Singleton Decision

As we expected, Chris Singleton committed to Florida State this afternoon, proving that money still talks in college basketball. Singleton discussed his thought process during the announcement. "What it finally came down to," Singleton said, "Was Florida State's willingness to match contributions up to $3000.00 in my Roth IRA. Kentucky's benefit package just wasn't that great. After you got beyond the bigger arena, the better coach, the bigger fan base (>100), being on TV every game, the obvious amount of playing time, the 30 million dollar practice facility, and the free put-put at the Old Testament Miniature Golf Course, Kentucky just didn't stack up with the Seminoles. Coach Bowden is a legend, and I can't wait to play for him."

In other news, DeAndre Liggins is rumored to be signing a letter of intent in the coming days.

One in the Bag!

Darius Miller of Mason County has signed his letter of intent to play for the University of Kentucky. Kentucky's other 2008 commitment, DeAndre Liggins, is not expected to sign during the fall signing period. There are questions about Liggins' eligibility right now, although his commitment to the Cats is firm.

Signing Day is Here!

Recruiting: The fall basketball signing period for high school seniors begins today. This is always a crazy day in the world of recruiting. For Kentucky, its an even bigger day. Chris Singleton makes his college choice known today. He has a press conference scheduled at 2:45. Chris is deciding between the University of Kentucky and Florida State. Most analysts predict Florida State will be his destination, which will leave UK in a pickle regarding a big man in the class of 2008. Gillispie was phenomenal with his last minute signings of Patrick Patterson and Alex Legion for the 2007 class, but there simply aren't many quality uncommitted big men left in this years class.

Injury Update: Jodie Meeks will be out three to four weeks with a groin injury. That is not good news for an already beleaguered Kentucky squad.

Criminal Update: Former Kentucky player Rekalin Sims was arrested this week and charged with assault and robbery. The crime was reportedly a group effort, with Rekalin driving the get-away car. Rekalin is (was) playing for the Fresno State Outlaws in his eighth and final season of college basketball. When asked about the situation, Rekalin told reporters that his back was really slowing him down, and that is probably why the cops were able to catch up with him.

Kentucky Bowl Predictions

What Bowl Will It Be?

Now that Kentucky has punched its ticket for a bowl game, the scenarios of what bowl it will be can be narrowed down a little. If the Cats want to go to a New Years Day Bowl, the path is simple. We just need to beat Georgia (at Georgia) and then beat Tennessee at home. If this happens, which is doubtful, the Big Blue Nation will most likely be spending New Years Day in Florida - either playing in the Capital One (Citrus) Bowl in Orlando or the Outback Bowl in Tampa.

If the Cats go 1-1, the Peach Bowl seems the likely destination. In my opinion, this would be the ideal scenario. The Cats playing in Catlanta on New Year's Eve in the comfortable confines of the Georgia Dome.

If the Cats lay an egg, we're likely going to Graceland and the Liberty Bowl. Most Kentucky fans would probably rather go to the Music City Bowl again. Unfortunately, the Liberty Bowl gets to pick before the Music City Bowl this year.

Compared to previous years, it will be a nice scenario to watch unfold.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The Good: The good is Chris Singleton. Chris is the forward out of Georgia who Kentucky desperately needs to help out on the interior next year. Chris is set to make his announcement Wednesday, picking between Kentucky and Florida State.

The Bad: The bad is Pierre Jordan, who is pictured above. Pierre is not a bad player, nor is he a great one. Today, Pierre committed to Florida State to play basketball.

The Ugly: The ugly is that Pierre's father is Chris Singleton's AAU coach. Chris also happens to live with his AAU coach. ------I don't think Singleton is going to commit Kentucky.

On a football note, we had a great time in Nashville. The Cats won their seventh game and became official for a bowl game. MY Old KY Gnome met a gnome cowgirl in the Music City, and we haven't seen him since (hence, no pictures).

On a basketball note, we were undefeated over the weekend.

Good Friday

Last night, the Louisville Cardinal Kragthorpe's lost out on a chance for respectability by dropping a close one with West Virginia. Luckily, Da Crew still has their back.

Former UK Football coach Guy Morris has been told he will not be returning as the coach of Baylor next season. After leaving Kentucky, Morris has led Baylor to 5 losing seasons.

On Saturday, I will be taking My Old Kentucky Gnome to Music City to cheer on the Cats as they take on Vanderbilt. My Kentucky Gnome is rather excited about the trip, as he has never met any country music gnomes before.

In recruiting news, Billy Clyde travelled to Georgia yesterday to meet with Chris Singleton. Singleton is set to announce his decision next week, choosing between the Cats and Florida State. Big man Garrett Stutz, who attended Big Blue Madness, has decided to attend Wichita State. After a brief courtship, Kentucky decided not offer Stutz a scholarship, citing that he was kind of funny looking.

Happy Birthday Billy Clyde

Gardner-Webb Coach Uri Splunkovich

Last night is Lexington, KY, Billy Clyde Gillispie celebrated his 48th birthday with 20,000 of his closest friends. It was a surprise party of sorts, as Kentucky was spanked by Uri 'The Spanker' Splunkovich and his Gardner-Webb Runnin' Ruskies. After the game, a celebratory mob of Gardner-Webb loyalists surrounded Memorial Hall, mounted it's shingled roof, and pulled the famed steeple to the ground. The crowd roared as Uri declared 'VICTORY'!

Despite the obvious carnage surrounding Memorial Hall, the Big Blue Nations greets this morning new challenges and a red behind. Who's fault was this? How did it happen? Should we have put Richie in? Everyone seems to be pointing a finger. In truth, there were many factors that led to last night's embarrassment on national television. Below we will examine why, how, who, when, where, and whoops:

1. Senior Leadership - Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley have to be able to lead this team. When the game is on the line (or we need to mount a comeback), the combined basketball IQ of the two seniors seems to go from average to remedial. On offense, these two guys can redefine ugly play. I'm not sure what the answer to this problem is. It may be graduation.
2. Talent (Parity) - Am I saying Gardner-Webb had more talent than Kentucky? No, I am not. However, Kentucky has less than they should. When the talent level of two opposing teams moves closer to equal, the more upsets like last night will occur. There were only three players on the court last night that should have been wearing a Kentucky uniform: Patrick Patterson, Alex Legion, and Jodie Meeks. The blame on this goes to Tubby Smith.
3. Coaching - We were outcoached last night. I truly believe Billy Clyde is one of the best coaches in the country. Last night, however, Uri got the best of him.
4. Fatigue - Two practices and two games in two days is TOO much. What was Billy Clyde thinking?

Now for the good news. The basketball team get two weeks off to practice and improve. Lord knows we need it.