Entries Tagged 'players' ↓
May 28th, 2009 — players
This week’s NBA’s Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago is part of the process of Jodie Meeks’ deliberation about whether to stay in the NBA Draft or return to Kentucky for his senior season.
His father, Orestes Meeks, suggested the UK player would stay in the draft if he sensed he would be a first round pick.
“1st round is what he is looking for,” the elder Meeks said in a text message. “Top 25 solidifies 1st round.”
When asked what sense his son had of a first-round selection being likely, Orestes Meeks said, “According to mock drafts not likely according to the people with the NBA, we’ll see.”
Players have until June 15 to withdraw from this year’s NBA draft. The draft will be June 25.
Meeks his about half-way through his schedule of workouts for NBA teams, his father said.
May 28th, 2009 — players
From the words-matter file: The attorney representing Kentucky recruit John Wall wants it known that her client did not plea guilty to a misdemeanor breaking and entering charge. Nor was he sentenced.
Attorney Anna E. Smith said that an agreement for dismissal of the citation was worked out with the District Attorney’s office. That agreement was part of North Carolina’s First Offenders program. Typically, the person agrees to perform community service and pays fees and costs.
After meeting the community service component and paying fees, the person has the citation removed from his or her record.
Smith wanted it known that The Associated Press mistakenly reported on Wednesday that Wall pleaded guilty. There was no plea entered, she said.
May 26th, 2009 — players
Kentucky wing Darius Miller will be among less than 20 players invited to a tryout for the U.S. team in the World U19 championships.
The tryouts will be held June 16-18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Twelve players will make the team.
The U19 competition is for athletes 19 years old and younger (born on or after Jan. 1, 1990).
The World U19 championships will be held July 2-12 in Auckland, New Zealand.
In another international basketball note involving Kentucky, Jodie Meeks has been invited to try out for the U.S. team in the World University Games. Meeks has not decided whether he will participates. The decision depends, in part, on whether Meeks keeps his name in the NBA draft.
May 26th, 2009 — players
Kentucky’s coaching change has walk-on Landon Slone reluctantly looking to transfer from Kentucky.
Slone, an All-State player for Paintsville High, walked on for UK last year and became a fan favorite. Former Coach Billy Gillispie brought him to UK with the understanding that a scholarship might be available for the second year, Slone said on Tuesday.
“When we got to the NIT, Coach Gillispie started talking to me” about a scholarship, Slone said.
That talk ended when UK fired Gillispie. New Coach John Calipari told reporters a few weeks ago that he would not have as many walk-ons as Gillispie.
“I asked several times to speak to Coach Cal to see what was in my best interests,” Slone said.
That meeting never took place.
Of his best interests, Slone said, “I think it’s starting to get very obvious.”
A meeting with an assistant coach led Slone to believe he should explore options, the player said.
Slone said he’s spoken to Morehead State officials several times and hoped to make a decision within a week or two.
In his one season for UK, Slone epitomized the Kentucky native who reveres the Wildcats and felt it was a privilege to wear the uniform.
“It was a dream to play there,” he said. “When you finally get there, you want it to work. It was kind of shot down. It bothers me. It really does. . . . I don’t think anybody could probably love Kentucky basketball as much as I do.”
Slone said he regretted that he will not be part of next season, which bursts with promise after Calipari added the nation’s No. 1-rated recruiting class. “One of the harder parts,” Slone said. “My ultimate goal was to play in the NCAA Tournament.”
Now, Slone will either try to achieve that goal at another Division I school beginning as a transfer next season or attend a junior college and return to Division I a year from now.
Either way, his personal disappointment remains secondary to Kentucky basketball.
“As long as Kentucky’s winning, I’ll cheer for them wherever I go,” he said.
May 26th, 2009 — players
UK announced Tuesday that three scholarship players will not be back on the team next season.
The three were A.J. Stewart, Donald Williams and Jared Carter.
An earlier version of this blog incorrectly listed DeAndre Liggins as one of the three.
Stewart played sparingly for two seasons at UK. He’ll have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Williams did not play at all as a freshman, which generated speculation about a redshirt season.
Carter missed almost all of a season because of shoulder surgery. He could have applied for a medical redshirt season in 2009-10. But that will not happen.
Here are reactions from the three players, as supplied by UK.
Carter, a 7-2 senior, will not seek a fifth year, after sitting out the majority of the 2006-07 season due to a shoulder injury. The Georgetown, Ky., native finished his career with the Wildcats averaging 1.0 points and 1.1 rebounds in 42 games.
“I’ve enjoyed my experience at UK and will remember all the people and players I’ve met along the way, especially Mr. Keightley,” said Carter. “I’m looking forward to moving on with my life and am excited to see what professional opportunities await me.”
Stewart and Williams are both seeking a transfer. Stewart, a 6-7 sophomore, averaged 2.0 points and 1.5 rebounds this season. He shot 82 percent from the free throw line, while averaging 5.7 minutes per game.
“I appreciate Coach Calipari and the staff being truthful with me,” said Stewart. “I want to further my career both academically and athletically at a school where more playing time is available. I know that coach will do anything possible to find a great situation for me.”
Williams, a 6-3 freshman, did not see any action in 2009, his freshman season.
“My time at Kentucky was a great experience,” said Williams. “I developed great friendships with my teammates; the environment was great; the fans showed us a lot of love; my teachers were great. It was just a good experience for me and a wonderful opportunity to improve myself, being around different guys from different areas. Even though I had to sit out this year, I would have liked to have played and helped, but with coach leaving, sometimes it just happens that way.”
May 21st, 2009 — players
Kentucky guard Jodie Meeks will be working out for the Washington Wizards on Thursday. That’s according to the Hoopshype website.
Meeks will see several familiar faces in the workouts. Two former SEC players will also be working out for the Wizards on Thursday: Marcus Thornton of LSU and David Huertas of Ole Miss. Curiously, the site lists “Puerto Rico” as Huertas’ base of operations, not Ole Miss.
A fourth player listed working out for the Wizards on Thursday is Greivis Vasquez of Maryland.
Earlier in the process, Meeks worked out for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Detroit Pistons.
The deadline for a decision on whether to stay in the draft or return to UK for his senior season is June 15.
May 18th, 2009 — players
Kentucky guard Jodie Meeks does not figure to make a decision on his basketball future before June.
His father said Monday that Meeks has a busy workout schedule that figures to run well past the NBA’s Chicago Combine, which will be held on May 28-29.
College players have until June 15 to withdraw their names from consideration for the June 25 NBA Draft.
Meeks,who led Kentucky in scoring this past season, must decision whether to return for his senior season or remain in this year’s draft. He was among the nation’s top five scorers.
The Daily Oklahoman reported last week that Meeks was among six players working out for the Oklahoma City Thunder last weekend. The workout group included three other perimeter players: Dar Tucker of De Paul, Danny Green of North Carolina and Antonio Anderson of Memphis.
The Thunder also plan future workouts for such shooters as Robert Vaden of UAB and Josh Shipp of UCLA, the Oklahoma City daily newspaper said.
May 8th, 2009 — players
Patrick Patterson’s decision to play for Kentucky next season leaves Jodie Meeks as the only Wildcat player in the 2009 NBA Draft.
Meeks’ father acknowledged his surprise that Patterson withdrew from the draft.
“If it’s the right thing for him and his family, I’m happy for him,” Orestes Meeks said. “My deal is more surprise than anything else. He couldn’t have done any workouts (for NBA teams) because the workouts haven’t started yet.”
His son won’t begin workouts for NBA teams for more than a week, the elder Meeks said. Meeks’ decision to stay in the draft or return to Kentucky would come after the workouts.
“He’s just starting the process,” Orestes Meeks said. “There’s no update because nothing has happened yet.”
Meeks, who led UK and the Southeastern Conference in scoring last season, is one of about 50 players to be invited to the NBA’s Pre-Draft Camp in Chicago later this month.
When asked to put that invitation in perspective, NBA consultant Chris Ekstrand said, “The draft has 60 picks. Draw your own conclusions.”
The elder Meeks noted that Patterson’s return enhances UK’s attraction for Jodie Meeks.
“I think it’ll be a very big tug,” Orestes Meeks said. “He knows how good they’ll be. They’ll be extremely good.”
April 14th, 2009 — players
New Kentucky Coach John Calipari is suggesting that Patrick Patterson should join Jodie Meeks in testing the NBA waters this spring.
Speaking on the Dan Patrick radio show, Calipari said Patterson and Meeks “should see where they are” in relation to the June NBA Draft.
It became known last week that Meeks would enter his name in the draft. Underclassmen have until June 15 to withdraw their names and retain their college eligibility, presuming they don’t hire agents.
Patterson has not made his intentions known.
In a six-week period beginning in early May, prospects can interview and workout for NBA teams. They can also get an appraisal on where they would likely be drafted.
Calipari advised Patterson and Meeks to stop the process if the first workout or two don’t go well. Players should avoid making a lasting impression, he said, because “NBA people never change their minds.”
After saying the Kentucky players should try to gauge their draft status, Calipari added, “Jodie and Patrick are really going to improve themselves if they come back (to UK).”
April 7th, 2009 — players
Kentucky guard Jodie Meeks will test his NBA stock this spring, his father confirmed on Tuesday.
Meeks will not hire an agent, Orestes Meeks said.
The elder Meeks declined comment except to point out that the decision to test the NBA waters should not be interpreted as a reflection of unhappiness with Kentucky.
Meeks’ decision is no surprise. And it will not be a surprise if UK teammate Patrick Patterson does the same. No word has yet emerged about Patterson’s plans.
Neither player jeopardizes his college eligibility by testing the NBA waters as long as neither hires an agent. The decision allows Meeks to get a feel for the NBA without hurting his college eligibility.
Meeks is coming off a stellar junior season in which he set a school record by scoring 54 points at Tennessee and hit a program record 108 three-point shots.
Meeks was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-American team. He also made the second team of The Associated Press, U.S. Basketball Writers Association and The Sporting News.
Meeks led UK and the Southeastern Conference in scoring with an average of 23.7 points. That ranked eighth nationally.
The NBA Draft is June 25. Underclassmen have until June 15 to remove their name from the
draft and retain their college eligibility
