54report

Thoughts on NCAA Memphis Ruling: What This Means for UK?

2009-08-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today the NCAA announced that it is forcing the University of Memphis mens basketball program to vacate 38 wins and a Final Four appearance from the 2007-08 season. This ruling was on the basis of the NCAA investigation into the Memphis Tigers, which found freshman guard Derrick Rose's test score to be dishonestly obtained by having a stand in take the test for him, ensuring that he would pass with the correct score to be admitted to the University of Memphis and be ruled eligible by the NCAA. The NCAA Committee on Infractions also ruled that the Memphis program was negligent in its own oversight when it allowed Rose's brother to ride on a team charter, a trip at a value of over $2,000, without compensation. In these events, our very own John Calipari hold the stigma of being the first coach to have two Final Four appearances vacated, first at Massachusetts in 1996 on the basis of the Marcus Camby/agent scandal.

The question is, what does this hold for the University of Kentucky and our beloved mens basketball program. As before mentioned, there is a dark blot over our celebrity coach as John Calipari becomes the first coach to have two Final Fours vacated, enough said. In my honest opinion, he is a target of the NCAA's eye. Even though he's never been named in any of the previous two investigations into his programs, Calipari will forever be a target of NCAA scrutiny because of the previous sins of his last two programs. This means Mitch Barnhart needs to expand the UK Athletics Compliance Department, pay compliance director Sandy Bell for overtime, do something to make this a focal point of the department as a whole in a loud way. UK needs to keep a short leash on Calipari and make sure due diligence is taken to conduct background research on the entourages of high ranking recruits. Check every single contact, every single AAU connection, coaches, friends, friends of family, friends of friends, any and all large financial transactions. Corey Maggette can get away with accepting $2,000 at NCAA poster child Duke; ten years have come and gone since Maggette donned the Blue Devil uniform and made the Final Four in 1999. At UK, we'd have the Eddie Sutton era nightmare all over again. In the world of the NCAA's selective justice, it must be a fact of life that Duke basketball and USC football can get away with some things that other programs can't. We at UK must adapt, adjust, be ahead of the curve in our compliance legwork. All it takes is one little "something" for the NCAA to open a can of worms in Lexington. We must be our own NCAA Clearinghouse, checking the test scores and scoring history of our players. We must be careful what we give to our players in terms of favors, don't even let the family dog aboard a UK chartered aircraft. UK must look over its own shoulder and do it often, or else Big Blue could be next.

A UK Fan's Perspective on the Pitino/Sypher Scandal

2009-08-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

As a Kentucky fan, I am in the minority. I don't vilify Rick Pitino for leaving Kentucky and making a business decision to got the Boston Celtics. At the time, pro sports were the only place to get John Calipari/Pete Carrol type of money for coaching. If anything, I'm thankful C.M. Newton found the right guy at the right time to bring Kentucky out of the depths of probation. I will go as far to say that if Pitino doesn't perform CPR to perfection on the probated Kentucky program, the success of the 1996 team, the success of Tubby Smith, the recruiting class brought in by John Calipari probably never happens. On a Mount Rushmore of Kentucky Basketball legends, Pitino sits alone with Adolph Rupp and two other legends that we could argue about for years. He is modern Kentucky basketball. On that note, I am severely disappointed with the former Wildcat coach and current head coach of the Louisville Cardinals. While the majority of the Commonwealth laughs at Pitino's pitfalls, I am disappointed that such a shining light of a figure in the lore of Wildcat basketball now has such a tarnished mark on his reputation. To me, he is a Wildcat first, Cardinal second. He still regrets leaving Kentucky; in a packed Freedom Hall on ESPN College Gameday in front of Louisville fans he called his 1996 Kentucky team his greatest and favorite. He's still a Wildcat, always a Wildcat, and one of our own just done enough damage to his reputation that his days as a viable coach and recruiter could soon be done.

Saturday Opinion: What Happened to Football?

2009-07-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

Spring football was almost forgotten in the Commonwealth amid the buzz of the thirty-two-million-dollar man coming to Lexington in John Calipari. Amidst our frenzied, glorious, return to basketball power without ever taking the court, Rich Brooks and his football Wildcats bring back one of the country's best defenses and an offense that has potential to flourish. For those of you who think junior quarterback Mike Hartline isn't cut out for the job, remember this, there is now a precedence for second year starters in their junior season to come from nowhere and take the Southeastern Conference by storm (see Andre Woodson, November 2006 in Lexington versus perennial power Georgia). If a perfect storm of events collide on September 26th when the Wildcats take the field against the defending national champion and seemingly assured number one team in the Florida Gators, basketball with be the furthest thing from the minds of Big Blue Nation. If this perfect storm blows into Lexington, the miracle of October 13th, 2007 when #17 Kentucky knocked off eventual BCS champion Louisiana State will be but a distant memory. To be able to beat college football's golden boy in Tim Tebow, to beat its great coach in Urban Meyer, to break free from nearly a quarter century's worth of heartaches, disappointments, failures, beatdowns, and breakdowns in the clutch against the current anointed power in college football would be the sweetest sweet tea in all the territory of the Southeastern Conference for Kentucky. To sip that sweetest tea just one time for Rich Brooks in seemingly the twilight of his days at UK would be so very sweet indeed. Now if we can only give the football team the time of day, for September comes before November. Even if this does not happen, football deserves our attention now, for a chance at some positive history lies in wait for this Kentucky team this season. More to come on this subject as we move closer to the start of football season.

2009-06-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

John Calipari Gives SEC A Call

Reported By Jerry Tipton:

During an appearance on Monday’s SEC coaches’ teleconference, John Calipari spoke of possible neutral site games for Kentucky in future seasons.

He noted the consideration given games in dome stadiums in Indianapolis, St. Louis and Atlanta. Plus he talked about neutral site games in Nashville, Louisville and New York.

Here are the particulars Calipari mentioned:

– Possible games against Indiana alternating in Louisville and Indianapolis.

– A game against Memphis in Nashville.

– Games against Ohio State alternating in Louisville and Cincinnati.

– A game against Kansas in St. Louis.

– A game against “some of the best teams” in either New York or Atlanta.

To play such a schedule requires a strong roster, Calipari said. The UK coach suggested that the incoming freshman class will not have any academic problems and will be eligible.

Calipari noted how point guards John Wall and Eric Bledsoe, whose competition for playing time could potentially cause a problem, were getting along well. Big man DeMarcus Cousins was a “big teddy bear,” the UK coach said.

Kentucky Mr. Basketball Jon Hood had become a popular figure among his teammates.

“I love the attitude,” Calipari said of the freshmen. ” ‘Let’s try to win all the games.’ “

2009-06-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Vinny Zollo Officially Decommits From The University Of Kentucky

From Rivals.com, the last of Billy Clyde Gillispie's Commitments, Vinny Zollo has officially decommitted. Zollo has offers from Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, and Cincinnati has shown some interest. Good luck to Vinny Zollo and his whole recruting process.

2009-06-28T13:16:00.001-07:00

Billy Mays has died. He was found dead this morning, he was 50, cause of death unknown.

2009-06-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Coach Calipari talks about the roster situation and the draft and all sorts of things.

2009-06-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

One More Player Possibly Leaving Before Season Begins?

Per Aaron's blog and reported by WKYT: It’s finally completed now,” Calipari said. ”In all my years, if you look back, we’ve had years where we had nine or 10 scholarship players. Most years we’re going to have 11 to 12. ”

The NCAA limit is 13.

The coach reiterated that he wants happy, hungry players on his team and he feels it’s difficult to please everyone, especially when players want more minutes.

“It’s hard to keep 13 players happy,” Calipari said. “You don’t want any players here who aren’t going to play and aren’t going to be happy.”

Calipari hinted his roster might even lose one player. “Right now, we have 12 scholarship players. We could have 11 by the time the year starts. You just don’t know.”

With Coach Cal, we can never sit back and not have something going on with the basketball team, which being a blogger, I enjoy. I'm just curious on who may be gone...

2009-06-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

Matt Pilgrim Going To Memphis???

Matt "The Beast" Pilgrim is also considering the University Of Memphis to transfer to. Former Cat, Matt Pilgrim who lost his basketball scholarship is looking for a new home and joining now Memphis Tiger, Elliot Williams may be his new home. Gary Parrish from cbssportsline.com reports that Matt Pilgrim is expected to visit Memphis tomorrow and sources say that he could make his decision by next saturday.

Through all of this, Calipari has helped, Memphis and coach Pastner, as reported by cbs's Gary Parrish

Sources told CBSSports.com that Calipari is working with new Memphis coach Josh Pastner to make this likely transition go as smoothly as possible. According to sources, Calipari and Pastner have been in contact, and Calipari has told Pastner he will not only release Pilgrim to Memphis, but that he will back Pilgrim's expected request of a waiver that, if granted, would allow Pilgrim to play for the Tigers this season.

Under normal circumstances, Pilgrim would have to sit out another year before becoming eligible in 2010-11. But the hope is that the NCAA recognizes that Pilgrim is only transferring for a second time because he was nudged out of Kentucky. In other words, Pilgrim had no say in the matter. And sources close to the situation said there is precedent for the NCAA to grant a waiver under these circumstances.

I hope Pigrim can transfer to Memphis and do very well there, because Memphis is a great basketball program and a school that Pilgrim can have some national spotlight and be featured on ESPN. A great move by Pilgrim and Cal.

Tracking Kentuckian Kenny Perry in Connecticutt

2009-06-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Kentucky PGA Tour professional Kenny Perry could not overcome a hot shooting Paul Goydos at the Travelers Championship, he will trail by one shot entering Sunday's fourth and final round. Perry played well in his third round, tallying a (-4) round of 66 on the par 70 TPC at River Highlands course in Cromwell, CT. Goydos was three better than Perry with a 63 in today's third round. Overall the 48-year-old, big hitting, Kentuckian is playing well and is one good round away from his second win of the 2009 season, the 14th of his long career. It would be so sweet to see Perry get back in the winner's circle after his hearbreaking defeat at the Masters. He seems to have put those demons behind him now and is showing terriffic form in his game. For a player of his advanced age, to be able to come back in this manner is quite extraordinary. In the game of golf, the feelings of failure tend to linger for so long, and a close call in a major championship that Perry suffered at the Masters this past April could have quite easily slammed the door on his career. Thankfully for Kenny Perry fans like myself, this is not the case.

2009-06-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Elliot Williams, Former Dukie and Once Considered UK Has Made His Decision

Former Duke Blue Devil, Elliot Willams has made a decision on which school he is going to transfer to. Elliot Williams who had, Kentucky, Tennesee, Memphis, and Vanderbilt listed as possible schools he would transfer to and the school he decided...drum roll please...University Of Memphis. Elliot Williams chose the Tigers to be closer to home due to illness in the family. This really hurts Duke, leaving only two guards from last year's team on next year's roster.

When coach K was asked about the situation, he had this to say, (ESPN.com)"We fully support him in his efforts to be closer to [his family] during this trying time," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "He is a good young man with an opportunity to become an outstanding player. We wish him well as he determines his future. He will always be a part of our program and we will always be in his corner."

It's sad to see Elliot Williams leave to go back home for medical reasons but it shows just how much of an impact that coach Calipari has on players all over the nation.

Friday Notes in Kentucky Sports

2009-06-26T18:54:00.001-07:00

I want to thank Aaron at Kentucky Sports Radio for bringing out this link regarding the seating arrangement in Madison Square Garden for Rick Pitino and John Calipari at last night's NBA Draft. Calipari's seat was reserved right behind that of Rick Pitino. Calipari, for one reason or another, avoided his seat throughout the night. This makes me very excited for what will be one of the three or four biggest games of next basketball season. Hollywood could not write a script that would place such heavyweight actors like Rick Pitino and John Calipari on the same stage under the same bright lights in Rupp Arena. All eyes will be on the Commonwealth the day of this game as master meets pupil, former Kentucky legend meets potentially future Kentucky legend, in the capitol city of college basketball. In the word of "The Superstars" cast member Terrel Owens, "Get you popcorn ready!"

Kentuckian Kenny Perry is the leader in the clubhouse at the PGA Tour Travelers Championship in Hartford, CT with a score of (-11) under par, two shots clear of American Ryan Moore in a rain suspended second round. Good to see Perry playing well after his heartbreak this year at the Masters, in which he lost in a sudden death playoff after leading by two shots with two holes to play. I actually got to meet Kenny, and I can tell you from firsthand experience he is a true gentleman and class act, Kentucky has no greater representative on the professional sports stage than he.

2009-06-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

R.I.P. Smooth Criminal...Michael Jackson...1958-2009

Jodie Meeks Taken in Second Round of NBA Draft

2009-06-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

In Thursday night's NBA Draft, Kentucky guard Jodie Meeks was taken with the 41st pick in the second round by the Milwaukee Bucks. The NCAA's eighths leading scorer saw his draft stock rise and fall over the course of this season and the pre-draft workouts, where at one point in time he was projected as high as the first round. As a Kentucky fan, I hate to see Jodie Meeks no longer take the court in blue and white, but at the same time, I'm glad to see one of our own be presented with the opportunity to play at the next level. In all honesty, one cannot blame Meeks for leaving Kentucky. No high school player anywhere wants to go play for a school were by his senior year he is playing for his third coach, particularly at Kentucky where the tradition is to retire coaches, not fire them. With Meeks, as we well know in the Commonwealth, the Bucks will have a pure scorer, particularly from behind the three point line. It's hard not to fall in love with a player that gave his all for the Blue and White in one of the most tumultuous times in the history of Kentucky Basketball. Best of luck to Jodie, thanks for the memories, and those 54 points in Knoxville this year. Nothing like beating Tennessee and record breaking all in the same night. Thanks for everything!

2009-06-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: LSU wins the College Baseball World Series! GO SEC!

2009-06-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 JOHN 5:5

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God you can overcome this world. If you believe in him you have the tools necessary to fight and WIN the battles you face. I pray that if you haven't excepted Jesus Christ as your personal saviour you do. You will never find a better friend. He is always with you, there to help you with whatever it is you face. He is our LORD our SAVIOUR.

Sorry I haven't been keeping this up to date everyday, I have had some computer difficulties.

2009-06-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

Larry Conley Seems To Think Cats Aren't Top Ten Material....

Former UK player and current college basketball analyst seems to think Cats aren't good enough to be considered in the top ten...In a recent interview with Amville news's Larry Vaught, Larry Conley had this to say about the cats..."Kentucky is going to be good. I just don't know that it is fair or realstic to really think a team with so many young players can be top 10, top five. That's why I think UK fans might want to just scale those preseason expectations down a bit until we see how this team plays out." I hate to disagree with the former cat but I believe the cats are just as good as any team in the nation already. I don't think they are the best right now because we've yet to see them play but as the season processes and the young freshmen get more experience, that's when the cats will show themselves and peak at the right time...right time as in march madness!

2009-06-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Men's Basketball Tenative Schedule

Per: Micah Person

2009-10 Tentative Schedule

Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Record

Non-Conference Regular Season

November 13* Morehead State Rupp Arena ? Lexington KY
November 19* Sam Houston State Rupp Arena ? Lexington KY
(2010 Cancun Challenge)
November 21* Rider Rupp Arena ? Lexington KY
(2010 Cancun Challenge)
November 24* vs. Cleveland State Moon Palace Resort Convention Center ? Cancun, Mexico
(2010 Cancun Challenge)
November 25* vs. Stanford/Virginia Moon Palace Resort Convention Center ? Cancun, Mexico
(2010 Cancun Challenge)
December 9* vs. UConn Madison Square Garden ? New York City, NY ESPN
December 19* Austin Peay Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY
* North Carolina Rupp Arena ? Lexington KY
* @ Indiana Assembly Hall ? Bloomington, IN
* Louisville Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY

SEC Regular Season

Alabama Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY
Arkansas Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY
@ Auburn Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum ? Auburn, AL
@ Florida Stephen C. O'Connell Center ? Gainesville, FL
Florida Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY
(Senior Day) CBS
@ Georgia Stegeman Coliseum ? Athens, GA
Georgia Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY
@ LSU Pete Maravich Assembly Center ? Baton Rouge, LA
Ole Miss Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY
@ Mississippi State Humphrey Coliseum ? Starkville, MS
@ South Carolina Colonial Life Arena ? Columbia, SC
South Carolina Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY
@ Tennessee Thompson-Boling Arena ? Knoxville, TN
Tennessee Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY
@ Vanderbilt Memorial Gymnasium ? Nashville, TN
Vanderbilt Rupp Arena ? Lexington, KY

SEC Tournament

March 11-14 vs. Sommet Center ? Nashville, TN ABC

NCAA Tournament

April 5 vs. Lucas Oil Stadium ? Indianapolis, IN
(2010 Final Four) CBS

2009-06-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

C.J. Leslie....He's good....

2009-06-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Baaah----the lamb is here...

Per Jody Demling: Doron Lamb, a 2010 prospect, and would be considered a top 20 player in this year's class will be visiting the University Of Kentucky today. Lamb attends Oak Hill Acadamey, a school known for producing great college talent. Doron Lamb would be a great land for the cats. Doron Lamb is the 2nd recruit to visit the campus in the past week. Deandre Daniels also visited this past week. As the day goes on, hopefully we can have an update on how his visit went.

A third UK recruit will be on campus this week. Mychal Parker, is considerd a top 35 prospect out of Charlottesville, Viriginia. Mychal is ranked as the 6th best foward in the 2010 class. Parker could be on campus sometime later in the week.

2009-06-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

A 8 Minute Video Of Deandre Daniels

2009-06-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

2011 Foward Visits Kentucky Over The Weekend!

2011 Foward Deandre Daniels visted the University Of Kentucky over the weekend. He is rated as a 3 star on rivals but from recent play, his stock is rising. 6'8 Deandre Daniels was supposed to be in the 2010 class but reclassified to 2011.

2009-06-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

A lil' Cat Stevens to listen to...song is father and son...searched for something on youtube to fit the occasion and this is what I found.

2009-06-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Future cat and coach Cal take a picture during this past weekend's father and son basketball camp!

2009-06-20T16:16:00.001-07:00

UK Coaches, Past And Present Are Having Off Court Issues....Gillisipe, Calipari, Pitino and Now Tubby...

This off-season has been filled with a coaching change, recruiting, and legal issues. Billy Clyde Gillisipe, a former coach of Kentucky has filed a lawsuit against the university due to contract and money issues and Former UK Coach, Rick Pitino and the Karen Sypher case has gotten the public attention and could be big toward the University of Louisville.

Now....now we have Mr. "Orlando" Tubby Smith with some legal problems. Former UK Coach and current Minnesota coach is being sued by a former assistant Jimmy Williams. Williams claims that he was coaching at Oklahoma State in 2007, quit with just one year left on his contract to join Tubby's staff at Minnesota for $200,000 per year job. The claim is denied by Minnesota athletic director Joe Maturi in April 2007. The lawsuit claims that Tubster told Williams that, "I think we'd be a great team together." While Tubby said that, he did not have enough authority to offer, Jimmy Williams the job. The suit is claiming, "false represenations of authority."

I figured I would give everyone a run down on the latest court problems for former and current UK coaches.

2009-06-20T16:09:00.001-07:00

Sean Connery and Celebrity Jeopardy Returns To Saturday Night Live!

One of my favorite skits of all time returns tonight at 11:30 pm on NBC!

2009-06-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

Possibly Future Cat, Mychal Parker In Action!

I honestly think, if the offer is given to Parker, he's a cat by the end of next week! Warning: This video is short...but it's the only good highlights I could find of him on youtube.

2009-06-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

UK Makes C.J. Leslie's Short List On Universities He Plans On Visiting And The Cats Get A Visit From Mychal Parker Next Thursday!

2010 prospect and former teammate of incoming freshman John Wall (I love saying that!) has narrowed his list down to teams he plans on visiting, with the list Kentucky joins Maryland, Florida, and Wake Forest. C.J. Leslie's game is being compared to the likes of Boston Celtic's Foward Kevin Garnett. We've talked about him before, here on 54report, but it's hard to express how good he is. John Wall has been in his ear about coming to Kentucky, but we'll just have to see how things go.

Next on the recruiting radar, is Mychal Parker. Mychal Parker who was recruited by coach Calipari is considered to be one of the 35th best players in the class of 2010 and rivals.com and scout.com both consider him a top 5 small foward, he's good. Parker was recruited by coach Calipari, while coach was at Memphis, and said that the recruitment has carried over since Calipari's arrival to Kentucky. Parker is scheduled to visit the University next thursday, which will be July 2nd.

As the 2010 begins to spice up, and the NBA draft begins to approach we still have some of a exciting off-season ahead of us!

2009-06-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Darius Miller Makes The Team! Darius Miller beats out incoming Florida guard Kenny Boyton for a spot on the USA 19u Men's basketball team....Way To Go Darius!

2009-06-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

THEY'RE HERE!!!

2009-06-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

Our Good Ole Buddy Pat Forde Making UK 6th In His Latest Top 25 Rankings

Our good ole buddy, Pat Forde has made his preseason top 25 for next season and this is Mr. Forde's take on the Cats'.

6. Kentucky: Almost everything about the Wildcats is better than it has been in years. Better point guard in freshman stud John Wall. Better size in Patrick Patterson teaming with freshmen Daniel Orton and DeMarcus Cousins. Better athleticism -- watch sophomore Darius Miller flourish. Better coaching with John Calipari. But what about perimeter shooting? Meeks was the only proven collegiate shooter on the roster. That's how you go from the top two to out of the top five.

It's good to see ole Patty Mac showin' UK "some" respect...

2009-06-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

Jody Demling Live Blog and NBAPA Camp talk!

I talked to Jody Demling awhile ago via facebook and I want to remind everyone that he will have a live blog, Friday, at 3pm. A lot of talk will be concerning the NBAPA Camp that begins today in Charlotte, North Carolina. Be sure to check him out!

2009-06-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Laynce Nix of the Cincinnati Reds hits a double against the Atlanta Braves, Reds win 4-3. Reds record now stands at, 33-31.

2009-06-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Jodie CAN Come Back

Per WKYT: There has been discussion on various chat sites and message boards about whether Jodie Meeks can return to UK, should he go undrafted June 25. Wildcat fans will recall big man Randolph Morris entered the NBA Draft, but returned after not hearing his name called on draft night.

Of course, Morris had to sit out 14 games for his flirtation with the NBA. The question remains: can Meeks return to play for John Calipari if he's not drafted?

The answer is yes. DeWayne Peevy, UK's Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations, says the NCAA allows players to return to school, as long as that player doesn't do anything to jeopardize his/her amateur status.

In the NCAA Manual, you'll find the answer in Rule 12.2.4.2.1, which is the exception rule for basketball players who enter a pro draft.

"An enrolled student-athlete in basketball may enter a professional league's draft one time during his or her collegiate career without jeopardizing eligibility in that sport, provided the student-athlete is not drafted by an team in that league and the student-athlete declares his or her intention to resume intercollegiate participation within 30 days after the draft. The student-athlete's declaration of intent shall be in writing to the institution's director of athletics."

So, in a nutshell, Meeks CAN return to play for the Wildcats, provided he isn't drafted, doesn't sign any contracts, whether with an agent or for any endorsements, for which he will be paid, and writes Mitch Barnhart a letter asking for reinstatement to UK. All of this must happen within a 30-day time frame.

Of course, Morris had to sit because he had assistance from an outside source when he was entering the draft. Meeks wouldn't have to sit any games if he were to return to UK.

The guess here is Meeks will hear his name called late in the draft. But for now, I'm sure it's fun for Cat fans to speculate and wonder what might happen if Meeks was the starting shooting guard in next year's lineup.

This news really didn't shock me, because I knew by Jodie not signing on with an agent or any endorsements, that there was still a chance he may come back, only if Meeks doesn't get drafted. I know most UK fans don't want to hear about it but this has to be somewhat exciting for those who wanted him to come back...

2009-06-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Joe Lunardi's Bracketology has UK number one
Joe Lunardi has UK listed a number one seed in his latest bracketology!

2009-06-16T22:36:00.001-07:00

Verse Of The Day!

“Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds — his name is the LORD— and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”- Psalm 68:4-5

2009-06-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Sammy Sosa...he didn't play nor did he get a hit today but he did however test positive for steroids from a 2003 steroid test. So there ya go!

2009-06-16T22:03:00.002-07:00

It's Been Awhile...And UK News And Notes

It's been a couple of days since I've posted but here I am. 54report is still around...and looking to improve. I've debated whether or not continuing the site since I have no help but I love UK basketball way too much to quit the site. With the summer here 54report will be dry with basketball news but that doesn't mean no news at all. With a new member joining as early as July and another a couple of months down the road, 54report may be on the rise more than ever. I've been really sad over the Jodie Meeks news. That was my last post and I felt like there was nothing left to do. I felt done as if Meeks leaving was enough to do me in but it wasn't. With Meeks gone, UK is still right there for the hunt of the final four and the NCAA championship. I may be wrong when I say this but I felt as though Meeks were nothing but a more athletic JJ Reddick, which was perfectly fine with me as a UK fan but it's not like Meeks isn't replaceable. With Darnell Dodson, Darius Miller, and Eric Bledsoe all there as potenial replacements, UK is not in bad shape at all.

Also...did anyone watch Monday Night Raw last night? I know most think it's fake and it's not that fun to watch but I'm a wrestling fan and have been for quite some time and Vince Mcmahon claimed he sold, Monday Night Raw to billionaire, Donald Trump. I don't believe it's true but I think it's funny how WWE is dragging in such pop culture stars as Donald Trump. WWE in my eyes are falling slowly but surely and I hate to see wrestling come to this but it has...

The new trivia question will be up tonight...check it out on the right....

I will be on vacation from June 30th, through July 6th, but hopefully during that time 54report will have someone to fill in and do a good job!

Sorry for not updating as much over the past couple of days, I've been kind of burned out and been busy as well.

Though nothing new to report tonight, but here is the latest where Kentucky stands in the top 25 from writers...

Andy Katz has UK ranked #7 and says this about the cats:

7. Kentucky: Had Jodie Meeks returned, I would have snuck Kentucky up a few spots. Is this too low? Possibly. But John Calipari would agree with me that the Wildcats still haven't earned anything yet. Look, they have to learn a new system, and outside of Patrick Patterson, the key players on this squad are all new: John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Darnell Dodson, DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton. I just want to see UK mature a bit before it's anointed.

Gary Parrish's updated status of the cats in the to 25:

2. Kentucky

Top two returning players: Patrick Patterson and Darius Miller

Top newcomer: John Wall

Comment: The loss of Meeks hurts, no question. But Calipari still has a loaded roster, one that is arguably as good as the Derrick Rose/Chris Douglas-Roberts/Joey Dorsey roster that helped him make the 2008 Final Four.

That's all folks...Image of the day and Verse of the day later on and the new quiz on the top right...check it out!

2009-06-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

Meeks Stays In The NBA Draft!

Jeff Goodman reports that Jodie Meeks will remain in the NBA draft.

More Later...

Update:

Coach John Calipari's twitter: Jodie called..He’s keeping his name in the draft. He’s excited and I’m excited for him. I wish I got the chance to coach him.

Update at 11:50: Here is quote from Jodie, per UK’s official release:

“I want to thank the fans and the city of Lexington. They have been great and I will always be a Kentucky Wildcat,” said Meeks. “I feel comfortable with my decision and I’m confident in my ability. My family and I talked over the weekend and decided this was the best decision.”

2009-06-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Verse Of The Day!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies.
Test all things; hold fast what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil.

2009-06-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Kobe Bryant hoists his 4th NBA championship and his 1st NBA finals MVP award. Lakers win 99-86 and win the NBA championship and the Lakers 15th all time. Congratulations Lakers!

2009-06-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Trivia Question Results!

Suprisingly on this week's trivia question, nobody got it right...Most thought it was Bill Spivey and others Dan Issel but the correct answer was Jerry Bird who had 24 rebounds for UK in the NCAA Tournament in a game against Iowa were UK won,89-77 on March 17th, 1956. The next trivia question will be made tomorrow!

Also...AJ Stewart transfers to Central Florida!

2009-06-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

Jodie Come Back!

As the Lakers win the NBA Championship and Kobe Bryant celebrates, "winning one without Shaq," As ESPN seems to express, The Big Blue Nation and the State Of Kentucky and the entire college basketball world awaits the decision of Jodie Meeks. Tomorrow, Jodie will have to decide another year of college or the chance to be drafted and the possibility of making millions of dollars in the NBA.

What an off season this has been! Billy Clyde Gillispie gets fired, Coach Cal gets hired. When coach Cal is hired, the entire kentucky fans start thinking about all the recruits that Cal had at Memphis who could possibly decommitt and who could commit. The first recruit to join Cal was Demarcus Cousins the big, athletic power foward, who has skills on the perimeter and ranked as the 2nd best player according to rivals.com.

After that a lot of buzz goes on about Daniel Orton possibly decommiting and going elsewhere but Coach Cal is able to sell Orton and Orton's father to make Daniel come back, so he does and that was put to rest.

John Hood, Mr. Basketball of Kentucky remains committed and is considered to be a top 40 player according to rivals. Hood is very athletic and a good perimeter player. So at the time we had 3 top 40 players enough for Kentucky fans to get excited in a long time.

As time goes by, Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks puts their names in the 2009 NBA draft. Kentucky Wildcat fans went into a frenzy. After about a month, Patrick Patterson finally announces that he's coming back, and with that the UK fans calmed down and we got our big man back for another year.

Then....all the attention points toward John Wall and Xavier Henry. Xavier Henry is known as a big time player and was originally comitted to the University of Memphis and signed to play with Coach Cal but their was a catch their, Xavier's brother was there too. C.J. was already a player on the Memphis roster...so Xavier had an intent to go there and play for coach cal and play with his brother. After Cal leaving, Xavier decommitted from Memphis and his brother who was a walk on with Memphis leaves the team as well. Where's Xavier going was the big question for the entire college hoops world. A lot of speculation was that he was a UK lean that ended up being false and Xavier and C.J. both decided to attend to Kansas University. Coach Cal being the recruiter he is went to a second option and found another once committed Memphis Tiger, Darnell Dodson and sold him to coming to UK.

So now the UK roster...had, Demarcus Cousins, John Hood, Patrick Patterson, and one of the top 5 Junior college players in Darnell Dodson.

UK still needed a good point guard, and that's when Eric Bledsoe came into play. Bledsoe is a strong and athletic point guard and is better than what UK had the previous season. It came down to Memphis and Kentucky, he chose Kentucky. Bledsoe joined the team of great recruits and UK was moved to the #1 class according to rivals.

Then...then....who can forget the whole Wall saga. John Wall is considered to be one of the best players in the 09 class if not the best. Every time Wall was interviewed on television he was adding another team on his list. After many weeks and months of speculation he came to a decision, he chose UK.

Now...The decision lies in the hands of Jodie Meeks. 2nd team all american, 54 points vs UT, 23.7 ppg last season, Jodie Meeks is really really good. Meeks wants to go to NBA but knows that if he comes back to UK, he could possibly help bring back a national championship to the commonwealth and rise his draft status. The world must wait though for Meeks's decison tomorrow at 5:00pm. The world is waiting, so am I. I can't wait for him to decide so I can began to think about #8 rolling in for the state of Kentucky! Below are some video's dedicated to Jodie Meeks's decision....

2009-06-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today's Verse
Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.
— Romans 6:13 (NIV)

2009-06-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Torii Hunter Rips a solo homerun, Hunter hit 3 consecutive solo home runs as the Los Angeles Angels defeated the San Diego Padres, 9-1.

2009-06-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ten Year's Ago...UK Would Lose A Future Cat

With all this electricity going on about Coach Cal and the new recruits coming in and the excitement for next season, I got to thinking. As a youngster I would watch The Cats with my dad all the time, and I can remember sitting there watching the eleven clock news as a nine year old boy and LEX 18 had a breaking news story about UK basketball and when that happened my dad dropped everything to see what was going on. The breaking news was the passing of John Stewart. John Stewart had committed to the University Of Kentucky, and was suppose to fill in for Jamal Magloire, he had the potential to be the next big man at the University. John Stewart, 18 at the time played for Lawrence North High School and collapsed right on the court during the game. The cause of his death was diagnosed as a black heart.

I wanted to post this because I feel like as UK fans, we can get caught up in the moment and forget about all the sad and bad times. Though, remembering John Stewart and what he could have been just has to make these new recruits thankful for being able to even play or step foot on UK campus for pick up games. John Stewart was known as an athletic big man but never got the chance to put his athletic ability on display. So all these incoming freshmen be thankful for the chance to even be able to play college basketball.

2009-06-13T10:52:00.001-07:00

Former UK Assistant Hired As University Of South Florida Assistant

Former UK Assistant, Jeremy Cox has joined the University of South Florida coaching staff as an assitant. Jeremy Cox will join Reggie Hansen another former UK assistant on the staff. Jeremy Cox was known during the "Gillispie era," as the guy who created the game plan's for the cats. South Florida seems to be the place to go if UK is not the place for you...

2009-06-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Monster Mash's Take On The NBA Finals

2009-06-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Meeks Update!

Per Dave Baker's Twitter:
"Solid" source tells me Jodie cancelled his workout in Portland. As Pete Rose would say "if I was a betting man..." I'm betting he's back!
about 5 hours ago from web

and also...I talked to Micah Pearson who blogs for the UK news facebook site. Might want to check him out, http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=125835925077. He told me he spoke to someone close to the program and was told that Meeks's dad has confirmed, that yes, Meeks will return for his senior season.

More will be updated through out the day, but take it for what it's worth, this is awsome with a capital A! Baby!

2009-06-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

Verse Of The Day!
Today's Verse
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
— Psalm 103:12 (NIV)

2009-06-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Peguins win the NHL Finals as Sidney Crosby holds the Stanley Cup trophy!

2009-06-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Jodie Meeks Saga Continues, As Memphis Grizzles Take A Stab

The saga continues with Jodie Meeks and who other but Memphis, yeah Memphis, the same city that coach John Calipari once resided in, the same city that has the university that was once coached by John Calipari has now shown some interest in drafting Jodie at the 27th draft pick.

Per memphisflyer.com:

We'll find out soon which fence sitters will remain in the draft, but Griz sources I talk to tend to think Damien James will stay in. Jodie Meeks of Kentucy is a toss up, but one suggestion I've heard (not from a team official) is that the Grizzlies could win some fans by promising Meeks at #27 just to screw John Calipari. Sign me up! I think James or Meeks would be excellent picks at #36.

I think Memphis just has it out for Kentucky! Whatever happens, happens, I guess.

2009-06-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

P-Patt and Daniel Orton Showin' Some California Love!

According to Kentuckysportsradio.com, Patrick Patterson and Daniel Orton will both be heading to San Fransisco, California to train and get in shape for the upcoming season. I think it will be great for both players to go out and do that, because it shows how much they are willing to put in to the program. Patrick Patterson looked to be in great shape after his injury from two seasons ago but he must feel like he needs to go harder if he wants to have a good junior season and be a highly 2010 draft pick. Daniel Orton who had a bad knee injury will try to get in top notch shape for next season. Patterson and Orton both will be heading out to San Fran for eight weeks and work with a trainer, Frank Matrisciano, who works with Gilbert Arenas and is considered to be one of the best trainers around. Good luck to both Daniel Orton and Patrick Patterson, cause from the sound of things it could be a long eight weeks!

2009-06-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

Woman Falls Out Of Her Seat Behind The Announcers At Game 4 Of The NBA Finals

Nothing is really going but I found this on straitpinkie.com and thought it was pretty funny...come on meeks decide, we need some news!!!!

2009-06-12T09:27:00.001-07:00

Andy Katz Also Joins Meeks Returning Group!Today, Andy Katz published an article on players, who were "sitting on the fence," he had this to say about Meeks.

Jodie Meeks, Jr., Kentucky: Meeks won't get into the first round, but he is a likely second-round selection. UK coach John Calipari doesn't know for sure, but he was confident earlier in the week that Meeks would return. If he does, that only enhances the prospects for a team already expected to compete for the national title.

2009-06-12T09:05:00.001-07:00

Song For The Weekend....With Ray Charles! Everybody Doin' The Mess Around!

2009-06-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

Verse Of The Day!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

2009-06-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated, Derek Fisher hits a 3 pointer in the 4th quarter to force Overtime, were the Lakers eventually won, 99-91, series is now at 3-1, Lakers are one win away from hoisting the Larry O Brien Trophy(NBA Championship).

2009-06-11T20:31:00.001-07:00

Coach Cal And The Cats Featured In The New EA Commercial!

2009-06-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Magic VS Lakers, Game 4

The Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers will be going head to head in a crucial game 4. The Lakers who have a chance of going up, 3-1 in the series and just one win away from an NBA championship or the Orlando Magic get a much needed win and tie the series, 2-2, going back to LA. I've posted my predicitions before, 95-89 with the Lakers winning but the Magic is a very talented team and is capable of winning the NBA championship. The Lakers is who i've picked to win though since game 1 and i'm sticking with them. No disprect to the Magic but I think Kobe is a man on a mission. Mickeael Pietrus of the Orlando Magic has done the best job guarding Kobe, so far, after stealing the ball from Kobe and securing the win for Orlando in game 3. Pietrus, in my opinion is a great athlete and probably the best player for the Orlando Magic to guard Kobe but guarding Kobe isn't an easy task.

I'm anxioius to watch game 4, just to see how the Magic comes out, they need to come out agressive, because they don't need to come out flat at all because the Lakers are way too talented to come out flat against. The Orlando Magic needs to keep finding Dwight Howard early in their offense just like they did in game 3. Rafer Alston is also a big key in this finals. The way it looked in game 3, is that he was aggravated with Jamer Nelson coming back and taking some of his playing time, so in game 3 he came out and took control, making moves to the basket and being more aggresive, instead of shooting the outside shot. Hedo and Lewis needs to play like they have the past two games, Hedo handling the ball was big in game 2 and Lewis' needs to hit the boards and continue to shoot the ball very well as he has in the past two games.

Now for LA, Kobe needs to be the Kobe that he was in game 1, he had the mean UNDERBITE going and was finding teammates left and right. When Bryant is in the zone, he is arguably the best player in the world. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum doesn't need to keep getting lost when picks are set for Dwight Howard. Both big men have played well and just need to stay out of foul trouble and guard Dwight Howard better on screens. The Lakers are the most talented team of the two, so it's hard to point out their faults, but if LA doesn't play as good as they can, the Magic is good enough to take control of the game and get the W. Game 4 is very big.

I figured I would post something about the NBA finals game 4 since nothing else is going on and everyone patiently waits for the decision of Meeks, so there ya go!

2009-06-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Bama Busted!

Enough Calipari and being investigated by the NCAA talk, Associated Press reports, Albama Crimson Tide will be put on probation and will be forced to forfeit wins, and it all results to the misuse of selling text books.Pat Forde might want to write something on this...

2009-06-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

Get Ready Cancun, Cause Here Comes The Wildcats!

Jody Demling posted awhile ago that the Cancun Tournament has been set, here's how it looks.

The second annual Cancun Challenge features eight men's Division I teams, including Kentucky, Nov. 18-25. The event will start with eight games being played in the U.S. before the final eight will be at Moon Palace Resort in Cancun.

UK, Virginia, Cleveland State and Stanford headline the event and will be joined by Florida A&M, Oral Roberts, Rider and Sam Houston State.

UK will open the event Nov. 19 in Rupp Arena against Sam Houston State and will then host Rider on Nov. 21.

The Wildcats will play Cleveland State on Nov. 24 in Cancun and then face the winner (or loser) of the Virginia-Stanford game on Nov. 25.

2009-06-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Full Of Bulls Thursday!

Thursday Notes:

-It's been somewhat of a crazy Wednesday, We find out that Matt Pilgrim and Kevin Galloway will no longer be on the UK roster. Rumors spark up on the Dave & The Morning Sports Show that Jodie Meeks was returning for his senior season and UK fans went into a frenzy on various message boards. We Find out later, according to Jerry Tipton that those reports were a bit premature and somewhat false. Meeks has made no decision and more than likely will make one this weekend.

-Meeks will indeed workout with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday and what could turn out whether or not Jodie Meeks returns for one more season as a wildcat. Jodie Meeks will be joined with some more players but no players that look to be drafted in the first round of the NBA draft. Below is a list of the players who will be working out with Meeks.

Michael Bramos Guard 6-5 Senior/Miami-Ohio
Joe Ingles Forward 6-8 Australia
Ater Majok Forward 6-10 Freshman/Connecticut
Jodie Meeks Forward 6-4 Junior/Kentucky
Alex Ruoff Guard 6-6 Senior/West Virginia
Garrett Temple Guard 6-5 Senior/Lousiana State

This will be the last workout for Meeks. I still think there is a possibility of him getting drafted. After all the speculation of Ben Gordon possibly leaving the team, Meeks maybe what the Bulls need. Like Tipton, I think by this weekend we'll know, we'll have to, the deadline is Monday, June 15th.

-Kevin Galloway and Matt Pilgrim is no longer on the team. I've been told by several people who were at Big Blue Madness last year, said that Pilgrim was a monster and would be great as a cat. I hate to see a great talent like Matt Pilgrim leave the University of Kentucky but with all the new recruits and the way the coaching staff see's things, the players we feel are the best, may not be the best for the team. I enjoyed watching Kevin Galloway last season, at times he would make an incredible play by driving in the lane and having a monstrous dunk. When I found out about the news, I got to thinking about the Florida game this past season and watching Galloway drive through the lane and dunk all over the gators, both Pilgrim and Galloway will truly be missed.

-That's all the news I have for tonight, tomorrow should turn out to be an interesting day, with the Meeks workout and such. We should get a good idea what he's going to do tomorrow. I'm out gang, good night big blue nation!

2009-06-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Images Of The Day: Instead of just one image, we have two, today, we, the people, the big blue nation, said goodbye to two very talented players in Kevin Galloway and Matt Pilgrim. I hope both of them have a great future and do very well. Goodbye guys and god bless.

2009-06-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Verse Of The Day!
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
— Isaiah 61:10

2009-06-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Meeks To Decide This Weekend!

Jerry Tipton of Lexington Hearld reports, that all rumors of Meeks telling the University Of Kentucky Athletic Department that he was returning for his senior season were premature and wrong. Tipton reports that, Jodie Meeks will talk it over with his family this weekend after the workout in Chicago and then make a decision.

2009-06-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Kentucky Will Get To See Zeke Chapman Next Year

The King Of The Bluegrass field has been set, and Rex's boy Zeke and his team will be there! The King Of The Bluegrass will be played in Fairdale, KY.

2009-06-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Scott Padgett Has Been Named As The Assistant Strength Coach!

Per Alan Cutler Aka Steve Prefontaine:

"Ah, assistant strength coach," says Scott Padgett. "Boom."

With that, Scott Padgett flexes his muscles and laughs. It's his new 'coaching' job at UK.

"I'm excited to have an opportunity to get into coaching and to get to do it at your alma mater, a place that you grew up loving, there is no better place to start of. On top of that, we are going to be a really good program so that makes it even better to start off on top."

Padgett, who hit big shots in the NCAA championship run in 1998, has a goofy funny side, and a serious side. The serious side sometimes gets overlooked. He's thought about coaching for a long time.

"When I was probably a junior or senior in high school. You know really when I came to Kentucky, my goal was really to make it to Kentucky and play. I always planned on being a coach. I was lucky enough to be here at a successful time and have a good career and go on and trick NBA teams to keep me around for 8 years so, it kind of postponed my original goal which was to be a coach."

"Right now my job is to do whatever he (Cal) tells me. Obviously, I have limitations on what I can and can not do. I am not one of the main assistants. Right now it's really learning the game, and if coach says do it you do it."

Padgett is going to be "a mentor to the big guys and help them with things."

"Even if it's just talking to them and walking over after practice and talking with them at the training table about what happened. Whatever I can do to help, that's what I'm here to do and learn."

Congratulations to Scott Padgett, It's great seeing UK alumni on the coaching staff, I still Wonder what Delk's title will be.

2009-06-10T13:36:00.001-07:00

Pilgrim and Galloway Is No Longer On The Team?

Reported by Marc Maggard at truebluekentucky.com is that both Matt Pilgrim and Kevin Galloway are no longer on the University of Kentucky men's basketball team. That now leaves the University with 13 open scholarships, so as of now, counting Meeks on the team, Kentucky will look like this.

John Wall
Jodie Meeks
Darius Miller
Patrick Patterson
Demarcus Cousins
Daniel Orton
Eric Bledsoe
Darnell Dodson
Josh Harellson
Deandre Liggins
John Hood
Ramon Harris
Perry Stevenson

Which cuts down the players on the roster to 13, which is the limit. I'm thinking that the Universty has got word of Meeks returning and went ahead and finished cutting the last couple of scholarships. I would have liked to have seen Matt Pilgrim in a UK uniform but having Meeks back is so much better! I've got a feeling, we will find more about this later throughout the evening.

2009-06-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

Courtney Lee Night Cap

Some quick night notes:

-Meeks works out with the bulls Thursday. Thursday could be a huge day with the Meeks saga. Meeks will decide at the end of this week. Like I said before, I hope he makes the decision best for him, but I do wish he would return, as a UK fan, but I'm happy with whatever he does, UK is going to be good no matter what!

-Magic beat the lakers tonight, 108-104. With the series being at 2-1 shuts me up on a sweep but I do think Lakers will still win the finals in 5. I'm glad though Courtney Lee and the Magic won, so much heat about him missing that game winning lob, that was a very tough shot to make. Game 4 will be on ABC @ 9:00pm, Thursday night. Prediction...Lakers 95, Magic 89. We'll find out though soon enough.

-Tim Floyd resigned as USC coach over in the pac 10. The whole OJ Mayo deal was just too much for Floyd. After not doing so well in the NBA as the bulls coach and having trouble with OJ Mayo, it will be a long time before we see Tim Floyd coaching.

-A new member will join the 54report staff around the beginning of July, he will cover the UK football stuff and some UK basketball news. He knows more about the UK program than about anybody I know.

-That's it for tonight, hopefully we can find out about Meeks tomorrow! Good Night All!

2009-06-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Ortiz swings a home run against those dang Yankees, way to go Papi, he's getting it back. Red Sox shut out the Yankees, 7-0. My Red Sox are right there for the AL East lead, with the win, they tied the Yankees for the lead with a 34-24 record.

2009-06-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

WEC 41 Results

Main event

•WEC featherweight champ Mike Brown def. Urijah Faber via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).
Televised Card

•Jose Aldo def. Cub Swanson via TKO (flying knee) - Round 1, 0:08.

•Donald Cerrone def. James Krause via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 4:38.

•Josh Grispi def. Jens Pulver via submission (guillotine choke) - Round 1, 0:33.

Preliminary Card

•Manny Gamburyan def. John Franchi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

•Rafael Rebello def. Kyle Dietz via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 2:55.

•Anthony Pettis def. Mike Campbell via submission (triangle choke) - Round 1, 1:49.

•Antonio Banuelos def. Scott Jorgensen via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

•Frank Gomez def. Noah Thomas via submission (arm triangle choke) - Round 2, 3:12.

•Seth Dikun def. Rolando Perez via submission (triangle choke) - Round 1, 2:30.

2009-06-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

Verse Of The Day!
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Ephesians 5:11-14

2009-06-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Image of the day: Some Brett Farve news if you wanted it, Farve has been giving a week to decide if he wants to play next season.

2009-06-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Meeks, To Return To UK?
Per draftexpress.com: Next week’s early-entry deadline, which will likely see players such as Jodie Meeks and Tyler Smith return to school, while others remain on the fence. One NBA team mentioned being told quite confidently by Damion James that he is most certainly staying in the draft, and most assume that Gonzaga’s Austin Daye is a lock to stay in. Another executive discussed Jeff Teague telling them that he will not pull his name out if he receives any type of guarantee that he will be drafted in the first round, which is probably not what Wake Forest fans want to hear.

I think this is a really good sign if a site were to post something about players returning, i'll keep updating on meeks the rest of the weeks. Meeks is scheduled to workout with the Bulls Thursday.

2009-06-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!!!!

2009-06-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Kobe with the jam! Lakers win 101-96 and lead series 2-0, the series now goes to Orlando for a game 3.

2009-06-07T20:36:00.001-07:00

Lakers Win, Gillispie Selling UK Stuff On Craig List, And Meeks Is Still Undecided!

-Alright, it's been a very boring week on UK news, so I haven't got to post as many posts that I have been. So I'm going to let loose on what very little that has happend. First off, The meeting between NCAA and Memphis lasted around 3 hours and 40 minutes and a decision of the whole situation would be made in about 6-8 weeks. In my opinion, nothing is going to cause a big scene. Coach John Calipari had nothing to do with the so called, "allegations," that NCAA had toward the University Of Memphis. Many reporters from ESPN have already made their minds up that Coach Cal did have something to do with the whole D-Rose cheating on his test, but he didn't, people tend to forget that NCAA sent Calipari a letter letting him know that he was alright as far as any NCAA troubles or allegations. People just need to relax, quit worrying about it, people are making this bigger than what it is. Trust me.

-Jodie Meeks is still undecided and still has his name in the draft but yet he has signed no agent. Meeks is really wanting to get in the NBA, and if that's what he wants to do, go for it. I would love to see Meeks back next year in a UK jersey but that's just the way things go. Meeks with Wall in the backcourt would be freakishly good and would have to be considered one of the best backcourts in the whole entire country. Meeks who averaged somewhere around 23 points per game and was named 2nd team all american is truly one of the best 2 guards in the college game. I've seen a few mock drafts and have Meeks in the 2nd round, and Meeks said he wouldn't keep his name in the draft if he were not a first round pick. However, if Meeks were to be an early 2nd round pick, I think Meeks would leave his name in the draft. Meeks really wants to go to the NBA but he's repeated before, "If i'm not projected in the top 25, i'm considering coming back to school for another year. So now the decision will come this week. A week from Monday is the deadline, June 15th. Meeks will decide either on that date or before then. I hope this ends soon. Wall put me through alot of aggravation and Meeks is doing the same.

-Former UK coach Billy Clyde Gillispie, Per KSR, All authentic UK gear of Coach G various new and used items. Nike Shirts, Nike warmups, uk wool letter jacket, t-shirts, shorts, cutter and buck, and much more. Sizes range from xl to xxl. Prices vary - all his personal issued gear from uk. From what I've been told, Clyde is living out on the streets and needs some cash. Cause he ain't getting no money from UK.

-Lakers are now up 2-0 in the NBA finals, They won game 1, 100-75 and won game 2, 101-96(ot). The Lakers are very much in the drivers seat and I think that the Lakers will either get the sweep or win it in 5. Lakers are just to big of a matchup for the Magic. Kobe Bryant is definetly on a mission. Courtney Lee had a chance to win game 2 but missed a g/w lob, don't worry about it lil hilltopper, you still got it.

-WEC Results, including the big Faber Vs. Brown Results will be posted either tonight or tomorrow, so keep in check on that.

-I'm out of here, Good night Big Blue Nation!

2009-06-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Red Wings Win Game 5! Series now at 3-2. Red Wings Lead.

2009-06-06T20:47:00.000-07:00

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:9

The guide to becoming saved and having your name recorded in the book of life. Jesus Christ already paid the ultimate price when he died on the cross, all you have to do is believe. Making this decision is the best one you could ever make. Your life will be so much better. Having a friend that is always there for you and will never leave your side is an amazing feeling. If you give your life to God it will be a better one. I pray that you do what Romans 10:9 says if you haven't already. I pray that you give your heart to God.

2009-06-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
PSALM 23:4

Whatever you face in this life just remember, God is always with you.

2009-06-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Roger Federer advances to the finals in the French Open. Many believe if Federer wins, he could be labeled as the greatest tennis player of all time.

2009-06-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

Will Barton Commits To Memphis!

Former UK recruit and what many considered to be UK bound, had different plans, according to scout.com's Evan Daniels, Barton commits to Pastner and the Memphis Tigers.

2009-06-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

Joe Jackson Could Be A Great Shot If UK Were To Miss Out On Knight

From Kentucky's Rival site, catspause.com:

Joe Jackson is the second-best point guard in the nation in the Class of 2010 in my opinion, but looking at his list it seem a lot of big school are looking over him. Why aren't schools like Kansas, Louisville, Syracuse, Florida and UConn, which need to add a point guard, not recruiting him?

-- Chris from Memphis
-----
Jackson is a big-time prospect and is coming off a great showing at the Pangos All-American Camp. He is extremely athletic, competitive and great with the basketball in his hands. I don't think he is the second-best point guard prospect in the 2010 class, but I do think he is a top-five point guard prospect in the class.

When analyzing why the schools you mentioned aren't recruiting him, you have to start with the No. 1 point guard prospect Brandon Knight. Syracuse, Florida and UConn are all targeting him. Kansas is also recruiting him, but the Jayhawks are hot after Ray McCallum as well. Louisville has Cory Joseph, the No. 2-ranked point guard, as its main target.

A big part of recruiting is also weighing out the chances of landing a recruit. Most programs feel it is going to be awful difficult to beat out hometown Memphis to land Jackson, and recruiting him just isn't worth the effort. And if Kentucky strikes out on Knight, then coach John Calipari will have a great shot at Jackson. And I haven't even mentioned Tennessee, which has put a lot of time and effort into recruiting Jackson.

I Find that amazing for the University Of Kentucky to be in the hunt with the top two point guards in the class and know that if UK doesn't get one of em, they have a legit shot at getting the other one. Brandon Knight is the #1 point guard and many consider him as the best player overall and Joe Jackson is the #4 point guard. Coach Cal and those guards. As a UK fan it doesn't get any better than this!

2009-06-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Robert Dozier Now In The NCAA Investagation

The story never ends...when we thought the allegations were through, they continue. To read the whole article, click here.

2009-06-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

Have A Shining Friday!

Friday Notes:

-One of the most non happening UK news today. Nothing was going on today, some talk about Meeks so there isn't much to say about the whole situation.

-Lakers beat the Magic, 100-75. I honestly believe that Kobe and the Lakers will pull out the broom and sweep the Magic. The Magic are just happy to even be in the finals, Kobe wants to win, that's the difference. Dwight Howard's offensive game needs some major work, and all of this talk about Patrick Ewing being a big help, he never was a great offensive player and isn't helping Dwight any. I'm not saying Dwight isn't a great player, he is, but just having 12 points in a game 1 and your suppose to be the best center in the league, that isn't shaq like numbers. I do realize that Dwight's very young and his game will develop but I just don't see him being the centers we talk about when it comes to shaq, Wilt, The Dream, and Jabar. We'll see though, who knows, he may turn out as the most dominate center ever, but I just don't see it in his game.

I'm a huge wrestling fan, and a friend of mine sent me this pic of former wrestler and what many consider a legend, Lex Luger, and Lex looks very sickly in this picture, it's hard to even recoginze him. People may not be wrestling fans that visit this site but for those who are take a look at former wrestler, Lex Luger.

-I just wanted to put that out there, I'm a fan of wrestling and found this picture to be a bit shocking. Well, I'm off to bed. Later gang.

2009-06-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Kobe Bryant goes up for 2 of his 40 points against the Magic, the Lakers easily defeated the Magic, 100-75. Game 2 is Sunday at the same time at 9:00pm, coverage begins at 8:30pm. The Magic were just outplayed tonight. Can Dwight rebound from the loss, we'll find out Sunday.

2009-06-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Verse Of The Day!

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."
Matthew 24:42-44

2009-06-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

Even The Great Larry Vaught Thinks Meeks Is A Future Pro.

Amnews.com's, Larry Vaught is reporting that he has been told from sources that Meeks will stay in the draft regardless of him being a 2nd round draft pick. I respect Larry Vaught a whole lot, because I believe he is a true UK writer and I think he would be a great writer for kentucky.com and Lexington-Hearld, he is straight up with the situation. I agree with Vaught, I do believe that Jodie will not be Kentucky Wildcat next year as bad as I hate to say it. He really wants to go pro and if that's what he wants to do, I'm all for him. Jodie did alot for the University last year and I appreciate it. If I'm wrong about Meeks going pro in which I hope I am, then UK will be great. The team looks very good but having Meeks on the floor gives you 20 points a night. I hope whatever Meeks decides I hope he's happy. The full article from Larry Vaught can be read here.
Larry Vaught's article on Meeks.

2009-06-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Can We Expect Games Like These Next Year?

2009-06-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Image Of The Day: Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto tries to tag out St. Louis Cardinals' Joe Thurston. Red win again 9-3. Reds now have a record of 28-24

2009-06-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

KIMBO SLICE

Almost everyone knows the name Kimbo Slice, if you don't, go to youtube and type his name in. He's been on the internet street fighting, on national television cage fighting, and now he will enter a house with 15 other fighters in his weight division in hope for a UFC contract on The Ultimate Fighter season 10 television series. The show will premier September 16 on Spike at 10 p.m. Trainers will be Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

2009-06-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ladies And Gentlemen Meet 2011 Prospect, Angel Nunel

Scouting report from espn.com:

Angel is a long and quick athlete with major level length and skill. Offensively he has very good ball handling skills and if he can improve his perimeter shooting he may be able to make the transition from the 4 spot to a combo forward position. He is effective in many ways because he plays with a high basketball IQ, makes good decisions and is extremely active on the floor. His passing ability is a big asset to his game as he does a good job finding cutters and open shooters. In transition he does a good job sprinting the floor, finishing as well as creating scoring opportunities in the open floor. Defensively he does a solid job moving his feet and allowing his athleticism to compliment his game. Improved body strength and conditioning will help expand his game.

Angel Nunez has narrowed his list of schools to 3 and UK has made the cut. The 3 are Kentucky, Louisville, and Arizona. As a sophomore Nunez could grow another couple of inches, he is a stud...rated a 95 on espn's recruiting grade.

2009-06-03T20:18:00.000-07:00

BIBLE VERSE OF DAY

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
JOHN 3:16

Jesus Christ payed the ultimate price for you and I when God sent him to die on the cross. I want you to really ponder on exactly what he went through for us. All the the pain that he suffered was for you and I. I find it rather amazing that all we have to do is believe. God went to the extreme when he sent his son to die on the cross so we could be saved and live eternally in heaven. If you don't believe or haven't ask God to come into your life I pray that the Lord speaks to you and you take that step and live your life for God. A B C, ASK, BELIEVE, and CONFESS, thats all you have to do. Ask God to come into your life, and ask forgiveness of your sins, truly believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and that God raised him from the dead three days later, and confess that God saved you. I pray that if your not saved you ask God to come into your life before its to late. Our God is an amazing God and he loves you. All you have to do is believe.

2009-06-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

NEW TRIVIA QUESTION!!!

Okay gang...the answer to last week's trivia question was...drum roll please.........28! Richie Farmer scored 28 points against Notre Dame on January 2, 1992. Richie shot 8 for 11 from the field and going a perfect 7 for 7 from the stripe! Congrats to whoever got the question right. You do you know your UK basketball.

Now we have a new trivia question.....

In the NCAA tournament, What player has the record for most rebounds in a game with 24?

The question and answers will be on the side just like last week.

2009-06-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Conan Wedsendayreally quick notes:

- everyone really seems to think that Demarcus Cousins and John Wall will qualify academically, I sure hope so.

-Calipari was found not guilty...haha...to all those writers who try to create a story when it's not there.

-NBA finals begin Thursday at 9:00pm, Jameer Nelson has been cleared to play....I'm not sure how much PT he'll get but he if he is himself it could make for an even more exciting finals.

-One last note...props to Dick Vitale for showing Cal some love while others didn't. I know he didn't show UK love but he did show Cal and I thank him for that.

-I'm not feeling the best ever, so I'm off to bed. Later.

2009-06-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Image of the day: Jameer Nelson has been cleared to play for the NBA Finals....so that's how he gets on as the image of the day.

2009-06-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

Verse Of The Day!
“so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”- Hebrews 9:28

2009-06-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

EAT THIS PAT FORDE!!!They found nothing on Calipari, after all the hoop-lah and crazy articles by fellow sports writers such as John Clay, Pat Forde and other writers who thought Calipari was guilty behind the whole SAT allegations with Derrick Rose. I knew that there wasn't any proof they could have, you have to present a picture ID to the directors of the test, I did anyhow. So Pat Forde and all you so-called writers...look at the facts before saying so...feel me...NO PROOF OF CALIPARI!!!

2009-06-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Daniel Orton Talks About Breaking The Glass, He Told His Teammates, I'm Going To Tear The Rim Down!