4 PM Headlines: Kentucky Wildcats Mixed Bag

July 23, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NCAA president Mark Emmert speaks during a press conference at the NCAA Headquarters to announce corrective and punitive measures against Penn State University for the child abuse committed by former Penn State Nittany Lions assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Anytime Mark Emmert decides to speak, let the hilarity ensure. Mike DeCourcy was present when he waxed poetic about a range of issues from the UNC class schedule to the One and Done rule. He dislikes it but had this to say in regard to the NBA’s role:

"On whether he would be willing to work with the NBA and NBA Players Association to alter the draft age limit that currently stands at one year out of high school: “We’ve had some conversations. I’ve had conversations with David Stern and others, in the league office. We’re still exploring with them and with the Players Association what is and isn’t possible. But at the end of the day, that’s got to be their decision.”"

Out of Winchester, my local Sports Editor Keith Taylor of the Winchester Sun echoes Calipari’s call for patience. Cal has consistently said we could lose the first two games this season and still be a good team. For a fan base that is relentless in our pursuit of National Championships, 0-2 will be a bitter pill to swallow but we have to trust Cal on this one my friends.

Says John Calipari:

"“I like what they’ll look like in March in my mind,” Calipari said. “Right now, that’s the only thing I can live with. I have a vision of what they’re going to be in March and that’s what I try to drive them to.”"

After a 38-2 Season and hanging Banner #8, we would do well to trust the man, though he did say that we wouldn’t miss Kanter as much because Vargas was better than they thought.

Oct 11, 2012; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Ryan Harrow (12) talks with reporters during media day at Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

Speaking of Coach Cal, he has just released a preview of the ESPN All Access Part Two on his site. ESPN has turned into a weekly recruiting pitch for our boys in blue.

In other 2012 Wildcats news, Gary Parrish and the gang at CBS collect their expertise to compile a Top 50 PG list. I’m clearly underwhelmed with their placement of Ryan Harrow but they appear to have a good grasp on #1. Here’s the list and below is Gary Parrish on Harrow:

19. Ryan Harrow, Kentucky

"He’s not Derrick Rose or Tyreke Evans or John Wall or Brandon Knight, and I don’t even think he’s Marquis Teague. But Harrow is still good enough to help UK repeat. — G.P."

The worst part of his assessment is he’s basing the effectiveness of Harrow based on who he is not, rather than who he is. For who Ryan Harrow is, click here.

To be equal, they have Peyton Siva here:

9. Peyton Siva, Louisville

"Siva has never established himself as a star but he has moments when he looks like one. If he looks like one this season consistently, Rick Pitino might get another national title. — G.P."

I’m willing to bet that Peyton Siva himself is shocked he made the list, let alone the Top 10. I’m not sure how a PG who has “never established himself as a star” is 10 spots better than a PG who is “still good enough to help UK repeat” but this is Gary Parrish.

Oct 20, 2012; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver DeMarcus Sweat (83) runs a kick off back during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Commonwealth Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 29-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

In some 2013 UK Men’s Basketball recruiting news, Adam Zagoria Andrew Wiggins Huntington Prep Head Coach, Rob Fulford, believes UK’s committment of James Young may have opened the door for others to go after Wiggins.

Now to be fair, Wiggins has not reclassified to the 2013 class, and is not a lock to do so, and if he doesn’t then I wouldn’t discount UK’s chances in 2014.

Looking ahead to the 2013 UK Football recruiting class, Chattanooga QB, Reese Phillips, foresees very few circumstances that would dissuade him from becoming a Kentucky Wildcat. Fortunately with the rampant speculation permeating blogs and sites regarding Joker Phillips’ jon status for the 2013 season, Phillips is evaluating and wouldn’t necessarily mark UK off his list based on that. Here’s what he said:

The quarterback said even if UK does change coaches, he would still be “playing in the SEC” and that’s what good players want to do.

"“The only way I would not go to Kentucky would be if a coach came in and did not give me the time of day and I don’t think that will happen since I am the only quarterback in the (recruiting) class,” Phillips said. “That’s probably the only way I would not go to Kentucky, but I hope coach Phillips and his staff are all back.”"

Clearly this young man has a solid head on his shoulders and will be a welcome addition to the 2013 recruiting class. I mean we haven’t done too poorly with TN recruits, right? Randall Cobb?

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