G.J. Vilarino PG '09

[Coldstream]

Track Vilarino's Junior season.
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=2476305
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/42/420895m.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:photos%28%29;)
Ht: 5-9
Position: PG
Year: Class of 2009
High School: McKinney HS (http://hstexas.scout.com/)
(McKinney, TX)
2009 Scout.com HS Basketball Rankings (full list (http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&yr=2009&cfg=bb)):
Pos: PG
Pos Rank: NR
Pos Rating: http://media.scout.com/media/site_logo/rating.gif http://media.scout.com/media/site_logo/rating.gif http://media.scout.com/media/site_logo/rating.gif http://media.scout.com/media/site_logo/rating.gif

[KennesawCat]

GJ has been dropped to 3-star on both scout and rivals, in keeping with the tradition of down-grading recruits after they commit to UK.

[DCWildcat]

We should get a better idea of where he stands in the rankings after the summer is over. Rankings for rising juniors don't really start getting crystallized until after this summer, and then they're mostly finalized after their rising senior summer.

[Coldstream]

By LARRY VAUGHT
larry@amnews.com
Texas point guard G.J. Vilarino didn't need Kentucky to get commitments from other guards like DeAndre Liggins of Chicago or K.C. Ross-Miller of Texas to know he needed to continue to work on his game the next two years.

"I can always be a better leader, and I do think that is one think I have to get better at," Vilarino said. "But I am the kind of person that will take a last shot, or other people can come to me to talk. I don't fear failure. That doesn't bother me.

"You are going to miss shots. You are going to make mistakes. People don't remember the misses for long. They tend to remember the ones you make a lot more."



http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=32939&format=html

[Will Lavender]

Saw that article last week where Jeff Goodman said Vilarino wasn't good enough to play for UK. "Trust me," he went on to say.

The downgrade in stars along with that comment makes me a little nervous.

[RCS]

Saw that article last week where Jeff Goodman said Vilarino wasn't good enough to play for UK. "Trust me," he went on to say.

The downgrade in stars along with that comment makes me a little nervous.
I don't trust Goodman at all, but I have heard very little about GJ, and considering all the camps, etc. going on, I feel like we should. That makes me a little nervious. It will be interesting to see how he develops the next 2 years.

[DCWildcat]

Here's (http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news?slug=rivals-113640&prov=rivals&type=story_recruiting) a nice article from a rivals writer calling Vilarino the "best point guard in the gym," which included several 2008 players, written back on March 31.

There were some good players that that put him ahead of, like Jerime Anderson (UCLA), Korie Lucious (Michigan State), and Larry Drew (North Carolina), (at that point Holliday wasn't listed as a PG so I don't think it implies that Vilarino is better than him).

Also a funny little bit where the guy emphasizes that Liggins isn't a point guard, though rivals lists him as such.

From what I can tell, Texas Select isn't the premiere AAU team in Texas (that usually being Team Texas or the Dallas Mustangs). That said, his AAU team has Vilarino, UK target Shawn Williams, 2008 UConn commit Nate Miles, and nobody else of D1 note. That's not bad for an AAU team.

[DCWildcat]

Also, he's listed as Scout's #9 PG and 3 stars, which is unusual. On average, the top 4 PGs are 5 star, and the next 16 are 4 star. Additionally, Scout still lists him as 5'9", has no biography, and has almost nothing written in articles about his actual skills and analysis of his play.

Again, I think we'll get a much better impression of his ability after this summer.

[WildcatRick]

by Jody Demling

The Kentucky fans have been asking, so I tracked down junior commitment G.J. Vilarino today in a game at the adidas Super 64 event. Texas Select also has top junior Shawn Williams on the team and the team was elimiated, losing all four games.

Anyway, Vilarino looked much better here than he did at the LeBron James Camp, which he agreed was not the best scenario for a point guard.

Vilarino has really been working hard on his jump shot and it showed. He's much more smooth on his release and looks more confident than he did during the spring.

"I still need to get a lot better," Vilarino said and I agree. But he's still also has two years of high school left and you can tell the skills are there.

Vilarino said the excitemet of the commitment has not worn off.

http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2007/07/update-gj-vilarino.html

[CatClaws1]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7541836334100754333&q=GJ+Vilarino&total=1&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

stumbled across this video of GJ its nothing special but its the only video that I have seen of him. GJ is #3 in orange.

[EricBigNally]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7541836334100754333&q=GJ+Vilarino&total=1&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

stumbled across this video of GJ its nothing special but its the only video that I have seen of him. GJ is #3 in orange.

Thanks for the video. Gald he won't be wearing that awful color too much more...

[matt colvin]

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Update: G.J. Vilarino

http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/uploaded_images/G.J.-Vilarino-777251.jpg (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/uploaded_images/G.J.-Vilarino-777259.jpg)

McKinney (Texas) High junior G.J. Vilarino committed to the University of Kentucky last spring and then spent the summer reassuring folks he still wanted to attend UK.

Despite even more rumors and speculation, the 6-foot Vilarino is still solid on his commitment to UK. And after his play this winter, the Wildcats and their fans should look forward to welcoming him to Lexington.

Vilarino has helped the Lions to a 23-8 record, including 13-0 in Class 4-A, Region II, District 9 play. It was the first undefeated district record in school history. McKinney won the district title and will begin the playoffs on Friday.

Vilarino averages 19 points and 4.5 assists a game. He led the district in scoring and was second in assists, while he shoots 44 percent from the field and has 30 three-pointers.

"He spent four weeks playing with a soft cast on his shooting hand but he still played," Vilarino's father, Gerry, said noting his son a torn injury in his thumb. "He’s the leader of the team."

Gerry Vilarino also said his son is still excited about his future.

"He's crazy about Kentucky," the father said. "He's put in a lot of work to make sure that he'll be able to play for Kentucky."

And the work won't stop here. Vilarino has a busy spring and summer schedule.

While his AAU slate isn't set, Vilarino will make trips to France, New Jersey, Portland, Los Angeles and Africa with the adidas 2009 National Team, participating in the handful of adidas Nations events. He'll also attend the Steve Nash Point Guard Skills Camp and the LeBron James U.S. Skills Camp.

http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/blog.html

[freethrow]

Glad to hear he is having a good year. His shooting seems to be a bi low with only averaging 44% but his injured hand may have had a lot to do with that plus he has another year to improve. :thumbup:

[RCS]

44% for a guard isn't too bad if he is taking a lot of outside shots.

[freethrow]

Save for the recent early playoff exit, the season that was for District 9-4A champion McKinney was one for the record books.

Now the Lions can engrave a horde of individual honors in stone next to their flawless, 14-win district campaign as Wes Watson and Co. netted three superlative and six overall honors on the recently released All-District 9-4A Boys Basketball Team.

Leading the way for Watson was Kentucky-bound junior point guard G.J. Vilarino, whose ascension into all-time great status at the city’s original high school continues with his naming as the district’s Most Valuable Player.

Vilarino saw his fair share of ups and downs, but always thrived under pressure, leading the team in points and assists. Vilarino’s average of 18-plus points per game was good enough for a first-place tie in all of 9-4A with North’s David Douglas.

“I don’t think there’s any question. In my opinion, it was a slam dunk deal for him to get that. He was good the first nine games of district, but I thought the last five games he was just really, really solid,” Watson said. “He was a real floor general on the offensive end.”
http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2008/02/27/mckinney_courier-gazette/sports/jsports01.txt

[Coldstream]

Vilarino, Princeton trio earn All-State honors
By Travis Summers, McKinney Courier-Gazette
http://www.courier-gazette.com/content/articles/2008/03/17/mckinney_courier-gazette/sports/ssports05.jpg McKinney’s G.J. Vilarino was the only junior selected on the 4A All-State basketball team.

The list of accolades and awards McKinney junior G.J. Vilarino has collected for his basketball skills is long and impressive.

But early Thursday morning, Vilarino was informed that he had been awarded his greatest individual accomplishment with a spot on the 2007-08 4A All-State team from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

“I was getting ready for school Thursday morning and my dad called me downstairs,” Vilarino said. “He told me that I was on the All-State team and I got really excited.”

Vilarino joined sophomores T.J. Taylor of Denison and DeCarlos Frank of Beaumont Ozen as the three non-seniors on the 4A list. He was the only junior selected.

“I think when you talk about the best juniors in the state, it’s a short list and he’s on it,” McKinney head coach Wes Watson said.

Vilarino averaged before losing to Mount Pleasant in an Area Round playoff game this season.

Vilarino had picked up 4A All-Region II honors earlier this month and thought he had a decent chance at earning a spot on the all-state team after averaging more than 18 points and four assists per game to lead the Lions to an undefeated finish in 9-4A this season. He had worried that McKinney upset loss in the area round to Mount Pleasant might hurt his chances, but those suspicions were erased with Thursday’s announcement.

“I realize the importance of being named All-State,” Vilarino said. “It rewards all the hard work that my teammates and I put in during the offseason. This is just as big honor for my teammates as it is for me, because there’s no way I would be All-State if they hadn’t worked hard.”

With eight months between now and the start of his senior season, Vilarino says this offseason will be critical to erasing the memories this year’s postseason and to justify this week’s All-State award.

“I know I’ve got to get on some of my teammates because I want to go farther in the playoffs,” Vilarino said. “I also want to get some of them on next year’s list as well.”

Along with Vilarino, Princeton had three hardwood standouts selected to the TABC’s All-State Team.

Senior Chase Spruiell and junior James Erger were selected to the 3A boys’ All-State team during the Panthers run to the regional quarterfinal this season.


Princeton senior Whitney Coffey was also tabbed for the 3A girls’ All-State team.

http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2008/03/17/mckinney_courier-gazette/sports/ssports05.txt

[Coldstream]

Rankings for 2009; including Vilarino and Jones
CSTV.com rankings


Indianapolis Lawrence North forward Stephan Van Treese is No. 44 on the listing, while Tipton (Ind.) forward Derek Elston is No. 76. Texas guard and UK commitment G.J. Vilarino is ranked in this top 100 at No. 77. New York guard and U of L commitment Lamont Jones is No. 90. The long Kentucky player listed is Madisonville's Jon Hood at No. 96.

http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/labels/G.J.%20Vilarino.html (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/labels/G.J.%20Vilarino.html)

[dwarfdorin]

Seems a little low but he still has AAU season to go. He and KC are both playing on Team Texas.

:widcat::widcat: Go CATS!!!

[DCWildcat]

Whose rankings are those Coldstream?

[KyLarryV]

:widcat::widcat::widcat: Wecome to Kentucky!!!

[Coldstream]

Whose rankings are those Coldstream?

I thought I had it linked. Need to find the original source. :icon_confused:

[Coldstream]

Whose rankings are those Coldstream?

Found it, it is from the CSTV.com rankings.

[LiveBlue]

I've heard rumors that G.J. shot up to 6'1" this year? You have any information on that, Coldstream?

[Coldstream]

I've heard rumors that G.J. shot up to 6'1" this year? You have any information on that, Coldstream?

Shot up? I wonder what the rumors were saying he grew from? He is listed as 6'0" so it would not surprise me if he grew another inch since he is still in his teens.

[LiveBlue]

Shot up? I wonder what the rumors were saying he grew from? He is listed as 6'0" so it would not surprise me if he grew another inch since he is still in his teens.

On the first page of this thread and on his scout.com page, he's listed at 5"9. From 5"9 to 6"1 is a pretty substantial growth spurt in a year. But 6'0 to 6'1 is nothing to write home about.

[freethrow]

On the first page of this thread and on his scout.com page, he's listed at 5"9. From 5"9 to 6"1 is a pretty substantial growth spurt in a year. But 6'0 to 6'1 is nothing to write home about.

Good Point. :icon_mrgreen:

[Coldstream]

On the first page of this thread and on his scout.com page, he's listed at 5"9. From 5"9 to 6"1 is a pretty substantial growth spurt in a year. But 6'0 to 6'1 is nothing to write home about.

Ah. I'll say Scout has not updated the profile either as they still have him listed at 5'9" and it probably was first recorded when G.J. was a freshman. Rivals has 6'0" and have see recent articles say he is 6'0".

[freethrow]

Catching up with GJ Vilarino, Texas Prep Insider


The forgotten man among multiple recruits over the last year is Texas guard G.J. Vilarino. While his commitment may be in the back of most fans minds, he's still at the forefront of Gillispie's plans. ,,,, more

http://hstexas.scout.com/a.z?s=378&p=2&c=753310

[WildcatRick]

GJ Vilarino: 2009 UK Point Guard Commitment (http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=6196)

by Matt Jones
http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/GJVILLARINO6_7200.JPG
I was having a conversation today with a former UK player and we were chatting about the recent recruitment flurry by Billy Gillispie. This former player, who is still connected with the program, said that he was very excited about the commitments of Dominique Ferguson and Jon Hood and thought a great deal of potential existed for Vinny Zollo. Then he asked me a question that I have heard in some form at least a 100 times over the past few months….“so what is the deal with this GJ Vilarino kid?” GJ has been the one UK recruit that people dont really discuss a great deal and folks arent really sure what to make of. He was the first commitment that Billy took at Kentucky and he showed a great deal of promise early in his high school career. However over the course of the past year, his stock has fallen quite a bit. He was unranked in the recent Scout and Rivals rankings for the class of 2009 and some of the evaluators on those sites have questioned whether he has the ability to play at a school like Kentucky. Yet there are those, including a couple of people whose opinions I trust a great deal, who swear by the kid and say he will be ready when the time comes….which all begs the question, what is the deal with GJ Vilarino?

As with all of these young kids, lets start with what we know. We know that Billy Gillispie knows this kid well from his time in Texas and has been following him for quite some time. GJ was one of those kids who was a Freshman phenom and had the attention of all of Texas with his early play. While his stock recently has fallen in comparison to other kids who are rising, the kid can still pass the ball well and is a decent shooter. His athleticism is a bit shaky, but he can make plays at point guard, which is exactly what you want from your leader. We also know that he had a good, but not great high school season. His performances went up and down a bit, but he had some good games that showcased skill. I have not seen his AAU performances this year, but last year I saw a kid who had potential to get better if he worked hard….a decision only he can make.

What is more unclear is how GJ fits into UK’s future. UK has attempted to load up at the point guard position and continues to attempt to load up going forward. They recruited both JUCO point guard Kevin Galloway and Freshman DeAndre Liggins for the position this year, likely thinking one would move to small forward. With Liggins’ eligibility in doubt, they are looking at Hunter McClintock and likely others in this class to find some more depth at the position. While getting a commitment from Vilarino, they still are pursuing other point guard options in his class, including #1 player in America John Wall. They also have a commitment from a point guard for 2010 in KC Ross-Miller, a kid that some have criticized, but I think will be a great player at UK. Thus GJ’s place is difficult to decipher. It is never a great sign when you are recruited over in your own class….sometimes it works out (think Rondo and Bradley), but more often it is a sign of some skepticism about one of the players by the coaching staff (think Meeks and Porter). Which of these applies to Vilarino is still to be determined.

While rarely said in public, it is an open secret among many in the recruiting circles that most recruiting types think Vilarino isnt good enough to play at Kentucky. I actually tend to disagree with that statement. I think GJ has the talent to make it at UK, although I think he projects as a backup point guard in the mode of a Saul Smith or JP Blevins, more than a starter to whom you hand the keys to the operation. I saw signs in GJ’s game last year that he can be a productive member of a championship team if put in the right circumstances. But it is equally clear that Kentucky is looking elsewhere in addition to GJ to fill its point guard needs. How that effects GJ’s desire to come to Kentucky is still an open question. If the Cats get a guy like John Wall, will Vilarino still want to come to Lexington? My guess is yes, but only he truly knows. What everyone can hope for however is that GJ takes the criticism he has gotten and his omission from the national rankings and uses it as motivation to continue to improve his game. That result would certainly be the best not only for him, but also the Cats.

http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=6196

[Ukosumu]

From Jody Demling report on the Lebron James Skills Acadamey:

Had a nice chat with Texas guard and UK commitment G.J. Vilarino, who noted that this summer is not as hectic because "I know where I am going to school." Vilarino said he has been working hard on his skills and he had a good game tonight. I'll watch him a little more and have an interview with him tomorrow.
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/blog.html

[Ukosumu]

Matt Jones sums up the AAU and camp sessions;
http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/

GJ Vilarino: It has continued to be a tough run for GJ this summer. He has basically blended into the woodwork during most of his action and whispers continue to increase that his status with UK might change in the coming months. He is actively being recruited over by UK, which is never a good sign, and his performance has made him listed somewhere between 200-300 by most services. It has been a tough summer for GJ and it is unclear what is ahead.

[Gunsmoke]

He needs to keep workin' his tail off until the end of his senior year. Never give up or settle for second best.

[leroybyrd]

If I consider everything I have read, seen and heard about Villarino, I think he will be a great fit at UK and something we haven't had since maybe Cliff Hawkins. That is, a PG or a guard in general, who is not looking for his own offense. He will be a CHEMISTRY type player, again something this team will need if there are plenty of Pattersons, Ortons, Hoods, etc. in our future, which I think is likely.

The kid is athletic (40" vertical) and probably has a very good PG mentality. As for tyhe recruitment of Wall, Stephenson, etc., over him, 1) You have to recruit those kind of kids, no matter what your roster looks like and 2) BCG has missed on a lot of kids and will continue to do so with as many offers as we put out there, so having a commitment from a solid kid like GJ ensures that you don't completely miss on an important position in a recruiting class like Tubby did a few times.

[Ukosumu]

Vilarino driving toward UK goal
Point guard aims to quiet doubters
By Jody Demling July 23, 2008

LAS VEGAS -- The Billy Gillispie era at the University of Kentucky opened in April 2007 with a commitment from G. J. Vilarino.

The 6-foot-1 point guard from McKinney, Texas, has been much maligned ever since the day he called Gillispie with the good news. Many recruiting analysts don't like his game -- he's not ranked among the top 100 players in the Class of 2009 -- and fans continually question his future with UK on Internet message boards and radio call-in shows.
But there's no question to Vilarino, a soft-spoken kid whom Gillispie started recruiting in the eighth grade. He's continuing to work on all aspects of his game so he can prove the naysayers wrong.

Article continues (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/SPORTS03/807231231)

I think the kid is a gamer. I for one look forward to GJ being a cat.

[RCS]

I think BCG is looking for heady PGs that can lead a team more than he is looking for an explosive scorer at PG. This may lead to him taking some solid kids that don't end up being ranked as high. Both GJ and Ross Miller have excellent stats on their HS team, seem to be really hard workers and steady floor generals. Both have seen their rankings drop like a rock, but I am going to take a wait and see approach.

[Ukosumu]

Vilarino shows risks of early commitment (http://http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/COLUMNISTS01/807240468/1029/SPORTS03)
By Rick Bozich Courier-Journal July 24,2008

For several months I've been looking for the ideal story to illustrate why this rush, rush, rush to offer college basketball scholarships to 10th-, ninth- and even eighth-graders is an unnecessary and unsettling trend that needs to be reversed by adults who should know better.

I fear we are watching that story develop. I hope it doesn't become an ugly story. It has already become an uncomfortable one.
It is the story of G.J. Vilarino, the 6-foot-1 Texas high school point guard who committed to the University of Kentucky before he finished his sophomore year.

As you read in Jody Demling's story in The Courier-Journal yesterday, Vilarino says that he intends to honor his commitment and enroll at UK in 2009.

So what's the big deal? Why wouldn't he come to Lexington? It's a wonderful place to play college basketball.

Read Article Here (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/COLUMNISTS01/807240468/1029/SPORTS03)

******

People won't let up on this kid. I am already pulling GJ primarily for the fact that I want to seem him on Senior Night say "I guess I proved you all wrong."

[Ukosumu]

From Jody Demling's blog
Thursday, August 07, 2008

Adidas Nations update (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/labels/G.J.%20Vilarino.html)

Some high school prospects with local ties are in Dallas, Tx., through the weekend participating in the adidas Nations program.

The event started on Thursday.

Among the players on the USA 2009 team are Louisville commitment Peyton Siva and Kentucky commitment G.J. Vilarino. Also on that team is Indianapolis standout Stephan Van Treese and UK and Indiana target Christian Watford of Birmingham, Ala.

On the USA 2010 team will be UK and U of L targets Josh Smith of Seattle and Adriean Payne of Dayton, Ohio, and U of L target Tony Wroten of Seattle.

There are also a number of college players at the event, including U of L's Terrance Williams and Tennessee's Scotty Hopson, a University Heights Academy product.

[Ukosumu]

From Matt Jones 8/10/2008
http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=6965

A good weekend for GJ Vilarino who played at the Adidas Nations tournament and had a relatively good showing. He played a few games and depending on the game, he looked both very strong and fairly weak. However when he played well, he opened some eyes, with one scout saying he was the “surprise of the tournament.” One has to wonder about GJ as his inconsistency is baffling. I have seen him a couple of times look uninspired, but there have also been games where he makes people turn their heads. Jeff Goodman has called him a “point guard for Morehead State”, but then there are times that he makes plays that look impressive. I pull hard for the kid as he is a nice guy…..I trust Gillispie’s view of him BUT it also concerns me that Gillispie is actively recruiting over him. We shall see, but the GJ watch will be with us all year.

[matt colvin]

^^ I really liked hearing that. I'm still optimistic about GJ. Coach might be actively recruiting the position, but he's actively recruiting all positions, basically. He just wants the best player he can get at each spot, obviously. Coach has known GJ and his family long enough to know what he's getting. We've just read little snippits and reports. As Matt Jones said, GJ seems to be a great kid with a great family, and I'm certainly pulling for him to succeed.

I also want to see that ~42" vertical on BBM 2009....that usually helps with fanfare :icon_mrgreen:

[freethrow]

G.J. Vilarino, 5-11, Point Guard, 2009, Committed to Kentucky
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/adidas-Nations-Experience-2009-High-School-Prospects-2987/

The least-highly regarded of any player on this squad as far as the recruiting services are concerned, G.J. Vilarino (unranked Scout, Rivals, ESPN) probably had one of the best all-around performances of any of the 2009 high school players, which should give Kentucky fans some room for optimism that help is on the way.

Vilarino doesn’t look like much on first sight—he’s a very small, lanky kid without much meat on his bones, but he definitely showed that he belonged once he had the ball in his hands. Vilarino stood out mostly with his speed and playmaking skills at the point guard position, making great passes to everyone around him and showing a lot of toughness and heart operating on the floor. He took the ball strong to the basket and didn’t back down when faced with contact, even if his lack of size clearly will make things a little more difficult at the next level.


Vilarino shoots the ball on the way down and thus isn’t going to be making shots all that consistently until he fixes his mechanics, but he was the first one in the gym to get extra work in on the day of the championship game. Defensively, Vilarino is quick and pesky, showing a strong will to get in his man’s grill. He’ll have some problems going up against bigger and stronger players, though, which is why he needs to work on his body. Vilarino is almost certainly a 4-year college player, but could be a very good addition to Kentucky’s roster. He’ll probably be able to play a similar role to the one Cliff Hawkins did a few years back, but might be a little more naturally talented.

[countrycat]

G.J. Vilarino, 5-11, Point Guard, 2009, Committed to Kentucky
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/adidas-Nations-Experience-2009-High-School-Prospects-2987/

The least-highly regarded of any player on this squad as far as the recruiting services are concerned, G.J. Vilarino (unranked Scout, Rivals, ESPN) probably had one of the best all-around performances of any of the 2009 high school players, which should give Kentucky fans some room for optimism that help is on the way.

Vilarino doesn’t look like much on first sight—he’s a very small, lanky kid without much meat on his bones, but he definitely showed that he belonged once he had the ball in his hands. Vilarino stood out mostly with his speed and playmaking skills at the point guard position, making great passes to everyone around him and showing a lot of toughness and heart operating on the floor. He took the ball strong to the basket and didn’t back down when faced with contact, even if his lack of size clearly will make things a little more difficult at the next level.


Vilarino shoots the ball on the way down and thus isn’t going to be making shots all that consistently until he fixes his mechanics, but he was the first one in the gym to get extra work in on the day of the championship game. Defensively, Vilarino is quick and pesky, showing a strong will to get in his man’s grill. He’ll have some problems going up against bigger and stronger players, though, which is why he needs to work on his body. Vilarino is almost certainly a 4-year college player, but could be a very good addition to Kentucky’s roster. He’ll probably be able to play a similar role to the one Cliff Hawkins did a few years back, but might be a little more naturally talented.
Another Cliff Hawkins with more talent, I'll take it. Valareno come on down.

[matt colvin]

Best Floor Generals

2. G.J. Vilarino (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=43092) (McKinney, Texas)

This left-handed point guard can do it all. In transition, he really pushes the ball and finishes with speed to the rim. He is always probing the defense and looking for ways to make something happen. Vilarino makes good decisions, and he shows excellent court vision and the talent to hand out assist. At this time, he is an average shooter. But with his outstanding work ethic and competitiveness, that will all change soon. The weight room is a must to enhance his overall defense and ability to score even more effectively in the lane. He cares about winning and it shows in his effort and his results.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/columns/story?columnist=biancardi_paul&id=3595056

[Ukosumu]

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Vilarino 'can't wait' to sign (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/labels/G.J.%20Vilarino.html)
Jody Demling - Courier-Journal

Texas guard G.J. Vilarino was the first commitment of the Billy Gillispie-era at the University of Kentucky and in less than a month he will finally get to sign with the Wildcats.

The 6-foot guard from McKinney (Texas) made a visit to Lexington last weekend and took in the Big Blue Madness festivities, also playing with the current UK players in the pick-up games on Saturday morning.

"It is getting closer," Vilarino said about his signing. "I can't wait. I am definitely getting excited, the fact that I am going to Kentucky and getting to play for one of the best college basketball programs in the country."
Read the rest here (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/labels/G.J.%20Vilarino.html)

[freethrow]

GJ had a decent game last night. 24 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal.

http://www.maxpreps.com/texas/basketball/mckinney/hebron-(carrollton,-tx)/boxscore.aspx?ssid=08e31156-1f2d-4c08-b687-afb41d9f9601&schoolid=a9ea4d9b-9c0b-4bc5-a09d-e3be5d6db188&contestid=a8f15a38-5b4a-4694-8ad1-c4aaa5b2a26c&urpath=,local,stats

[Bleeding_blue_80]

looks like he had 3 turnovers.. so its a 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio. Not so bad. Looks like he got to the freethrow line alot also, which is a good thing.

[freethrow]

Here is a good site for getting GJ info. He scored 27 points in day two of the Collin County Roundball Classic.

http://mckinneynews.net/news.php?cat=1&team=McKinney_High

[Gunsmoke]

http://mckinneynews.net/news.php?nid=10782&cat=1

Very brief update where GJ gets 20 in a win.

[BigBlueMotha]

GJ will start next season come SEC play mark it down people hes exactly what Kentucky needs!

[Blue_N_White]

GJ will start next season come SEC play mark it down people hes exactly what Kentucky needs!

I really think people need to temper their expectations with G.J.

I remember a lot of people were very high on Kevin Galloway last May.....but now, not so much. Same with DeAndre Liggins.....but now, there are a lot of unanswered questions and concerns to many people.

I think the desire to find a STUD point guard has many people thinking "THE NEXT" will be "THE ONE". Not sure that will be the case with Vilarino. Not saying he might not be a good player at Kentucky...I just believe that people thinking that he's going to "start" as a freshman, or be an "All-SEC" type player are setting themselves up for some big-time disappointment. A "wait and see" with tempered expectations would probably be the best approach to take with G.J. :thumbup:

[RCS]

I will be pretty suprised if GJ starts next year. I do think he will see some time as we are missing an athletic guy with natural PG skills. I just don't see him starting over Liggins next year. Who knows. You never know about FR until they arrive on campus. No one thought Fitch would be starting as a FR and everyone thought Liggins would be, so who knows.

[BigBlueMotha]

I really think people need to temper their expectations with G.J.

I remember a lot of people were very high on Kevin Galloway last May.....but now, not so much. Same with DeAndre Liggins.....but now, there are a lot of unanswered questions and concerns to many people.

I think the desire to find a STUD point guard has many people thinking "THE NEXT" will be "THE ONE". Not sure that will be the case with Vilarino. Not saying he might not be a good player at Kentucky...I just believe that people thinking that he's going to "start" as a freshman, or be an "All-SEC" type player are setting themselves up for some big-time disappointment. A "wait and see" with tempered expectations would probably be the best approach to take with G.J. :thumbup:


man I've seen GJ play and hes on a whole notha level than Liggins and Galloway! GJ is a floor general hes quick and has a great handle! He can even knock down the J! Liggins and Kevin arent and never will be PG's no matter how much they try! GJ is ranked as ESPN's 2nd best Floor general PG! Hes vastly underrated, I know he'll be a impact player next fall!

[True'N'Blue]

I think everyone is being to rough on our Guys this year. When you got a guy like Meeks who takes over the show like he does, there is really no reason for anyone else to play. I feel like this isn't a good season to rate and judge right now. With that said, I think next season will be a whole new season to "judge" and everything. Galloway, Miller, Liggins they all have potential. Liggins to me is like a Taller Rondo, long arms and quick, but still sloppy. Galloway and Miller are tough players, no doubt about it, they are just tough. I don't know much about hood or this guy, but I'm expecting stuff from atleast Galloway and Miller.

[True'N'Blue]

I will be pretty suprised if GJ starts next year. I do think he will see some time as we are missing an athletic guy with natural PG skills. I just don't see him starting over Liggins next year. Who knows. You never know about FR until they arrive on campus. No one thought Fitch would be starting as a FR and everyone thought Liggins would be, so who knows.
Agreed, plus I think Gillispie has put to much time and work into Porter and Liggins to just sit them for this guy. I expect Porter to be starting next season, especially if he keeps contributing to the team like he has the past 2 games.

[Ukosumu]

Tipton and Maggard are reporting GJ committed to Gonzaga this weekend.
Congrats GJ and best of luck.

[Terry L. Wildcat]

Tipton and Maggard are reporting GJ committed to Gonzaga this weekend.
Congrats GJ and best of luck.

:thumbup: I'll be rooting for you GJ.

[GOCAT15]

Does this come as a suprise, did he change his mind due to the coaching change?

[JWORLD]

I know this may sound crazy but if we do miss out on Wall and Bledsoe, did we miss out on not taking Vilarino as well??????????

[abroo588]

I know this may sound crazy but if we do miss out on Wall and Bledsoe, did we miss out on not taking Vilarino as well??????????

I'm not sure that we missed out on "not taking Vilarino" really. I thought that when BCG was fired that Vilarino de-committed on his own. I could be wrong, though.

[2bad4u]

Any word on where he is going?

[Blue_N_White]

Any word on where he is going?

Reported five posts up from your's....

[2bad4u]

Thanks I missed it....

[Stare]

Vilarino was a 3 star prospect, Liggins was a 4. My point?

There never was any guarantee or elevated hype that this kid could be great for the program. No big deal to me that he changed his mind.

[poodoo]

:thumbup: I'll be rooting for you GJ.

:thumbup:, Terry. It's the same for me. I well remember his expressed love for Kentucky, and I thus wish the young man the best of luck in his career. :5x

[billoliver40]

Good luck, Mr. Villarino. You're at a school that has re-defined what folks used to think a Mid-major was. No one puts the word 'Mid" in front of Gonzaga anymore. I have a feeling you'll do well.

Interestingly, I've read several posts that say Few and Calipari are actually on real good terms with each other and may try to work a series up. So we may see Villarino in Rupp arena after all.

[Roper92391]

Interestingly, I've read several posts that say Few and Calipari are actually on real good terms with each other and may try to work a series up. So we may see Villarino in Rupp arena after all.

Yes, (as Gonzaga being my one of my, if not my favorite team) i know that Few and Calipari are friends, after Calipari lost the championship game two years ago, Few was the first person to text him after the game. And I've been saying for a while that I think that Gonzaga and Kentucky might work out a home-and-home, but Calipari won't play at Gonzaga's real home, so they'll probably go to the downtown arena in Spokane (The Spokane Arena).