SouthEastern Wildcat Review

Before getting into the football stuff from the SEC Media Days in Birmingham, how about this PERFECTLY clear video of the infamous "Dunk on LeBron." The video that TMZ has is nowhere near the quality of this one:

Now let's get into the football swing of things with today's post, here is the entire video from Rich Brooks' segment at the Southeastern Conference Media Days in Birmingham:
(Courtesy of al.com)

And now for the Trevard Lindley segment:

When I think back to how much I used to hate Rich Brooks and wish that UK would just cut their losses with him and move on, I get embarrassed. I was very shortsighted and never bothered to consider that maybe this old school coach knew what he was doing. To go from probation to where he is now is simply amazing. What a turnaround and what an attitude change he has brought upon the Kentucky football program. That being said, I don't want to get used to being happy with 7-5 or 6-6 every year. I want the 'Cats to break through the glass ceiling and join the teams in the upper half of the SEC. Can Rich lead the team there? Is the program even capable of pulling off that "miracle season?" Based on previous results, it's hard to bet against "Papaw," however according to him, he may not be around as the coach of the Wildcats much longer. If this turns out to be his last year, let's hope he's right about this team being one of the best he's had and much improved over last year. Of course leave it to Rich to have the last laugh at the media's expense.

As I mentioned above, the SEC Media Days began yesterday in Birmingham. Clay Travis did an interesting live blog on all the events. Rich Brooks entertained everyone as always, here is a complete transcript of his question and answer session. Brooks had this to say about All-American cornerback Trevard Lindley, and UK lineman Zipp Duncan had some really disgusting and incestuous funny quotes himself. Some bad UK football news from yesterday, as Chip Cosby reported that three fall recruits aren't going to be academically eligible and will likely go the JUCO route. One of the funnier stories to come out is about the search to figure out which head coach didn't vote for Tim Tebow on the 1st team All-SEC Squad. (Had to be Kiffin, it just had to be). And finally, how about a list of questions to ask Steve Kragthorpe and Rich Brooks next time you have them over to your house for dinner.

OK, first things first, haul your tails on over here and vote for Rupp Arena. CBS is conducting a poll asking which arena is better, Rupp or the home of perpetual losers, professional whiners, and Big Blue wannabes, Freedom Hall. Hope it doesn't take you too long to pick sides. Ever since his smart decision to re-open his recruitment, Josh Selby seems like he has been the talk of everyone everywhere. Reportedly his list is now Ohio State, UConn, Kansas, and the obvious pick Kentucky. Selby is in Las Vegas now, tearing up the court and drawing a crowd of coaches. Even Dick Weiss of the NY Daily News way back East had something to say about him. And then we get to hear even more about Selby and some comments about Kentucky from point guard Joe Jackson through Jeff Goodman of Fox Sports. Then Jerry Meyer of Rivals answers four more questions (out of a possible five) concerning UK recruiting targets. We all know that Coach Cal was hired to bring back the luster of the Kentucky Wildcat brand, but when you really think about it, he also has a unique brand of his own. And finally, is the one-and-done rule soon to go the way of mammoths and Beta tapes? (I personally hope so). Well if Tennessee congressman Steve Cohen gets his way with the NBA, yes.

Of course they're my favorite colors: (Actually are there any more ???)

I think I'll start off today's post with a little rant. Josh Selby. As I addressed in my last post, he de-committed from Sweaty Bruce and Vols a few days ago. Of course the naysayers are throwing Kentucky and Coach Cal under the bus by insinuating that Cal and World Wide Wes talked Josh out of his commitment to Tennessee. Many sources have stated that Selby was thinking about opening his recruitment back up a few months ago, however none of UK's detractors want to hear any of that. Shortly after Coach Cal was hired, I worried that every little thing would be scrutinized beyond belief number one because this is Kentucky and it has always been that way, and number two because of the undeserved reputation of John Calipari. I can see now that my fears were founded in truth.

From now on, every time a recruit changes his mind or if another school is perceived as being the leader to sign [insert 5-star player's name here] and suddenly he signs with UK, then automatically Cal cheated or World Wide Wes interfered or something else shady/behind the scenes happened. I mean why in the world would a kid want to play for the winningest program of all time?? Why would they want to try and see if they can add to the richest tradition in the NCAA?? Why would they want to practice in a world-class facility like the Joe Craft Center which is better appropriated and better looking than many division one home courts?? Why would they want to live in a storied building like Wildcat Lodge and be treated like a rock star every time they step foot out of it?? Why would they want to play at home in front of 24,000 screaming idiots every single time they take the court whether it's against North Carolina or The Wyoming School for the Criminally Insane??

And of course, why play for a coach that "unleashes" players and prepares them for the NBA?? I'm officially done with worrying what rival fans, overzealous reporters, and jealous programs think about Kentucky and John Calipari. UK has moved back to the forefront of college basketball, a spot that has been earned over time and one that 'Cat fans have been accustomed to occupying. Not only does Kentucky have the greatest salesman and recruiter in the country for a head coach, the product that is the University of Kentucky is incredibly easy to sell. I bet it's like selling me Mountain Dew, not too much work involved. So in light of UK recapturing its place among the college basketball elite, I hope ALL other fans hate us, hate our coach, and hate our arrogance. Because if they feel that way, that means all is right in the world and Kentucky is back to their old ways, meaning beating the everlovin' CRAP out of everybody!! Only one thing I have to say to fellow 'Cat fans:

Let's start off this evening with football links. The SEC Football Media Days start on Wednesday. In attendance representing UK will be Coach Brooks, Zipp Duncan, and Trevard Lindley. Here's 5 questions that will be answered during the upcoming season, and a quick overview of all 12 SEC teams. I wrote a post a while back about my feelings on Rich Brooks and the Kentucky program. Here's another good one from Bleacher Report. Regardless of your feelings about "Papaw," it's hard to deny the job he has done with the program. Two ex-'Cats in the NFL, Andre Woodson and Jacob Tamme, are both beginning their second seasons with the Giants and Colts respectively. Nothing would be better than these guys turning into superstars. Play-by-play man Tom Leach and Lexington Herald-Leader writer Chip Cosby both think it's time for football season. I agree with that myself. And to end the football links, Mark Story has ten questions for the upcoming UK football season.

Now for hoops links, Tennessee's assistant coach "smells" something fishy about the Josh Selby situation. I already addressed that above. The most bizarre recruit of the BCG era, Donald Williams, has changed his mind again. I wish the kid the best of luck, he was a victim of Clyde's madness. Jerry Meyer of Rivals talks about UK's chances with Josh Selby. Jodie Meeks keeps getting praise for his summer league performance, this time getting an "A" grade. Quickie about what recruits the 'Cats might be getting.

I don't think it will come as any surprise to Wildcat fans that as Patrick Patterson goes this season, so goes the 'Cats. Resident loudmouth and ACC homer ESPN analyst Dick Vitale put Patrick on his Second Team All Rolls-Royce Squad. Second team?? Come on Dick, show a little more respect. Speaking of ESPN, they have profiled Kentucky in their "Teams on the Rise" series. (Must have Insider account). In you don't have an Insider account (I don't either) Tom Leach has a few excerpts on his website. Are you jealous of all the guys out on the July recruiting trail? Gary Parrish tells us what we're missing. Point guard U?? Sure is starting to look that way... Joe Jackson happens to be one of the targeted point guards, and he had this to say about his recruitment. What does Coach Cal think about Louisville? He had this to say during his speech to the Pikeville Chamber of Commerce.

Now for a segment entitled, Remember Me? How about Derrick Caracter? The schoolboy superstar that totally flamed out as a member of Ricky P's team answers a few questions. Of course you would have to have a pretty short memory not to remember Tyreke Evans, superstar point guard from Memphis that was the fourth pick in the NBA draft this year. He explains why he went to Memphis and chose Cal and the Dribble Drive Motion Offense. Another trip to Memphis, former guard Antonio Burks was shot, but is now recovering and should come out unscathed. Ending on a pro-UK note, I hadn't thought of this but here's a list of the best current NBA players who actually graduated from college. When you think about it, you don't see that nearly as much as you should.

Thanks for reading, see you guys tomorrow when I put up a really funny story that happened recently to one of friends. Most of you will be able to identify, I think.

Of course it is beginning to be old news by now, but 2010 Point Guard Josh Selby has de-committed from Tennessee. He is a 6'2" 180 lb top ten (Rivals #7 Overall,#2 PG; Scout #10 Overall, #3 PG; ESPN Grade-95) prospect with loads of talent. His scouting report reads as folows: One of the most aggressive and attacking point guards in the country; finishes above the rim with authority; very hard-nosed, tough-minded kid; has good range from the 3-point line, somewhat streaky, but rarely settles for the jumper; great energy and tenacity; plays defense with reckless abandon; tends to over-penetrate at times which leads to some turnovers; excels in transition and has great court vision; polished player with big-time potential.

Selby attended John Carroll High School in Bel Air, MD as a freshman. He led John Carroll to a 28-7 record while reaching the state semi-finals where they lost to St. Mary's of Annapolis. Josh averaged 16 pts, 4 rbs, 4 ast, and 1.5 stl that year. He was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Intensity Basketball Classic, the Benedictine Capital City Classic, and the Montverde Academy Invitational while also receiving All-Conference and All-County honors. His outstanding play as a freshman led his coach, Tony Martin, to say this:

"Josh is just an incredible athlete. He is very explosive, quick, a great leader," said Martin. "His skills are obvious. He has great ability, he has a great handle, and he can really see the floor. I don't think I have EVER seen a high school freshman who can see the floor as well as Josh does - he has great vision and court awareness. He is a scorer, but he is also a true point guard and a great floor leader."

Selby's numbers and reputation only grew from there. He transferred to Hyattsville (MD) DeMatha, which should sound familiar to Wildcat fans as it is the alma mater of UK great Keith Bogans. He is a member of the storied Baltimore Elite AAU squad, and has also played for Team Melo. Selby is a cousin of former Kentucky target and current Memphis commitment Will Barton, and the two traveled together to this year's NBA Top 100 Camp. He is now reportedly transferring again to Baltimore Lake Clifton High School, where they hope he steps into his cousin's shoes as the leader of the team. (Barton was not granted a 5th year of eligibiltiy and had to go the prep school route)

When asked if being out of the country in Israel coaching Team USA in the Maccabiah Games caused Pearl to possibly be "backdoored" by rival coaches trying to get Selby to de-commit he said:

"It happens, and that's just the way it is. It's part of it."

While no one knows if that is was has happened, many have speculated that Memphis is the leader due to his cousin Barton's recent verbal commitment to Pastner's team. So far however, that doesn't appear to be the case as Jeff Goodman of FoxSports is citing his sources as saying that Kentucky became the immediate leader following Selby's decision. His list is also said to contain UConn, Kansas, Miami, and Oregon.

For UK fans hoping to see him land in Lexington, good news came in the form of Josh's mother confirming that the family indeed knows one "World Wide" William Wesley. His mother downplayed the thought that this automatically meant he was bound for UK, but it is definitely hard to argue with past results.

Now to the question of the day....Was Nike involved in Josh Selby's de-commitment? Tennessee is contracted with Adidas, and the rumor is that Nike got word to Selby that his chances of landing a Nike endorsement would increase greatly if he were to attend a college affliated with the athletic gear manufacturing giant. Kentucky certainly fits that bill as reportedly they are poised to become Nike's "Signature" school. I am really hoping there is nothing to this rumor and that it is being spread by disgruntled (is there any other kind really?) Volunteer fans. Some of them are going so far as to suggest that LeBron's recent visit to Lexington last week led to Selby's retraction.

Unless this is proven to be true, I for one am going to refuse to believe it. If college basketball recruiting has sank to the point where a school's contract with Nike, Converse, Adidas, And1, or whoever influences the decision a young man makes more than the actual college, coach, or conference they play in does, then folks this is a mighty sad time for the sport I love. Can you imagine a world where a top high schooler says, "Yeah, I'm going to attend the University of [insert school] because during my visit I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the fans, the campus, and I also like the style of play Coach [insert name] employs, but most importantly, their contract is with [insert huge shoe company name] and they will pay me big bucks to endorse them when I get to the NBA someday."

Please Basketball Gods, don't ever let it come down to this. Please.

And here are a couple of short Josh Selby clips to change the mood...