John Wall Commits - Kentucky Lands One of the Best Class Ever (On Paper)

[AHF]

http://slamonline.com/online/college-hs ... -kentucky/

Sources tell SLAM that John Wall, the nation’s top high school point guard, committed to the University of Kentucky tonight. Wall picked Kentucky over Duke, Miami and Florida, among other schools. The 6-4 senior from Word of God in Raleigh, N.C., is viewed as the missing piece for new Wildcats coach John Calipari.

With forward Patrick Patterson recently deciding to return to school (and high-scoring guard Jodie Meeks rumored to also be considering pulling out of the NBA Draft) and recruits like Alabama big man DeMarcus Cousins, as well as a talented core group of returnees, Kentucky is likely to be one of the favorites to win a national championship in 2010. While Alabama point guard Eric Bledsoe signed up to play in Lexington recently, in Calipari’s dribble-drive motion offense, multiple ballhandlers can play together in the up-tempo style. In addition, the recent SLAM co-cover boy is viewed as a one-and-done prospect.

Aside from Patterson, Meeks, Cousins and Bledsoe, other future teammates who will benefit from Wall’s playmaking ability include sharpshooting juco recruit Darnell Dodson, incoming freshman big man Daniel Orton and athletic sophomore wings DeAndre Liggins and Darius Miller. Long story short, don’t be surprised if you catch a case of deja vu when you watch Big Blue play next season–Wall will remind you a lot of Derrick Rose and with him on the team, Calipari could have another team back in the chip.

http://www.wtvq.com/news/4679-breaking- ... tucky.html

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=947244

http://www.binarybasketball.com/2009/05 ... -kentucky/

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30823985/

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4178271

Wow! What a class!

John Wall PG 6-4 184 - Raleigh, NC - #1 PG/#1 overall

DeMarcus Cousins PF 6-9 250 - Mobile, AL - #1 PF/#2 overall

Daniel Orton C 6-10 260 - Oklahoma City, OK - #4 C/#22 overall

Eric Bledsoe PG 6-1 185 - Birmingham, AL - #3 PG/#23 overall

Jon Hood SG 6-6 185 - Madisonville, KY - #11 SG/#40 overall

Darnell Dodson SF 6-7 215 - Miami, FL - Original Pittsburgh Signee - Junior College Redshirt - ESPN Scout's Grade 95

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/t...amp;season=2009

http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewrank.asp...amp;ra_key=1642

009 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools

1 John Wall Raleigh (NC) Word Of God Christian Academy G 6-4/184 Kentucky

2 DeMarcus Cousins

Mobile (AL) LeFlore F 6-9/250 Kentucky

3 Derrick Favors Atlanta (GA) South Atlanta C 6-9/220 Georgia Tech

4 Avery Bradley Henderson (NV) Findlay Prep G 6-3/175 Texas

5 John Henson Tampa (FL) Sickles

6 Jordan Hamilton Los Angeles (CA) Dominguez F 6-7/210 Texas

7 Michael Snaer Moreno Valley (CA) Rancho Verde G 6-4/185 Florida State

8 Xavier Henry Oklahoma City (OK) Putnam City G 6-6/225 Kansas

9 Keith Gallon Mouth of Wilson (VA) Oak Hill Academy C 6-8/290 Oklahoma

10 Mouphtaou Yarou Rockville (MD) Montrose Christian F 6-9/210 Villanova

11 Lance Stephenson Brooklyn (NY) Lincoln G 6-6/195 list

12 Kenny Boynton Plantation (FL) American Heritage School G 6-2/187 Florida

13 Abdul Gaddy Tacoma (WA) Bellarmine Prep G 6-3/170 Washington

14 Dante Taylor Fort Washington (MD) National Christian Academy F 6-8/230 Pittsburgh

15 John Jenkins Gallatin (TN) Station Camp G 6-4/175 Vanderbilt

16 Renardo Sidney Los Angeles (CA) Fairfax F 6-10/250 Mississippi State

17 Latavious Williams Humble (TX) Christian Life Center F 6-7/195 list

18 Wally JudgeJacksonville (FL) Arlington Country Day F 6-9/218 Kansas State

19 Royce WhiteHopkins (MN) Hopkins F 6-7/210 Minnesota

20 Ryan KellyRaleigh (NC) Ravenscroft School F 6-9/205 Duke

21 Alex OriakhiTilton (NH) Tilton School C 6-9/245 Connecticut

22 Daniel Orton Oklahoma City (OK) Bishop McGuinness C 6-10/260 Kentucky

23 Eric Bledsoe Birmingham (AL) Parker G 6-1/185 Kentucky

24 Elijah JohnsonLas Vegas (NV) Cheyenne G 6-2/183 Kansas

25 Milton JenningsSummerville (SC) Pinewood Prep F 6-9/200 Clemson

26 Maalik WaynsPhiladelphia (PA) Roman Catholic G 6-1/190 Villanova

27 Solomon HillLos Angeles (CA) Fairfax F 6-6/195 Arizona

28 Tyler HoneycuttSylmar (CA) Sylmar F 6-7/185 UCLA

29 Reginald BucknerMemphis (TN) Manassas F 6-8/210 Ole Miss

30 Dominic CheekJersey City (NJ) St. Anthony G 6-5/175 Villanova

31 Thomas RobinsonWolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy F 6-8/222 Kansas

32 Mfon UdofiaStone Mountain (GA) Miller Grove G 6-2/180 Georgia Tech

33 Durand ScottNew York (NY) Rice G 6-4/180 Miami

34 Dexter StricklandElizabeth (NJ) St. Patrick G 6-3/175 North Carolina

35 Aaric MurrayConcordeville (PA) Glen Mills C 6-10/230 LaSalle

36 Rakeem BucklesMiami (FL) Pace F 6-8/205 Louisville

37 Lorenzo BrownAlpharetta (GA) Centennial G 6-4/175 N.C. State

38 D.J. RichardsonHenderson (NV) Findlay Prep G 6-3/170 Illinois

39 Peyton SivaSeattle (WA) Franklin G 6-0/165 Louisville

40 Jon Hood Madisonville (KY) Madisonville North Hopkins G 6-6/185 Kentucky

Edited May 19, 2009 by AHF

[buckeye242424]

http://slamonline.com/online/college-hs ... -kentucky/

Wow. Impressive. Congrats.

http://www.wtvq.com/news/4679-breaking- ... tucky.html

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=947244

http://www.binarybasketball.com/2009/05 ... -kentucky/

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30823985/

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4178271

Wow! What a class!

John Wall PG 6-4 184 - Raleigh, NC - #1 PG/#1 overall

DeMarcus Cousins PF 6-9 250 - Mobile, AL - #1 PF/#2 overall

Daniel Orton C 6-10 260 - Oklahoma City, OK - #4 C/#22 overall

Eric Bledsoe PG 6-1 185 - Birmingham, AL - #3 PG/#23 overall

Jon Hood SG 6-6 185 - Madisonville, KY - #11 SG/#40 overall

Darnell Dodson SF 6-7 215 - Miami, FL - Original Pittsburgh Signee - Junior College Redshirt - ESPN Scout's Grade 95

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/t...amp;season=2009

http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewrank.asp...amp;ra_key=1642

009 Rank Pos Ht/Wt Schools

1 John Wall

Raleigh (NC) Word Of God Christian Academy G 6-4/184 Kentucky

Wall, JohnBlazingly fast with the basketball, Wall is an impeccable ball handler with court savvy. The right hander has a penchant for beating defenders with his left hand and can then counter with a terrific left to right behind the back dribble. Finding teammates on the move is his forte, but he is also an excellent finisher at the rim. His jumper is still a work in progress, but it is good enough to keep the defense honest.

[b/]2 DeMarcus Cousins

Mobile (AL) LeFlore F 6-9/250 Kentucky

Power forward with top notch inside/outside skills.

3 Derrick Favors

Atlanta (GA) South Atlanta C 6-9/220 Georgia Tech

Skilled post player with soft touch.

4 Avery Bradley

Henderson (NV) Findlay Prep G 6-3/175 Texas

A big time scoring threat from the off guard position.

5 John Henson

Tampa (FL) Sickles F 6-10/200 North Carolina

Developing prospect has lots of upside.

6 Jordan Hamilton

Los Angeles (CA) Dominguez F 6-7/210 Texas

Point forward with a strong all around game.

7 Michael Snaer

Moreno Valley (CA) Rancho Verde G 6-4/185 Florida State

Athletic shooting guard has a complete game.

8 Xavier Henry

Oklahoma City (OK) Putnam City G 6-6/225 Kansas

Sweet shooting lefty also has size.

9 Keith Gallon

Mouth of Wilson (VA) Oak Hill Academy C 6-8/290 Oklahoma

Big-bodied post has good feet and hands.

10 Mouphtaou Yarou

Rockville (MD) Montrose Christian F 6-9/210 Villanova

Physical post player with a skill game.

11 Lance Stephenson

Brooklyn (NY) Lincoln G 6-6/195 list

Physical guard who plays with an aggressive attitude.

12 Kenny Boynton

Plantation (FL) American Heritage School G 6-2/187 Florida

Compact scorer has a more than reliable pull up jumper.

13 Abdul Gaddy

Tacoma (WA) Bellarmine Prep G 6-3/170 Washington

Rangy point guard with a great feel for the game.

14 Dante Taylor

Fort Washington (MD) National Christian Academy F 6-8/230 Pittsburgh

A raw talent with great upside.

15 John Jenkins

Gallatin (TN) Station Camp G 6-4/175 Vanderbilt

Big time shooting threat.

16 Renardo Sidney

Los Angeles (CA) Fairfax F 6-10/250 Mississippi State

Good in both the high post and the low post.

17 Latavious Williams

Humble (TX) Christian Life Center F 6-7/195 list

Ultra-athletic forward with a high ceiling.

18 Wally Judge

Jacksonville (FL) Arlington Country Day F 6-9/218 Kansas State

Intriguing forward who can own the boards.

19 Royce White

Hopkins (MN) Hopkins F 6-7/210 Minnesota

A multi-dimensional forward with a surprisingly polished game.

20 Ryan Kelly

Raleigh (NC) Ravenscroft School F 6-9/205 Duke

Finesse forward with dangerous face up game.

21 Alex Oriakhi

Tilton (NH) Tilton School C 6-9/245 Connecticut

Athletic power forward who can go and get the ball.

22 Daniel Orton

Oklahoma City (OK) Bishop McGuinness C 6-10/260 Kentucky

Long big man who is good in the high post.

23 Eric Bledsoe

Birmingham (AL) Parker G 6-1/185 Kentucky

Heady guard with a feel for the game.

24 Elijah Johnson

Las Vegas (NV) Cheyenne G 6-2/183 Kansas

Athletic, slashing point guard.

25 Milton Jennings

Summerville (SC) Pinewood Prep F 6-9/200 Clemson

A serious inside/outside scoring threat.

26 Maalik Wayns

Philadelphia (PA) Roman Catholic G 6-1/190 Villanova

Tough, physical point guard in the Philly mold.

27 Solomon Hill

Los Angeles (CA) Fairfax F 6-6/195 Arizona

Versatile forward with a good feel for the game.

28 Tyler Honeycutt

Sylmar (CA) Sylmar F 6-7/185 UCLA

Slender forward with a high skill level.

29 Reginald Buckner

Memphis (TN) Manassas F 6-8/210 Ole Miss

Hybrid forward with strong ball skills.

30 Dominic Cheek

Jersey City (NJ) St. Anthony G 6-5/175 Villanova

Dead-eye shooter with ball handling skills.

31 Thomas Robinson

Wolfeboro (NH) Brewster Academy F 6-8/222 Kansas

Athletic post player who is a relentless rebounder.

32 Mfon Udofia

Stone Mountain (GA) Miller Grove G 6-2/180 Georgia Tech

Competitive point guard can score and run a team.

33 Durand Scott

New York (NY) Rice G 6-4/180 Miami

Crafty scoring guard with a knack for getting the ball in the hole.

34 Dexter Strickland

Elizabeth (NJ) St. Patrick G 6-3/175 North Carolina

Great feel for the game and even better scorer.

35 Aaric Murray

Concordeville (PA) Glen Mills C 6-10/230 LaSalle

Lengthy post player with skill.

36 Rakeem Buckles

Miami (FL) Pace F 6-8/205 Louisville

Versatile forward in the process of putting his game together.

37 Lorenzo Brown

Alpharetta (GA) Centennial G 6-4/175 N.C. State

Smooth guard who can make plays.

38 D.J. Richardson

Henderson (NV) Findlay Prep G 6-3/170 Illinois

A multi-skilled shooting guard.

39 Peyton Siva

Seattle (WA) Franklin G 6-0/165 Louisville

A great shooter with athleticism.

40 Jon Hood

Madisonville (KY) Madisonville North Hopkins G 6-6/185 Kentucky

Multi-skilled guard with size.

41 Christian Watford

Birmingham (AL) Shades Valley F 6-8/215 Indiana

Long, rangy wing forward who can score the basketball.

42 Brandon Paul

Gurnee (IL) Warren Township G 6-2/175 Illinois

Bouncy guard who attacks the rim.

43 Zeke Marshall

McKeesport (PA) McKeesport C 6-11/210 Akron

Developing center has a lot of potential.

44 Raymond Penn

Richmond (TX) Fort Bend Bush G 5-9/150 Oklahoma State

Lightning quick point guard who can put up large scoring numbers.

45 Glen Rice

Marietta (GA) Walton G 6-4/175 Georgia Tech

A skilled prospect with size as a shooting guard.

46 Tommy Mason-Griffin

Houston (TX) Madison G 5-10/206 Oklahoma

Strong guard who can put up points.

47 Jeronne Maymon

Madison (WI) Madison Memorial F 6-6/235 Marquette

Point forward with a physical edge.

48 Kawhi Leonard

Riverside (CA) Martin Luther King F 6-5/210 San Diego State

Athletic small forward who contributes in a number of ways.

49 Brendan Lane

Rocklin (CA) Rocklin F 6-9/200 UCLA

Intriguing forward with a sweet shooting stroke.

50 Jamal Coombs-McDaniel

Tilton (NH) Tilton School F 6-7/210 Connecticut

Active forward with versatility.

[mattlanta]

Damn!!!

[DrReality]

And if their new coach doesn't win, he will immediately be on the hot seat. Probably already is. But it comes with the territory.

[bird_dirt]

And if their new coach doesn't win, he will immediately be on the hot seat. Probably already is. But it comes with the territory.

bringing in this talent, and his friendly disposition with fans and the media has already bought him more time than billy gillespie ever had. no way he is two and done unless he leaves on his own.

[AHF]

And if their new coach doesn't win, he will immediately be on the hot seat. Probably already is. But it comes with the territory.

That is such BS it isn't even funny. Gillispie was in hot water for what happened off the court. I won't kid you that people at UK don't like to miss the NCAA tournament but Gillispie would still be the UK coach if he had not told the administration to go screw themselves when they wanted him to do PR for the school and if he had treated the players in a manner consistent with the school's minimum expectations.

UK has had 7 coaches since 1931. It has only fired two coaches during that time: Eddie Sutton and Gillispie. Rupp and Hall retired at UK; Pitino went on to millions in Boston; and Tubby went on for lower expectations at Minnesota.

At another bastion of stability, Duke, they have had 8 head coaches in that time. Neither Duke nor Kentucky is a place that is constantly running people in and out of the job and both are well below the average for turnover. Expect Calipari to be there for a long time as long as he doesn't hit major issues off the court.

[buckeye242424]

That is such BS it isn't even funny. Gillispie was in hot water for what happened off the court. I won't kid you that people at UK don't like to miss the NCAA tournament but Gillispie would still be the UK coach if he had not told the administration to go screw themselves when they wanted him to do PR for the school and if he had treated the players in a manner consistent with the school's minimum expectations.

UK has had 7 coaches since 1931. It has only fired two coaches during that time: Eddie Sutton and Gillispie. Rupp and Hall retired at UK; Pitino went on to millions in Boston; and Tubby went on for lower expectations at Minnesota.

At another bastion of stability, Duke, they have had 8 head coaches in that time. Neither Duke nor Kentucky is a place that is constantly running people in and out of the job and both are well below the average for turnover. Expect Calipari to be there for a long time as long as he doesn't hit major issues off the court.

There was something more to the Tubby issue, wasn't there? He didn't choose to leave Kentucky for the Big Ten.

[AHF]

There was something more to the Tubby issue, wasn't there? He didn't choose to leave Kentucky for the Big Ten.

Tubby was under pressure after ten seasons at UK, no question. His recruiting had become inconsistent and he finished the season unranked his last two years. He had been asked to shuffle his staff and refused (notably, he hired an entirely new staff at Minnesota). The fanbase was divided into some who really wanted him gone, some who strongly supported him and some who were in the middle. Nevertheless, the fan base strongly continued to support the program, leading the nation in attendance year in and year out.

Despite those pressures, Tubby had the strong backing of the administration and was not fired or at risk of being fired. He decided he wanted to go somewhere else and reached out to Minnesota, Virginia and other schools during the season to negotiate his next deal (through his agent - I'm not suggesting he was tanking or anything). Tubby could have stayed and tried to turn things around but decided to move on for a better fit at Minnesota. He did choose to leave Kentucky for the Big Ten.

Frankly, I am not sure Tubby made the wrong decision. I personally think he was a great fit at Georgia and would have enjoyed a long, low pressure career there had he chosen to stay. Minnesota is a school that is very similar to Georgia in a lot of ways so I think he wanted to go somewhere that he could simply win 20 games and have it be considered a great season. Tubby never liked recruiting and enjoyed winning with mediocre talent - his x's and o's were his strength. That fits well at Georgia or Minnesota and had he spent his career at a school like that, he would probably be the historical face of their basketball program. Recruiting like that, however, does not lead to final fours and championships and the fan base is not going to be content when you recruit 0 lottery picks and a total of 2 first round picks in 10 years at Kentucky. Tubby inherited more first round picks from Pitino than he recruited in 10 years and, not coincidently, made his only final four and won his only title with those players. Personally, I don't think Pitino would have won a championship with those guys so credit is definitely due to Tubby but his recruiting really tied his hands and capped his success at UK, IMO.

While there will always be delusional fans in a base this passionate, the UK fans will be very happen to get consistent talent, make some final fours, and generally be among the most visible and entertaining programs in basketball. Failing to win a championship his first 6 years at Kentucky left Pitino still a god among men in that state. He could have stayed there for the rest of his career. To this point, Calipari could not be embraced any more tightly at UK. I think he is in for some very good times.

Edited May 20, 2009 by AHF

[buckeye242424]

Tubby was under pressure after ten seasons at UK, no question. His recruiting had become inconsistent and he finished the season unranked his last two years. He had been asked to shuffle his staff and refused (notably, he hired an entirely new staff at Minnesota). The fanbase was divided into some who really wanted him gone, some who strongly supported him and some who were in the middle. Nevertheless, the fan base strongly continued to support the program, leading the nation in attendance year in and year out.

Despite those pressures, Tubby had the strong backing of the administration and was not fired or at risk of being fired. He decided he wanted to go somewhere else and reached out to Minnesota, Virginia and other schools during the season to negotiate his next deal (through his agent - I'm not suggesting he was tanking or anything). Tubby could have stayed and tried to turn things around but decided to move on for a better fit at Minnesota. He did choose to leave Kentucky for the Big Ten.

Frankly, I am not sure Tubby made the wrong decision. I personally think he was a great fit at Georgia and would have enjoyed a long, low pressure career there had he chosen to stay. Minnesota is a school that is very similar to Georgia in a lot of ways so I think he wanted to go somewhere that he could simply win 20 games and have it be considered a great season. Tubby never liked recruiting and enjoyed winning with mediocre talent - his x's and o's were his strength. That fits well at Georgia or Minnesota and had he spent his career at a school like that, he would probably be the historical face of their basketball program. Recruiting like that, however, does not lead to final fours and championships and the fan base is not going to be content when you recruit 0 lottery picks and a total of 2 first round picks in 10 years at Kentucky. Tubby inherited more first round picks from Pitino than he recruited in 10 years and, not coincidently, made his only final four and won his only title with those players. Personally, I don't think Pitino would have won a championship with those guys so credit is definitely due to Tubby but his recruiting really tied his hands and capped his success at UK, IMO.

While there will always be delusional fans in a base this passionate, the UK fans will be very happen to get consistent talent, make some final fours, and generally be among the most visible and entertaining programs in basketball. Failing to win a championship his first 6 years at Kentucky left Pitino still a god among men in that state. He could have stayed there for the rest of his career. To this point, Calipari could not be embraced any more tightly at UK. I think he is in for some very good times.

Thanks for the insight. Being a fan of the Big Ten, I was happy to see Tubby join the conference. I'm a homer, but getting Tubby, Beilein from WVU, and Tom Crean from Marquette...the coaching in the Big Ten has improved dramatically. Anyway....

Calipari is one helluva a recruiter, obviously...I think Kentucky will be right back among the nation's best...

[bird_dirt]

Thanks for the insight. Being a fan of the Big Ten, I was happy to see Tubby join the conference. I'm a homer, but getting Tubby, Beilein from WVU, and Tom Crean from Marquette...the coaching in the Big Ten has improved dramatically. Anyway....

Calipari is one helluva a recruiter, obviously...I think Kentucky will be right back among the nation's best...

AHF speaks the truth.

i think crean will do wonders at iu. so long as pitino stays at u of l, there is going to be major success in the iu, uofl, uk triangle for a long time that has me (as well as most of the region) psyched. i really hope it brings out the best in college hoops around here giving the area a return to past glory days. it's been a while since fans from all three schools (all followed heavily here in louisville) have been able to sincerely trash talk one another and all have good reason for doing so. exciting times lay ahead.

[buckeye242424]

AHF speaks the truth.

i think crean will do wonders at iu. so long as pitino stays at u of l, there is going to be major success in the iu, uofl, uk triangle for a long time that has me (as well as most of the region) psyched. i really hope it brings out the best in college hoops around here giving the area a return to past glory days. it's been a while since fans from all three schools (all followed heavily here in louisville) have been able to sincerely trash talk one another and all have good reason for doing so. exciting times lay ahead.

[buckeye242424]

Ditto. Although, I didn't used to feel that way. I thought Crean was an arrogant, pompus a-hole. But, after watching Indiana play this year - with the cupboard bare - and the enthusiasm and effort they gave, was awesome. It was all Crean. I was clearly wrong.

Dude must walk 5 miles on the sidelines during the game! Coaching box to baseline, over and over, and over again....

[DrReality]

Good move for him and his basketball future, even better move for him as a young kid. Nothing like college life. Wish Smoove had gotten one year.