at 8:27 am
oh yea, anyone else think the daniel orton guy from yesterday has a carbon copy of kendrick perkins’ game? i say in terms of size, energy, and style. ill take that shiznit anyday
May 29th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Can we get Sean Sutton to take the exam with Liggins?
May 29th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Please let the Pistons come back and win!
May 29th, 2008 at 8:59 am
We will be fine without DJ…gonna miss him, he’s a class act. But with Galloway and Meeks at guard and “My Three Sons” in the frontcourt PatterSON, StevenSON and HarrellSON we’ve got a decent team. Also, Galloway is capable of putting the ball in the basket. He averaged 17 a game in high school and scored 34 in one game.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:13 am
#18 The “My Three Sons” reference is freakin money. I love coming up with team catch phrases and nicknames. Back a few seasons ago I was going to make t-shirts that read: Azebuike & Fitch.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:33 am
who says we need a pg anyways
May 29th, 2008 at 9:35 am
I agree with 7!
May 29th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Hey #8, why don’t you become a Tar Heel fan you ungrateful SOB.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:53 am
#20 you’re right, who needs point guards… or scorers for that matter. BCG can do it with great D by Harris…(sarcasm)
maybe he’ll surprise us all and make Meeks into a D. Wade type that keeps the ball in his hand and stops settling for jumpers.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:56 am
#18, that is an awesome catch phrase, but are telling your age with reference to “My Three Sons”. I loved that show. Uncle Charley was cool.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:56 am
demling is reporting that Zollo is transferring to Clark County to play ball!!!! Pretty big news! I think his mom said that he would play ball in kentucky next year, but the school was still up in the air, but I guess reports are that it will be Clark County…
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/blog.html
May 29th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Menage a douche. AWESOME! Pooptooth awesome.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Guys, if it is true that Jasper is transferring to follow his girlfriend then that will be his biggest regret. Trust me when I say this to all the fellas on this board, never follow a woman. Have her follow you. You will be much happier for it.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Did you all know that in the offseason last year they worked Meeks out at PG? If Jasper does leave and Liggins can’t qualify, don’t be surprised when Meeks is (one of, if not) our primary ball handler(s).
May 29th, 2008 at 10:12 am
24) I’d like to see the quotes where DJ said that. He’s a KID that wants to be closer to home and he’s had to go through a coaching change which is not easy for everyone. Just be thankful that we had him for 2 years and wish him well.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:35 am
DJ just about killed himself for UK last year. I wish him the best.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I can’t understand anyone saying anything negative about Jasper. He deserves our respect for how he played last year and we will miss him. Good Luck Jasper.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I wish Jasper all the best at UNLV or where ever he decides to go to; it is our lost and their gain.
Big disapointment that he will not finish his college career at UK, but I do appreciate the two years he gave to the program.
As for the point next season, no question the loss of Jasper is a hard hit, and if Liggins too is not at UK, that leaves UK thin at PG. In truth, Porter is more of a SG, or maybe a combo guard. Galloway, its a great opportunity for him, and I suspect he will do well, still, UK really needs to add another PG.
Now, if Liggins makes it, that changes things a lot… But, still, small, fast guards may potentially create problems for UK.
So, personally, with or without Liggins, I feel UK needs a smaller, quick, point guard for 2008.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I wish DJ good luck. Maybe his girlfriend will nurse him back to good health.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I will miss everything about DJ but his 45% FT percenatge. This is “Tubby leaving fallout” IMO.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Wonder why Wesley gets ARKANSAS and a litany of Big East schools???
May 29th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
God, I’m glad this Jasper business is finally almost over. This crap got leaked waaaaay early. It’s been nothing but annoying but annoying for the last month.
#18……you’ve been dying to bust that one out for a while, huh?
May 29th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Hate to be the first to point out that we could have had Jai Lucas as our starting PG in 08, but as loaded at point as we were last year, it makes sense he didnt come. Hindsight is always 20-20 though, and he would have been HUGE for UK this year.
Let all just hope Liggins overcomes his LD and passes the test and can make it to campus! Not only for the bball team, but for him as a young person.
May 29th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
DJ has been getting better but really he couldn’t hit the right side of a barn if his life depended on it.
Sorry but it is the truth and every one knows it including him.