Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
As I perused the message boards a bit on this Sunday afternoon (never a good decision), I found most talk was not about the Wildcats big win, their status going into the rest of SEC play or the health of Razor Ramon. Instead, the most debated question continues to be will Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks be back next year? On virtually every UK website (including this one) and on every UK talk radio show, folks continue to clamor for an answer as to whether these two young men will return to UK next season. Most of these “debates” are essentially two schools of people: (1) the people who assume they will come back because they “love college”, are “good kids” and “want to win a championship” or (2) those who say “They will be top picks in the draft and thus they are certain to go.
While I have my opinions on the likelihood of each player returning, two things are clear. First, at this point the decision has not been made and any person who speaks with certainty is not telling the truth. And second, way too much energy is being spent worrying about the topic. Right now the Cats are in the midst of a great run in the season and are slowly setting themselves up to do potentially very good things at the end of the year. Rather than focusing on that, many would rather worry and wonder what will happen next season. Part of that is just human nature. I have had many fans ask me if Daniel Orton will leave after one year and he hasnt even arrived yet in Lexington. But part of that is a desire to worry about the future and not live in the moment that makes being a happy fan difficult.
There will be no amount of fan worry and stress that will have an effect on the players’ ultimate decision. As Billy Gillispie said at Media Day, a person who cares about these young men should just want them to play so well that whatever decision they make is easy. And it is also understandable that fans of a team want two of the transcendent players of recent years to play for their team as long as possible. But for now, fans should truly step back and just appreciate what they have. I believe Patrick Patterson is the best pure post player at Kentucky since Bowie/Turpin and Jodie Meeks has rewritten the UK history books for all generations. We havent seen a duo like this since Issel/Pratt and who knows when we will see it again. So rather than debate a question for which an answer will not come for some time (and hints given in either direction are almost surely not reliable), appreciate what you see. It is a special year for individual greatness on the Kentucky basketball floor and we should all sit back and recognize.
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January 25th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Trust me we all want them back but I believe they should go. It will be hard to replace Meeks and trust me Patterson is impossible to replace but a combination of Pilgrim and Orton might be enough.
January 25th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
I dont think they should. I mean if they want to fine, but they shouldnt have to do anything. They will really be able to shine next year and be top draft picks. If Trevard Lindley stays after knowing he could be the 1st CB because he wants to get stronger and better, then there’s the chance they both stay as well. I really think Meeks will and with them being roommates, I think they will both be back. But I am enjoying seeing this duo, it’s been special watching history. But as a Cat fan, can’t help but to thank about the future of this program, which IMO is very bright.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Good post, Matt. I agree.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
well said Matty
January 25th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
No way Meeks is ready to go.
Draft is
all about potential so usually younger guys with a high ceiling are
going to get drafted before Meeks. However he needs to improve his
ball handling a lot but is attainable with another year and Meeks
great work ethic. Meeks also needs to improve his decision making from
the guard position. He still turns the ball over way too much but again
this is attainable with another season of college. Meeks also is coming
off a injury season. He would really help him to have two healthy consecutive
years under his belt before entering the draft.
Since I don’t think leaving now or next year will help nor hurt his draft
status he really needs another year to be the best he can be before playing in
the NBA, that way he has a greater chance of having a long career.
Plus it would really hurt us if Meeks leaves, more so than if Patterson left
after this year. We really need Meeks for next season for obivious reasons
and so Hood can learn and grow through freshman growth/maturity before taking
on 25+ minutes a game.
Patterson, I don’t know. I think as a soph his draft status would be high but
if he waited until his junior year that NBA teams might draft some younger players
with lots of potential. However, Patterson is not having the season right now
that would warrant him leaving to the NBA. I hope he does but the fact is right
now he is hurt and isn’t performing very well because of it.
I rather have Patterson stay because we will only be that much better if Patterson
stayed. However, if he did leave after this season it wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
It would help in recruiting to have Gillispie put a big man into the NBA. Plus
it wouldn’t hurt as much since we have Pilgrim to take his spot when he leaves.
But thankfully for all of us UK fans, I bet $ right now neither leave for
the NBA and come back to help UK make a run to a national title.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
I agree…while I’ll catch myself time to time pondering the ‘future’ line-ups, I have remind myself it’s much wiser to just enjoy the players now and let whatever happens with their futures, happen. If the players are having such a great year that they can go pro early, their performances will help bring our program back to the elite level we all desire. Once that happens, other good players will be coming in to replace those departed and our program will continue to flourish. I don’t want to be a school of ‘one and doners’ but having our share is necessary to compete for national championships.
GO CATS!!!
January 25th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Matt Jones i agree with you on this topic we have a shot at doing some real damage in the tournament this year so that’s what we should dwell on.
Speaking of dwelling on the wrong issues can you guys take off that damn poll about the worst Gillespie era loss? That doesn’t exactly reinforce your position on fans focusing on the present and the positive plus it’s just a buzzkill that annoys the hell out of me whenever i get on here.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
An if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know
January 25th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I don’t want to lose either one but we really don’t need to lose
Meeks. That would really hurt us to lose Meeks. Hood will be good
and maybe even better than Meeks one day but not as a freshman.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Meeks is a freak on the offensive end and a gambler on the defensive end. Not sure if the NBA is as crazy about his game as is CAT fans. Can he finish at the rim in the half court set? Does he have a great handle and see the floor? NBA scouts will make the call.
Patterson is injured right now, he has high character and a great motor. Does he have plethora of post moves? Can he score consistently against size in the low post? Is he a 5 or a 4? If you answer 4 does he have the skills to play away from the basket? Patterson is the biggest risk to me.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
I don’t think UK fans would worry as much about this at this point, if it weren’t for the fact that the rest of the team can’t produce 20 points a game.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Matt, you sound like some immature message board poster that has some ridiculous desire to drive the narrative. It was a slow day on the boards and you have injected your position as somehow more profound than the average dbag’s… Whatevs! is all I have to say to that.
The truth of the matter is that if people want to speculate about the future, who cares? That is fine with me.
I personally think that both players will and (probably) should test the waters. I am inclined to think that both need a little more development, but Patterson probably has a little more NBA potential and may get feedback that his draft stock is just too high to turn away from.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
We only worry Matt because it’s common nature. We (the BIG BLUE NATION) just can’t help but think of this starting 5 next year:
PG: DeAndre Liggins
SG: Jodie Meeks
SF: Perry Stevenson
PF: Patrick Patterson
C: Daniel Orton
…………….. and this bench:
PG: GJ Vilarino
PG: Mike Porter
SG: Jon Hood
SG: Landon Slone
SG/SF: Darius Miller
SG/SF: Donald Williams
F: Kevin Galloway
F: Ramon Harris
F: AJ Stewart
F: Matt Pilgrim
F/C: Josh Harrellson
Furthermore, I know things can change and often do. We might have transfers and/or more JUCO player situations but man isn’t the above roster something to get excited about????
January 25th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
patterson,
definitely a 5 in the NBA…the 4 now is becoming to athletic in NBA…he could not gaurd the Durants, Nowitzfgfhgitz’s, etc
he may give up a couple inches to most 5’s in the NBA but overall a pretty safe pick who will give you 10 pts 5 reb a game coming off the bench
i think its BEST for Patterson if he leaves now…
Meeks,
different scenario…has the quickness, athleticism, and overall talent to be a SG. has proven he can knock down shots, but the question will be his decision making and being able to drive the ball…
which both will come in the NBA, but in my opinion, could use another year to prepare himself. To get the best defender each and every game, and take over as the “leader”
1 more year for meeks, again, my opinion.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
10) I think you are right on with that
January 25th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Kelenna Azibuike said it best. He said, “Players in the league (NBA) are much bigger and much stronger than in college.” He also said that the constant traveling and 82 game season is very grueling and demanding. The NBA is a whole different world than college and I will support P-Pat and Jodie with whatever decision they make. I just hope they stay and finish out their UK careers like Hansbrough is doing at UNC.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Jodie would be in a rude awakening if he turns pro. He is the prototype for “need their senior year.”
Pat would be fine turning pro, but I think he deserves to be a top 10 pick and that ain’t happening right now.
I think both will be back, 1 more year, Meeks will continue to dominate, have his jersey retired and we will make the Final Four next year!
January 25th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Meeks plays some of the best defense on the court. His defense does not make him a gamble, he is really good anticipating and stepping in and taking the ball away. His problem is turnovers right now and sometimes not realizing when to pass it. Like yesterday when he spun and just threw it up at the rim, if he would have looked he had Harrellson coming for a dish off and dunk, probably an AND 1 situation. He just needs to realize that sometimes he needs to realize he’s not actually superman, even though he’s been playin like it. I just think they both will benefit with another year, and especially with Meeks, he has one more year, why not? But as a UK fan, Patterson was the only one we were worried about and it’s kinda awesome that we have another player with this potential. I never could figure out why everyone was forgetting about Meeks, I guess he is getting his point across now. But Meeks will be straight nasty next year. And I think with our players being hyped up like this will really help with recruiting.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Either has it’s upside and downside. Both will be really good players at the next level. I don’t agree with many of you who put P Pat at the top of this discussion over Jodie. First, I’ll state the obvious,Pat is a great,great player and will have a fine career in the NBA, But many of the things he is doing now won’t come that easy against, bigger, faster, stronger players at the next level. And for the poster above that said that he will be a “5″, if you’re suggesting that he will be a center at the next level you are on drugs. 6-9 players are not centers in the NBA, he will be a four. With that in mind, another year to improve his skills will only boad well for him. Jodie on the other hand is a creator, a scorer with unbelievalbe speed and athletic ability,a ready fit. I hope they both stay, but I’m just saying.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
-No offense to Jared Carter but it’s great to see UK once again landing elite players that can play consistently at this level. Poor Jared has only played 178 minutes in his entire career (fact) and that means UK paid his way through school and he’s only scored 36 pts (another fact) to this point in his career!!!!
-I know Tubby recruited Meeks and Stevenson and Bogans and Fitch and Hawkins and Daniels and Hayes etc but why did he waste so many scholarships???
-I love the fact that we have (2) NBA players in our starting 5 and before BCG is done, I honestly think UK will have at least 7-10 NBA prospects on their roster any given year.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
#20 If Meeks and Patterson stay another year I think this is what
we will look like in terms of NBA prospects next year. (This is just my opinion)
Pretty sure will be in the NBA at some point:
Patterson
Meeks
Pilgrim
Orton
Liggins
Good possibilty they will be in the NBA one day:
Miller
Hood
Long shot but it could happen depending on development:
Stevenson
GJ
January 25th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Other than Orton, what about these kids coming in next year? I got to be honest, I don’t know that much about Hood and Vilarino. I have seen some stats from individual games and the like but not alot. So what are the truths(not the wishful thinking)about exactly how good they are?
January 25th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
22: I’ve seen Hood play and believe me, he’s going to be a great player at UK. He’s a great shooter and his basketball IQ is off the charts. I worry ONLY about his ability to defend.
-GJ Vilarino is going to the be floor general at UK. He’s a fantastic PG and his skills are amazing. He’s super fast, he can handle the ball with either hand and he’s got a nice looking shot. He does need to work on his shot consistency but he’s nowhere near as bad a shooter as Liggins, Galloway, Harris etc. You’ll love GJ, take my word for it.
-Orton is a monster PERIOD.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
The ONLY and I repeat (ONLY) question mark I have regarding BCG’s recruiting is Dakotah Euton. I live in Scott County and I watch a lot of their games and I’m worried to death about this guy. He can shoot pretty good but he’s as slow as Manute Bol. There is NO WAY Euton will be able to guard anyone man to man in the SEC because he can’t guard them now in the 11th Region!!!!!
January 25th, 2009 at 8:24 pm
I guess the good thing about Euton is he that he’s just a junior, still has plenty of ball to play before he gets to UK. And he may end up being one of those that doesnt see quality minutes until his junior year or so. Apparently Landon Slone played zero defense in high school, but Coach G has him playin well…or did anyway when he was playin him. So I think the defense will come as his conditioning gets better. He is a good shooter from what I have seen so he can be very pivotal for this team, especially since he can hit the 3. I’m not really worried about any of our recruits. Coach knows what he is doing and has developed 3 stars until NBA prospects, but not only that, recruited players overall that made it the NBA…look at his Illinois recruits. But if Patterson stays, which I am still stickin to my story that he will, UK’s front court will be one of the deepest and most talented in the country.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Today I read an article on Yahoo! sports about UK. They said they hung out with Meeks and Patterson recently and P Pat was set to graduate in just over 3 years, plus Meeks has a 3.1 GPA. My question is, why would Patterson work so hard in school just to leave for the NBA after 2 years? You can take that as 1.) he’ll stay one more year, graduate, and then go pro OR 2.) he’s trying to get as much school done so sometime during his NBA career he needs less to graduate. Trust me, I want Patterson to stay. I can see Meeks coming back too. Curry came back for his senior year at Davidson. What more did he have to prove? I see Jodie coming back, but he could always go too. Either way, I will enjoy this season while they’re both here. I worry enough about them winning game to game so I don’t want to add even more worry on top of that.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Having Patterson and Orton down low next season would be similar to Florida when they had Horford and Noah. Pick your poison.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
I wished I didn’t agree with you on Euton 24, but you’re right. I watched him play in the 16th region the last 2 years. He had 15 points against Elliott Co last year with 6′2″ Ethan Faulker guarding him, and he must have took 20 shots. Mind you, he can usually knock down 20 footers if he’s left open, but that will be the problem for him at the next level. There ain’t much call for a 6′8″ player who stands around at the top of key for someone to throw him the ball. I sure hope we are both wrong.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
#27 you are right except they didn’t have Pilgrim coming off the bench\
like we will.
Pilgrim is going to surprise everyone with you good he is.
Anyone who is worried about GJ, don’t be. He is going to be very good after
a year or two. He has elite speed and athletic ability. He just wasn’t a
ball hog on the AAU circut and played like a true PG instead of a Allen
Iverson type of scoring PG like most superstars do during AAU.
You all are going to love GJ
January 25th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I love the small, fast point guards. They have Vilarino ranked as the 20th best P.G.?
January 25th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Both come back next year. UK makes Final Four and wins championship. Meeks & Patterson drafted 1 & 2. Now wouldn’t that be nice.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Don’t worry about Euton either. Euton won’t hurt UK’s chances
of getting elite players and he will be a solid 4 year type of player.
Gillispie knows what he is doing and obiviously has a role on the team
he wants Euton to fill. You have to have 4 year type of players to bring
stability and I think Euton will fill that role nicely.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
#30 when it comes to rankings players are really much closer in abilities
than rankings would suggest. Just because one PG is #5 and someone like GJ
is #20 they are probably really close in abilites and whoever ranks players
it mostly comes down to the day they saw that player play and how good
that player played.
Now with that said, John Wall is why above any pg in the 09 class. He is
left handed Derek Rose
January 25th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
31, sounds awesome to me lol. But 29, they did have Chris Richards who went on to be drafted…but I dont think he’s as good as Pilgrim. We keep hearing he is a beast, even Patterson has called him a man child. So that must mean something if a beast calls another player a beast.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
-I attended the UK pickup games this summer and Pilgrim is VERY skilled. He can also shoot the 3!!!! I can’t wait to see him take the floor for UK.
-The reason GJ Vilarino isn’t that highly regarded is because he comitted early and sort of fell off the charts. But don’t ever let rankings get the best of you because his game speaks for itself. You can go to youtube and search for “GJ Vilarino Adidas 2010 2009 and you’ll come across about a 7 minute video. Click on that and fast forward to the 3:22 mark into the video. He’s wearing a black short sleeved undershirt and is also wearing th enumber 9. Look how aggressive GJ pulls down that rebound and how quick he gets from one goal to the other. You’ll get to see his full speed as well as his ball handling. He does miss the layup but looks like he got fouled. The kid is going to be awesome!!!!!
January 25th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I think it is a lot less about worrying about the future- and just marveling at what we could have if they were to stay.
But a good post- sometimes we forget to enjoy what we have- the fun and anticipation of the games has been a personal high for me in many many years- watching them play is just a lot of fun. I thank them both for putting on the blue and white and representing the school and state with such pride.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Forgot to mention that the video I was talking about includes the best of both the 2009 and 2010 classes!!!! GJ held his own against them and those kids are SUPER talented.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Frankly, I don’t think it is bad in the long-term if they leave. The more players we send to the NBA, the more talent will want to come to KY (which will be seen as the fast-track to the NBA) and the more it will help in recruiting battles.
Then again, if either one of them return, and especially both, we could be looking at a final 4 quality team next year.
January 25th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
#26 Curry came back for his junior year but I still get your point. His stock was through the roof after last year’s tourney.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
It’s fascinating to watch opposing coaches attempt to contain this duo. It seems the strategy so far is to smother Pat with double teams at most times and every time the ball enters and try to contain Jodie by face guarding him. That it hasn’t exactly worked tells me we won’t see too many teams contain them both in the same game. Add to that the continuing emergence of Miller. Stevenson’s new found activity on the boards and finding his scoring flourish with the attention on Pat. Liggins’ figuring out what needs to happen at the PG, which he seemed to do in the 2nd half at Bama, and from seeing Billy’s increased patience it’s possible he’ll be getting his first start at Ole Miss. We should continue to improve into a sweet 16 team, and, depending on the matchups and if Jodie catches fire at critical times after…..We’ll be seeing. I love this team and this season.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
look at that ferrari whip that honda ass!! Jodie meeks!!!!!!
January 25th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
You all were talking about the florida combo of Horford and superfag i mean Noah. Lets not forget that after they, and brewer won their first championship they all decided to come back and try again. Lets hope Jodie and PPat think the same way.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
come back to win there first
January 25th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Don’t you all know that PP mom said he would stay all 4 years and graduate from college. She said it when he commited so and according to most of the idiots at TCP it is taken for the gospel. I’m not saying if he is going or staying but they are positive because they heard momma Patterson say it.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
#40 It is fun watching oppossing coaches try to stop our duo.
Only thing that can slow down Patterson is his finger. That is oppossing
coaches best weapon.
I just hope that finger heals up soon
January 25th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
#42 Brewer wanted to come to UK but Tubby didn’t think he was good
enough
January 25th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
I never understood this dont worry about next year talk or take a step back and realize what we have.I know what we have we have two very special players and a good team who could surprise some people in march.But there is the potential that next season we could be the north carolina of this year and thats why so many people are wondering if they will go.I love watching both players and will root for them in there nba careers just as much if they leave this year or next but at the same time ill be really hoping at least one of them comes back.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
BillyClyde4President - Your opinion is not like an asshole, it’s like what comes out of one.
You are like a poormans Marc Maggard. Trouble is, he’s as legit as the Tennessee Volunteers.
What a shame that someone told you when you were young that your opinion mattered.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Hypothetically speaking, do Meeks and Patterson need to return one more year to have their jerseys hanging in the rafters or is already a done deal?
January 25th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
^or is it already a done deal?^
January 25th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
So matt you never answered. Are they gonna stay?
January 25th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Anyone see Terrance Boyds Facebook? He has joined a group ” If Dakotah Euton goes to UK,Then I’m no longer a UK Fan” What a piece of trash,there’s no way he goes to Uk after all the crap he has talked.He probally will not qualify academically to play D1 anyway.What a flash in the pan.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Matt,
Off subject here: what has happened to Arkansas and our man John Pelphrey and their meltdown in the SEC? Any inside info?
January 25th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
BTw,I honestly don’t think Jodie comes back to chance having another injury year like his sophmore year.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
52. I just reported that group.
January 25th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Yeah the sec is by far the toughest conference and even a team that beat oklahoma and texas in the same week is having trouble just gettin a win.Kinda makes our 5-0 record even more immpressive huh..
January 25th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
#54.Would jodie be a first round selection?Every mock draft ive saw barely has him in the first round in 2010.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Look, let me preface this by saying that I LOVE Patrick Patterson and would consider him an exceptional player…but Matt is a little insane in saying that he is the best UK post player since the likes of Bowie. Again, I love Patterson, but his post-play is extremely mediocre. You can’t really be called a great post player if you have little to no actual post moves. Go watch footage of guys like Nazr or Estill. Both of those players showcased numerous true post moves, and were very effective down low. Patterson, for now, has exactly one post-move: a semi-hook going to his right. He rarely if ever shows the ability to back a defender in and make a power move, nor has he (this year) showcased a fadeaway or up & under, two moves which are absolute musts for an NBA career. Patterson also has been extremely ineffective this year against non-small frontlines.
As to NBA prospects, Meeks is absolutely gone after this year. There would be no point to him coming back. Remember, Eric Gordon was a lottery pick last year, and this year’s draft is looking to be even more overall talent-lacking than that one. Patterson on the other hand should (and I think ultimately will) return. He is sort of in the same boat as Tyler Hansborough — he’s relatively undersized for the PF in the NBA, and he doesn’t have the speed or shooting ability to play SF. Plus, as I mentioned above: his low post play is very one-dimensional right now. There aren’t any frontcourts like Auburn, Tennesse State, Longwood, Lamar or Florida Atlantic in the NBA. I see Patterson testing the waters but ultimately coming back. Meeks though, no chance. Enjoy him now.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
all the mock drafts ive seen has jodie either not being drafted or in the 50s range
hes a smart kid with great parents
he’ll make the best decision for him
January 25th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
The Cats are ranked #22 in the CBS poll,just sayin…GO BIG BLUE..!!!
January 25th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
48: I didn’t hear you. I was busy with your mommy. What did you say?
January 25th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
#57
All it takes is for him to keep on doing what he’s doing and have atleast three 25 to 30 point games in the Tourney and he’s goes 10 to 15th pick imo.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Eric Gordon…7th overall pick last year by the Clippers. What is the difference between Meeks and Gordon, from an NBA perspective?
January 25th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Kentucky is really going to be impressive “IF” Meeks and Patterson do return. I honestly think any of the three starting 5’s below could and would compete for the top tier of the SEC!!!!!! And Grit’s Gurgler (AKA: Brokeback Mountaineer) that’s my opinion and you will like it……….. Just like your mom does.
PG: GJ Vilarino
SG: Jodie Meeks
SF: Darius Miller
PF: Patrick Patterson
C: Daniel Orton
PG: DeAndre Liggins
SG: Landon Slone
SF: AJ Stewart
PF: Matt Pilgrim
C: Perry Stevenson
PG: Michael Porter
SG: Donald Williams
SF: Kevin Galloway
PF: Ramon Harris
C: Josh Harrellson
January 25th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I don’t see why everyone believes Pilgrim is going to be a star player. What’s the basis for this?
January 25th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I know this is off topic but we got another football commitment at the cornerback position, according to catspause.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
59. I’m a little shocked to see jodie so far down on projected NBA lists- The biggest weakness in his game I see is his ball handling - and his body is big enough and strong enough. I can see why he may be late first round- but after that- I’m a little baffled he isn’t getting more love from the NBA scouts.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
GOOD GRACIOUS!!!!!!! I left Jon Hood off those three teams. I should be shot. Hood would replace Slone on my 2nd team. Slone would replace Williams on my 3rd team and Williams would redshirt that is unless he’s redshirting this year.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
65: The basis is simple. We watched him in the pickup games and the kid is an absolute BEAST. Even Patterson called him a “Man Child.”
January 25th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
64.) Where’s Hood at in those line-ups?
January 25th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
68.) Sorry I was a little late. lol
January 25th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
64- you forgot Jon Hood
January 25th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
never mind billyclyde
January 25th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
73.) Your name is hilarious. lol
January 25th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
lol thanks south park is amazing
January 25th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Guys I’m super serial
if they stay it could be a very memorable year for everyone in the bluegrass
oh and 67. yeah I am surprised at how little love Meeks is getting in the mock drafts
January 25th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
I gotta take a dump…. I am crowning right now……..
January 25th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
I want PPat & Meeks back for one more year–it will only improve their game (also another banner for us)! If that happens and our class next year looks as solid as it seems–WOW! Seriously, we could be off the charts!
January 25th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Billyclyde-superglide Says:
January 25th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
And for the poster above that said that he will be a “5″, if you’re suggesting that he will be a center at the next level you are on drugs. 6-9 players are not centers in the NBA, he will be a four.
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would you not rather have him give up 2 inches to a center or have him guard the likes of Rasheed Wallace, Nowitzki, Chris Bosh, etc…or in the paint where he can use his great footwork to make up for the couple of inches
the “4″ is not what it used to be…it is for quick, athletic, big guys that can both shoot the outside shot as well as post up effectively…
January 25th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
14, are you kidding me?? Patterson can’t play the 5 in the NBA!!!! He would have to play the 4. No, he won’t be able to stop Garnett from scoring, but no one else can either. Patterson is a 4 all the way, especially if he can consistently knock down the 15 foot jumper. Obviously PP is VERY athletic and has a knack for the ball. He’ll have better passing guards in the NBA and will receive better entry passes. If our guards had the ability to get him the ball more frequently, he’s be averaging over 20 ppg too….. Patterson playing the 5….. Pfhpfh.
January 26th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Ironically, your request to not debate if these two are leaving or not, has indeed sparked a debate if they are gone after this year… nice.
One correction I would make is Patterson is the best pure post player since Kenny Walker. Walker was better than Bowie or Turpin, and I find PPat’s game strikingly simular to Sky Walker’s.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Should they go? Probably not. Will they go? Very likely. If they stay? Pre-season top-10 and Final Four favorite easy.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:52 am
#24 I have the exact same sentiments as you concerning Euton’s game. Speed and agility are hard skills to develop. I just don’t see him playing DI basketball with much success.
As far as fans envisioning future lineups, don’t forget the best player we most certainly have availiable next year- Matt Pilgrim. People this guy is a caged animal just waiting for his chance. He was NBA talent already and with a year to practice and become acclimated to BCG’s style…he will be a jaw dropper!!! So long as his ego and attitude mesh with the team we will have the best newcomer in the nation. BCG will be deemed heroic by the BBN if all pans out.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Enjoy the season - forget about all this stuff as to what next season will be like until after the season is over!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Short term memories. Don’t forget how good PP is just because Meeks is having such an amazing season. PP has gifts that can’t be taught. He is going to have a similar career to Okafor, but I bet Pat is the better shooter. Not many will outwork him (similar to Chuck Hayes). PP is a sure lottery pick this year, and Meeks will be 18-26. There are things called pre-draft camps where players come in and show what they could bring to an NBA team. That is how Rondo was taken at 20-ish because we all know it wasn’t based on his play at UK.
I truly believe they both return for one more.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:42 am
[...] Kentucky Sports Radio says UK fans should enjoy Patterson and Meeks while they are here. [...]
January 26th, 2009 at 10:46 am
I have a feeling that whether these two young men move on to the NBA is, in some part, dependent on what damage we do in the Tournament. If we do any better than the round of sixteen, with both of these guys playing well, I’d expect them both to have a solid case to be first round draft picks. If our season turns to shit in the next month and a half, or either one of them flails badly in Tournament play, I think one or both might be back…