February 12, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) against the Florida Gators during the first half at the Stephen C. O

Before I throw you guys my 4 p.m. Headlines for today, I wanted to take this time to let you know that this will be my last post for Wildcat Blue Nation.  I am accepting a beat writer position for the Kentucky Kernel covering basketball recruiting and former Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA.  I would like to thank Paul Jordan for everything he has done for me in the past year and three months.  I truly enjoyed my time and experience here at WBN and I really do appreciate the chance to get to publish my writing.  I want to thank the staff of WBN as I enjoyed working alongside them as well.  That being said, here are your afternoon headlines for today.

The two Kentucky Wildcats making the jump to the NBA Draft, Nerlens Noel and Archie Goodwin, both improved their rankings in CBS’ NBA Mock Draft.  Noel was last listed at going with the second overall pick, behind Ben McLemore of Kansas, but Noel has now jumped McLemore in the standings and sits at the top pick in the draft.  Goodwin was last listed at pick number 21, but has improved himself to pick number 17.

UK released the Men’s Basketball non-conference schedule today, you can view it here.

In UK Hoops news, the women’s basketball team has hired former WNBA Assistant Coach Jeff House to be an assistant to Matthew Mitchell, as former assistant coach Matt Insell took the Ole Miss Head Coaching job.

Class of 2016 basketball recruit Jayson Tatum received a scholarship offer from Coach Cal earlier this week.  Tatum is the first player from the 2016 class to receive an offer from the Wildcats.

ESPN released its final rankings for the Class of 2013, and the future Wildcats are riddled throughout the top 25.  Julius Randle came in at #3, Andrew Harrison at #5, Dakari Johnson at #7, James Young at #8, Aaron Harrison at #9 and Marcus Lee at #25.

Coach Cal put out an article on his own website earlier this week entitled “The Untold Story at Kentucky” in which he goes into some detail about the academic honors his players have accumulated but not received attention for.

Stay tuned to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.

Apr 14, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jodie Meeks (20) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Spurs 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There was only one former Kentucky Wildcat suiting up for an NBA team in the Playoffs last night, Jodie Meeks of the Los Angeles Lakers.  Unfortunately for Jodie and the Lakers, Meeks was sidelined with a sprained ankle for what ended up being the final game of the Lakers season.  Let’s take a look at how Meeks did individually this season, as well as final team results.

San Antonio Spurs 103 – Los Angeles Lakers 82

• Jodie Meeks, Guard, Los Angeles

The Lakers ended their season on a sour note, getting swept by the San Antonio Spurs in convincing fashion.  The Lakers were crippled with injuries, as Kobe Bryant, Jodie Meeks, Steve Nash and Metta World Peace all remained sidelined during most of the series.  Last night was the final game of their season, losing 103 to 82 to the Spurs.  Former Cat Jodie Meeks had a just a so-so season, but that is to be expecting when you are the second string to a Hall of Famer in Kobe Bryant.  Meeks averaged 7.9 points per game, in 21.3 minutes per game, starting in 10 out of the 78 games he played in.  Meeks also averaged 2.2 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.7 steals per game.  He shot 38.7% from the field with a 35.7% clip from 3-point range, and 89.6% from the free throw stripe.  Meeks has two years remaining on his contract with the Lakers, as they most likely go through another roster overhaul, as the Kobe Bryant-Pau Gasol-Dwight Howard-Steve Nash combination didn’t work out well for them this season.

Stay tuned to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.

July 18, 2012; Hoover, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Larry Warford talks with reporters at the 2012 SEC media days event at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve been following the NFL Draft, by now you should know that Kentucky Wildcat Larry Warford was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 3rd pick in the 3rd round.  It seems like Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz is more than happy with that pick, according to an interview with DetroitLions.com.

Schwartz made a few jokes about Warford’s 335-pound frame, but he meant them in the best way possible, saying that

I mean, he’s not going to be on the men of the Lions calendar, I don’t know if we’d sell very many of them, but he’s made to play guard in the NFL.

That is a great compliment from an NFL head coach for a player who has never played a snap of an NFL game.  Warford is a very solid offensive lineman and fits into exactly what the Lions need for next season.

I don’t want to make light of it… but he’s a big, thick, powerful man and he’s made to play in there. He can be good setting our pocket.

Warford is expected to make an immediate impact for the Lions next season and even compete for a starting spot, as the Lions have an open spot at the right guard position.  However, Warford stated that being a starter right now is not of the most importance, saying that

I don’t want to talk about me starting.  I just want to come in and compete as hard as I can, keep working and hopefully learn from the best there about playing in the NFL.

A starting right guard spot in the NFL would be a dream come true for Larry Warford and he is going to use nothing but hard work to get there.  That’s what he did for four years at UK and it worked out well for him against high-quality SEC opponents night in and night out.  Best of luck to Warford in his future with the Detroit Lions.

Stay tuned to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.

Former Kentucky Wildcat football player, Shomari Moore was shot earlier this week.  Moore stopped his car when two men attempted to get his attention from the side of the road.  Thinking they were in need of help, Moore rolled his window down and was immediately shot in the chest.  Moore remains hospitalized and authorities believe that the shooting was random.  Moore was also a graduate assistant for Coach Cal’s staff.

In lighter news, Russ Smith will be returning to Louisville for his senior season, just weeks after he won a National Championship at Louisville and his dad said that he would be leaving for the NBA.

The UK Baseball has been struggling lately, and last night was no different. Well, that is, if you don’t consider an 18 inning game as different.  The Bat Cats lost to Western Kentucky University last night, 3-2 on a walkoff homerun in the bottom of the 18th.  The Cats have now lost seven in a row and 10 of their last 12.

According to an ESPN article, Kentucky Wildcat freshmen Willie Cauley-Stein and Alex Poythress are looking forward to next basketball season, when they can emerge into leadership roles.

If you have a free minute, take the time to read this article from the Kentucky Kernel, about Greg Ferrucci, a diver at the University of Kentucky, who has come back from a horrific injury to dive at the collegiate level.

Stay tuned  to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.

April 14, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Terrence Jones (6) shoots a free throw against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 NBA Playoffs are in full swing now as the First Round series have been started.  Last night in the NBA Playoffs, there were a total of three former Kentucky Wildcats playing.  Jodie Meeks, Terrence Jones and DeAndre Liggins all logged time in last night’s playoff games.  Let’s take a look at how each player did individually as well as team results for the night.

Oklahoma City Thunder 120 – Houston Rockets 91 (OKC leads series 1-0)

• DeAndre Liggins, Guard, Oklahoma City
• Terrence Jones, Forward, Houston

Two of the three former Cats in action last night played in the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets game.  For the Thunder, DeAndre Liggins played 8 minutes off the bench, scoring 3 points, pulling down 3 rebounds and dishing out an assist.  For the Rockets, Terrence Jones played 18 minutes off the bench, finishing with 4 points, 8 rebounds, an assist and a block.  Liggins and the Thunder got a big win in Game 1 of the series, beating the Rockets by the score of 120 to 91.  Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm EST.

San Antonio Spurs 91 – Los Angeles Lakers 79 (San Antonio leads series 1-0)

• Jodie Meeks, Guard, Los Angeles

The third and final former Wildcat in action last night was Jodie Meeks in the San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers game.  For the Lakers, Meeks had 4 points, 2 rebounds and an assist in 20 minutes off the bench.  The Lakers came up short in Game 1, losing to the Spurs by the score of 91 to 79.  Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at 9:30 pm EST.

Stay tuned to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.

When the Nike Hoop Summit begins tonight, some of the best young players in the world will take the court as Team USA goes up against the World Team.  The University of Kentucky has a total of four future Wildcats participating in tonight’s game.  For the Team USA, future Cats Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison and Julius Randle all take the floor.  For the World Team, class of 2014 Wildcat commit, Karl Towns Jr. takes the floor.

Not that having four future Wildcats playing in the game is not reason enough to tune in and watch, but the number one player in the nation and UK recruit, Andrew Wiggins will be playing on the World Team.  Wiggins, as most of you know, has yet to decide where he will be attending college and his decision should be revealed in the coming weeks.  Wiggins has narrowed his decision down to Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina and Florida State.

The game is played in the Portland Trailblazers home court, the Rose Garden, and will tip off at 7 p.m. EST.  The game will be televised on ESPN2, so tune in to watch some future Cats strut their stuff, while one potential future Cat does the same.

Stay tuned to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.

Photo Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/72/Rod-Strickland.jpg/220px-Rod-Strickland.jpg

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, University of Kentucky assistant coach Rod Strickland is in the final stages of joining the DePaul staff as an assistant coach.  DePaul was where Strickland went to school and earned All-America honors.

Nerlens Noel was on the Dan Patrick Show earlier today to discuss his rehab and his decision to leave Kentucky for the NBA Draft.  Check out the video here.

The 2012-2013 American Family Insurance All-USA Team was announced today and future Wildcats Julius Randle and Aaron Harrison were two of the five players announced.  Also, potential future Wildcat Andrew Wiggins also made the list.

After Coach Cal met with Andrew Wiggins just over two weeks ago, it seems that the other three remaining schools in the Wiggins-race have scheduled visits next week, according to Evan Daniels of Scout.com.

The registration has now opened for the 2013 John Calipari Fantasy Basketball Experience.  It is intended to let average joe’s live the life of a Kentucky basketball star for a weekend.

Stay tuned to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.

April 14, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts after he was called for a technical foul in the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

It was a busy day in the NBA for former Kentucky Wildcats as a total of 10 former Cats suited up for their respective teams.  DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Chuck Hayes, Terrence Jones, Jodie Meeks, Nazr Mohammed, Marquis Teague, Keith Bogans, Darius Miller and Anthony Davis were all in action last night. Let’s take a look at each player’s individual stats and team results.

Houston Rockets 121 – Sacramento Kings 100

• Terrence Jones, Forward, Houston
• DeMarcus Cousins, Center, Sacramento
• Patrick Patterson, Forward, Sacramento
• Chuck Hayes, Forward, Sacramento

Four of the ten former Cats in action took part in last night’s Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings game.  For the Rockets, Terrence Jones continues to put in solid work off the bench towards the end of the regular season.  Last night, Jones played 20 minutes, finishing with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 steals and an assist.  For the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins had an off night, as he picked up his 16th technical foul of the year and thus will be suspended 1-game for going over the limit.  However, the technical foul can be appealed and if Cousins wins the appeal, he will not be suspended.  Regardless, Cousins finished with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals.  For the Kings, Patrick Patterson had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.  Chuck Hayes did not check into last night’s game for the Kings.  The Rockets beat the Kings, 121 to 100.

Los Angeles Lakers 91 – San Antonio Spurs 86

• Jodie Meeks, Guard, Los Angeles

The only former Cat playing in last night’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs was Jodie Meeks.  Meeks got the start in the place of Kobe Bryant who is out for the season with a torn achilles tendon.  Meeks scored 8 points, pulled down 4 rebounds and dished out 4 assists his 14th start of the year.  The Lakers beat the Spurs, 91 to 86.

Toronto Raptors 93 – Brooklyn Nets 87

• Keith Bogans, Guard, Brooklyn

Former Cat Keith Bogans got the start last night for the Brooklyn Nets against the Toronto Raptors.  Bogans finished with 6 points on 2-7 shooting from 3-point land, 2 assists and a rebound in 25 minutes.  Bogans and the Nets came up short, falling to the Raptors by the score of 93 to 87.

Miami Heat 105 – Chicago Bulls 93

• Nazr Mohammed, Center, Chicago
• Marquis Teague, Guard, Chicago

Two former Cats suited up for the Chicago Bulls last night against the Miami Heat.  Nazr Mohammed played 7 minutes off the bench and had 2 rebounds and a steal.  Marquis Teague did not check into last night’s game.  The Bulls lost to the Heat, 105 to 93.

Dallas Mavericks 107 – New Orleans Hornets 89

• Darius Miller, Forward, New Orleans
• Anthony Davis, Forward, New Orleans

The final two former Cats in action last night took part in the New Orleans Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks game, both for the Hornets.  Darius Miller played only 2 minutes, dishing out one assist in his time.  Anthony Davis continues to sit out with a sprained MCL, but is listed as day-to-day on the Hornets roster.  The Hornets fell to the Mavericks, 107 to 89.

Stay tuned to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.

Madison Central point guard Dominique Hawkins. Photo by Jason Marcum

If you haven’t heard already, Mr. Basketball in the state of Kentucky Dominique Hawkins chose the Kentucky Wildcats this morning.  Hawkins won the Gatorade State Player of the Year for Kentucky and chose UK over Purdue, Morehead State and Western Kentucky.

The preseason rankings for the 2013-2014 men’s basketball season have already been released, and as of now, the Kentucky Wildcats come in at #1 overall, with Louisville just behind at #2 overall.

Future Wildcat Andrew Harrison was quoted as saying that he thinks he could beat Michael Jordan in a game of one-on-one. No, not the 50 year-old current Michael Jordan, Harrison was referring to Jordan in his prime.

Former Kentucky Wildcat Enes Kanter is scheduled to have season ending surgery on his shoulder.  Kanter dislocated his shoulder earlier in the season and it is now confirmed that surgery will be the only way to repair the damage done.

Class of 2014 football 4-star commit Denzel Ware tweeted that he will be de-committing from the Kentucky Wildcats and re-opening his recruitment.  Most believe that he will soon commit to the Florida Gators, as he recently visited there.

Stay tuned to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.

April 07, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts after the play against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Grizzlies won 89-87. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

It was a busy day in the NBA yesterday as 13 former Kentucky Wildcats were involved in the action.  John Wall, Marquis Teague, Nazr Mohammed, Brandon Knight, Tayshaun Prince, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Chuck Hayes, Doron Lamb, Jodie Meeks, Eric Bledsoe, Darius Miller and Anthony Davis all suited up for their respective teams last night.  Let’s take a look at how each player did individually last night, as well as team results.

Memphis Grizzlies 89 – Sacramento Kings 87

• Tayshaun Prince, Forward, Memphis
• DeMarcus Cousins, Center, Sacramento
• Chuck Hayes, Forward, Sacramento
• Patrick Patterson, Forward, Sacramento

A total of four former Cats took part in the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings game last night.  For the Grizzlies, Tayshaun Prince started and had 3 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block.  For the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds and a steal.  Also for Kings, Chuck Hayes had 4 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks.  Patrick Patterson did not play due to issues with a sore lower back.  The Grizzlies just edged the Kings, winning 89 to 87.

Detroit Pistons 99 – Chicago Bulls 85

• Brandon Knight, Guard, Detroit
• Nazr Mohammed, Center, Chicago
• Marquis Teague, Guard, Chicago

Three former Cats took the floor in last night’s game between the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls.  For the Pistons, Brandon Knight had 20 points, 5 assists and 2 rebounds.  For the Bulls, Nazr Mohammed finished with 2 points, 2 rebounds and 2 blocks.  Also for the Bulls, Marquis Teague had one assist in less than a minute of playing time.  The Pistons beat the Bulls, 99 to 85.

Boston Celtics 107 – Washington Wizards 96

• John Wall, Guard, Washington

John Wall has had a fantastic stretch of games recently and last night was no different.  For the Wizards last night against the Boston Celtics, Wall finished with 16 points, 10 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal.  The Wizards lost to the Celtics, 107 to 96.

New Orleans Hornets 95 – Phoenix Suns 92

• Anthony Davis, Forward, New Orleans
• Darius Miller, Forward, New Orleans

Two former Cats suited up for the New Orleans Hornets against the Phoenix Suns last night.  Anthony Davis had 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks and an assist.  Darius Miller had 3 rebounds and an assist.  The Hornets knocked off the Suns by the score of 95 to 92.

Los Angeles Clippers 109 – Los Angeles Lakers 95

• Eric Bledsoe, Guard, Los Angeles Clippers
• Jodie Meeks, Guard, Los Angeles Lakers

Two former Wildcat shooting guards went up against each other in last night’s Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers game.  For the Clippers, Eric Bledsoe had 2 rebounds in 7 minutes.  For the Lakers, Jodie Meeks got the start and finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds, an assist and a steal.  The Clippers beat the Lakers to clinch the division title, 109 to 95.

Cleveland Cavaliers 91 – Orlando Magic 85

• Doron Lamb, Guard, Orlando

The final former Cat in action last night was Doron Lamb of the Orlando Magic, going up against the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Lamb finished with 3 points, hitting his only three-point attempt and a rebound.  The Cavaliers beat the Magic, 91 to 85.

Stay tuned to Wildcat Blue Nation for all of your Kentucky Wildcats sports news.