Recruiting Madness Begins

Above: Chris Singleton and Ralph Sampson III. Two of the 2008 recruits that will attend Madness this evening.

With Big Blue Madness, an onslaught of potential Wildcats are arriving in Lexington to check out the U.K. program under Billy Clyde. Big Blue Madness is one of U.K.'s best recruiting weapons, and Billy Clyde is seizing the opportunity. The names flying around as potential visitors have been in a constant state of flux for the past week. Including players already committed, there will be no less than ten recruits to take in tonight's festivities. The following is a list of visitors by class:

2008 Recruits
Chris Singleton - 4 Stars - (6-8, 210) Small Forward, Dunwoody, GA - Singleton is probably the best of the 2008 recruits that are visiting. With the commitment of Darius Miller, UK is not in need of a small forward; however, Singleton has the size to help out inside. Singleton's list of schools includes Tennessee, Georgetown, Florida State, and UK.

Ralph Sampson III - 4 Stars - (6-11, 220) Center, Duluth, GA - Sampson could fill a big need for the Wildcats in the 2008 class. And yes, he is the son of the NBA star Ralph Sampson (who UK also recruited). Sampson steadily improved his game and his ranking continues to climb. Sampson is also being recruited by Georgia Tech and Minnesota.

Garrett Stutz - 3 Stars - (7-0, 225) Center, Kansas City, MO - Big guy, project. See Shagari Alleyne and Woo. I recommend passing on this guy.

Verdell Jones - 3 Stars - (6-4, 160) Point Guard, Champagne, IL - We need this guy like we need another point guard. -- We don't.

2008 Commitments in Attendance
Darius Miller - 4 Stars - (6-6, 215) Small Forward, Maysville, KY - Miller was a good in-state pickup for Gillispie.

DeAndre Liggins - 5 Stars - (6-5, 190) Chicago, IL, Point Forward - DeAndre was Billy Clyde's first 2008 commitment. We didn't need another point forward, but he is too good to not take.

2009 Recruits

Jon Wall - 5 Stars - (6-3, 175) Point Guard, Raleigh, N.C. - Probably the most talented player visiting. This kid is good, and he would fit nicely into Gillispie's all point guard lineup.

Jon Hood - 4 Stars - (6-6, 185) Shooting Guard, Madisonville, KY - Good in-state talent. Duke and UNC are showing interest as well. Gillispie has travelled to M-ville to visit him. Recruiting is heating up with Mr. Hood.

2010

Dakotah Euton (the youngest player to ever commit to U.K.) will be in attendance. He is bringing his high school teammate Chad Jackson with him.