Another Huge Kentucky Commitment; PF Anthony Davis from Chicago

• Azubuike24

  

  Being reported by Evan Daniels at Scout and by other local sources in Illinois. Davis is one of the top 5-10 players in the 2011 class, and maybe the top PF.
  
  With Marquis Teague, Michael Gilchrist and Anthony Davis, UK has all but locked up the #1 class in 2011, but they are still probably going to add 2 more players to the class. Quincy Miller, Austin Rivers, Tony Wroten, Chase Behanan, Michael Chandler, Trevor Lacey and Amir Williams will probably be where the other commitments will come from.
  
  http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=2&cid=992240&nid=4930830&fhn=1&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fscouthoops.scout.com%2fa.z%3fs%3d75%26p%3d9%26c%3d2%26cid%3d992240%26nid%3d4930830%26fhn%3d1
  http://twitter.com/EvanDanielscout/status/21098829174
• centralbucksfan

  http://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaa-basketball/chicago-sun-times-publishes-wild-rumor-about-high-school-basketball-stars-recruitment/
  
  http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-06/sports/ct-spt-0806-prep-kentucky-sun-times-20100805_1_story-kentucky-chicago-sun-times
  
  
  Quite the controversy surrounding the recruiting of Davis and supposedly his fathers demand of payment.
• Azubuike24

  

  Definitely. Of course, like most, not a lick of it confirmed. I mean what's next, a video of John Calipari cutting Davis' father the check? Add to that, even if rumors of his father asking for money, would that be an isolated incident in this sport? Heck no. I even saw where this story made the ESPN Bottom Line ticker for a few hours. Again, just a "rumor", one of thousands that float around the sports world every day...yet it ends up on there?
  
  I wonder if there would even be a story here if reports that Davis and Kentucky were in-contact recently and that he had reportedly chosen them as his favorite? If he had chosen DePaul, there might be some local interest, but I doubt it would make national headlines. Add to that, there isn't anything at all that connects Kentucky to any money, even if a recruit's camp is asking for it, why do people assume UK must be involved?
  
  This is basically another story of someone from another school, possibly Ohio State or Syracuse, two schools who recruited Davis very hard or someone from a rival school with connections to the area looking to nail Calipari based on another rumor. I can't imagine what stories we might have if every time this happened in the recruiting process, a national media outlet jumped on it and decided to write a cover story on it.
  
  Good for the Davis family though. The support for them throughout this has been amazing, and it's only going to grow, both locally and nationally.
• SportsAndLady

  

  ^^He's in Kentucky cheating denial lol
• namod65

  

  Ok, this is kinda the last straw for me here with Calipari's legitimacy, especially if he gets Adonis Thomas as well. I know many are thinking it and I'm just going to say it: He's not legit. There's just no way one coach can just steal literally the top two or three players in each class for the last few years. It's just ridiculous, he's pulled in at least 3 top 10 guys in the last couple years and now for 2011 as well. I'm sorry but I just don't buy it, no one's THAT good at recruiting. The guy's a dirtbag cheater and sooner or later he's going to get his, just like sooner or later it would happen for USC. And now there's this Davis story with the father and the money issue. I don't care what's been proven about this "rumor," it's not even close to being the first shady "rumor" circling Calipari. Like I said on JJ last year with USC, you can only sleep so much under the rug before the bulge is too big not to be noticed.
• Prescott

  no one's THAT good at recruiting.

  I am not a Calipari fan, but look at what he is selling.He embraces the "Ons and Dones" like no other coach. He has track record of getting 'One and Dones" drafted. He coaches at a school whose basketball fans are second to no one. Kentucky is not a hard sell for a player who would prefer to jump to the NBA after high school.
• centralbucksfan

  Azubuike24;450572 wrote:Definitely. Of course, like most, not a lick of it confirmed. I mean what's next, a video of John Calipari cutting Davis' father the check? Add to that, even if rumors of his father asking for money, would that be an isolated incident in this sport? Heck no. I even saw where this story made the ESPN Bottom Line ticker for a few hours. Again, just a "rumor", one of thousands that float around the sports world every day...yet it ends up on there?
  
  I wonder if there would even be a story here if reports that Davis and Kentucky were in-contact recently and that he had reportedly chosen them as his favorite? If he had chosen DePaul, there might be some local interest, but I doubt it would make national headlines. Add to that, there isn't anything at all that connects Kentucky to any money, even if a recruit's camp is asking for it, why do people assume UK must be involved?
  
  This is basically another story of someone from another school, possibly Ohio State or Syracuse, two schools who recruited Davis very hard or someone from a rival school with connections to the area looking to nail Calipari based on another rumor. I can't imagine what stories we might have if every time this happened in the recruiting process, a national media outlet jumped on it and decided to write a cover story on it.
  
  Good for the Davis family though. The support for them throughout this has been amazing, and it's only going to grow, both locally and nationally.

  
  lol of course. We all know there is a national conspiracy against Cal and UK! Interesting that these things never break out at Duke, Kansas, UNC or even OSU and others who have brought in top classes. Not saying anything is legit. But sure is quite a bit of smoke swirling around UK lately.
• Azubuike24

  

  You're right, and all I'm saying is you have to wonder how much of that smoke starts BECAUSE it's Calipari.
  
  It's pretty evident that everyone wants to nail him. That includes the media, his rivals and in-general, a lot of folks who simply don't like the way he does business.
  
  So yes, I have to believe that a lot of the "rumors" that come up about Calipari could definitely be the result of people trying to make an issue about something small or something that would go unreported in most other circumstances.
  
  That's why I always say that if Cal gets caught, I'll admit I was wrong and won't defend him, but until then, I'd say a majority of the stuff regarding him is simply a result of a this notion that almost everyone believes he has escaped punishment for past actions and is now thriving when he doesn't deserve to be.
• purple_rein

  Azubuike24;450745 wrote:You're right, and all I'm saying is you have to wonder how much of that smoke starts BECAUSE it's Calipari.
  
  It's pretty evident that everyone wants to nail him. That includes the media, his rivals and in-general, a lot of folks who simply don't like the way he does business.
  
  So yes, I have to believe that a lot of the "rumors" that come up about Calipari could definitely be the result of people trying to make an issue about something small or something that would go unreported in most other circumstances.
  
  That's why I always say that if Cal gets caught, I'll admit I was wrong and won't defend him, but until then, I'd say a majority of the stuff regarding him is simply a result of a this notion that almost everyone believes he has escaped punishment for past actions and is now thriving when he doesn't deserve to be.

  
  What are your thoughts on Cal's tenures with UMass and Memphis, and what happened right after he left both places?
• centralbucksfan

  Azubuike24;450745 wrote:You're right, and all I'm saying is you have to wonder how much of that smoke starts BECAUSE it's Calipari.
  
  It's pretty evident that everyone wants to nail him. That includes the media, his rivals and in-general, a lot of folks who simply don't like the way he does business.
  
  So yes, I have to believe that a lot of the "rumors" that come up about Calipari could definitely be the result of people trying to make an issue about something small or something that would go unreported in most other circumstances.
  
  That's why I always say that if Cal gets caught, I'll admit I was wrong and won't defend him, but until then, I'd say a majority of the stuff regarding him is simply a result of a this notion that almost everyone believes he has escaped punishment for past actions and is now thriving when he doesn't deserve to be.

  
  Relatively speaking...he has really been caught twice, and associates himself with some very shadey characters. He has put himself in this situation...and deserves to be looked at under a microscope.
  As a UK fan, you HAD to know this was coming.
• Azubuike24

  

  purple_rein;450832 wrote:What are your thoughts on Cal's tenures with UMass and Memphis, and what happened right after he left both places?

  
  My thoughts are that the school, athletic department and EVERYONE ASSOCIATED were responsible. This is evident by the fact that Calipari was not personally punished, reprimanded or even listed as a guilty party in either incident. Now, we can debate all day what role the coach played in these situations, and I'm not saying he has no responsibility, but the fact remains that he was not punished by the NCAA. Many others were.
  

  centralbucksfan;450924 wrote:Relatively speaking...he has really been caught twice, and associates himself with some very shadey characters. He has put himself in this situation...and deserves to be looked at under a microscope.
  As a UK fan, you HAD to know this was coming.

  As a UK fan, I knew it was coming. I knew he would be under a microscope from the NCAA, and he is. There isn't a coach in the sport that has every move scrutinized more, and that's why until there is something legit that is found, I can't help but believe nothing out of the ordinary (again, we can debate what "ordinary" is) is going on. I tend to believe he's not doing anything more than what the majority of others in the sport are doing, but because of the heavy scrutiny, everyone is wanting to nail him on these things.
  
  For example, the Eric Bledsoe situation. How many other coaches recruited Bledsoe despite the possible academic issues during his Junior year? The answer is, dozens. How many other coaches recruit and sign athletes with similar stories and/or backgrounds? The answer is, thousands. So yes, given Calipari's current location, position and past, he's going to be a definite target of media stories and rumors, that's expected, but I tend to believe that is the main reason most of this stuff even gets reported not because he's any more guilty than many others. Afterall, if he was, it figures he would have been busted by now with how heavily his moves get watched.
• RiverRat13

  It will be interesting to see if the Davis family follows through with their threat to sue the Sun-Times. My guess is they won't. Disclosure can be a bitch.
  
  Calipari is stacking three unbelievable classes in a row. If he doesn't win a title by 2012, he would have to be considered one of the biggest chokers in coaching history. If a lockout happens, that '12 team will be especially stacked. Like the most talent since UNLV in the 90's stacked.
• thedynasty1998

  

  Calipari got caught by who? From everything the NCAA has said, Calipari hasn't done anything wrong.
  
  And to think Kentucky's compliance department isn't watching Calipari closer than any other coach out there would be naive. Kentucky wants to be good, but I doubt it's at the expense of just looking the other way.
  
  As for him pulling in the top recruits, he's a great recruiter who is wearing UK on his shirt. Not that hard to bring them in. He's shown he can prepare guys for the NBA. Guys love to play for him. And he has guys like Lebron hanging around the program. He offers something that no other coach can compete with.
• Hb31187

  

  $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
• lhslep134

  

  RiverRat13;451180 wrote:It will be interesting to see if the Davis family follows through with their threat to sue the Sun-Times. My guess is they won't. Disclosure can be a bitch.
  
  Calipari is stacking three unbelievable classes in a row. If he doesn't win a title by 2012, he would have to be considered one of the biggest chokers in coaching history. If a lockout happens, that '12 team will be especially stacked. Like the most talent since UNLV in the 90's stacked.

  
  You mean like the most talent since 2010 Kentucky, with a record 5 first round picks including 2 top 5s?
• centralbucksfan

  thedynasty1998;452850 wrote:Calipari got caught by who? From everything the NCAA has said, Calipari hasn't done anything wrong.
  
  .

  
  As usual, we wont' agree on this. And I could care less what the "NCAA" said. You yourself has said many a time how ridiculous the NCAA is anyways. We all know just because someone isn't "named", doesn't mean they are 100% innocent. And In my world, the person at the TOP is responsiible for the entire program, period. I'll even give you a pass if it happened just once. But twice isn't a coincedence. Never happened in NCAA history. And even throwing out the SAT scandle.....you going to tell me Cal had NO IDEA that Rose brother was traveling with the team?
  "The committee also determined that even without the questions about his SAT score, he would have lost his eligibility in December 2007 due to his brother being allowed to travel with the team for free"
  
  Let me guess, Rose brother was hiding in the cargo area of the plane? lol
  
  And no, I am not saying Cal is cheating again at UK. But again, there are already quite a few smoke clouds surrounding the program. I and MANY others won't be a big surprised if anything ever does turn up at UK.
  Sorry, I just think the guy is slimy, and a cheater. Nothing will change my mind. Just being honest.
• Azubuike24

  

  DeAndre Daniels, right now, the #10 overall player in the class chose Texas over Kentucky, has now de-committed from Texas. I'd expect UK to get involved. The way it's going, I wouldn't be surprised if Cal lands 6 players in the top 20-30 of this year's class. It may truly be the biggest blockbuster class ever.
  
  Still after Quincy Miller, Austin Rivers, DeAndre Daniels, Adonis Thomas, Chase Behanan, Tony Wroten, Trevor Lacey, Amir Williams and Michael Chandler.
• thedynasty1998

  

  centralbucksfan;453393 wrote: "The committee also determined that even without the questions about his SAT score, he would have lost his eligibility in December 2007 due to his brother being allowed to travel with the team for free"

  
  Where did you get that quote from? Not discrediting you, just curious as to where you read about the findings.
• centralbucksfan

  thedynasty1998;453659 wrote:Where did you get that quote from? Not discrediting you, just curious as to where you read about the findings.

  
  Why don't you take the time to read the NCAA report. Its a little more revealing then just what you read in the newspapers:
  
  "As set forth in Bylaw 16.11.2.1, relatives of student-athletes (in this instance, the brother of student-athlete 1) may not receive extra benefits. Therefore, the brother's receipt of cost-free transportation to and from out-of-town contests, as well as the occasional free lodging at the men's basketball team's hotel in conjunction with these trips rendered student-athlete 1 ineligible from the point they were first received, December 14, 2007. In addition, the institution admitted that its failure to charge properly the brother for the aforementioned travel and hotel expenses constitutes a failure to monitor."
  
  Got to this link, then click on the full report.
  
  http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2009-08-20-memphis-ncaa-penalties_N.htm
• thedynasty1998

  

  centralbucksfan;453994 wrote:Why don't you take the time to read the NCAA report. Its a little more revealing then just what you read in the newspapers:
  
  "As set forth in Bylaw 16.11.2.1, relatives of student-athletes (in this instance, the brother of student-athlete 1) may not receive extra benefits. Therefore, the brother's receipt of cost-free transportation to and from out-of-town contests, as well as the occasional free lodging at the men's basketball team's hotel in conjunction with these trips rendered student-athlete 1 ineligible from the point they were first received, December 14, 2007. In addition, the institution admitted that its failure to charge properly the brother for the aforementioned travel and hotel expenses constitutes a failure to monitor."
  
  Got to this link, then click on the full report.
  
  http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2009-08-20-memphis-ncaa-penalties_N.htm

  
  Just looked at it, and I'm sorry, but allowing a brother to travel with the team hardly seems like something too horrible. Sure he should have known better, but let's not pretend that minor violations like that don't occur everywhere. The SAT was the main issue, this was very minor.
• centralbucksfan

  thedynasty1998;454023 wrote:Just looked at it, and I'm sorry, but allowing a brother to travel with the team hardly seems like something too horrible. Sure he should have known better, but let's not pretend that minor violations like that don't occur everywhere. The SAT was the main issue, this was very minor.

  
  Nothing too serious? Its a major violation, obviously. Bottom line is... Its a rule, and its one that can cause a player to be ineligible. Again, meaning its a MAJOR violoation, period. Meaning someone, ANYONE would/should know...including the head coach of the program. Was there any thought that when you get on a team plane, and you see a family member on the plane...to ask "are we sure this is ok to do per NCAA"? lol Common sense kick in? Seriously, letting a family memeber travel with the team? I think its comical it went on, I think its comical they let that happen. Its turning a blind eye big, plain and simple. Common sense should have been used. To me, it just shows how loosey goosey Cal was/is with the program.
• thedynasty1998

  

  centralbucksfan;454040 wrote:lol nothing is serious to you when it comes to your buddy Cal. Bottom line is... Its a rule, and its one that can cause a player to be ineligible. Meaning iIts a MAJOR violoation, period. Meaning someone, ANYONE would/should know...including the head coach of the program. Was there any thought that when you get on a team plane, and you see a family member on the plane...to ask "are we sure this is ok to do per NCAA"? lol Common sense kick in? Seriously, letting a family memeber travel with the team? I think its comical it went on, I think its comical they let that happen. Its turning a blind eye big, plain and simple. Common sense should have been used. To me, it just shows how loosey goosey Cal was/is with the program.

  
  Let's not even begin to pretend that this incident alone would lead a player to be declared ineligible. I don't know what secondary violations OSU had last year, but I'm sure there were some of similar magnitude.
  
  Does Calipari run a loose program? Absolutely. I actually know of someone who flew on the team chartered flights at Memphis regularly. But don't let your dislike of Calipari that this something bigger than what it is.
• centralbucksfan

  thedynasty1998;454061 wrote:Let's not even begin to pretend that this incident alone would lead a player to be declared ineligible. I don't know what secondary violations OSU had last year, but I'm sure there were some of similar magnitude.
  
  Does Calipari run a loose program? Absolutely. I actually know of someone who flew on the team chartered flights at Memphis regularly. But don't let your dislike of Calipari that this something bigger than what it is.

  
  Secondary violation? Dude, read what it says above? I don't make up the NCAA rules. Rose would have been ruled ineligible for this violation as well, thus, even without the SAT issue..Memphis would have had to vacate everything from Dec. 14th on. Its in black and white. Meaning, yes, its considered a major violation. One which ANY head coach would/should be aware of. Especially one who had a final four vacated. There is NO defending this one.
  
  And if I had a final four vacated previously, I sure wouldn't be STUPID enough to let something like this happen! Thats flat out ignorant and again, just goes to show what kind of a program Cal runs. He doesn't care about rules. IMO, he is just smart enough to keep himself out of it while those around him take the fall. Top notch guy there!
  And my dislike, its because he does what he does. I don't stand for that crap. And no, don't go telling me everyone does it. In fact, they don't. If and when everyone does it, and gets caught..then so be it. Until then..I don't buy into that BS. And even at that, that doesn't make it right.
• Azubuike24

  

  CBF, I actually respect your stance to this as I read that last post.
  
  My response is...when Calipari gets caught, busted by the NCAA and Kentucky and everyone around him takes the fall, you won't see me on the wagon defending him or his actions.
  
  However, until then, I'm not going to believe every time Joe Schmo reports that Cal was speeding down the highway faster than every other coach that it's a much bigger conspiracy and is giving him an advantage over everyone else. It's that simple.
  
  We won't ever agree on this though, but as much as you may detract, I do see your side of things. Maybe I'm overly optimistic, but that's human nature, I love UK and hope for the best. And as homerish as it might sound, I actually believe in those in-charge of the university and believe that with their rich tradition and huge respect they strive to receive in the college basketball world, that they aren't simply turning a blind eye to someone and slowly letting him tarnish 100+ years of proud tradition.
• thedynasty1998

  

  So, Derrick Rose' brother flying on a charter plane would have made him ineligible?