Grant Secures First Big Win Against Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Down 20-points on the road against the Alabama Crimson Tide (11-7, 3-1 SEC) wasn't something John Calipari and his twelfth ranked Kentucky Wildcats (14-4, 2-2 SEC) envision.

One game removed from losing to Arkansas 70-65, and shooting 2-of-10 (20%) from deep, Alabama picked up its first marquee win on the season.

Alabama deserved this win after taking the lead with 11:01 left in the first half and not allowing Kentucky to get back into the game.

JaMychal Green paced Alabama with 18-points, and 11 rebounds on 7-of-15 (46%) shooting. "I just knew i had to come out here and give it my all and that's what I did," said Green following his magnificent performance.

"I wanted to win badly and my teammates did a great job on offense and defense."

Sophomore Tony Mitchell provided his contributions to the upset loss of Kentucky. Mitchell scored 15 points, and grabbed seven rebounds, despite picking up his fourth personal foul with 10-minutes left to play.

"I just helped my team as much as possible," said Mitchell. "I tried to do whatever I can to contribute to my team."

This loss places Alabama at (3-1) and in the driver seat of the SEC conference. With a solid core of players in Green, Mitchell, and freshmen Trevor Releford, Alabama could be looking at its first SEC divisional championship since '05.

For Kentucky, the Wildcats drops to (2-2) and is now tied for third place in the SEC East.

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Brandon Knight Scores 17 As Kentucky Wildcats Beat Buccaneers, 88-65

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

No John Wall, no problem. The Kentucky Wildcats had nothing to worry about and they didn't even lose a single notch, beating the East Tennessee Buccaneers, 88-65, in the team's season-opener.
While Wall is dishing it out in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, Brandon Knight is the new-coming of Wall for the Wildcats. Knight is a point guard and can make great plays also. John Calipari was quoted saying that Knight is in fact a better shooter than Wall. That's good to hear.

Speaking of Knight, he had 17 points and a handful of great highlights, with a few dunks, too.

Calipari was worrying if prized center Enes Kanter will play or not. But there was no need to worry as the freshman stood up. Terrence Jones had 25 points and twelve rebounds and Doron Lamb had 20 points.

"Our freshmen played well," Calipari said. "They've got to get steadier, got to get rougher and tougher."

The Wildcats shot a solid 50-percent from the three-point line along with only just ten turnovers.

"I think we're the best team that can shoot 3s, that's what coach said, in the country," Lamb said.

Isiah Brown led the Buccaneers with 25 points, but it wasn't enough as UK had too much talent.

New news came out of Kanter, however. According to the Associated Press:

The school is appealing an NCAA ruling Thursday declaring Kanter permanently ineligible because he received more than the necessary benefits while playing for a club in Turkey two years ago. Kanter can practice with the Wildcats while the case is on appeal and watched the game from the bench in a white sweatsuit.

That's a big hole in the Kentucky's frontcourt, but I personally think they can get past it. Calipari's respects the decision but hopefully he hopes it can be overturned sometime soon.

"[Maybe] people will look at this in a common sense way and say the kid deserves better than this," Calipari said.

It was a great game by Kentucky. Last season, Kentucky could never really get those three-pointers in. Now they can. It's about time.

"Last year ... we didn't make any shots and I kept telling them 'we're good shooters, we're good shooters," Calipari said. "This team, they make shots."

The Wildcats will face the Portland Pilots next in an away game next Friday.

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John Calipari's Young Pupils Face Off In Intense Battle Last Night

Posted by CoHoops Josh Dhani

Derrrick Rose came out on top in the young and rising point guard competition versus rookie John Wall as the Chicago Bulls improve to 1-2, beating the Washington Wizards in a 107-96 win, dropping the Wizards to 2-1.

Rose had 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists while Wall had eleven points and six assists.

"When you're on the court, you want to see where a player is," Rose said. "It's just the way I am. I'm always going to attack and make sure a player is on his heels.

"It's challenging, knowing you can guard a guy that fast. It gives me confidence for the next time I'm out there against somebody that mobile. He's a good player."

Both players have both played for head coach John Calipari, who attended the game to watch his college projects perform well.

Kirk Hinrich played well against his old squad, after playing for the Bulls for the past seven seasons.

"([t's] a little bit [weird], being in the other locker room," Hinrich said before the game. "I've never seen it before. It was weird the first time I put on this uniform, too, but I've gotten over that."

He received a great ovation from the crowd.

"He don't even look right in that jersey," Rose said.

Kyle Korver had 17 points and Joakim Noah had twelve points, along with eleven rebounds for the Bulls.

Gilbert Arenas led the Wizards with 16 points.

Rose was drafted as the number one pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, playing under Calipari for the Memphis Tigers. Wall was the number one draft pick this season, playing for Calipari with the Kentucky Wildcats.

"I told these guys, don't get crazy. It's exhibition," said Calipari, adding that his advice to both players was to be "humble and hungry."

It went a bit slow in the first half, but when the second half rolled by, things started to get competitive between the two.

"I thought [Rose] gave us real good flow by getting guys involved and moving the ball," said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. "And then in the third quarter, he got real aggressive and took the ball inside."

The Wizards were outrebounded by Chicago, 48-32, most importantly because of their three-guard line-up.

"Our team has to rebound," Wizards coach Flip Saunders said. "It's not our guards getting beat on the glass, it's our bigs."

Saunders didn't want Wall to read Rose too much in his first match-up versus the young Bulls' guard.

"I think if John has a great game, I don't want him to think he's arrived already," Saunders said. "If he has a bad game, I don't want him to think he's not worth a [darn]. ... I think John will be more excited to play against him than he'll look at it as a measuring stick. John loves to compete, no matter who he plays against.

"[Rose and Wall] play each other four times a year, and [these matchups] are how they're going to be judged."

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The Kentucky Wildcats Need Trevor Lacey

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Kentucky Wildcats have the best 2011 recruiting class without a question. The Wildcats have acquired four of the best players in the country. Not to mention, they have players still considering the program, and could possibly commit.

With so much talent you wouldn't assume the Wildcats would need another top-tier player to commend their already talented four superstars. Unfortunately, that isn't the case.

The Wildcats are still contenders for 2011 combo-guard Trevor Lacey. According to sources, Assistant Coach Orlando Antigua recently visited the guard and let him know they were still interested.

Lacey, a 6-foot-3 threat out of the backcourt, has a lot of qualities that Kentucky could use. His range and jump shot would be a key asset to Kentucky in 2011-12.

Not to mention, he can finish strong around the rim, does not play selfish, and is the definition of a team player.

Lacey could commend the four players that already committed very well. He usually takes what the defense gives him, and doesn't force anything. That is very beneficial, especially when playing with athletes that Kentucky was able to acquire.

With little or no interest in acquiring Tony Wroten Jr, the Wildcats need Lacey to commit to there program. He is a huge asset, and could play both positions in the backcourt. With Lacey, the Kentucky 2011 recruiting class is extraordinary, without him they're elite.

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After The Anthony Davis Commitment, Tony Wroten May Be Thinking Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Kentucky Wildcats embrace one of the best recruiting services in the nation. They have wheeled in the best recruiting classes three years and running.

Their 2009 class that featured John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton are still considered one of the best freshman tandems we've seen. Their 10' class features, Brandon Knight the raining Gatorade Player of the Year, and frontier force Enes Kanter.

Their11' class features arguably the top three players from their respective positions.

Anthony Davis Jr committed to playing for Kentucky, and that sets up a commanding trio.

Davis Jr, Michael Gilchrist and Marquis Teague will be in the nations spotlight immediately after they step foot on campus.
However, the Wildcats are still in for a wild recruiting ride. Head Coach John Calipari is not going to stop recruiting now. The 2011' class is still a work in progress, despite the competence.

In an earlier article, I said for this trio to work they would need to persuade at least LeBryan Nash, Tony Wroten and Trevor Lacey.

Well despite the infirm recruiting of Wroten Jr, I believe, he still appreciates the Kentucky program and what they can make him become.

Wroten Jr has always favored the University of Kentucky. However, number two on his list came Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals.

It was speculated that Wroten Jr, Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello could come in a package deal for Louisville. However, the 6-foot-4 guard from Seattle, Washington is sensing the Kentucky effect.
After Davis Jr's verbal commitment, a few UK Students preferred to conduct a concise recruiting on their own, that makes it sound like Wroten is UK-bound.

It would not be shocking to witness him commit here in the next month or so. With Davis Jr committing, Coach Calipari freed up time and could gratify the 6-foot-4 Seattle star.

Either way, the dominoes are starting to fall for the UK program. They have acquired the No. 1 recruiting class in 09', 10' and preferably '11.

One thing we all have to do is respect John Calipari. He sure does know how to recruit and put Kentucky in prime position to win the game.


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Anthony Davis Jr Helps Form The College Version Of The Miami Heat's Trio

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Photo Credits to ESPN.com

Well all know for sure that Anthony Davis Jr will be attending Kentucky. There was speculation that his decision was going to happen as early as Tuesday. Today was the day if you asked his father. He decided to let the press know that his son was committing to play for the Kentucky Wildcats.

It is not surprising to many, but it certainly did surprise me. I thought he would stay in his hometown and play basketball with Oliver Purnell.

My notion was inaccurate, and Davis Jr decided Kentucky was better suited for him.

Davis Jr impressed a lot this summer with his impressive length and upside. He can play just about every position on the floor, except point guard because his ball-handling is still a work in progress.

Either way, his commitment to Kentucky has arisen one of the best freshman  classes I've seen. Note that I also witnessed John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, DeMarcus Cousin and Daniel Orton.

What separates this class from the preceding class is the star power. They have arguably the top three players in the class. To make it seem even better, the No. 1 point guard, small forward and arguably the best power forward.

In his 'John Calipari' ways, I expect more talented players to attend the University of Kentucky in '11-12.

Now, if you follow CoHoops, you know that I explained how much Kentucky needed Davis Jr. I said, if he committed to the program, I believe they will be able to compete on a national level.

Davis Jr, Marquis Teague, and Michael Gilchrist sound like the best trio in College Basketball. Three well in-depth scorers, leaders and athletes with tremendous upside.

It almost reminds me of the Miami Heat trio . Davis Jr and Gilchrist are almost the same players. Each can be a double-double guy on a given night, a leader, scorer or just anything you ask for.

Davis Jr will be the post threat, while Gilchrist creates havoc on the wing. Teague will lead the offense and make sure things go as planned. 

Similiar to the team that went to the National Championship with Calipari at Memphis, these three inherit essential qualities and Kentucky will have fire power in the post, on the wing and in the backcourt.

That all sounds like the winning formula to me. I expect  to see Kentucky run deep in the 2011-12 NCAA Tournament. They are ill-suited for the long run and will make it.

Do not assume the recruiting stops here, it has only just begun.


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If Anthony Davis Commits To Kentucky The Wildcats Are National Contenders

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Since John Calipari began his coaching career with the Kentucky Wildcats, they have been well-known for attracting elite talent.

They acquired one of the best freshman recruiting classes a year ago that produced five NBA draft picks.

This upcoming season, Coach Calipari intends to make it six. He acquired Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, Enes Kanter, Doron Lamb, Stacey Poole, Jarrod Polson and Eloy Vargas.

No question, Kentucky has the best recruiting class this year, as well. John Calipari continues to bring in talent, and nothing is modifying his recruiting endeavors.
Thus far in the 2011 recruiting class, he has received two verbal commitments. Michael Gilchrist and Marquis Teague help Calipari maintain the recruiting trend.

Now with the No. 1 overall prospect along with the best guard in the 2011 class, it is time for a post presence.

With the emergence of Anthony Davis, the Wildcats were one of the first teams to take notice.
Davis loves the fact that Kentucky produces NBA lottery talent, and that is one reason he is considering the program.

When Davis shortened his list Kentucky was amongst the leaders. If the Wildcats can receive a verbal commitment from Davis as well, I declare them national contenders.

Just think about a lineup that features Davis, Gilchrist and Teague.

The Wildcats will have the flexibility of going big or small and still contributing at a high level.

Teague will always play at the one, but with Gilchrist, you can slide him at the two or three and expect contributions as long as Gilchrist is on the wing he is productive.

Davis can be courted in three spots—the small or power forward along with the center position. He was a guard about a year ago, and his frame allows him to be versatile on the basketball court.

This trio will be able to contend for a National title. A talented point guard, wing threat, and post presence is particularly useful when you are building a successful team.
However, Calipari will need to bring in LeBryan Nash, Tony Wroten Jr. and Trevor Lacey as well as retaining DeAndre Liggins, Darius Miller, and Stacey Poole.

Nevertheless, trying to win a National Championship is hard--especially if you are a freshman. With the talent and leadership ability of Gilchrist, the Wildcats are Anthony Davis away from being National Contenders.


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College Basketball Rumors: Can Coach Calipari Get Davis and Miller?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Coach John Calipari has had success luring in five-star recruits over the years. Not just getting them to the program, but also helping them get to the next level.

He has been successful at UMass, Memphis and Kentucky with recruiting and improving his players. He has done a great job at both. During his first year of coaching at Kentucky, Calipari pulled in one of the most electrifying recruiting classes college basketball has ever seen.

However, with such a lineup—that featured John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Eric Bledsoe and Daniel Orton—the Wildcats were still unable to win a National Title.

But they did bring the Kentucky program back into the national picture.

That same season, every starter on their team was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NBA draft. That should be hard to replace right? Not if your name is John Calipari.

He has done more than reloaded. He has pulled in recruits that are going to keep the winning tradition alive in white and blue.

But after this year, I can foresee a lot of players going to the 2011 draft. So once again, Calipari will reload and continue his success.

In the 2011 recruiting class, showcases Quincy Miller, who I believe is the No. 1 overall player. Then you have Anthony Davis, who has made a late spurt and is categorized as a sure top-five prospect.

You can understand how Coach Calipari would want both of these players, but I think he can only have one.

The case of Miller and Davis is really tricky. Both seem to have the same style of play and will require major playing time wherever they decided to go.

But with both players, Kentucky happens to be at the top of their list. They’re both tall forwards that can play guard if they needed to. But also bang inside and make plays.

So how could Coach Calipari land both of these recruits? To me it’s not possible.

With Miller he wants to be in the limelight. He is a superstar type player that should be the No. 1 option on the team. Not to mention, he is a great leader on the court. If you didn’t hear, he was mature enough to step up for his US team and hit the game winning shot to win the gold medal.

Now does that sound second-option caliber?

Talk about a guy that dribbles the ball at 6-foot-9 better than your typical guard. Or the fact that he creates match-up problems at both the three-and-four position.

Everything you want in a basketball prospect Miller has. He has heart, determination, dedication, willingness and a great head on his shoulder.

Now with Davis, he is still up-and-coming, but the attention he is getting for his play only makes him hungrier to improve. He is a guard-forward that is at his best with the ball in his hands.

He can dribble outside the painted area, attack power forwards and create mix-match problems all day. 

Because of his seven-inch growth spurt he has acquired the ability to dominant the inside-out game.

With just one summer of hard work he has already been thrown Kevin Durant comparisons.

Not to mention, every college in the country took notice and is throwing offers his way left-to-right.

But overall, both of these players are similar but very different. Davis has yet to do achieve the fates, Miller has overcome.

However, with the recent improvement in Davis’ game he will be host to many scouts his senior season.

Coach Calipari has the chance to get one of the two players. However, I don’t believe he will be able to get both.

The decision of Davis will come before Miller decides where he wants to go. I think Davis’ decision will have a huge impact on Miller. If he does decide to go to Kentucky, I think Miller will weigh his options and go somewhere else where he can play up to his full potential.

But don’t count out the idea. Just last year, Coach Calipari was able to acquire both John Wall and Eric Bledsoe—two very quick and explosive point guards. So this is not out of mind.

Coach Calipari could snag both of them and use them as he did with Wall and Bledsoe.