UK Sends 3 More Early To NBA Draft

((HT: WLEX-TV Lexington))

So, wouldn't you know it...???

The day after Bobby Knight apologizes about his remarks about one-and-dones and the University of Kentucky, three players are submitting their names to the NBA Draft- even though they're not chasing agents at this time...

Brandon Knight- who could benefit from another year of college ball- fellow freshman Terrence Jones, and junior DeAndre Liggins are possibly, maybe, leaving Lexington.

Alan Cutler explains...

UConn can...beat Kentucky that is, to go to the NCAA Finals

It wasn't pretty, but as they say "A Win is a Win". Particularly if it is in the national semi-finals and propels you into the NCAA Championship game.

And the Connecticut Huskies can say that's exactly what they did. They won, 56-55 over a Kentucky team that apparently couldn't hit the broad side of a barn...if they were standing next to it on Saturday night. The Wildcats shot a heart warming 9-32 in the 1st half, before getting a little better in half 2. Kemba Walker, as usual, led UConn with 18.

Your highlights from SI.com:




This sets up an interesting finals with UConn, a team that has had some issues this year and some issues with the NCAA. Issues that have yet to be fully addressed.

They'll play everyone's favorite Cinderella, Butler, who you really should probably stop calling "Cinderella", cause folks, they may not be the "Big Name" school, but those guys can play some hoops.

Tip off Monday is just after 9pm, for those looking to stay up late.

VCU Knocks Off Florida State In OT To Get To Final 8

Now, they get Kansas...
The Jayhawks had no issue with Richmond
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA))


Others that moved to the next round included North Carolina- who get Kentucky after their upset of Ohio State...

The Tarheels had no issue with Marquette...
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA))


Here's the end of the Kentucky-Ohio State game...
Until it gets pulled...
((HT: CBSSports/NCAA/youtube))


More when we know more...

The March To The Madness: Day One Recap

Around the horn we go...

Team coverage from our friends at KHQ-TV in Spokane on the Zags win over St. John's
The HQ is sad that ther will be no more open-collared-dom from Steve Lavin this tournament...


WLEX-TV has True Blue Tampa coverage as Cal's Cats survived Princeton


The HQ is guessing that network coverage wasn't off the air as to why Alan Cutler gave us full screens...

WHAS-TV in Louisville gives us Team Onions coverage when Morehead knocked off the Cards in Denver...


Coach Pitino talked retirement, but the HQ doesn't buy it at present...
Emotional man after an emotional game...

The sign of the day in the stands goes to BYU in their win over Wofford...
Wanna stop the Cougars...? "Fredette About It..."
Nice...

Here's some Cougar postgame, thanks to our friends at KSL-TV in Salt Lake...

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

A not-very-good UCLA team almost blows a 23-point lead, but hangs on over Michigan State and the Fighting Izzos... Bruins head coach Ben Howland attempts to explain...
Thanks to our friends at KTLA-TV
 

Butler finally got their buzzer-beater win as Matt Howard lingered long enough for the put-back in the game against Old Dominion...
Here's Howard, thanks to our friends at FoxIndiana...
((HT: WXIN-TV))
 

That should get you warmed up for Day Two...

Kanter Permanently Ineligible For UK

((HT: WLEX-TV Lexington))

The NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee upheld an earlier NCAA decision that rendered "freshman" Enes Kanter permanently ineligible for receiving more than $33,000 in impermissible benefits while playing for the Turkish club team Fenerbahce two years ago.

What is it about Fenerbahce these days...??? Iverson, Taurasi, and Kanter...???

The ruling means Kanter will not be able to play, practice or travel with the team but will be able to receive financial aid should he choose to remain at the school.

"We are obviously disappointed in this decision and find it unfortunate that a group of adults would come to such a decision regarding the future of an 18-year-old young man," coach John Calipari said.

Alan Cutler is in the newsroom...


President Lee T. Todd, Junior was less than pleased in a statement...

"I'm very disappointed in what appears to me to be an inconsistent decision that leaves an outstanding young man without any recourse. It's very disappointing that this young man, who along with his family intended to do everything the right way and in compliance with the rules, won't be able to pursue his dream of playing at UK and in intercollegiate athletics. As an NCAA board member, I continue to be puzzled and confused by the reasoning behind this decision, which seems to be an inconsistent and arbitrary application of the rules. It is unfortunate and disappointing that Enes and his family have been negatively impacted by this process. It is certainly a matter I will continue to try to understand and question in my remaining time on the board as part of an organization, whose stated purpose is to put families and student athletes first." - Lee T. Todd, Jr

Big Blue Upset: Kentucky Takes Care Of #10 South Carolina

How how things have changed at South Carolina. After the biggest win in program history last week defeated then #1 Alabama at home, the Gamecocks have a major let down at Kentucky and a first for the Head Ball Coach.

The Wildcats snapped a 10 losing streak to the Gamecocks with the 31-28 win in Lexington and it's the first time Steve Spurrier has lost to a Kentucky team.

"They just beat us." Spurrier said "They stuffed us offensively in the second half."

Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips now has his signiture win.

"It's was a big win." Phillips said. "We've got to get wins. At 5-3, we'll have a chance to win in the East."

Here's a post game report from the Sports staff at WLEX-TV Lexington, KY. (Thanks WLEX-TV)



Photo Courtesy: Mark Cornelison/Lexington Herald Leader

Education Secretary Getting Arne-ry...

((HT: Huffington Post/Gorski))

Education Secretary Arne Duncan is deciding to take on college basketball just in time for the post-season tournaments... as always, it's about opportunity and timing. And never let it be said politicians don't know or recognize either.

Duncan is proposing that any school that has less than a 40-percent graduation rate not be allowed into the NCAA post-season extravanganza.

The Education Secretary isn't focusing on inner-city or rural participation in the education process ((like, oh, the HQ thinks actually showing up and graduating high school might be important FIRST)), but on the television event that is the tourney.

If Duncan, who played at Harvard, had his way Maryland (8 percent), California (20 percent), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (29 percent), Washington (29 percent), Tennessee (30 percent), Kentucky (31 percent), Baylor (36 percent), Missouri (36 percent), New Mexico State (36 percent), Clemson (37 percent), Georgia Tech (38 percent) and Louisville (38 percent) wouldn't be around.

"Over time, we should set a higher bar," Duncan said. "But it's a minimum, a bright line, which every program should meet to vie for postseason honors."

As a reminder of what Mister Secretary thinks he's chasing, here's a "before" picture... from the movie "Blue Chips..."
((HT: Paramount Pictures))


The "after" would include the Western Dolphins roster of Neon Boudeaux, Butch McRae, and Ricky Roe... but Coach Pete Bell would never confess...

The HQ would still recommend Secretary Duncan, while his idea is a noble goal, work on other stuff first...

College Basketball 09-10: SEC

SEC Basketball fans, just eliminate the 2008-09 season from your memory. Pretend like all the underachieving and getting only 3 teams in the NCAA's never happened. This season the league will get back to normal. Why? Because it looks like Kentucky will be well, Kentucky again.

BEST TEAM IN THE SEC: Kentucky

UK doesn't mess around. After tieing for 4th in the SEC East and going to the NIT, someone had to be whacked and that someone was former head coach Billy Gillispie. So Kentucky goes from a coach who couldn't make friends in Lexington (got to have people skills) to a coach who oozes charisma and talks the talk, John Calipari.

Hiring Calipari has brought the buzz back to Kentucky basketball plus UK hoops is top of mind again with the 5-star recruits. With outstanding talent Kentucky won't fall in the SEC standings any more. The Wildcats will cut down the nets at the SEC Tournament and win yet another SEC title. I would also expect Kentucky to make a final four run as well.

BEST PLAYER IN THE SEC: Patrick Patterson - Kentucky

When you have a big that can score consistently in double digits and rebound at will you have a player, that describes Patrick Patterson. Last season Patterson averaged 17.9 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game, great numbers but Patterson wasn't satisfied. The thing that has me believe that Patterson is in for a monster year is that he dedicated himself to improve his game. Patterson is determined to lead the Wildcats to a national championship. UK's SEC opponents, you have been warned. Patterson is on a mission.

OSG's SEC Predictions:

SEC East:

Kentucky

Tennessee

Vanderbilt

South Carolina

Florida

Georgia

SEC West:

Mississippi State

Ole Miss

LSU

Alabama

Auburn

Arkansas

Photo Courtesy: SI.com

Down Goes the Tebow...

Maybe Tim Tebow is human after all. It certainly sounds like he hasn't had a very good week. He had to be flown separately to Kentucky because he had a "Respiratory Illness" along with a few of his teammates. There has been a lot of specualtion that he is one of apparently many Florida football players who may be suffering from the Swine Flu. Tonight, while leading the Gators to a rout of Kentucky, he takes a wicked hit in the 3rd Quarter...and had to be removed from the field on a cart. He was seen quite frequently later in the game...shall we say "Expelling projectiles from his personage".

The story from the Lexington Herald-Leader HERE.

Oddly, the Orlando Sentinel saw it a bit differently HERE

((The Tebow Goes Down//Courtesy: Mark Cornelison/Herald-Leader))

Here is the video...hopefully it won't get pulled from the You Tube:



It is interesting to read the difference in reaction from the Florida media, the Kentucky media and the National Media. The Tebow has been pretty much deified by all of them, the impression from the Florida Media is that he'll be fine for the Gators visit to LSU in 2 weeks. The Kentucky Media, since they got blown out seemed more surprised that it actually happened. The National Folks (4-letter word), will treat it as the lead story for the next two weeks.

Coach Cal Wins The Press Conference At Kentucky

Fresh from sleeping on his decision and eating his morning doughnut, new Kentucky head coach John Calipari met to media from the Bluegrass Wednesday morning.

Calipari thanked every just short of Ashley Judd. I'm sure the ghost of Adolph Rupp was pleased.

Here's the festivities from start to finish thanks to our friends at WDRB-TV in Louisville.




Those of us at the OSG HQ put this presser in the win column for Coach Cal.

Memphis Grants Kentucky Permission To Talk To John Calipari

It appears Kentucky has John Calipari in their cross heirs as the new head coach. The University of Memphis has given Kentucky permission to speak to coach John Calipari about the Wildcats' head coaching position.

Athletic director R.C. Johnson said in a statement Monday that Calipari could meet with Kentucky representatives, but stressed Memphis will do whatever it can to retain the coach.

The Memphis Commercial-Appeal reported Monday that Calipari met with his Memphis players this morning to discuss his involvement with the University of Kentucky opening.

While Calipari did not say explicitly what he planned to do, players left the meeting convinced that Calipari would take the job. According to a Commercial - Appeal source, Calipari told the team that Kentucky was the Notre Dame of basketball.

Kentucky spokesman DeWayne Peevy would not confirm or deny an ESPN report that Wildcats officials had met with Calipari and were prepared to offer him the job.

OSG contacted sources at Kentucky but they aren't speaking either.

Photo Courtesy: Mark J. Rebilas/US Presswire

Kentucky Campaign '09: Pitino Says Go With The Native Sons

While it appears John Calipari is "interested" in the Kentucky job, UK hasn't asked for permission to talk to Coach Cal. Any doubt though that Calipari is openly campaigning for the Kentucky gig through the backchannels?

The interest though could be mutual as sources tell the 4-letter word that Kentucky is in the process of gathering information on Calipari.

Back to the campaign because former Kentucky head coach Rick Pitino is doing just that for a couple of his former players, Travis Ford and John Pelphrey.

"If you said to me right now, in three years, who will be one of the bright young stars in our game, I would say, without reservation at all, that John Pelphrey or Travis Ford would both be young stars in the game." Pitino said.

"On top of that, they are beloved by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and all their fans, what they call Big Blue Nation. I don't care where they're at, they love Oklahoma State, love Arkansas, but those two guys, you cut them open, and it spells UK. That's what I would do. "

There's no doubt Kentucky blue runs through the veins of Travis Ford and John Pelphrey. As native sons they could adjust to the demands of the gig quicker than someone from the outside. The question is are they seasoned enough to win games at the elite level.

Ford and Pelphrey do have their former coach on the stump on their behalf however, Pitino is the Louisville head coach now. How does that sit with the power brokers within the Big Blue Nation? Does Pitino's thoughts move the needle with them?

Let the dance continue.

BREAKING NEWS: Billy Gillispie Gone At Kentucky

Billy Gillispie is no longer the head basketball coach at the University of Kentucky. A press conference is scheduled for 4:30pm. More details to come.

As The Bluegrass Turns

Here it is Friday and Billy Gillispie is still on the payroll at the University of Kentucky. WHAS-TV in Louisville, KY reported that UK has already pink slipped Gillispie. The University has denied that Billy G. is gone. Probably just a smoke screen that lawyers are negotiating a settlement. OSG still believes Gillispie will be unemployed soon.

Even more rumors are flying that Florida head coach Billy Donovan has already had back channel contact from Kentucky and that is on the way to Lexington. The Orlando Sentitial is citing sources saying that they aren't worrying about Billy the Kid leaving Gainesville. OSG's take is that Kentucky might like to trade one Billy for another but its not looking very likely. Once dollars get involved you never know.

Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News likes Villanova head coach Jay Wright as a possible successor. Wright is a PR guy, plays a style the kids today like and can recruit. He seems to have the qualifications at UK.

DeCourcy also lists Memphis head coach John Calipari & Texas head coach Rick Barnes. Good choices but why would that pair leave ideal situations. Calipari has Memphis in the palm of his hand and Barnes has great facilities and all the money in the world to spend plus no pressure.

Here at the OSG HQ we have our own list. We have mentioned Travis Ford and really like Jay Wright. Bob Knight? Let us be the first to mention the general.

Some other candidates:

John Voight - He can channel in Adolph Rupp since he played the UK icon in the movie Glory Road. The old guard would be so thrilled.

Ken Reeves - Had a successful high school career at Carver High School in South Central LA during the 70's but hasn't been heard from since. Coolidge and "Salami" would be his assistants.

Dick Vitale - It would be awesome baby.... not.

Gillispie Singing The Blues & Might Be Looking For Work

Kentucky's hoop season is over and the Billy Gillispie era appears to be coming to an end.

TrueBlueKentucky.com is already reporting that Gillispie has been fired by UK. Sources in Lexington have told OSG that their is nothing to report...yet.

Gillispie was asked after the Wildcats 77-67 loss to Notre Dame in the NIT quarterfinals about being judged after 2 years on the job he said "There's only one judgment that I will really ever be concerned about, and I hope I pass that judgment. That's the only one I will ever be concerned about, and I'm really proud that's the only judgment that will ever have a real effect on me, and I hope I pass that one with flying colors."

The Lexington Herald-Leader feels something is going down. John Clay from the Herald-Leader writes: The nearly foregone conclusion is that he hasn't passed UK's judgment with flying colors, that President Lee T. Todd Jr. and Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart will announce soon that a change is being made, that a 40-27 record and a differing interpretation of job description will cause the program to move in a different direction.

It is OSG's opinion that Billy Gillispie will be unemployed by this weekend. He never really won the hearts and minds of the blue bloods in Kentucky.

We will take our opinion a step further. Kentucky will offer the world and then some to Florida head coach Billy Donovan. I would bet Billy the Kid is ready for the Kentucky challenge. Donovan has probably realized that backing out of the Orlando Magic job was a mistake and he has maxed out the hoop program at Florida. You can bet Kentucky will come a callin'.

Photos Courtesy: Getty Images

They Are Playing For #66

The NIT has some star power this year. Davidson, the cinderella of the 2008 NCAA Tournament and their superman Stephen Curry, is in. Two of college basketball's brand names, Kentucky and Georgetown, join this post season party too.

Here's your NIT first round pairings:

Tuesday, March 17

Davidson (26-7) at South Carolina (21-9), 7 p.m.
Rhode Island (22-10) at Niagara (26-8), 7 p.m.
George Mason (22-10) at Penn State (22-11), 8 p.m.
UAB (22-11) at Notre Dame (18-14), 9 p.m.
UNLV (21-10) at Kentucky (20-12), 9:30 p.m.
Weber State (21-9) at San Diego State (23-9), 10 p.m.
Nebraska (18-12) at New Mexico (21-11), 10 p.m.
Washington State (17-15) at St. Mary's, Calif. (25-6), 11 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18

Duquesne (21-12) at Virginia Tech (18-14), 7 p.m.
Miami (18-12) at Providence (19-13), 7 p.m.
Illinois State (24-9) at Kansas State (21-11), 8 p.m.
Bowling Green (19-13) at Creighton (26-7), 8 p.m.
Tennessee-Martin (22-9) at Auburn (22-11), 8 p.m.
Jacksonville (18-13) at Florida (23-10), 8 p.m.
Northwestern (17-13) at Tulsa (24-10), 9 p.m.
Georgetown (16-14) at Baylor (20-14), 9 p.m.

It may not be the NCAA's but hey, make the most of it.

Kentucky Feeling The Blues

Kentucky fans, it's officially time to panic. Wednesday night, on senior night, the dreadful Georgia Bulldogs, who had won only 10 games coming in and fired their head coach over a month ago, spanked the Wildcats in Rupp Arena 90-85. The Bulldogs who's offense can't hit the broadside of a barn shot 50% from the field, 68.8% from 3 point land and made 25 of 30 on the charity stripe. UGA's 90 points is 30 more than the 'Dogs were averaging in SEC play.

"It's entirely my fault. I'm having a hard time finding five guys that play hard, smart and together the whole time." Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie said after the loss to Georgia. "We are trying a lot of different things but none of them seem to be working right now. Georgia played great. They made a lot of shots. We didn't do that. I guess we aren't mature enough to understand what we need to do. We didn't play the way we needed to in order to win. Georgia really took it to us.”

As I kept hearing throughout Lexington when I was up there last weekend: "What the hell is wrong with the Wildcats! They are going to the NIT."

"We want to make it to the NCAA tournament." Kentucky Patrick Patterson said. "We want to still be playing ball at the end of March and beginning of April. We want to keep playing. We know that Kentucky has a great tradition and history. They have made it to the tournament for the past 20 years almost and we don't want to be the team that didn't make it.”

There is no doubt the loss to Georgia will be a glaring stain on the UK NCAA Tournament resume. Losing 7 of their last 10 won't impress the selection committee either. The only hope for Big Blue to make it to the NCAA's is win the SEC Tournament. It's either that or go to the NIT.

The way Kentucky's stock is free falling the Wildcats are in dire need of a stimulus package. Sorry, their's no bailout in sight.

Look on the bright side UK fans, spring football is coming up. Is that change Wildcat fans can believe in.

Here's your highlights plus commentary from Billy Gillispie.

Photo Courtesy: Mark Cornelison/Lexington Herald-Leader

Kentucky Basketball Fans Depressed: What's Wrong With "Big Blue"

LEXINGTON, KY: Dining out at the Logans Roadhouse right off the University of Kentucky campus Saturday night I overheard some UK fans complaining about the fate of the Wildcats NCAA tournament hopes between bites of bar-b-que ribs and sips of sweet tea. Especially since Kentucky lost at home to LSU 73-70 at Rupp Arena. UK is now 8-6 in the SEC, 19-10 overall.

"It was a game where they were tougher than us and smarter than us." head coach Billy Gillispie said. "That is why they won." Gillispie added that the loss was "100% on me." Gillispie was ticked off that he failed to make a substitution late in the game.

It was a very important game for Kentucky after a week of turmoil. A.J. Stewart quit the team earlier in the week then Friday, head coach Billy Gillispie said smiling Stewart was back on the team. That Stewart feels a "great deal of remorse." By the way, Stewart saw 3 minutes of action against LSU and is credited with an assist.

Heading into March is when you want to play your best basketball is Kentucky is clearly not. The Wildcats have lost 6 of their last 9 games. That has the Big Blue fans red hot. Wildcat fans don't take to losing well and you can sense the concern throughout the Bluegrass. UK hoops is the identity of the Commonwealth and right now it doesn't look good.

Back at Logan's Roadhouse, you could hear Kentucky fans bring up that other tournament, the NIT. Heck maybe even the CBI (are they playing that tournament this year.)

Our waiter whose name I can't recall wasn't optimistic at all with Kentucky's chances of making the NCAA Tournament. It's safe to say he represented the depressed mood throughout the Commonwealth on Wildcat hoops.

I get the feeling the jury is still out among Wildcat fans about Billy Gillispie. Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart says Billy the "G" isn't on the hot seat. I haven't heard Ashley Judd's opinion.

Kentucky closes the regular season hosting Georgia at Rupp Arena (I calling this a win) and at Florida (good luck). Then its off to the SEC Tournament in Tampa, Florida. It seems whatever ails Kentucky is cured during the SEC Tournament but I'm not sure the "blue mist" will have much effect this time around. The depression among the Wildcat fans have become that deep.

Photo Courtesy: Pablo Alcala/Lexington Herald-Leader

Another Great Moment In Sideline Reporter History

Yes, I'm being sarcastic but it's about time a head coach let a sideline reporter know that a question is a dumb one on live TV. It happened to ESPN's Jeanine Edwards who asked Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie about Jodie Meeks. And coach Gillispie reminds Edwards there is no "I" in team.







I have to respect Jeanine Edwards though, she didn't flinch. She moved right on to the next question.

College Basketball: Southeastern Conference

There are 4 quality teams in the SEC, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky and Vanderbilt. That quartet all come from the SEC Eastern Division. The SEC Western Division is a vast wasteland. Alabama, well Ronald Steele is the key. LSU, Tasmin Mitchell is back but new coach, new system. Andy Kennedy is a gem of a head coach but can't seem to get Ole Miss into the NCAA's. Auburn, not much there. Mississippi State, in full rebuilding mode. Arkansas is rebuilding, retooling and in for a long year.

Best Team In The SEC: Tennessee Volunteers

Is Bruce Pearl the most marketable head basketball coach in SEC history? He's a rare commodity that can sell the product and deliver the goods above and beyond what was expected. Pearl has made men's basketball matter at a University where football and women's basketball ruled on campus. Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith and Jordan Howell are gone but Pearl brought in a great recruiting class. Couple that with Tyler Smith and those are ingredients for an SEC title up in Rocky Top and a deep NCAA Tournament Run.

Best Player In The SEC: Tyler Smith - Tennessee

Smith led the Vols in field goal percentage, rebounds and assists and thought about going into the NBA Draft. Smith returns for his junior season as the focal point of the Vols. UT will need Smith to take some of the scoring load with the departure of Chris Lofton. He's been working all summer on his perimeter jumper. Add that to his resume' and Tyler Smith could be getting paid to play next year.

Team That Could Surprise - Ole Miss Rebels

Bruce Pearl may be the media darling among the head coaches in the SEC. Andy Kennedy is the most underrated. In 2 seasons at Oxford he's made Ole Miss a factor in the SEC. The Rebels somehow stumble in mid-season the last 2 years and end up playing in the NIT. This year Ole Miss has the best backcourt in the SEC in Chris Warren and David Huertas. The frontcourt is inexperienced but if Kennedy can get his young bigs to handle the next level, Ole Miss might take the West and make the big dance for the first time in 7 years.

Who Goes Dancing: Tennessee, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Ole Miss

Who Plays For Number 66: Alabama, LSU

SEC Notes: Georgia's run during the SEC Tournament last season was one for the ages. It bought Dennis Felton some time. Will Felton be a lame duck coach at the SEC Tournament this year? Darrin Horn turned his Sweet 16 run at Western Kentucky last year into a employment upgrade to South Carolina. The Gamecocks have been were stale as a 3 day old doughnut last season. Horn's job is to freshen things up and get 'Cock fans excited again. Trent Johnson takes over at LSU trying a to reverse a 2 year slide to mediocrity under John Brady.

SEC Predictions

Eastern Division

Tennessee

Florida

Kentucky

Vanderbilt

South Carolina

Georgia

Western Division

Ole Miss

LSU

Alabama

Auburn

Mississippi State

Arkansas

Photo Courtesy: AP