Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Joins the Men’s National Team Mini Camp and former Bat Cat Jason Kipnis shines in the MLB All Star Game

Mar 23, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) goes up for a dunk during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Time Warner Cable Arena. Detroit defeated Charlotte 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The United States Men’s National Team mini camp sure will have a lot of Kentucky Blue in it as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been added to the roster that already features Demarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis and John Wall.  Not only does John Calipari turn players into instant millionaires but he also puts them on the path to gold.  Not bad.  To be honest, there’s virtually no chance MKG makes the team.  Likely the only person who makes it will be Anthony Davis but Cousins and Wall both have an outside shot.  Wall’s would likely be very outside.

"USA Basketball announced Tuesday that former University of Kentucky star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will join the Indiana Pacers’ George Hill and Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart at next week’s national team mini-camp in Las Vegas."

"The three players round out the 29-man roster that will make up much of Team USA’s 2016 Olympics roster in Rio de Janeiro.The mini-camp will take place Monday through Thursday of next week following conclusion of the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League, where Kidd Gilchrist is playing with the Charlotte Bobcats.Other local players on the camp roster include former UK standouts Anthony Davis, John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins as well as Morehead State’s Kenneth Faried.Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski will direct the camp and coach Team USA at the Olympics, assuming the Americans qualify through competition at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup Aug. 30-Sept. 14 in Spain or if necessary the 2015 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament.Since Krzyzewski and USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo, the Americans are 62-1 in international competition.Cousins, currently with the Sacramento Kings, served on the 2012 USA Basketball Select Team that trained against the U.S. Olympic Team before its gold medal run in London. The New Orleans Pelicans’ Davis played in the Olympics before his rookie NBA season."

A couple former Kentucky Wildcats had monster games in the NBA Summer League last night.  Marquis Teague went for 25 on 7-14, 3-3 (3pt) with 3 assists and  Archie Goodwin went off for 22 on 6-11, 3-3 (3pt).  Most scouts didn’t peg Goodwin to be that sort of a shooter considering his combine wasn’t stellar.  Perhaps there was something to that during that period but he appears to be lining that out.  Watch Archie’s post game here.

Tubby Smith recently sat down for an interview with CN2 to talk about his time as the Head Coach of the Kentucky Wildcats.  He brought us National Championship #7 and for that we will always be grateful, and for him, seeing his name hanging in the rafters would be incredible.

Former Kentucky Wildcats Bat Cat made his presence felt last night during the 84th MLB All Star game.  Michael Kipnis took advantage of his only plate appearance last night after replacing Dustin Pedroia.  He finished the night 1-1 with an RBI as well as catching the final out of the game, securing the AL win and home field advantage during the World Series.

"Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis doubled to deep left field to drive in a run in Tuesday’s All-Star Game win at Citi Field in New York. It was his only at-bat.Kipnis entered after taking over for Dustin Pedroia, who took over for Robinson Cano.He hit .301 in the first half of the season with 13 homers and 57 RBI. He has hits in six of his last seven games."

And finally, according to Chip Miller, Avery Williamson is being recognized nationally. This is huge for that young man and our program. Do you see what sort of talent Mark Stoops and DJ Eliot have to work with?