2008 Recruiting Update

Billy Gillispie works underneath a shroud of mystery, which makes following the recruiting of the new Wildcat regime a difficult task. Where Tubby Smith's recruiting style assimulated a snail race, Gillispie's recruiting is more like a game of Where's Waldo. There seems to be no question that Billy Clyde possesses the aptitude of a successful recruiter, but his methods are new to the Wildcat faithful.

With two newcomers signed and two seniors leaving, Kentucky theoretcially has one scholarship to give. However, there will more than likely will be a couple of defections at seasons end. The remaining need for the Wildcats seems to be on the interior. However, there are very few big men left on the table for 2008.

As we enter the home stretch in recruiting for the class of 2008, let's examine some the names remaining on the Cats' radar.

Roderick Flemings - 6'7", 210, SF - Roderick (pictured)attends Weatherford Junior College. He was a high school All-American from the class of 2005, who orginally committed to Oklahoma State. Roderick is averaging around 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. Some analysts consider Flemings to be the best junior college player in the country. Roderick ranked 26th in the Rivals Top 150, Class of 2005.

Tyrone Appleton - 6'3", 190, PG - Tyrone attends Midland Community College in Texas and is known as being a excellent on-ball defender. He is currently being recruited by Kansas, Kentucky, and Texas.

Verdell Jones - 6'4", 160, PG - Verdell is from Champaign, IL. He considered a three star prospect by Rivals. Verdell has been on the Wildcats' radar for several months, and attended Big Blue Madness in October. Jones is also being recruited by Minnesota and Tennessee.

Brad Tinsley - 6'3" 180, SG - Tinsley, a Rivals' four star recruit, is a recent addition to the Wildcats' list. He is ranked 93rd in the Rivals Top 150. Tinsley is also being recruited by North Carolina, Tennessee, and Marquette.

And of course there is also the Scotty Hopson saga. Hopson, one of the most highly touted Kentucky players in recent history, originally commited to Mississippi State while Tubby was still at U.K. Since the arrival of Gillispie at Kentucky, Hopson has backed out of his verbal commitment to the Bulldogs. Although, reports are conflicting as to whether Kentucky is actively recruiting Hopson. Hopson is known as being incredibly talented and for his poor work ethic. Besides the Wildcats, Hopson is also reportedly interested in Tennessee and Louisville.