Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
Not even a month after the NABC requested that coaches not extend offers to kids until just before their junior year, Billy Donovan has wrapped up a commitment from a rising high school sophomore. Austin Rivers is not just any high schooler, however. He is the brother of recent Georgetown transfer Jeremiah Rivers and the son to Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers.
There are a couple of ways to look at this story, and to denigrate Billy D. would be highly hypocritical on my part. However, something has to be said for a man that absolutely shuns the suggestions of the NABC. Especially if that man is widely considered one of the nation’s top coaches.
However, the same arguments shall be waged by the Florida faithful that we voiced a few months ago. How much was this decision based on Donovan’s recruiting? How actively did he pursue Rivers? Did he press for a verbal? We don’t really know these things. What we do know, however, is that Rivers has been tearing up the AAU circuit and had a solid freshman season. Furthermore, this certainly cannot be blamed on faulty advising. Rivers has an older brother who has been through the recruiting process, and a father who has been in the game since his playing days at Marquette. Perhaps this is the case of a kid knowing where he wants to play, and ending the process before it begins.
Thus, where does this move fall? Is it Donovan defiantly turning a deaf ear to fellow coaches and doing whatever he pleases? Is it further signs that the recruiting process is evolving? Or, is it an isolated incident that had more to do with a kid’s eagerness to sign than a coach’s eagerness to wrap up a star?
At the very least, this makes Donovan look bad.
Winter Park’s Rivers, son of Doc Rivers, commits to Gators (Orlando Sentinel)
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
B Donovan is a joke. He’s such a wuss.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
It’s mutiny! Mutiny, I say!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
if he is such a joke, why in the hell
did KY want him
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
# 3.. it was all a conspiracy.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
dont think so #4, if he was there, you would be
kissing his ass on that recruit
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Actually its not recruiting this kid that makes him look bad, its the haircut.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
someone get billy g another beer please
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Bad move on BD’s part. But in all honesty, BCG did this, it would be on ESPN already.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
well we got him get over it. you guys think you
got orton. What I am hearing he is not going to UK and that
is a fact
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
This is Donovan’s prototype recruit. A rich kid with a strong chance of staying an extra year or two because he doesn’t need the money. It worked out fantastically with Horford, Noah and Green. Not going to lie to you, it is smart. Too bad we missed on this kid.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
think you #10, dont hate, you all know if
billy g got this kid you would love him. especially
#6, he sounds like if billy had a nice haircut he might be
interested in the man.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
If I had to cheer for Noah (NCs and all) I would have switched teams. I love UK, but I can’t stand spoiled, whiney rats.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
# 12 you sound real dumb, if you had noah and guys
that played with that passion, you guys would have another
championship hanging up. you need players like that.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Just goes to prove, people was scared of UK. UK was making serious noise on the recruiting trail, they tried to find a way to stop it, but now other coaches are doing the same thing…or should I say, have always been doing the same thing. Not even right.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
in all honesty, I hate Noah. But had he played for UT, I’d loved him. Same with with people like Magloire. Hated him. Would have loved him if he were a Vol. I think many felt the same way about Ron Slay. He talked alot, but was loved by UT fans and most all SEC players. He went 110% all the time and was a good, vocal floor leader.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
13 – passionate players, I agree with, but I couldn’t stand him. Taunting all the time, chest pounding, always whining and BD did nothing about it. BD should have watched Coach Carter….”do you seen that knot…I tied that ish…I did….I tied that ish”
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
think you #15, morris was one of the those guys
who I hated to watch. He would get a dunk and
act liked nothing happened. Hell with that go crazy and let
the other team know you just dunked on them.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I guess its safe to say that Billy G has more integrity than Billy D. Something was asked of the coaches and Billy G has complied…knowing UK is going to be ruling the SEC again, Billy D is out there breaking suggestions cuz he knows the Florida program will go back to the way it once was. I find it amusing and sad that he cannot even comply with what is asked from them. And people want to give Billy G a hard time? At least he doesnt abandon his school for the pros and then think, oh wait and go back. Traitor Billy D. If this doesnt explode on ESPN, I’d be raising hell if I was Billy G. Oh well, everything just goes to show people are getting scared of the where UK is headed again.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I actually am glad BD did this. I thought the NABC (uh Tubby and the boys) were attempting to limit what is a freedom any kid has, which is to declare what college they will attend whenever they want to do so. Of course all the politically correct crowd jumped on Tubby’s bandwagon. I am not glad Florida got this kid but I am glad they shunned the idiotic declaration.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
So it’s a fact that Oton is not going to UK. What’s you source there getAlife?
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
gators4life you will get more respect if you come on here make your points without doing things like comment #7. That is not even a topic of discussion. THe thread is about Donovan getting a sophomore recruit. Trying to stir it up by saying something stupid like that does not help your argument. You usually make good points but saying something like #7 makes your good points meaningless. For example I agree with your #13 post so try not fall into the trap of arguing with childish responses.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
listen to yourself, #18 you just might be the biggest
hypocrite I have ever heard. There is a guy named
rick pitino that once left for the nba, and you guys would take him
back in a heart beat.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
^Orton^
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
thanks #21, I will make my points and not fire back and the
special people that know nothing about basketball
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I do not know why I bothered to try
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
24) Are you special?
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Why are there so many gaytors and volunqueers on this site?
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Not a big deal its just how recruiting works now. The NABC can make all the suggestions they want, but unless the NCAA makes a rule coaches will not tell a prospect he can’t commit if he wants to. O and you don’t have a clue what Orton is going to do and neither so give it up.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
neither do I*
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Gators, just so you know I did want Donovan and I loved Pitino but now I would not take either of them. This past season they both did things that made me lose some respect. They threw their players under the bus instead of taking the responsibility that a coach should take for his players. Every bad game UK had this year(yes there were a lot), Gillispie took full responsibility for the losses and every good game he credited the players. That is what a coach should do so he earned some respect from me. Donovan did exactly the opposite.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I get on here because there are some interesting articles on
this website and I enjoy reading them
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Marshall just accepted a ’11 commitment too.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I am not talking about Pitino am I? And no I dont think I would want him back…Louisville isnt doing anything. At least he was actually gone for awhile…not like a two day thing like Donovan did. Besides, Billy G is the new Pitino and I am excited that him. There is no denying he runs a good program…look what he did at his old schools. Only thing Pitino has been doing is kicking guys off his team. So gators4life, dont speak for me when you dont know what you are talking about.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
If he is such a bad coach why does kids keep signing with
him. Go figure it out special
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Like this article about your Eddie Munster cheating ass coach.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I couldn’t agree more 30..i gained tons of respect for Billy this year because of that!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Hot off the Presses. UL loses 22nd player since the end of last season. Courier Journal reports:
University of Louisville junior wide receiver JaJuan Spillman, who was suspended last year after an arrest
for DUI and marijuana possession, was arrested again early this morning on similar charges.
Spillman, 21, was arrested at 12:08 a.m. today and charged with driving under the influence, possession of
marijuana, carrying a concealed weapon and having no insurance, according to court records.
“L” YEAH!!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
#30, you are completely right. Its kinda like Izzo kicking his team out of the locker room. Man up and take some responsibility. Gillispie does that. And he will be at UK winning championships for a long time.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
#33 you said the same thing about tubby when he won
his first championship, but then you jumped off the
bandwagon and now your on billy g’s. Who you gonna get on next
special
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
looks like you enjoy posting on odd numbers too.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Uh you dont know me…I never wanted Tubby as a coach. I wanted Gillispie as our coach way before Tubby even said he was leaving. I never was on Tubby’s bandwagon, we all know he didnt progress kids and that he won that title with Pitino’s players. So just get over yourself.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
39 – as a FL fan, do you agree with Donovan going around the NABC requests?
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Maybe Rivers can lead them to an NIT title.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Talk about getting back in your corner.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Billy D is a good coach and he did something that 90% of coaches would do. Billy G could still take a commitment from a 11′ guy. What if a can’t miss prospect wants to commit to UK would Billy G turn him away because of what the NABC says? I really don’t think he would. I think it makes Billy D look like he is ignoring the NABC, but at the end of the day he isn’t dirty or a cheater.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
gators you are missing my point. I never said he wasnt a good coach, I said don’t respect him. You want so bad to argue that its eating you up inside. try to relax.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
we just won two before that, have you guys won a championship
in a while. We also lost 6 players on that team. Its called
rebuilding something you dont know about. You could real soon,
because one day they might rebuild that meusum they shut down
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I’m sure he was happy about those rules cuz Gillispie couldnt recruit any more young guys, but I’m sure it’s ok for his coach to break them. Talk about being a hypocrite.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Collin Cowgill now has 10 HRs in his first 15 games with Arizona’s minor league team.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
It’s not a rule it is a suggestion. Nobody has to follow it.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
haha 45 he would still take a commit from an 11′ foot guy(that’s Kenny George style). u mean class of 2011 hahahaha
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Dude, you all have only won two titles…thats it. UF has only been on the basketball scene for a short period of time. I dont get why you are evening arguing about that. As for that museum, more people would have went if it was in a better location and when we do get back to the final, which I say will happen not this season but next season, there will be a better museum. At least UK has stuff to put in a museum.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Isn’t Gillispie supposed to have an 2011 recruit and teammate of Furgeson on campus soon or maybe even already did? Until its a rule, it doesn’t really matter.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Yeah its a suggestion, but it would only seem plausible to follow it. I’m sure if Billy G took another commitment after being told that they would want to hang him.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
gators I am sure that you have not seen a gator thread with 50 posts on any florida websites that didnt mention Tebow but you should try making your points without insulting or attacking.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
thank you #53, you can build a new museum and you can
put all the empty beer cans billy g leaves behind in it.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
53, i think ur talkin about Jeramiah Davis…
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
56 unbelievable, you have zero class.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
but calling billy d names is alot of class
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
51 well obviously I meant 2011, but I am glad you interpreted it as 11 foot. Thanks for making a meaningful contribution to the discussion.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Florida girls have Bingo Wings.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
59) never did, I said he had a bad haircut, im sorry for that horrific insult
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Calling Billy D “Eddie Munster” is not calling names, its stating facts…Proof:
http://www.volnation.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/19.jpg
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
calling billy g an alcohlic is a fact also, i hear it everywhre
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
alcoholic sorry
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
64) its a fact because you hear it everywhere? are you serious?
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Right rumor and gossip is always fact.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
lets make a bet if you buy him a beer i bet he drinks it
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Saying Billy once had a DUI is a fact. I have friends with DUI’s that are not alcoholics. And if he is an alcoholic, good for him, he’s setting a fine example for alcoholics everywhere. You can successfully outcoach completely sober coaches. Good for him!
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
you have incredible logic, if you buy me a beer I bet I drink it too!
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
HELL…BUY ME A BEER AND ILL DRINK IT
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
68 – that was terrible….never answered my question. Do you think that BD going around NABC requests is the right thing to do?
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
consider I am only 12 #70 I think you a sick-o
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Id be pissed if he didn’t drink it! Gotta love the Gators!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:16 pm
72) be careful you are actually discussing the topic, Gators does not participate in that.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Just kidding, I think that kid already knew where
he wanted to play
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
73) I am done with you, I don’t believe a word you say. I thought you could discuss things intelligently I have made a mistake.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
well got go, I enjoy reading what you guys have to say. You
all make some great facts,that why you will hear from me
again. All you wildcat fans I hate you, but I hope all of you
have a great forth of july!!!!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Me personally, I don’t see anything wrong with it. My own problem with it all, is the double standards that UK (and their bball coach) has to go through if they did anything like this.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:23 pm
gators.. UK has sent way more players to the NBA in the last 15 years, yet we never had to play in the NIT to “rebuild”. The fact is that Florida blew their wad with those guys and will never get back there again.
45… I would hope BCG would take a committment from an 11 footer. That guy would dominate.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
well I can come back with this, we have sent more guys to the NFL
then you will every think about. Peace I’m out
GO GATORS
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
i’m going to go play with my ballsack now and smoke crack with Billy Donovan; maybe find 1 more gator basketball fan so we can start a museum selling our 2 calendars we have with pictures of our two championship wins with Noah in the locker room grab assing the assistant coaches.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Is the Florida fan really 12?
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I heard porter and stevenson are dating now. You guys are
really coming together. Good job billy G
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Guys Can Ball To I Guess
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
no I am not 12 are you
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Kige would never accept a commitment from a sophmore. Perhaps we should all learn a thing or two from him…
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
83, i’m an adult!!! ask the football team!!!
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
82 – so your silence about my question makes it seem like you do not have an opinion?
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Why in the hell are you guys even bothering w/ this stupid a** Florida fan? All he is trying to do is get people riled up, and apparently it has worked. His insults are so original too, Billy G is an alcoholic…how original. As the great Lloyd Christmas said in Dumb & Dumber, “You are one pathetic loser…no offense”.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
guys dont make me get the other 2 florida fans on the internet and crash this party man!
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
90) sorry momentary loss in judgment on my part. I thought I could convince him to have a rational discussion. I learned my lesson.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
#22–Speak for yourself there buddy I’ve always said that the second Slick Rick went to Loserville there’s no way in HELL I would welcome him back as coach of the cats.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
92) I understand & have fallen into that trap before, but it is clear this dbag has no life whatsoever & can’t talk UF sports w/ other UF fans. And here are some things you might see in UF’s basketball museum besides their two national championships:
***crickets chirping****
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
94) no declerq? no d-meat hook pictures? you might be right.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:50 pm
95) Funny, i almost forgot about those guys…but i guess that is pretty easy to do! Here’s another one, Teddy Dupay’s unpaid gambling debts.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I find Gator fans humerous. It is pretty funny that a team with three good years out of 88 brags about how dominant they are. I cannot wait for the future Gator4Life email…it will include much baseball smack about how great Tampa Bay is and how the Yankees suck. yadda yadda yadda.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I bet no national outlet picks up this story about billy D saying a big FU to the other coaches
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Interesting insights by MM on his premmy site about Galloway and Liggins.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Congrats Billy D…I am very glad that someone is recruiting the younger ones still and taking commits. IMO, its just plain stupid “suggestion”.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Care to elaborate 99.
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
http://www.kentuckyink.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=243&func=listcat
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Does anyone know any gator sites that a UK fan can go on and make a jackass out of themselves?
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Seems like good news.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I dont have a problem with it. The NABC only gave out ‘suggestions’. If you don’t want people doing it, make RULES. If Clyde did this, though, he’s already be getting drup through the mud. Billy Munster, however, won’t even get a mention on thi sone from most major news outlets.
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
The NABC should talk to baseball, at least college is offering an education. The A’s just signed a 16 year old to a professional contract.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-inoa070308&prov=yhoo&type=lgns