Kentucky Wildcats 5 for Wednesday: All hail to Jorts

All hail Jorts!

Last night was, of course, Joish Harrellson’s final game at Rupp Arena and he made it a memorable one as he had a key block and a key steal in clutch time to deny Vanderbilt a chance to go ahead late in the game.  And it was Harrellson who swatted away the last second pass to Festus Ezeli which sealed the Wildcat’s win. 

It’s been quite a turnaround this season for Harrellson who languished most of last season on the bench and was forced to step up when Enes Kanter’s eligibility was denied.  And for the most part, Harrellson has given us a solid season, averaging 6.7 points and 8.9 rebounds a game.  During the season he has had five double doubles and was the star of the Louisville game with 23 points and 14 rebounds. 

Harrellson is the second leading rebounder in the SEC and it is important to note that Harrellson has produced more than Brian Zoubek, who was the starting center for Duke’s national title game.  Zoubek was regarded as “the missing piece” for Duke’s run to the title.  Last season, Zoubek averaged 5.6 points and 7.7 boards a game.  Just saying. 

Here is Jorts talking about the big win over Vanderbilt:

DeAndre Liggins continues to get recognized for his off the cour work.  Liggins was named to the SEC’s Mens Community Service Team.  Here is what the release from the SEC said:

DeAndre Liggins – Kentucky Jr,  G , 6-6 210
Chicago, Illinois
Helped raise money for Haiti earthquake victims in Hoops for Haiti … Washed feet and helped give shoes in inner city Detroit through Samaritan’s Feet … Helped pack and deliver food bags for God’s Pantry food bank … Spent time at Ronald McDonald house … Visited UK Children’s Hospital where he signed autographs … Part of a school mentoring program … Visited children at a Pediatric Oncology hospital in Portland, Oregon. Other Activities, Awards, etc.: Inducted into Frank G. Ham Society of Character.

The honors continue for former Wildcat John Wall as he named the Eastern Conference’s Rookie of the Month for February:

Wall led all Eastern Conference rookies in scoring (16.5 ppg) and assists (7.9 apg), and was fifth in rebounding (4.9 rpg). He eclipsed the 20-point mark on four occasions, tops among Eastern Conference rookies, and dished out 10 or more assists five times. He currently ranks sixth in the NBA in assists (9.0 apg) and is on pace to become the first rookie to average at least 9.0 assists since Damon Stoudamire in 1995-96.

Finally, it appears that Terrence Jones has been named a somewhat unlikely finalist for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding mens basketball player.  Jone’s inclusion among the ten finalists is something of a surprise to the Sporting News Mike DeCourcy