John Wall picks UK

The top player in the nation 2 years running follows Calipari to UK. If we schedule UK, I'd love to see him and Avery go head to head. He's damn fun to watch and that would be an epic showdown.

over 2 years ago run Bevo run 13 comments 0 recs |

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amazing news from the Bluegrass

Check out Kentucky’s Rivals page. They have the #1, #2, #22, #23, and #40 prospects (4 5* and 1 4*), as well as a top 10, 4* JUCO recruit. That is just sick.

Consider also that if Jodie Meeks returns, Kentucky has 17 players on scholarship. And you thought Texas had problems. Kentucky has already had two players leave (Michael Porter for family issues, and GJ Vilarino was released from his LOI), but would still need to “cut” four more to get to the scholarship limit, which will surely agitate those Calipari detractors.

Nevertheless, this move (combined with Patterson’s return and Meeks’ possible return) has to make Kentucky a favorite, if not THE favorite, to cut down the nets next year. Tis truly an exciting time for Kentucky basketball, and doubly exciting for me, as my two favorite teams are, to put it bluntly, wrecking shop.

by jc25 on May 19, 2009 10:37 AM CDT reply actions

Maybe you have insight

What is Bledsoe’s relationship with Wall? It would seem on the outside that Bledsoe would not be so happy with Wall committing but Wall states he chose UK because of Bledsoe.

"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden

by run Bevo run on May 19, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Not certain of the playing relationship

But they both respect each other as players. Even during the presser, Bledsoe stated that he was happy committing to UK, with or without Wall. With Wall, he’ll have a chance to play against possibly the best PG in CBB next year, and compete with him in games and against him in practice. From a fan perspective, Kentucky is envisioning him as at least a two-year player any way, and he’ll likely take over the PG duties following Wall’s departure. Wall, as well, has mentioned that playing with Bledsoe will only help his game, not detract from it.

It appears most pundits are penciling Wall as the starting PG, with Bledsoe and Meeks playing the wings. Patterson and DeMarcus Cousins will man the post. So it’s not like Bledsoe won’t get significant playing time. Moreover, Calipari’s DDMO is very guard-friendly, another reason that Wall and Bledsoe both signed on. Can’t say I disagree, as this is the same system that produced Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans.

by jc25 on May 19, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

The obvious distinction is Rose and Evans played in seperate seasons.

Calipari’s offense puts emphasis on the ball handler to make plays for the wings and there is only one ball. Additionally, if they are both on the first team, they would not be playing against each other in practice.

"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden

by run Bevo run on May 19, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions

agreed

I imagine it’ll be a lot like the Rockets’ Brooks/Lowry situation, where they can play together at times, but can also run the offense individually. I imagine Bledsoe will get a lot of time at the 1 in practice, whether or not he starts at the 2 or comes off the bench. Calipari also has the option of going bigger with a big point (Bledsoe is small, but Wall, DeAndre Liggins, and Kevin Galloway are all “big” PGs), Meeks at SG, and a lengthy wing (Darius Miller for offense, or Ramon Harris as a glue guy). You may also see some twin tower action with the dual freshmen, Orton and Cousins, lining up side by side. He’s really got a myriad of options at this point.

by jc25 on May 19, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions

To sum up what you just said...

GAWD!!!

"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden

by run Bevo run on May 19, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Kentucky has gotta be the favorite now.

I live in Louisville and sports radio pretty much consists only of Cards and Cats bball talk so I’m stuck listening to this stuff pretty much year round. I thought Kentucky was looking like a legit elite 8 team if Meeks were to return but now with Wall, who I think is hands down the best player in HS bball this year, this could be an unreal squad. Aside from youth and a coach who is yet to win the big one I don’t see any real weaknesses.

I should probably qualify this as well by saying that I will not be surprised one bit if Wall is the best player in college basketball next year – kid looks like Rose 2.0

by andmyster on May 19, 2009 2:22 PM CDT reply actions