Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: The Wildcats Have the Look of an NIT Team
Jamal Mashburn. Image credit: BigBlueHistory.net
Big time congrats to Jamal Mashburn. The Kentucky legend has been named the SEC Legend to be honored at the SEC tournament this year.
Mashburn was the biggest reason (other than Rick Pitino) that Kentucky made a comeback to the forefront of college basketball. He was a dominant force and was the first player that I idolized growing up. Guys my age had Mashburn posters, jerseys and became huge Dallas Mavericks fans when he was drafted by that organization when we were growing up.
And in case you missed it, our own Daniel Solzman had a nice interview with Mashburn on the site the other day. Read it here in case you didn’t catch it the first time.
Jan 2, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Charlie Strong celebrates the Cardinals victory over the Gators 33-23 in the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Louisville Cardinal football program may have just dodged a huge bullet. The NCAA is investigating itself, that’s not a typo, for obtaining information improperly in the Miami/Nevin Shapiro scandal:
"The NCAA national office has uncovered an issue of improper conduct within its enforcement program that occurred during the University of Miami investigation. Former NCAA enforcement staff members worked with the criminal defense attorney for Nevin Shapiro to improperly obtain information for the purposes of the NCAA investigation through a bankruptcy proceeding that did not involve the NCAA. As it does not have subpoena power, the NCAA does not have the authority to compel testimony through procedures outside of its enforcement program. Through bankruptcy proceedings, enforcement staff gained information for the investigation that would not have been accessible otherwise. “I have been vocal in the past regarding the need for integrity by NCAA member schools, athletics administrators, coaches, and student-athletes,” said Association President Mark Emmert. “That same commitment to integrity applies to all of us in the NCAA national office.”"
What does this mean? #1: Clint Hurtt and Frank Haith are off the hook for now, or at least until the NCAA figures out this clusterfudge of a mess; #2: This further proves the ineptitude of the NCAA and their compliance department. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, why the hell do college coaches, athletic departments and other institutions give credence to such a dysfunctional, corrupt organization?
Jan. 22, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) dunks the ball over Alabama Crimson Tide center Moussa Gueye (14) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-USA TODAY Sports
Despite Kentucky not having a “go to guy” at the moment, Nerlens Noel is emerging as the best player on the team and as one of the nation’s top defenders. Noel has been named as a National Defensive Player of the year according to CBSsports.com. He is currently leading the team in steals, blocks and rebounds and has a decent shot at at least tying Anthony Davis for the single season blocks record at Kentucky.
Here is the list:
Nerlens Noel- Kentucky
Aaron Carft- Ohio State
Jeff Withey- Kansas
Victor Oladipo- Indiana
CJ McCollom- Lehigh
What about the National Player of the year list? Well, let’s just put it this way, no wonder they are saying it’s a down year for the NBA draft:
Doug McDermott- Creighton
Russ Smith- Louisivlle
Trey Burke- Michigan
Mason Plumlee- Duke
Ben McClemore- Kansas
When Russ Smith is on a list not titled “National Fouler of the Year” then you know the list is whack.