Big Day

Big day today as I am officially starting the blog back up and we'll begin to get things rolling around here again. It'll be a fun day as UK takes on Mississippi State tonight at 9:00 on ESPN so there should be plenty to talk about.

I've been out most of the season so later in the day I'll give my prospective on the season so far and various other topics. It's been a really fun season thus far.

BACK UP

I've decided to start the blog back up and I can't be anymore excited than I am right now.

Hopefully I'll have a new crew here in the coming days and we'll get things back up and running. I'll be posting regularly again and we'll see where it goes from here.

GO CATS!

Calipari's Cat's: "They're Heeeerre!"

I'm very disappointed that Jodie isn't included in this video, but I understand his decision and I wish him well in the NBA. With that said, we still have plenty of reasons to be excited about next season. Maybe this video will help lift the spirits of the Big Blue Nation. It is my attempt at an intro video for the 2009 Big Blue Madness. Enjoy!

UK's Official Men's BB Roster 2009-2010

Eric Bledsoe 6-1 185 PG
Demarcus Cousins 6-9 250 PF
Darnell Dodson 6-7 215 SF
Josh Harrellson 6-10 265 C
Ramon Harris 6-7 218 SF
Jon Hood 6-6 185 SG
DeAndre Liggins 6-6 202 PG
Darius Miller 6-7 223 SF
Daniel Orton 6-10 260 C
Patrick Patterson 6-9 235 PF
Perry Stevenson 6-9 207 PF
John Wall 6-4 184 PG

Now, obviously thats only 12 players stated for the available 13 shcolarship slots. That leaves one open, and there have been a few different options discussed by Cat fans on exactly what to do with that final slot. (i.e. recruit one last player, put Senior walk-on Dwight Perry on scholly, even bring last seasons starting PG Michael Porter back)

With the players that are returning and with the players coming in, there is no question that UK will be completely loaded next year. ESPN columnist Andy Katz has Kentucky ranked #7 overall in his very early 09-10 Preseason Poll, and even admits that this may be just a tad low. I agree with Katz, his ranking, and his reasoning. However, when the Final Poll comes out in late March of next year, Big Blue Nation will hold their collective breath in hopes that their beloved Wildcats will slide up about 6 spots from this current perch. . .

Meeks to stay in NBA Draft

It's official.

Jodie Meeks will stay in the NBA Draft and forgo his senior season at the University of Kentucky.

Meeks, a 6-4 guard, will be the first Wildcat underclassmen since Randolph Morris and Rajon Rondo in 2006 to enter the NBA Draft.

He led the SEC and ranked eighth in the country in scoring, averaging 23.7 points per game. He set the school record for points in a game (54 at Tennessee) and three-pointers in a season (117), while also shooting an SEC best 90.2 percent from the free throw line. Starting all 36 games this season, Meeks led the SEC in two other offensive categories including three-point field goal percentage (40.6) and three-point field goals per game (3.25).

“I want to thank the fans and the city of Lexington. They have been great and I will always be a Kentucky Wildcat,” said Meeks. “I feel comfortable with my decision and I'm confident in my ability. My family and I talked over the weekend and decided this was the best decision.”

Roster Rumblings continued

This is a more reliable source although you know what they say about that fat lady singing. However all the rumors out there actually make sense. My sources are also agreeing with the reports that Jodie is back but personally, I'm fighting back the urge to say it's so because of all the other names pulling out the past few days. The names of Scottie Reynolds and Tyler Smith of recent news pulling out along with the earlier withdrawals of Patterson and Vernardo(to only name a few) only increase Jodie's chances of being picked in the first round. Don't get me wrong, I hope Jodie comes back and makes this a special season but I can't blame him for going this year. If he decides to do so. Come on back Jodie and let's get number 8!!

Roster Rumors...

Rumors are beginning to stir that Matt Pilgrim and Kevin Galloway will not be on the roster for the 09-10 season. Sources are confirming and other outlets are now reporting but UK has not officially announced anything. Keep it here at Wildcat Sports Blog for the latest breaking news....We'll keep you updated.

Vitale Takes Up For Cal

In an interesting article Big Blue Nation's best buddy Dick Vitale says he is tired of all the media bashing of John Calipari. Vitale follows his fellow ESPN analyst Jay Bilas who also wrote an article saying that if you don't have proof that Calipari did anything wrong then shut up, basically. If you haven't been able to read it yet, our good pal Bradley has been nice enough to post it for us below.

I for one am glad that people have actually come out to say this and think the Pat Forde's of the world need to take it easy as far as their accusations go. So Dick, we salute you today but remember we're always waiting for a negative article and will turn just like that, beware!

Paxton Goes To The 'Jays!

I'd like to take a moment to give a shout out to lefty James Paxton for being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays with the 37th overall pick yesterday! We can hope that James will follow the likes of Joe Blanton and Brandon Webb and have a stellar Major League career! We hear at WSB would like to wish him the best of luck!

09-10 Kentucky Wildcats: "They're Coming for You!"

Fear is something our rivals will never admit to, but we all know that nobody wants to play UK next season. The talent we have on the roster is enough to make any opponent lose a little sleep the night before the game. So, with that said, I have a little message for Louisville, UNC, Tennessee, Florida, and every other team that's been a thorn in our side the last few years. The Cats are back, and they're coming for YOU! Be afraid!