Kentucky Showing Interest in 2016 Recruit

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Thon Maker is considered by many to be the #1 player in the Class of 2016. The 7-foot power forward is being pursued by the elite programs across the country, which, of course, includes Kentucky. Adam Zagoria writes:

"“Thon Maker, the consensus No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2016, is being pursued by a Who’s Who of elite college basketball programs, including Kentucky, Kansas, Duke and Louisville.All of those schools, as well as Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, watched the 7-foot Maker this past weekend at the Adidas stop in Duncanville, Texas, his guardian, Ed Smith, told SNY.tv Wednesday.Smith said Kentucky coach John Calipari watched Maker over the weekend and Smith then spoke with assistant Kenny Payne on Tuesday.”"

Texas was already predicted to be a Top 10 team next season. Rick Barnes returns everyone from a Longhorns team that went 24-11, finishing fourth in the Big XII before losing to Michigan in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. Today, next year’s Texas team got a lot stronger with the commitment of Myles Turner, the only elite player who had yet to commit. And like that, as Gary Parrish writes, Rick Barnes’ seat in Austin has suddenly cooled, considerably:

"“I’ve long held the belief that when coaches get on the so-called hot seat with their fans they never really get off of it, and I still think that’s probably true.But Rick Barnes is trying to become an exception to the rule.”"

The lifetime ban of Los Angeles Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling and the likely forced sell of the the team shows an undeniable truth about the NBA: the players have the power. Howard Bryant writes:

"“In the end, Adam Silver knew the NBA was a players’ league, perhaps even more than did the players. In a fantasy world of myths, of so many myths, the truth that the players make the league grew irrefutable. Donald Sterling’s indefensible racism, his mistress and her recordings — during one segment he referred to the league as belonging to the owners and not the players — were not worth the risk of challenging that truth. The owners isolated Sterling, maintained a fragile order with the players and negotiated his sacrifice — as it became clear that only total sacrifice would do.”"

On Wednesday, post positions were drawn for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, the 140th Running of the Roses. California Chrome drew post position 5 and was immediately made the heavy favorite at 5-2 odds. Why is California Chrome such a heavy favorite? Jennie Rees writes:

"“Beyond sentiment, there are reasons for liking post 5 for California Chrome. Besides having produced eight Kentucky Derby winners since the advent of the starting gate in 1930, California Chrome gains an excellent tactical position. He has speed inside him, with Louisiana Derby winner Vicar’s in Trouble breaking on the rail and Uncle Sigh in post 3.”"

Wednesday, the Leon County (FL) Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to announce it had issued an adult civil citation to Jameis Winston for shoplifting $32.72 worth of crab legs and crawfish from a Publix supermarket in Tallahassee. All joking aside, yet another incident involving Winston raises concerns, as Andy Staples writes:

"“The problem for Winston is this isn’t the first unfortunate situation, and the fact that they keep happening could soon become very expensive for him. Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher can do whatever he wants with regard to discipline. With Florida State opening against Oklahoma State on Aug. 30, a suspension seems unlikely. But someone in Tallahassee might want to explain to Winston that inexplicable criminal acts by people who know they have a high profile raise legitimate red flags in NFL front offices. This isn’t the kind of skinny-knees/doesn’t-love-football tripe that pops up before every draft. This incident raises a legitimate concern that could cost Winston millions. Based on his football ability alone, he should be in contention for the top spot in the 2015 NFL draft. But teams could shy away from a player who hasn’t seemed to learn anything from his time on campus.”"