Amid the joy associated with John Wall’s commitment to Kentucky came the first discordant note. Eric Bledsoe’s high school coach wondered if his player might get pushed aside.
“I’ve got big concerns,” said Maurice Ford, who coached Bledsoe at Birmingham’s Parker High School. “I don’t see how they can play together.”
Ford first expressed his concerns in a blog written by Kevin Scarbinsky, a sports columnist for The Birmingham News.
In a phone interview on Wednesday, Ford repeated his concerns.
“You’ve got two guys used to playing with the ball in their hands,” Ford said of Bledsoe and Wall. “Both of them can’t bring the ball up at the same time.”
While two players cannot both bring the ball up at the same time, UK Coach John Calipari has said his dribble-drive offense depends on ballhandling and decision-making. In that context, more than one point guard could be on the floor at the same time.
Ford remained unconvinced.
“Well, guess what?” he said. “We’ll find out come October and November.”
During the recruiting process, Bledsoe spoke of being unhappy about being a Plan B behind Wall. But when he signed with UK, he welcomed Wall’s addition to the Kentucky team.
While expressing his obligation to support Bledsoe’s decision to sign with UK, Ford suggested that his player would have been better off going to Memphis or Cincinnati where there was a greater opportunity to play right away.
“How would you feel if that was your player going and you’ve got another point guard coming in that’s supposed to be the No. 1 player in the country?” he said. “That’s a no-brainer there. I mean, c’mon man.”
It has been suggested that Bledsoe could serve as an understudy to Wall this coming season, then Bledsoe could be the starter beginning in 2010-11.
“I know Eric’s good enough,” Ford said. “If he didn’t go there, he could be the man from Day One and not sit a whole year (at another school). He’s that good.”
When asked if he felt Bledsoe could outplay Wall and yet not win the starting position, Ford said, “What do you think?”
Bledsoe’s coach then noted how Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans played substantial minutes as one-and-done freshmen for Calipari at Memphis. That left little time for the backup.
“You’re not going to be a one-and-done and play 20 minutes,” he said.
Rose averaged 29.5 minutes in his one season for Memphis. Evans averaged 29 minutes.
During a news conference to officially announce his college choice, Wall suggested he might play for Kentucky “two or three” seasons. He added that if Calipari told him he was ready for the NBA after one season, he’d turn pro.
When told of Wall speaking of playing multiple seasons for UK, Ford said, “Eric is there. That’s his decision. Ain’t nothing I can do about it.”
Of course, Wall has not qualified academically to play as a college freshman. When it was suggested that Bledsoe might be the starter if Wall does not meet the academic standards, Ford laughed.
“You think he won’t qualify?” Bledsoe’s coach said.
When told that, no, that seemed unlikely, Ford said, “OK. C’mon now.”
49 comments ↓
I agree that someone is not going to play as much as they thought. I don’t know who, but somebody is going to be dissappointed.
If your kid can’t beat the #1 kid in America at his position, why do you worry when he is practicing against him every day (not twice a week in games-everyday)? Is this about playing time in games or day in day out training to be good enough for the NBA? There is no better place to play or prepare for the NBA than Kentucky right now. If you are not a lottery pick as a freshman, you need to stay in school and train till you are. How does it help the kid to start on a team that will not give him the best chance for an NBA contract? Coach needs to get a grip and quit gripping.
sounds like quite a jerk … In any case, Bledsoe knew Wall was a possibility, and a week ago, made all sorts of comments about wanting to get better and playing with the best …
Sounds like Bledsoe has a better attitude about the situation than his (ex-) coach. I will say that (for Bledsoe’s sake) i hope Calipari treats this lineup as a hockey team, using the depth for complete line changes every few minutes.
Cry me a river, Coach! My goodness. The season hasn’t started yet and you are complaining about something you knew would happen. Playing time has to be earned. Eric’s coach would be better served if he would show his support for Eric and suggest that Eric’s abilities will vastly improve competing for playing time against John Wall. Instead, he publicly complains that Eric might not get all the playing time he wants.
First, he’s a freshman. Second, he’ll get plenty of playing time–the season hasn’t even begun!
Go Cats!
Bledsoe knew there was a possibility wall was coming. If he’s ok with that, the coach should shutup.
Guess were lucky it was Eric’s choice and not Ford’s!
From what Eric has said he knew Wall could be here to and he had no problems with it. I believe he said something like, ” I get to go against a NBA top pick in practice and that will only make me better.” If he is alright with it then his old coach should shout up and not try and start trouble. Coach Ford, you are no longer his coach! Coach Cal will handle things from here!
Why are we even concerned with what an ex-coach has to say about anything. Seems like he wants to be part of the life and profit of Bledsoe. He needs to back out of the situation gracefully, and let his player go.
who cares what this guy says?
gee, glad UK gets the players and not the coaches. Nice support, coach. “Oh, I support his decision, but he would be better off at all these other schools.” How do you oppose a decision? Geesh.
Injuries, academics, foul trouble….you never can tell how it might turn out. Plus, with Jodie, Eric, and John…..you could rotate all three between the two positions and each could get almost 27 minutes per game…Or with that much speed, you could play a three guard offense when needed with some awesome scoring punch…I don’t neccesarily see a problem…
You know in the Bledsoe vs Wall discussions its funny that we don\’t talk about Liggins. His style of play seems perfectly suited to Coach Cal\’s…who btw won\’t beat him down constantly like last season. It would be ironic if Wall and Bledsoe have to battle Liggins for PT since he\’s got a year of College weight training and expierience on them…whichever way it goes, its going to be a fun season though! And…Wall\’s \’I love me\’ high school video of bball highlights on YouTube is much better than Tyreke Evan\’s!!
There has to be a reason this guy is a high school coach and not a high earning college coach. His words alone show why is just a high school coach. Obviously, he may need to return to college to get a better education which is supposedly why is player is supposed to be going. What a stupid jerk this guy is.
If this guy knows so much about college basketball, how come he\’s coaching high schooll ball in Alabama?
To borrow what seems to be his favorite phrase, \”C\’mon.\”
If Pitino juggled all of that talent on the \’96 team, I\’m pretty confident that Coach Cal can pull it off.
And the guy says that you\’re not going to be a one-and-done playing 20 minutes a game. Nice attitude! Gosh, way to encourage the young man to take his opportunity to play at the premier program in college basketball seriously, coach.
Why is kentucky.com even giving this guy the time of day?
Go Cats!
Sounds like an angry, bitter coach who thinks his star player shouldn’t have to compete for a starting job. Both Bledsoe and Wall said they looked forward to competing against each other. Sounds like they are more mature than Coach Ford!
bledsoe will be fine as long as he doesnt have the same attitude as his high school coach. he just needs to work hard and not do anything dumb like his old coach and open u his mouth when his opinion is not needed.
Come on man. Quit crying. Don’t you have the same confidence in your former player that Coach Cal does? I would be very disappointed in my former coach if I was Bledsoe.
erick bledsoe will get plenty of playing time .hewill go in to give wall arest, when they are up by 15 points, and with so many great inside players there will be times when they will go inside ,thus Erick would be better. also,it looks like meeks is going in top 20. if so, he will not be back. Erick would take over 2 spot. Erick made the right decision. plenty of playing time .
Sounds like Bledsoe’s ex-coach needs to shut his mouth and be supportive of his ex-players decision!
Was he voicing these concerns to Bledsoe prior to his commitment to UK? Seems that most who really thought about it figured Bledsoe’s pine time would greatly increase if Wall committed (and Calipari was pressing hard for Wall). I figure Cal’s already pressing hard for next years number 1 player (probably another one and done) point guard and the #3 point guard prospect, a kid named Jackson from Memphis. Sorry Eric.
Wall’s starting next year and playing the majority of minutes. If Bledsoe wants to see what his playing time will be like, all he has to do is check Willie KEmps playing time at MEmphis when Rose and Evans were there.
yes the coach is a jerk who sounds like he won’t be getting any more attention…but why does tipton continue to find these guys to give them a forum? it’s just another example of the Herald Misleader reporting to fit its agenda. and they wonder why their circulation keeps dropping
This guy is simply afraid of losing his piece of the pie. He did not want eric to go to UK in the first place. Too far away to control him. He better get used to living off his high school teacher salary because that’s all he’s getting.
Honestly now that we have Wall we don’t really need Bledsoe until next year (assuming we don’t get the #1 PG recruit next year too). Bledsoe knew he was just an insurance policy from the get go. You need to know your role young fella.
how many times last year did we play a small team with a lineup of CFGGG or FFGGG and we were all thinking “we need guards!”
now we literally have 3 guards (assuming meeks comes back) . . . i consider liggins and miller both small forwards
THREE guards! oh god! where will all the minutes come from?! are you kidding?!
GO CATS!!! I’m going to go to Rupp, grab a seat and just wait for the first game, who’s coming with me?!
Sounds like Ford needs his 15-minutes of fame (or in this case, shame). Who is the head coach of UK men’s basketball team? Isn’t he the one who will decide, based on player performance, who plays in what role(s)? Haven’t heard of Bledsoe complaining about how much playing time he’ll get. Wonder if this isn’t a matter of another underachieving coach trying to live vicariously through a former player.
Tipton, you are the only sports columnist in the nation other than a blogger in Birmingham to publish this so far.
Thanks for another negative post, Jerry.
Eric, we are extremely happy to have you at UK. You signed at UK because you want to play at UK, regardless of who is / is not also signing. We love you for that. You will have the support from thousands of the best fans in college basketball.
Competing in practice will make both Wall and Bledsoe better, and both will do better in games knowing that they can relax and not worry about having to 100% perfect every game. Bledsoe will get plenty of time on the floor, and plenty of opportunity to show his skills.
I also believe that it is possible for Bledsoe to outplay Wall, and earn a starting spot ahead of Wall. Coach Cal would be an idiot to not start Bledsoe if he plays better than Wall.
It is going to be a great season.
I agree with the previous posting – Put a bunch of great players together and let the best performers earn a starting spot, including Patterson and Meeks. If Cousins or Orton outperforms Patterson, they should start. If Bledsoe outperforms Wall, he should start. If not, he comes off the bench and goes against the backup point guard from other teams. A player with talent like Bledsoe will do some serious damage against the backup point guards for other teams.
Could it be that J Tipton likes to stir the pot? Maybe he is still hoping his hero, Tubby Smith, will return with a bunch of average players who are just glad to have a uniform.
I guess you get the “awaiting moderation” if you don’t agree that J Tipton is a great sports writer……..sorry.
I agree with Linemech. Where was this coach before he signed. Willie Kemp averaged about 8 minutes a game and so will Eric. Jackson will be here next year.
Cal will get the top point guard every year. Any point gaurd that wants to go straight to the NBA will come to Kentucky. Rose, Evan, and Wall will all be one and dones and Cal will sell this to next year’s top point guard. Hood will never see the floor either. But these kids know what they signed on for so let’s not hear them complain.
Eric will be a 4 year bench rider. Tim you are kidding yourself if you think Bledsoe can compete with Wall for the starting job. Bledsoe has ZERO chance of beating Wall out for starting guard. Jackson is already better than Bledsoe and he is a grade behind him.
Bledsoe will never come and Wall will never be academically eligible to play. Coach Calipari will never win a banner for Rupp Arena. His time at UK will be mediocre at best. Watch & see.
What a whiner. Only Tipton would find someone to put a negative spin on Wall’s commitment. Bledsoe will get an opportunity to show his skills.
Hey ‘Coach’ Ford, I hope you don’t preach team play to your players because it’s obviously all about the individual stats with you.
Why is Coach Ford concerned? Why is everybody scared of competition and this B.S. notion that everyone should start from day one all the time. I expect that out of little league coaches, not a high school head coach. Grow up Ford, your attitude only further entitles and motivates this kind of crap. If Wall is better he will play, if not, Bledsoe will play. Cal cares about winning, not making sure you happy. He is the one at UK not you. If you like Memphis or Cinn you should go there and wash jock straps and mop up sweat with towels during time out. Grow up.
Sounds like the Coach is underestimating his old player! I believe that the top 8-9 players will get plenty of playing time in Coach C offense.
They hopefully will need a break every 5-6 minutes.
Go Kats!
Excuse me, but is Bledsoe’s former coach deaf? He has known from the beginning that UK was also definitely in the mix for John Wall. Bledsoe said that playing beside John Wall “would only improve his skills,” yet former-coach seems to be of the opinion that something is owed him. Seems to me that the pupil can teach the teacher in this case.
Thanks Jerry you are doing your usual always something negative.
Sounds like Bledsoe’s HS coach is a little out of sorts because his player didn’t take his advice. Perhaps the HS coach was trying to feather his nest at Memphis or Cincinnati for an assistants job. At this point he ought to be positive for Eric and support his decision.
What a whiner. Only Tipton would find someone to put a negative spin on Wall’s commitment. Bledsoe will get an opportunity to show his skills.
Hey ‘Coach’ Ford, I hope you don’t preach team play to your players because it’s obviously all about the individual stats with you
Soundslike coach Ford was going to benefit from Eric going to another school. HMMM.. Just seems a little to upset to me. There will be plenty of playing time for Bledsoe if he EARNS IT! Remember the 96 team? You pull out 5 starters and the subs were just as good and got pretty much the same playing time. This coach shouldnt hit the bottle before talking to the media.
That coach probable has a deal to be a assist if he went some place else and Eric messed up his plan, poooor coach
Yeah- Why does it seem that you continually seek out the negative slant on anything going on related to UK? I’m sure any team could talk to all of the coaches of incoming recruits and find someone unhappy. Why do you dig for these thing? I’m ecstatic we have Bledsoe. He will get minutes- Calipari absolutely will not hide him.
“How would you feel if that was your player going and you’ve got another point guard coming in that’s supposed to be the No. 1 player in the country?” he said. “That’s a no-brainer there. I mean, c’mon man.” (Maurice Ford)
Hey sour grapes, I would feel happy that my player was going on a team that had a lot of weapons. I would feel happy that my player came to a team that had a chance of going to and advancing far in the Big Dance. I would feel happy that he could practice against another extremely skilled point guard every day and improve his skills as a result.
Do you want Bledsoe to be one and done? You need to think about what that mentality encourages. You need to consider that this is a team sport. And you need to contemplate the difference between cutting down nets and simply being the top scorer (etc.) in the land.
Mr. Tipton, I have no problem with your blog post. We can’t have the sweet without the sour and everything isn’t always bright and shiny; there’s no need to hide the truth. So, thank you.
Obviously the kid wants to be a part of BIG things. His mature approach to this is great for the team and shows he is not a me player. Only time will tell if this is true, but he’s going to be playing against the best guard in the league every practice. Screw 90% of the kentucky games this year. I want to go to the practices.
Mr. Tipton, I can honestly say that I have never read one optimistic article from you regarding UK Basketball. It amazes me how you manage to keep your job with the Herald Leader. Behind every article you write, I always sense that bit of sarcasm that says “Anti-UK”. Its people like you in the media that stir unnecessary controversy. You need to get on-board and decide where your loyalties are!!!
Bledsoe had to know about Wall but he evidently wanted to play for Calipari. I guess these mentors are all these boys have to give them advise though.
From the words that Bledsoe used in his interview he probably isn’t to concerned about his appearance before an
Taking all that Bledsoe’s Former Coach had to say, or to Whine about into account. He is just trying to continue protecting one of his own….That being said, it is high time for his Former Coach to let him go. Bledsoe signed with UK, not with any blinders on. IT was even pointed out to him by Coach Cal that a starting position is likely to be shared with Wall if UK signs Wall, which we all know now happened. John Wall says he looks forward to competing with Eric for the starting job and that Coach Cal told Wall that starting was not garanteed. So, the spilled milk that Former Coach is wailing on about seems to have only upset the one who is crying over it. Bledsoe and Wall are as happy as 2 pigs in a mud hole. It will be fun to see how this all pans out…..
I hate to say it, but I told you so – about 2 weeks ago. This was the plan with Cal & Wall all along. Hold off on the announcement until Bledsoe had signed. Bledsoe has got to be the biggest sucker on the planet. Cal never recruited him up until about 1 month ago. Then he jumps to sign with him, buying the “Coach told me I’ll start right away” line. Then he gets dissed. Eric has a man-crush on Cal, and Cal likes to flirt…Does give us depth though. But don’t believe they’ll split the minutes 50-50. Wall will get his – deservedly so.
Marty,
I missed the part where Cal told Bledsoe there would be open competition for the job? Where can I find that? If that’s the case, then Bledsoe will probably be fine and this is just his coach speaking. But the press conference with Bledsoe, and the ensuing articles I read, indicates Cal DID guarantee the starting job.
Bledsoe will very likely be run into the ground by Cal just like he ran the Kemp kid into the ground at Memphis. There’s no way a one & done player like Wall doesn’t start at PG. Not likely Bledsoe will start as a shooting guard. Cal is already recruiting another high-profile PG from the 2010 class. Don’t be surprised if Bledsoe transfers after his first year. And Cal won’t give a crap. This was about Cal’s ego, not whether he REALLY wanted Bledsoe. Cal had not interest in Bledsoe coming to Memphis and told his assistants to stop recruiting him because he knew Wall was a lock. He was a lock to UK, too. All this smoke & mirror about Wall considering Duke, Miami etc… was pure theater. That it drug on past Bledsoe’s announcement is amusing. Wall was going wherever Cal was. Period. Welcome to the world to World Wide Wesley.
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