Links archive, March 2010

Links from March 2010

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• Ball is Life puts together a mixtape of McDonald’s All-American Game highlights.
• Rivals.com posts video of uncommitted 2010 big man Luke Cothron.
• The Big Lead breaks down the one-and-done issue in college basketball year-by-year.
• WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICAN GAME | GAME STORY | BOX SCORE
  • ESPN feature story on 2011 point guard Trevor Lacey, who is considering UK.
  • NBCSports columnist says John Calipari is up to the task of reloading UK’s roster.
  • Doron Lamb says playing time is the most important factor* in his decision.
  • John Calipari touched on the apparent departures when accepting the Rupp Award on Thursday.
  • Arizona’s Scout.com site predicts Josh Selby to Kansas and Doron Lamb to West Virginia*.
  • New video of Brandon Knight practicing dunks and shooting (he doesn’t miss).
  • Brandon Knight hit the game-winning three | ESPN analyst says we learned that Knight is not a natural point guard | Video highlights
  • C.J. Leslie had seven points and nine rebounds. Video of a nice putback dunk.
  • Terrence Jones scored 14 points and will apparently wait until Oregon fills its coaching vacancy before making a decision.
  • Josh Selby video inteview after scoring 13 points for the East.
  • Doron Lamb speaks to the media after scoring 12 points.
  • UK’s DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall and Eric Bledsoe might have been there to recruit.
  • Dave Telep’s observations and NBADraft.net’s reactions touch on several UK targets.
• UK freshman Daniel Orton will test the NBA Draft waters | 2010 recruits are under the impression that five UK players will go pro | There’s talk that only four UK players will return next year | Larry Vaught breaks down next season’s possible roster.
• Brandon Knight pens the fourth installment of his McDonald’s diary | A Chicago Tribune profile on Knight, who wants to graduate from college | Knight uses the word “we” when referring to UK | The Kentucky Sports Network video interview with Knight | Knight is No. 3 on MaxPreps’ 10 players to watch in the 2011 tournament.
• Josh Selby: Every point guard “wants to be one-and-done.” | Selby still might visit UK*.
• UK and U of L are both after ex-Cat Melvin Turpin’s 7-foot son.
• 2010 big man Luke Cothron lists UK among his final five schools.
• The full Kentucky Sports Network video interview with C.J. Leslie | Video of Leslie dunking over Tennessee signee Tobias Harris | Video of Leslie blocking Harris twice on one play.
• The top missed dunks from the McDonald’s festivities (it’s better than it sounds).
• Unofficial stats from Tuesday’s closed McDonald’s All-America scrimmage.
• Box of M.E.S.S. interviews Doron Lamb from the McDonald’s festivities | ESPN previews the upcoming NHSI, which will include Lamb and Oak Hill | Will new St. John’s coach Steve Lavin call on Lamb, a former NYC high school star?
• Terrence Jones speaks to the media after practice | Kentucky Ink says Jones is the perfect fit for John Calipari’s offense | Jones has repeated as the Oregon high school player of the year.
• Kentucky Sports Network video interview with C.J. Leslie and Doron Lamb talking UK.
• Highly touted 2011 guard Tony Wroten Jr. is considering Kentucky*.
• Dave Telep runs down day three* of festivities from the McDonald’s game.
• Josh Selby is open to joining Brandon Knight to become Wall/Bledsoe, Part II.
• N.C. State star Tracy Smith is the point man in the effort to bring C.J. Leslie to Raleigh.
• ESPN’s report from day two of the McDonald’s festivities centers on Josh Selby.
• Scout.com puts the McDonald’s spotlight on C.J. Leslie*.
• Kentucky Sports Report provides a UK primer on the McDonald’s participants*.
• Birmingham News columnist says Calipari can’t get it done with one-and-dones.
• Josh Selby and C.J. Leslie competed in the McDonald’s dunk contest, and Selby won. | USA Today article on Selby’s victory | Selby dunk video
• Video of Josh Selby throwing an alley-oop to C.J. Leslie during practice.
• Maxpreps recaps Monday’s happenings from the McDonald’s All-America events.
• 2012 recruit J.P. Tokoto earns a player of the year award.
• John Calipari says he will look to bring in 5-6 freshmen for next season.
• Brandon Knight will announce his college decision on April 14.
• C.J. Leslie thinks five UK players will turn pro this off-season.
• ESPN notes from day two of McDonald’s practice: Wildcats in good shape.
• Scout.com’s day two notebook is complimentary of C.J. Leslie*.
• Video highlights from day two of McDonald’s All-America practice.
• Kansas fan site The Shiver posts a video interview with Josh Selby.
• Straitpinkie provides UK fans with a guide for the off-season.
• Rivals.com says C.J. Leslie was the best player at McDonald’s practice Monday.
• Brandon Knight says there is no favorite. “All my schools are balanced.” | Dime Magazine mailbag says it’s going to be Knight to UK.
• A North Carolina radio station interviews C.J. Leslie about recruiting (with audio).
• Josh Selby talks to reporters* at McDonald’s practice | Box of M.E.S.S. interviews Selby at the McDonald’s camp.
• 2011 recruit Quincy Miller had a big day* at the Carolina Challenge | ESPN was also impressed with Miller’s performance over the weekend.
• Geron Johnson, once on UK’s radar, is one of the best available seniors.
• John Clay looks at UK’s future after Saturday’s disappointing loss to West Virginia.
• Josh Selby and Tobias Harris had a dunk-off Sunday to preview the McDonald’s dunk contest | Texas signee Tristan Thompson dunks on Terrence Jones during the first day of practice.
• The New York Daily News profiles 2012 power forward and UK target DaJuan Coleman.
• Scout.com’s Evan Daniels has a notebook from day one of McDonald’s All-America week*.
• More on new Auburn coach and master recruiter Tony Barbee, a.k.a. “Calipari junior.”
• A Bleacher Report column questions John Calipari’s reliance on one-and-done players.
• John Wall has left his mark on Dave Telep’s Carolina Challenge (with Quincy Miller news) | Video of Miller’s huge dunk at this weekend’s Carolina Challenge.
• Archive video of John Wall and C.J. Leslie dunking the ball at the same time during a game.
• Steve Jones has more on Enes Kanter* and the rule that could get him eligible | Larry Vaught talks to a West Virginia freshman who played with Kanter on the national team.
• 2011 recruit Quincy Miller has some fun with the recruiting process by “committing” to ITT Tech.
• New Auburn coach and ex-Calipari assistant Tony Barbee is ready to battle Cal for recruits | More on Barbee, who has a brand new arena and a wealth of recruiting knowledge.
• ESPN profiles 2011 recruit Adonis Thomas, a Memphis native and key UK target.
• It was NBA great Alonzo Mourning that surprised Brandon Knight with his Gatorade award.
• ESPN looks at more matchups for the McDonald’s All-America Game | Previous matchup breakdowns | An interesting MaxPreps piece on the evolution of the McDonald’s All-America Game | This year’s rosters
• Jerry Meyer’s latest mailbag leads with Brandon Knight and the UK recruiting class.
• Washington Post reports that 2010 big man Moses Abraham has committed to Georgetown.
• Matt Carlino, a commitment to Indiana for the class of 2011, reopened his recruitment Thursday.
• Allkyhoops source says “Florida found out (Brandon) Knight is Kentucky bound.” The report also says “(Josh) Selby is heading to Kansas.”
• Hoopmixtape’s top 10 dunks of the year video includes C.J. Leslie and Deuce Bello.
• Doron Lamb and Oak Hill received the No. 3 seed in the National High School Invitational, which starts April 1. The first-round game against Mountain State (W.Va.) will be on ESPNU at 6:30 p.m.
• An in-depth Rivals.com feature story on Perry Ellis, the star of the 2012 class*.
• NEW RULE COULD HELP WITH UK COMMITMENT ENES KANTER’S ELIGIBILITY | Kanter made a verbal commitment to UK on Tuesday, Scout.com reports: 1, 2*, 3, 4 | VIdeo of Kanter: 1, 2 | Kanter makes an ESPN.com list of under-the-radar post players who will make an impact next year.
• Q&A with 2011 recruit Johnny O’Bryant*, who is looking at UK and has visited 4 SEC schools.
• Jery Meyer lists his top 10 available high school seniors* (with several UK recruits).
• Straitpinkie provides some humorous analysis on Florida “dropping” Brandon Knight | Knight was again named Florida’s Mr. Basketball and repeated as Gatorade National Player of the Year: 1, 2 | His mother says to expect a decision in early April.* | More Knight-releated news: 1, 2, 3 | Video of Knight posted Wednesday
• Bleacher Report predicts where the unsigned McDonald’s All-Americans will end up.
• MSNBC columnist questions the NBA minimum-age rule (with a heavy UK angle).
• Ricardo Ratliffe, the juco star once on UK’s radar, is close to a decision.
• 2010 big man Moses Abraham spent Tuesday visiting Indiana’s campus | Scout.com says he’s down to IU and Georgetown, confirming that UK is no longer in the running
• UK will have to pass up Kansas for the services of 2011 recruit Ben McLemore*.
• Rivals.com profiles 2011 recruit Angel Nunez*, who has been recruited by UK.
• ESPN releases video of 2011 star Quincy Miller.
• UK signee Stacey Poole will play in the Derby Festival Classic on April 10 in Louisville | Three future U of L players are also in the game | Ticket information
• Josh Selby’s mom says her son is still very much in the mix for UK*.
• Alex Kline takes a look at where 2010 recruit Terrence Ross will end up (with interview).
• Josh Selby and Doron Lamb factor heavily into Kansas’ hopes for success next year.
• Kentucky Ink: John Calipari is still interested in Lexington Catholic guard Jaylen Beckham.
• 2011 recruit Adonis Thomas helps Melrose (Tenn.) win the state championship Saturday.
• Bruce Pearl: Ex-UK target Tobias Harris will be “the face of Tennessee basketball.”
• Jerry Meyer’s latest mailbag: What is Brandon Knight waiting on? (Includes Enes Kanter item)
• 2011 recruit Quinn Cook had 19 points and four assists Friday night.
• The Tucson Citizen provides insight on Doron Lamb’s upcoming decision.
• Video of 2012 recruit J.P. Tokoto’s missed dunk in the playoffs (with Roy Williams in attendance).
• 2011 recruit Adonis Thomas had 19 points and nine rebounds in the state semis Friday.
• Billy Donovan says he needs a better backcourt (meaning Brandon Knight).
• Scout.com talks to 2011 recruit Ky Madden, who discusses his on-court tirade.
• High School Hoop says Luke Cothron going back to N.C. State is “highly unlikely.”
• 2011 recruit Quinn Cook had 18 points and six assists Thursday night.
• 2010 recruit Kadeem Jack might not even play college ball* next year.
• Ex-Louisville commit who opted to play overseas has left his Israeli team.
• C.J. Leslie still expects to sign near the beginning of the spring period.
• Don’t expect Kentucky to get both C.J. Leslie and Luke Cothron.
• 2011 recruit Adonis Thomas spent Thursday night in foul trouble in the state playoffs.
• 2010 big man Moses Abraham is expected to visit Indiana next week and play in the Derby Classic in Louisville* next month | The Washington Post has more insight on why Abraham delayed his decision
• A look at how Josh Selby and Doron Lamb would fit with their list of finalists.
• C.J. Leslie shares his diary with N.C. State signee Ryan Harrow, but still loves UK.
• Brandon Knight is Florida’s Gatorade Player of the Year for the second straight year.
• Kentucky Sports Report runs down the list of recruits UK is pursuing for 2010*.
• Wildcat Blue Blog analyzes the status of some of the remaining recruits for 2010.
• Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones will be teammates at the Nike Hoop Summit next month | Turkish big man Enes Kanter will play for the World Select Team | Rosters | Game information
• Indiana Coach Tom Crean has convinced Moses Abraham to further delay his decision and pay a visit to Bloomington | More from Scout.com*
• More speculation that Brandon Knight (and C.J. Leslie) are bound for Lexington.
• Four-star 2012 recruit Elijah Macon has decommitted from West Virginia*.
• Highly touted 2010 big man Luke Cothron has decommitted from N.C. State | Jerry Meyer says the top 50 player is likely to visit Kentucky* | Cothron’s high school coach was shocked* by his player’s decision
• The longer Moses Abraham delays his decision, the better things look for Indiana.
• Florida Today talks to John Calipari and other SEC coaches about recruiting.
• Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski has accepted his first JUCO recruit ever.
• Brandon Knight earns another player of the year award.
• Hartford Courant columnist thinks UConn Coach Jim Calhoun’s recent announcement of a four-year contract extension is just a way to stay competitive with recruits like Brandon Knight, Josh Selby and Doron Lamb.
• It now appears that Moses Abraham will not announce a decision* Monday night, and maybe not until next week | Scout.com says Indiana is making a strong move for Abraham* and that has delayed his decision | Sources say Abraham has narrowed his list to Georgetown and Indiana | The Washington Post profiles Abraham.
• Brandon Knight is closing in on a decision*. He tells Rivals.com that he and his parents are on the same page, contrary to past reports | Scout.com says Knight and ESPN have reached a deal* to air his announcement on live TV, possibly in April
• Doron Lamb will announce his decision at next month’s Jordan Brand Classic | Lamb will play in the ESPN Rise National High School Invitational.
• Video and interview with 2011 recruit Quincy Miller. Is he the next Kevin Durant?
• Wildcat Blue Blog compares John Calipari’s record of putting players in the NBA to Billy Donovan’s.
• Report: UCLA Coach Ben Howland pays a visit to Terrence Jones.
• Terrence Jones led his school to a third straight state title Saturday night.
• Prepticket.com profiles Doron Lamb in a video that includes highlights and interviews.
• 2011 recruit Quinn Cook scores 28 points to lead his team to the city title Sunday (photo slide show).
• Marquis Teague’s coach is out, which could mean a transfer for the 2011 recruit.
• Ex-Cat John Pelphrey’s fate as Arkansas coach will depend on his recruits.
• Jerry Meyer’s latest mailbag looks at Terrence Jones and Josh Shelby.
• Alabama is trying to lure 2010 big man Luke Cothron from N.C. State. UK has also been mentioned as a possible destination for Cothron.
• 2012 recruit J.P. Tokoto scored 23 points in a playoff loss Saturday night.
• Hoopmixtape releases a video recap of Josh Selby’s senior season.
• Brandon Knight introduces himself in Part II of his Slam Online diary.
• 2012 recruit J.P. Tokoto scored 13 points in front of Roy Williams on Friday.
• Terrence Jones scores 23 points Friday and his team advanced to the state finals | Jones has not picked UK, Washington or anyone else | A Washington fan site claimed a UK source said Jones and teammate Terrence Ross would both sign with the Huskies | A photo page of Jones’ last game
• Bleacher Report jumps on the Brandon Knight to UK bandwagon.
• The NCAA will reconsider a controversial amateurism rule next month.
• UConn Coach Jim Calhoun says he’s coming back for four more seasons, ending speculation he would retire. Calhoun’s Huskies are in the running for several UK recruits.
• 2011 recruit Quincy Miller tweets his congratulations to Michael Gbinijie, who committed to Duke. The Devils are also recruiting Miller.
• Terrence Jones tallies 14 points and 14 rebounds in another playoff win Thursday | Despite the rumors, there’s still no timetable for Jones’ decision*.
• High School Hoop has a Q&A with 2012 recruit J.P. Tokoto, who has an offer from UK.
• Wildcat Blue Blog: Is it time to start worrying about Brandon Knight?
• ESPN takes a look at where Terrence Ross would fit in best.
• Reminder: 2010 big man Moses Abraham will announce his decision Sunday*.
• Northstar B-ball Blog picks likely landing spots for the top uncommitted seniors.
• A columnist at The Tennessean explores the benefits and dangers of one-and-dones.
• 2011 recruit Quinn Cook talks to Rivals* about his junior season and recent visits.
• 2011 recruit Ky Madden scores 15 points in a playoff win Wednesday.
• Brandon Knight tells the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that Miami is no longer on his list, but he’s added Syracuse. ZagsBlog says Knight’s parents want their son to play for Kentucky.
• The Cats’ Pause says UK is very much in the picture for 2010 big man Moses Abraham*.
• 2011 recruit Quincy Miller talks about his recent visits to UK and U of L*.
• Rumors that Terrence Jones and Terrence Ross are leaning toward Washington | Local paper looks at Jones and his history of success in the state playoffs.
• John Calipari was in Las Vegas on Tuesday to check out several Findlay Prep players.
• Josh Selby’s mother reiterates that he’ll be picking a school April 17 | She tells the Lawrence paper the delay has nothing to do with Brandon Knight | She also says a visit to Kentucky is still a possibility*.
• UK is showing interest in 2012 Bronx wing Nkereuwem Okoro*.
• Syracuse is the early favorite to land 2011 recruit LaQuinton Ross, a UK target.
• Alex Kline’s recruiting roundup looks at several UK targets (via ZagsBlog).
• Ohio State signee Jared Sullinger is the Naismith National Player of the Year.
• UNC signee Harrison Barnes is the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year.
• Capitol Hoops recently posted video of 2010 recruit Terrence Ross.
• A lengthy piece in the Gainesville Sun evaluates Brandon Knight’s pro prospects and his college recruitment, with quotes from UK signee Stacey Poole.
• The Examiner breaks down the available 2010 recruits for UK.
• ESPN looks at where Doron Lamb would fit in best.
• 2011 point guard Ryan Boatright has been unstoppable in the playoffs.
• Enes Kanter loved his trip to UK* over the weekend, Rivals reports | Here’s some video of Kanter.
• Reports say Josh Selby is down to Kansas and Tennessee | But his mom tells TheShiver that’s not the case.
• 2011 recruit Quinn Cook had a huge night Monday | Video from the game
• Terrence Jones is taking a wait-and-see approach with Oregon Coach Ernie Kent.
• ESPN says UK assistant Rod Strickland could be headed to DePaul, his alma mater. Several UK recruits have spoken highly of the former NBA point guard.
• Fellow 2011 recruit Adonis Thomas had a pretty good Monday night as well.
• ZagsBlog talks to UConn Coach Jim Calhoun’s son, who disputes a blog report saying his father will retire. Calhoun’s health problems could be affecting the decisions of UConn targets, some of whom are also looking at UK.
• Brandon Knight’s mom writes the first entry for the player’s McDonald’s All-American Diary. The latest on Knight’s (reportedly) imminent announcement on where he will go to school: Big Blue Lowdown’s sources say Knight to UK is a done deal, but Knight’s father tells ZagsBlog his son has not committed to UK
• Here’s a nice feature on Terrence Jones, who scored 31 points in his team’s win Saturday. One article describes Jones as “a five-star recruit who is expected to sign with the University of Kentucky” | ZagsBlog says Jones is still open to five schools | Reports that Oregon Coach Ernie Kent is on his way out. Kent’s departure could hinder Oregon’s chances for Jones, but the player says the Ducks remain on his list. | Video of a Jones alley-oop in the state playoffs.
• Column on 2011 recruit Ky Madden, who had to be escorted from the gym by law enforcement officials after an on-court tantrum Friday.
• Jerry Meyer’s latest mailbag looks at Josh Selby and several other UK targets.
• Rivals has a story on the recruits (including UK targets) who were in Freedom Hall* on Saturday | Michael Gilchrist’s mother talked briefly to Kentucky Ink about his visit to Rupp Arena on Sunday
• Kentucky Ink has video of 2011 recruit Damien Leonard.
• Kentucky Sports Zone has a Q&A with under-the-radar 2010 recruit Chris Hill.
• Stacey Poole helps his high school team win a state title after several near-misses | Poole had 12 points and nine rebounds in the state championship game Saturday.
• A short Q&A with 2010 recruit Kadeem Jack | Jack had 15 points and 15 rebounds Friday night.
• 2011 recruit Quinn Cook had 13 points Sunday to help his team advance to the conference finals.
• 2012 recruit J.P. Tokoto had 20 points and 17 rebounds on Saturday.
• Josh Selby will not make the trip to Rupp Arena for Sunday’s game.
• The PlayMakers blog looks at the group of 2011 recruits expected to be in Rupp on Sunday.
• SI.com says William “World Wide Wes” Wesley will officially become a basketball agent soon.
• Michigan State site says Brandon Knight will be a Wildcat, possibly by next week | Here’s a video interview with Knight following the state finals loss
• Rumors are swirling around Josh Selby and his recruitment by Tennessee’s Bruce Pearl.
• Jefferson High’s appeal to get Terrence Ross on the court was denied Friday.
• ESPN looks at where Terrence Jones would fit best.
• ZagsBlog says Moses Abraham will pick a school March 14. UK is in the mix.
• Here’s some new video of C.J. Leslie | And a mixtape of Leslie’s best dunks
• 2010 recruit Enes Kanter and 2011 standouts Michael Gilchrist, Quincy Miller, Marquis Teague and Deuce Bello are expected in Rupp for the UK-Florida game* | Teague might delay his decision* until fall | Miller and Bello are expected to attend Saturday’s U of L game*.
• Stacey Poole scored 10 points Friday to help send his team to the state finals.
• USA Today has a story on Brandon Knight and others waiting on their college decision.
• ESPN thinks C.J. Leslie is down to UK, Florida and N.C. State | Newly released video of Leslie.
• Brandon Knight’s team was routed in the state finals Thursday | ZagsBlog has more on Knight’s imminent decision and how UK’s involvement affects other high school point guards | And here’s a lengthy ESPN story on Knight
• Josh Selby was held to 18 points in a playoff loss Thursday night.
• The Washington Post has a nice story on 2011 recruit Quinn Cook, who talks about the death of his father.
• 5-foot-11 Chicago junior Ryan Boatright is getting attention from UK, his coach says.
• Bob Gibbons breaks down the top 15 unsigned high school seniors in the country.
• ESPN has a video looking at the nation’s top unsigned high school seniors.
• Video from Josh Selby in the Baltimore City Championship game (Selby is #32 in black).
• ESPN has a story on freshman phenom Julius Randle, who has seen interest from UK (the story also includes information on 2012 recruit J.P. Tokoto)
• Jefferson High will continue its appeal to get Terrence Ross back on the court.
• North Carolina is in the running for 2011 recruit and top UK target Marquis Teague.
• NBE Basketball Report looks at 2011 recruit Quincy Miller | New Miller video
• Brandon Knight says he is “pretty ready” and will announce his decision “sometime soon” | Where does Knight fit? | Knight scored 25 points Wednesday to lead Pine Crest to the state finals | Knight is one of six finalists for the McDonald’s Player of the Year award
• Recent happenings have many believing Josh Selby will end up at Kansas* (also includes news that Moses Abraham could be headed for Georgetown*). | ESPN breaks down which school would be the best fit for Selby.
• ZagsBlog says Arizona has emerged as the leader for 2010 big man Kadeem Jack.
• Here’s a new mixtape of 2011 recruit and insane dunker Deuce Bello.
• UK is showing interest in 2012 recruit and Bronx native Nkereuwem Okoro*.
• A preview of Brandon Knight and Pine Crest’s chances to win another state tournament | The Miami Herald also looks at Knight | A 23-point effort by Knight results in a state tourney final four.
• 2011 recruit Adonis Thomas scored 16 points in his team’s playoff win Tuesday.
• VIDEO: Highlights of 2011 recruit Michael Gilchrist. Also: A federal court upholds the ban of Gilchrist’s team from the state basketball tournament: 1, 2 Gilchrist recorded 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots in what now looks like his final game of the season.
• VIDEO: Terrence Jones reads some recruiting letters and talks about his upcoming decision.