Kentucky Wildcat's 5 for Friday: "Watching, waiting, commiserating for news on Enes before focusing on UNC" edition
By Paul Jordan
It’s going to be a long day of watching, waiting … commiserating for UK fans today as we wait rather impatiently for news of the big man’s status. Once again, no one really has a clue what is going to happen, but I have to admit the general vibe I am getting is not a good thing. Part of the reason is that the NCAA seems to be tipping their hat at their decision and preparing for the backlash they will receive if Cameron Newton is allowed to play and Enes Kanter is not. The NCAA released an article on their website today entitled “One size does not fit all: differences between eligibility and investigations“ and the following passage is getting a lot of attention:
"The NCAA looks at each student-athlete eligibility decision based on its merits, because no two are identical. In the Cam Newton reinstatement case, there was not sufficient evidence available to establish he had any knowledge of his father’s actions and there was no indication he actually received any impermissible benefit. If a student-athlete does not receive tangible benefits, that is a different situation from a student-athlete or family member who receives cash, housing or other benefits or knowingly competes and is compensated as a professional athlete."
Lots of warning flags there for UK fans but basically it’s OK for the parent to pimp his kid around but it’s not OK to be Enes Kanter. That’s my translation anyway.
Dick Vitale also got some attention when he answered a UK fans question on twitter and said the indication he got was not good for Kentucky. Not sure if Dicky V has any inside info or just going on a gut feeling, but he did take to the airwaves Tuesday night to blast the Newton decision and offer support for Enes:
Meanwhile, I know that you are all excited about the huge upcoming Kentucky basketball game, right? Yea, me too. I simply can not wait to face the
Marist Red Foxes next year at Rupp Arena. Yup. The big news has been leaked that Kentucky will open next season against the Marist Red Foxes. Marist coach Chuck Martin is a former Calipari assistant from the Memphis days. Let’s just hope that this is not a student tops mentor deal like UCF’s Donnie Jones had with Billy Donovan when Jone’s Knight’s toppled the Gators on Tuesday night. Ouch. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Oh, wait, the Cats play the Tarheels this weekend. Gotcha. Well, this game is going to test UK’s road readiness and Darius Miller is going to have to step up as a leader on Saturday. Keep in mind that he is the only player to have started in front of a hostile crowd such as this. I kind of liken this game to last years Indiana game but with a slightly better opponent. Kentucky has not won in their last three trips to the Dean Dome so this should let us know what kind of road team we have.
And in case you totally forgot last years game …..
That’s it for now. Lots of stuff on the site today as we track any possible Enes news and have more stuff on the UK/UNC game tomorrow. Keep tuning in and have a good Friday
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