Schedule analysis: Arkansas

Source: SEC Football Blog

Today, we dissect Arkansas' schedule as the Hogs look to break through in the Western Division: Nonconference opponents (with 2011 records) Sept. 1: Jacksonville State (7-4) Sept. 8: Louisiana-Monroe (4-8), in Little Rock Sept. 22: Rutgers (9-4) Nov. 3: Tulsa (8-5) SEC home games Sept. 15: Alabama Oct. 13: Kentucky Oct. 27: Ole Miss, in Little Rock Nov. 23: LSU SEC road games Sept. 29: at Texas A&M Oct. 6: at Auburn Nov. 10: at South Carolina Nov.

Kentucky Basketball: 5 Reasons Marquis Teague Will Be a Big-Time NBA Player

Source: Bleacher Report NCAAB

Yes, I said Marquis Teague. Yes, I said big-time NBA player. And I mean it.

First, let me define what I mean by big-time player. Marquis Teague will not necessarily have a Kyrie Irving-type rookie season, dominating the competition and looking like a star game in and game out.

Teague will not lead the league in assists, he will not win any scoring titles, he will not be Chris Paul 2.0. 

But what he will be is a solid point guard who can make big plays for a contender.

Playing one year of college ball was more beneficial to Teague than to many other NBA-bound point guards. Teague now has all of the tools to become a very good, if not great, point guard.

In a few years, he will be playing a Darren Collison or Brandon Knight-type role. Or Mario Chalmers on a good night (but a bit better). 

Despite what many consider a lackluster freshman campaign, Teague will make his mark on the NBA. And quickly.

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Kentucky Wildcats: Morning Quickies - Kyle Wiltjer 4.0 Edition

Source: A Sea Of Blue by Glenn Logan

Good job @kwiltj! twitter.com/MatchLanc/stat…

— Mitchell Lancaster (@MatchLanc) May 16, 2012

Great job, Kyle. Hat tip: Wild Weasel.

Quickies follow the jump

Virginia Tech is making Montrezl Harrell wait

Source: John Clay's Sidelines by John Clay

As Rob Dauster writes for College Basketball Talk, Virginia Tech is trying to wait out Montrezl Harrell.

The 6-foot-7 forward wants out of the letter-of-intent he signed now that Tech has fired Seth Greenberg, the coach who has recruited him. If Harrell gets his release, it is believed that the Top 100 recruit will consider Kentucky, among other schools.

While Virginia Tech has not said it is holding Harrell to his letter-of-intent, it has not given him his release, either. As Dauster writes, “Because Virginia Tech has a 30 day wait period they are allowed to utilize. Tech’s associate athletic director Tom Gabbard said he ‘doesn’t anticipate we won’t give [Harrell] a release. It just hasn’t happened formally yet because of the process.’”

By making Harrell wait, Virginia Tech is no doubt hoping it can convince the talented signee to stick around in Blacksburg. That’s why Tech hired former Hokies assistant James Johnson, in hopes that Johnson could convince players to stick around. Harrell says he wants out anyway. Tech is giving him more time to think about it.

It all goes back to the fact that in many cases it is better that the prospect not sign a letter-of-intent. Sometimes, it is better that the prospect sign a financial aid agreement, much as Brandon Knight did at UK a couple of years ago. By signing the financial aid agreement, a prospect has more options should something happen at the school, or if a coach leaves the school.

Related links:

• Montrezl Harrell changes his mind
• Montrezl Harrell asks for his release from Virginia Tech
• UK pursuing Virginia Tech signee Montrezl Harrell

Lively crowd entertained by Candlebox at Buster’s Tuesday

Source: Kentucky Kernel by Les Johns

A large, loud and lively crowd greeted 90s Seattle grunge-era band Candlebox at Buster’s Billiards & Backroom Tuesday night.

The crowd was treated to a two-hour, 18 plus song set. The band ripped through new songs with the same vigor as their hits from the early 90s.

It was one of the larger crowds to see a rock show at Buster’s in recent months, and the band fed off the crowd’s energy.

One of the highlights of the show was during the song Arrow, as lead singer Kevin Martin talked about the Seattle grunge scene and the 90s, which led to a medley of hits from bands that influenced the band, such as Led Zepplin, AC/DC and Van Halen.

“Great crowd. Amazing, amazing time

Baseball. No. 2 Baseball Faces MSU with SEC Title on the Line

Source: Kentucky Official Site

Leading the Southeastern Conference by half a game entering the final weekend of the regular season, No. 2 Kentucky looks to claim the second conference title in program history, taking on Mississippi State in a three-game series, starting on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET at Dudy Noble Field. The series will resume on Friday at 8 p.m. ET and conclude on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.

Kentucky Basketball: Why is Virginia Tech Holding Up Harrell?

Source: A Sea Of Blue by Glenn Logan

Here's a tweet from Dave Telep of ESPN.com earlier today:

At what point is Virginia Tech going to release Montrezl Harrell? End of period is upon us. Kid should be released by now.

— Dave Telep (@DaveTelep) May 16, 2012

Telep asks a very good question here. Harrell is asking for a release from his Letter of Intent because of the coaching change -- Seth Greenberg, who recruited Harrell, got fired earlier this year. Per NCAA rules, even if the

UK softball begins NCAA regional play in Louisville

Source: Kentucky Kernel by Les Johns

Rachel Lawson’s UK softball team is gearing up for a short drive to face a couple of familiar foes in the NCAA regional Friday through Sunday.

The Cats (29-28) open play Friday at 4:30 in Louisville against the Michigan Wolverines (39-15). The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

The Cats lost to Michigan, a team they defeated in the NCAA last season, at the FAU Tournament 0-3 in February.

“Michigan is always a tough matchup. They’re one of the best teams in the nation,” UK head coach Lawson said. “They have a lot of speed. The top of their order is very good. Then they come with a couple of big hitters in the middle of their lineup. They are very diverse.”

Also competing

Kentucky Basketball: Why is Virginia Tech is Holding Up Harrell?

Source: A Sea Of Blue by Glenn Logan

Here's a tweet from Dave Telep of ESPN.com earlier today:

At what point is Virginia Tech going to release Montrezl Harrell? End of period is upon us. Kid should be released by now.

— Dave Telep (@DaveTelep) May 16, 2012

Telep asks a very good question here. Harrell is asking for a release from his Letter of Intent because of the coaching change -- Seth Greenberg, who recruited Harrell, got fired earlier this year. Per NCAA rules, even if the

Athletic Fla. LB glad for SEC offer from UK - Kentucky [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Lextran celebrates National Bike to Work day Friday

Source: Kentucky Kernel by Les Johns

Lexington bicycling commuters can ride Lextran for free on Friday, May 18, which is National Bike to Work Day.

All Lextran buses have bike racks which can hold two bicycle on the front of each bus, according to a release from UK Parking & Transportation Services

Additional Resources:

Lextran

League of American Bicyclists

Bike Lexington

Kentucky Basketball: Where the Wildcats Stand as of Today

Source: A Sea Of Blue by Glenn Logan

The last immediate Kentucky Wildcats recruiting domino fell yesterday with Amile Jefferson's commitment to the Duke Blue Devils. There are still more potential 2012-13 Wildcats out there in the form of potential transfers and decommitments, but we are going to forget about them for the purposes of this article and take stock of what we have.

Returners:

Returning from last year's NCAA Tournament championship squad appear to be, in order of likely playing time next year:

Kyle Wiltjer

Markey Cancer Center receives $6.25 million for research

Source: Kentucky Kernel by Les Johns

Dr. Randall Rowland, director of the Markey Cancer Foundation speaks at event announcing the $6.25 million grant and gift to fund MDS research.

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center announced Tuesday that it is receiving grants and gifts of $6.25 million to fund research myelodysplastic syndrome, a deadly blood and bone marrow disease often caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
rece
A $5 million grant from the Edward P. Evans Foundation will be spread over five years that will fund five research labs, including three at UK. The $1.25 million gift was

Video: One Good Thing -- Mississippi State

Source: SEC Football Blog

Edward Aschoff talks about Mississippi State defensive end Denico Autry's progression this spring.

Kentucky enters final weekend as SEC's top seed

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

The University of Kentucky baseball team enters the final weekend of Southeastern Conference play on Thursday night hoping to hold on to the No. 1 seed for next week's league…

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Top performer: Interceptions

Source: SEC Football Blog

Our look at the SEC's most productive returning players in 2012 continues with a look at players that grabbed the most interceptions. Past producers: Quarterback Running back Wide receiver Tight end Sacks Tackles The SEC returns four players that ranked in the top 10 in the SEC in interception. The top pick man returns this season, though he'll have to sit to start the season. Here's a look at No. 1: Bacarri Rambo, S, Georgia: He had eight interceptions and defended eight passes last season.

The SEC's top QB-WR tandems

Source: SEC Football Blog

ESPN's K.C. Joyner has ranked his top quarterback-receiver tandems in the SEC going into the 2012 season, and his choice for No. 1 is going to surprise a lot of people. He has Vanderbilt's Jordan Rodgers and Jordan Matthews at the top of his list. In choosing his top tandems, Joyner used a list of metrics from the 2011 season that detailed such things as how the combo fared in short pass yards per attempt, vertical yards per attempt and overall yards per attempt.

Chip Cosby joins us for Wildcat Wednesday on 1340 WBGN

Source: A Sea Of Blue by Ken Howlett

The effervescent Chip Cosby of Cn2 Sports, formerly of the Herald-Leader, will join Ken, Norm Haney, and Seth Burchett on 1340 WBGN to talk UK basketball and football, as well as where he gets his beautifully designed suits. The show starts at 5:00 ET. To listen to live streaming go here and click on the iTunes or Windows Media Player logo.

To call the show with questions or comments: 270-746-9246, or email sportsguys@1340wbgn.com.

M. Tennis. No. 6 Men's Tennis Faces No. 11 Stanford in Sweet 16

Source: Kentucky Official Site

For the third time in as many seasons, the sixth-ranked University of Kentucky men's tennis team will compete in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 when it travels to the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Ga., to face No. 11 Stanford on Friday at 4 p.m. ET. The Wildcats and Cardinal will play on the McWhorter Stadium Courts.

General News. Tracey-Simmons Named Master Strength and Conditioning Coach

Source: Kentucky Official Site

University of Kentucky head Olympic sports strength and conditioning coach Stephanie Tracey-Simmons was named Master Strength and Conditioning Coach by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association at the 2012 National Conference, held at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Fla., on May 10.

Alabama gets 2013 ESPN 150 QB commit

Source: SEC Football Blog

The rich just keep getting richer in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Nick Saban's recruiting roll continued Wednesday, as ESPN 150 quarterback Cooper Bateman (Salt Lake City/Cottonwood) committed to the Crimson Tide. Bateman, the sixth-ranked quarterback in the 2013 class, chose Alabama over Auburn, Florida, LSU and Washington and claimed over 50 offers. "The campus was awesome," Bateman told ESPN.com's TideNation. "It was probably my favorite campus. It's gorgeous out there.

Podcast talks Mays, Noel, baseball and more (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Podcast topics include transfer Julius Mays and Kentucky's spring-sports success.

Lunchtime links

Source: SEC Football Blog

Time for some links. Kevin Scarbinsky of the Birmingham News writes that the late Derrick Thomas was a major snub for the College Football Hall of Fame. Missouri dismisses safety Tavon Bolden ... again. Tennessee coach Derek Dooley and new athletic director Dave Hart laud new Hall of Famer Phillip Fulmer. Alabama coach Nick Saban says wide receiver DeAndrew White is "doing fine" after last month's late-night altercation outside of a Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Next Cats: UK recruit Jabari Parker makes cover of Sports Illustrated

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

UK recruit Jabari Parker makes the cover of Sports Illustrated. ... 2013 target Dominic Woodson is originally from Louisville and likes Rick Pitino. ... Johnson Central's Shane Hall emerging as…

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Freeze is taking Ole Miss on a 'Journey'

Source: SEC Football Blog

OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss’ football program is stuck in the wilderness -- a scary place, filled with a plethora of overgrown obstacles. When coach Hugh Freeze arrived last December, he says the jungle was as thick as ever and it didn’t look like his new team was ready to cut its way out. That was until Freeze offered a solution: his “Journey.” He told players that he didn’t know how long it would take for them to make it out or find some sort of salvation, but if they followed him, they’d find the light.

DawgNation links: Who usurps hot seat?

Source: SEC Football Blog

DawgNation Roundtable : After Mark Richt vacated the hot seat this past season, some of his fellow SEC coaches are starting to sweat. DawgNation wonders: “Which SEC coach has the most pressure on him going into the 2012 season?” Kipp Adams writes : With names like Brice Ramsey and Derrick Henry, Georgia either has landed commitments from or is in hot pursuit of some of the top prospects of 2013 in the backfield. Adams : Georgia CB target Brendan Langley holds steady with his top three: Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.

2013 UK target featured on SI cover

Source: Kentucky Kernel by David Schuh

By David Schuh

The top-ranked player in the 2013 high school class, Jabari Parker, is featured on this week’s Sports Illustrated cover, which hit newsstands on Wednesday.

A picture of the 6’9″ junior on the shore of Lake Michigan, the cover reads:

 

“The Best High School Basketball Player Since Lebron James is…

Jabari Parker

But There’s Something More Important to Him Than NBA Stardom:

His Faith”

 

Rivals.com includes several teams on Parker’s list, including UK, Duke, Kansas, Michigan St. and North Carolina.

Schedule analysis: Alabama

Source: SEC Football Blog

With spring practice behind us for all 14 SEC teams, it’s time to start breaking down the schedules for next fall and assess who has the toughest paths and who has the easiest paths to a successful 2012 season. We’ll start with defending national champion Alabama: Nonconference opponents (with 2011 records) Sept. 1: vs. Michigan (11-2), in Arlington, Texas Sept. 8: Western Kentucky (7-5) Sept. 22: Florida Atlantic (1-11) Nov. 17: Western Carolina (1-10) SEC home games Sept.

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Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

Cats fall late to Murray St.

Source: Kentucky Kernel by David Schuh

By David Schuh

The UK baseball team lost 7-3 to Murray State Tuesday night in their last non-conference game of the season.

After Murray got out to a 2-0 lead, a home run by junior Luke Maile, his team-leading twelfth of the year, tied the game after four innings.

Still tied in the eighth, the Racers got a bases loaded double to break the game open. UK freshman A.J. Reed was tabbed with the loss.

However, the Cats (41-12, 18-9 SEC) focus truly lies on this weekend’s final SEC series with Mississippi St. Entering the weekend tied for first place in the conference standings with LSU and USC, UK needs to take at least two of three to maintain the

A look at the SEC's biggest spenders

Source: SEC Football Blog

USA Today's annual study is out on who in college athletics makes the most money and who spends the most money. Not surprisingly, of the 10 biggest spenders, four are from the SEC: No. 4 Florida ($107.1 million), No. 5 Alabama ($105.1 million), No. 7 Auburn ($100.5 million) and No. 8 Tennessee ($97.6 million). According to the 2011 figures gathered by USA Today, 13 of the 14 SEC schools operated in the black, meaning they generated enough money to cover all of their athletic expenses.

Times set for Chick-fil-A Kickoff games

Source: SEC Football Blog

Tennessee will open the season against NC State on Friday, Aug. 31 in a 7:30 p.m. game that will be televised on ESPNU, while Auburn will face Clemson the next day, Sept. 1, in a 7 p.m. game that will be televised on ESPN. The two ACC versus SEC matchups are part of the 2012 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game weekend at the Georgia Dome. "Over these incredible 48 hours, all eyes will be on Atlanta as we open the season like never before with our first-ever double hosting of Chick-fil-A Kickoff games," said Gary Stokan, Chick-fil-A Bowl president and CEO.

Kentucky Wildcats: Morning Quickies - Dickie V. Gala Edition

Source: A Sea Of Blue by Glenn Logan

Today's quickies will feature a story above the fold, Dickie V's annual gala against cancer. Cancer was responsible for my beloved mother's decline which ultimately resulted in a stroke and her passing. It killed my favorite aunt, and it has had an impact on my life in many ways, like taking my best friend's father, mother, and sister.

It is a horrible disease, and even though we've made great progress, we still have such a long way to go.

7th Annual Dickie V Gala

Murray State rallies late to beat Bat Cats

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

PADUCAH — Murray State broke open a 3-3 game with a bases-clearing double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning and held off No. 2 Kentucky for…

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Knee injury a 'setback' for ex-Kentucky star Joe Crawford

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

Former Kentucky basketball player Joe Crawford tore a knee tendon Sunday while playing for a team in Israel. The ill-timed injury, which is expected to sideline him for four to…

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Amile Jefferson picks Duke, narrowing UK's options

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

The list of possible additions to next seasons Kentucky basketball team was whittled further Tuesday with Amile Jeffersons announcement that he would play for Duke.

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John Clay: UK courting the men's cup for best overall athletic program

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

Dennis Emery has been around so long, 30 years now, he's forgotten more about college tennis than most of us will ever know. "I'd been around long enough, I had…

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Murray rallies late to beat Cats in baseball

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

PADUCAH — Murray State broke open a 3-3 game with a bases-clearing double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning and held off No. 2 Kentucky for…

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Baseball. Two-Out Rally in Eighth Lifts Murray State to Midweek Win

Source: Kentucky Official Site

Murray State broke open a 3-3 game with a two-out, bases-clearing double in the bottom of the eighth inning and held off No. 2 Kentucky for a 7-3 win, in front of a packed 1,379 on a gorgeous Tuesday night at Brooks Stadium.

Jefferson's choosing Duke thins Kentucky's options

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

The list of possible additions to next seasons Kentucky basketball team was whittled further Tuesday with Amile Jeffersons announcement that he would play for Duke.

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John Clay: Tennis team's success adds to Kentucky's big year

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

Dennis Emery has been around so long, 30 years now, he's forgotten more about college tennis than most of us will ever know.

Click to Continue »

Knee injury a 'setback' for ex-Kentucky star Crawford

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

Former Kentucky basketball player Joe Crawford tore a knee tendon Sunday while playing for a team in Israel. The ill-timed injury, which is expected to sideline him for four to…

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Video: Top 20 roundtable -- Arkansas

Source: SEC Football Blog

College Football Live's panel of experts preview Arkansas' upcoming season.

Kentucky Basketball Recruiting: Amile Jefferson Picks Duke

Source: A Sea Of Blue by jc25

Kentucky target Amile Jefferson (Friends Central / Philadelphia, PA) committed to the Duke Blue Devils today in a press conference. Jefferson picked Duke over N.C. State, Kentucky, Villanova, and Ohio State.

The Wildcats had been linked to Jefferson since last fall, and the rationale train of thought was the longer Jefferson's recruitment played out, the more of a chance Kentucky had. Jefferson had reportedly been close to committing multiple times in favor of Duke or N.C. State, his two favorites, yet ended up being one

Live video: Amile Jefferson's announcement (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Amile Jefferson, who had been considering Kentucky, chose the Blue Devils.

UK target Jefferson chooses Duke

Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

The list of possible additions to next seasons Kentucky basketball team was whittled further Tuesday with Amile Jeffersons announcement that he would play for Duke.

Click to Continue »

Kentucky Basketball: Watch Amile Jefferson's College Announcement Live

Source: A Sea Of Blue by Glenn Logan

As you know, today is the day that Amile Jefferson will announce his college choice, and it will be carried live below. Jefferson will chose between the N.C. State Wolfpack, Duke Blue Devils, and Kentucky Wildcats.

Video streaming by Ustream

Enjoy!