Kentucky Wildcats Basketball-Behind the Basketball
By Alex Otte
July 2010. Myself, Jon Hood, and Josh Harrellson in the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital
Jon Hood…Behind the Basketball
When people think about Jon Hood, they think of the boy from Kentucky playing for his hometown team at UK. When I think of Jon Hood, I think of a guy that is so much more than the man behind the basketball. Many Kentucky fans don’t know the incredible character of Jon Hood. When he visits kids in UK hospital, he isn’t looking for publicity or recognition for what he’s doing. He’s purely just trying to make a child’s day, and he does that.
"“I met Jon Hood a little less than 4 years ago when I was in the UK ICU after being run over and losing my leg to a drunk driver. Jon Hood and Josh Harrellson came to visit me and, amazingly, years later, we have all kept in contact. Every year since, I have gone to John Calipari’s basketball camp. Jon has been there every year to encourage me even when I thought I was crazy for trying to do this. He will never realize the affect he has had on my life and I would not be where I am today without his support from the beginning.” -Myself in a recent interview about Jon Hood on vaughtsviews.com (Jon Hood visiting me in the ICU featured above, July 2010) Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY SportsFarewell to the Kentucky Boys"
Jon Hood and Jarrod Polson, the two Kentucky boys this year on the University of Kentucky basketball team, were both 5th year seniors. Fans were glad to see these men stay on the team even after they had completed their schooling last year, because having these home town guys seemed to add an element of heart that the players from other places around the country just couldn’t. It was great for these two, as well as, the Big Blue Nation, when they were put in the starting lineup for their senior night. Maybe even without their knowledge, these men have inspired young men around the state, or anywhere for that matter, not to give up on the dream of having Kentucky across their chest.
"“My 5 years here at UK have flown by. It’s just now hitting me that this will be my last time suiting up in the white uniforms at Rupp. I’ve got brothers and best friends all over the world that I would not trade for anything. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.” -Jon Hood put on Instagram shortly before the senior night festivities began"
Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Julius Randle and the NBA draft
Julius Randle, a 6’9” freshman, could be heading to the NBA sooner than we think. The power forward is known and recognized as a very story athlete. The Los Angeles Lakers seem to have their eye on the 19 year old, and according to a ESPN insider Chad Ford’s mock draft, will be drafting him 6th in the 2014 NBA draft. The draft will be held on June 26th.
"“Randle was considered one of the sure things in the draft at the beginning of the season but has struggled with consistency and constant double-teams, he’d be a great addition to the Lakers and perhaps the most NBA ready big man in the draft.” –wrote ESPN Insider, Chad Ford on espn.go.com"
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Florida Gators-Know the Enemy
The Florida Gators, coached by Billy Donovan, have had a more than successful season thus far. At this point in the season, the Gators have only lost two games and neither of which were by much. They are currently ranked #1 in the AP poll and are ranked 92nd in field goal percentage. They’re last game was against South Carolina on March 4th and they dominated the Gamecocks at the Gamecock home with the ending score of 72-46. The Gators will definitely be a force to be reckoned with, not only today, but also for the remainder of this season.
Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Game day Preview- Florida Gators March 8, 2014
At noon today, the University of Kentucky Wildcats will take on the Florida Gators in Gainesville. The last time these two met on February 15th in Rupp Arena, the Gators game out on top with a score of 69-59. Kentucky’s saving grace will be that we are ranked 5th in rebounds per game while the Gators are ranked 109th in that category. The thing which could be a concern for Wildcat fans is that the Florida Gators are ranked 129th in assists, which the Kentucky Wildcats are lying far behind at 267th. The key to this game will prove to be combining their talents and working as a team. Today, the Wildcats will have to bring their best and play to the top of their potential.