Verdell Jones close to signing with UK?

[JOHN BLUEBLOOD]

http://illinoishsbasketball.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=625&Itemid=1

Could be us or UT.

[countrycat]

Way to thin or not? Just a question.

[DCWildcat]

Compared to other problems a PG could have, thinness is hardly a worry. The kid sounds like a player and I wouldn't mind seeing him in the blue.

[bowpro]

Rumor is that he was at the game today. Can anyone confirm this?

[Will Lavender]

Tracy Webster has Illinois connections, and he's recruiting him. That has to bode well for the Cats -- especially considering how the Miller thing turned out.

I think he'd be a good pick-up and possibly safer than the JUCO Appleton.

[bowpro]

This kid may be a good pick up, but if you look at the last few years the only PG's that were ranked in that 3 star 25-30 range that really over achieved were Taurean Green and Acie Law. The recruiting gurus have been pretty good at ranking the PG's the last few years. Hopefully he is UK caliber. For comparison, Brandon Stockton was a higher touted recruit.

[JayB]

This kid may be a good pick up, but if you look at the last few years the only PG's that were ranked in that 3 star 25-30 range that really over achieved were Taurean Green and Acie Law. The recruiting gurus have been pretty good at ranking the PG's the last few years. Hopefully he is UK caliber. For comparison, Brandon Stockton was a higher touted recruit.

hmmm that is over rated lol

[Will Lavender]

This kid may be a good pick up, but if you look at the last few years the only PG's that were ranked in that 3 star 25-30 range that really over achieved were Taurean Green and Acie Law. The recruiting gurus have been pretty good at ranking the PG's the last few years. Hopefully he is UK caliber. For comparison, Brandon Stockton was a higher touted recruit.

I really doubt this is true. I'd say if you looked around the country you could find many, many 3-star point guards who start for good teams.

[DCWildcat]

I mean, the standard set by Acie Law and Taurean Green is a pretty tall one, even for the 5 star guys. Guys like Stephen Curry, Jeremiah Rivers, Tajuan and Tajuan Porter are all sophomores and making big impacts as sophomores, and Chris Warren ain't bad for a freshman.

[jkeller]

Tracy Webster has Illinois connections, and he's recruiting him. That has to bode well for the Cats -- especially considering how the Miller thing turned out.

I think he'd be a good pick-up and possibly safer than the JUCO Appleton.

I think also his grandfather lives in Paris.

As far as him being safer than Appleton, I tend to agree. At least he will have a higher ceiling as he will have a potential 4 years in the program instead of just the 2 that a JUCO would bring. The biggest drawback about JUCOs in my mind is that they have that half season, maybe full season adjustment period, then just one more year to actually shine and they're gone.

[The Black Watch]

I think also his grandfather lives in Paris.

As far as him being safer than Appleton, I tend to agree. At least he will have a higher ceiling as he will have a potential 4 years in the program instead of just the 2 that a JUCO would bring. The biggest drawback about JUCOs in my mind is that they have that half season, maybe full season adjustment period, then just one more year to actually shine and they're gone.

But when you need help fast, and badly, sometimes a JUCO is just what the doctor ordered.

[bowpro]

I really doubt this is true. I'd say if you looked around the country you could find many, many 3-star point guards who start for good teams.

I wasnt trying to find guards that start for good teams, I was trying to find out if any in the range he is in improved enough to lead "great" teams and the only two I could find were Green and Law and that most of the PG's perform pretty close to how they are ranked. If BCG wants him then I want him too.

[vaPascal]

I agree w/ bowpro. From what I've read he's good but not great. 30th best PG according to Scout.

[grillman]

Would he be better than anyone else on the current roster at point guard and if I remember from an earlier post ramel was a 3 star recruit that didn't have our present coach to help him out .

[Terry L. Wildcat]

I really doubt this is true. I'd say if you looked around the country you could find many, many 3-star point guards who start for good teams.

Anyone remember Anthony Epps :thumbup:

[Catligula]

Don't know if we're still pursuing him or not, but here's an article anyway...

http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=2&c=736463

[The Black Watch]

Don't know if we're still pursuing him or not, but here's an article anyway...

http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=2&c=736463
I would think the commitment of Galloway probably ends our persuit of Jones. But who knows with BCG.

[bluecat406]

I would think the commitment of Galloway probably ends our persuit of Jones. But who knows with BCG.

I'd say you're right. He didn't look like much of a scorer, and that's what we need next year. (or height).

[TransientAlum]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/16436831.html

Someone else is interested in him.

Possible candidates for that spot include Champaign (Ill.) Central guard Verdell Jones, whom Smith watched play Friday night, and Jorge Gutierrez, a prep school standout in Nevada.

[Coldstream]

I would think the commitment of Galloway probably ends our persuit of Jones. But who knows with BCG.

I'd say you're right. He didn't look like much of a scorer, and that's what we need next year. (or height).

Contrary to what the popular assumption is after Galloway's commitment, BCG is still pursuing Jones. He attended his game several nights ago.

[Dawood Khan]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/16436831.html

Someone else is interested in him.

Possible candidates for that spot include Champaign (Ill.) Central guard Verdell Jones, whom Smith watched play Friday night, and Jorge Gutierrez, a prep school standout in Nevada.

Of course Smith is interested. This is the only time of year that the man recruits. ;)

[Mark Blueblood]

Of course Smith is interested. This is the only time of year that the man recruits. ;)

Give it up man. Your swipes are getting tiresome. What's your point??

[The Black Watch]

Contrary to what the popular assumption is after Galloway's commitment, BCG is still pursuing Jones. He attended his game several nights ago.

I saw that. Kind of surprising, but who knows with BCG? He relies heavily on pg's, and likes a lot of options. :shrug1: Coldstream, have you heard anything else about Liggins qualifying? Do you think BCG is still after all these pg's because he is worried about Liggins making it next year?

[Dawood Khan]

Give it up man. Your swipes are getting tiresome. What's your point??


Dude, I rarely post. Aside from that it's called humor. Go follow someone else around with your nagging, attend an AA meeting or volunteer for your local county sheriffs program. I'm sure they can use the help.

[sardiscat]

Jones would have to be offered by UK before he can sign. Hasn't happened yet.

[Mark Blueblood]

Dude, I rarely post. Aside from that it's called humor. Go follow someone else around with your nagging, attend an AA meeting or volunteer for your local county sheriffs program. I'm sure they can use the help.

I went to one last night.

Yeah - I appreciate humor - it's just that the consistent humor at the former coach's expense is getting redundant and stale. Tubby's gone - let's move on.

[4theluvofbilly]

I thought the Tubby comment was funny, and nothing more. It wasn't dirty or over the line by any mreans. Some of you guys read too much into the "humor" of other posters. Some of you all act like Tubby is your dad or a close relative or something. Just relax and enjoy some VERY harmless humor.

[jkeller]

I thought the Tubby comment was funny, and nothing more. It wasn't dirty or over the line by any mreans. Some of you guys read too much into the "humor" of other posters. Some of you all act like Tubby is your dad or a close relative or something. Just relax and enjoy some VERY harmless humor.

It's not that its harmful, it's just that some posters' only comments are (many times off topic) digs at the former coaching staff, none of which are relevant in the here and now. It just gets extremely old and wearing to hear the same old "jokes" over and over.

[4theluvofbilly]

I guess I'm just a lot more laid back. But I can kind of see your point. Just don't take it seriously. I mean, with all do respect, this is just a message board.

[lighthouse]

I haven't see either Jones or Galloway play, but I have seen the Edmonson kid from Hopkinsville, and I really think he would answer our PG problem for the next 4 years. He's the real deal.

[jkeller]

I haven't see either Jones or Galloway play, but I have seen the Edmonson kid from Hopkinsville, and I really think he would answer our PG problem for the next 4 years. He's the real deal.

Do you think Edmonson and Hopson could come as a package deal?

[Dawood Khan]

I went to one last night.

Yeah - I appreciate humor - it's just that the consistent humor at the former coach's expense is getting redundant and stale. Tubby's gone - let's move on.

Again, I've posted maybe 10 times in the past two to three months. Most of my posts are about and/or supportive of the UK Coach. I rarely bring up the old guy.

Perhaps, you should learn to let things go. Isn't that part of the program.

Here's a hint. As long as Smith is the former UK coach, there will be jokes about him told amongst UK fans. It happens with Hall, Sutton and Pitino. Every once in a while you will even hear a Rupp joke. You may as well get used to it.

Just for the hell of it, I went back and checked. The last time I made a comment that could be construed as even mildly negative towards Smith was way back in December. This is March. Serenity Prayer anyone?

[4theluvofbilly]

Do you think Edmonson and Hopson could come as a package deal?

How flippin' sweet would that be to get Scotty Hop and Edmonson?!?!?! Here's hopin'.

I have a question about these recruit's Myspace page's, but I'm afraid to ask in the fear of talking about something that doesn't need to be brought up. *wink*

[lighthouse]

Do you think Edmonson and Hopson could come as a package deal?

I have no idea, but it would be a great day if it happened. IMO.

[bluebayou]

Yeah - I appreciate humor - it's just that the consistent humor at the former coach's expense is getting redundant and stale. Tubby's gone - let's move on.


Perhaps you should learn to let things go. Our former coach is the reason for the shape we are in right now, from a past recruiting standpoint. He is no better than that former coach that's at UL in my book. And I darn sure don't mind humor at his expense.

[JWORLD]

I'd say you're right. He didn't look like much of a scorer, and that's what we need next year. (or height).


I don't think we need him anyways. We have Liggins,Jasper, and Galloway who can play the point plus who knows how the Hopson deal turns out and can he play the point.Porter is also there for right now.

[westtncat]

It's not that its harmful, it's just that some posters' only comments are (many times off topic) digs at the former coaching staff, none of which are relevant in the here and now. It just gets extremely old and wearing to hear the same old "jokes" over and over.
It was funny to me..I hadnt heard it :icon_biggrin:

[teamchemistry09]

Ive been seeing "jokes" like this since the day Tubby left. They started getting old.....the day Tubby left

[westtncat]

Ive been seeing "jokes" like this since the day Tubby left. They started getting old.....the day Tubby left
Thats a very low tolerance for good jokes. ;)

[Dawood Khan]

Hell, I thought it was pretty fresh as far as Smith jokes are concerned. But I can see how those of you who are so emotionally invested in the man would be offended.

[Mark Blueblood]

Yeah - I appreciate humor - it's just that the consistent humor at the former coach's expense is getting redundant and stale. Tubby's gone - let's move on.


Perhaps you should learn to let things go. Our former coach is the reason for the shape we are in right now, from a past recruiting standpoint. He is no better than that former coach that's at UL in my book. And I darn sure don't mind humor at his expense.

Trust me - I have let it go. If you'll notice, I'm not the one that keeps making the "jokes".

You think it's funny - fine - I've got no problem with that. I could point out to a lot of "what ifs" that would show recruiting wasn't that as bad as we sometimes think - but again - I've moved on.

[Dawood Khan]

Trust me - I have let it go. If you'll notice, I'm not the one that keeps making the "jokes".

You think it's funny - fine - I've got no problem with that. I could point out to a lot of "what ifs" that would show recruiting wasn't that as bad as we sometimes think - but again - I've moved on.

No not really. A person who was over it would just pass by a harmless joke instead of breaking out the "holier than thou" schtick every single time a person makes a comment or joke about the thing that they are supposedly over. Like I said, the comments about Smith will persist as long as there is a UK basketball program. The thing that angers some of you is that there is truth to that joke.

[Blue_N_White]

Contrary to what the popular assumption is after Galloway's commitment, BCG is still pursuing Jones. He attended his game several nights ago.

I think that only makes sense. Galloway is not really a shooter or scorer, and Jones has a nice outside shot with good range. Even though they technically play the same position....they really are polar opposites. I could see Jones having much more of a Gerald Fitch type effect and offensive game than Galloway, who IMHO will likely be more of a defensive presence and floor leader......

[Ukosumu]

With Bayless going pro, I thought you guys might like to see this vid from Jones' Junior season. They both put on a show. Jones #12 in white.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=d9fzNErvtWM

[billoliver40]

Is Jones being heavily recruited by Minnesota? I thought I'd read that
someplace.

[ibleedblue2]

Yes he is. I think I would rather have the new kid we are talking to. Aaron??? something.

[ibleedblue2]

Sorry. His name is Paul McCoy.

[Blue_N_White]

Sorry. His name is Paul McCoy.

I'll have a better idea of McCoy once the Derby Classic game has been played (I have tickets and will be attending)....but I'll give you my honest opinion regarding McCoy from what I've seen, read and heard:

Jones has the sweeter stroke and better, more consistent outside shot between the two.

Why is that important?

Because losing Crawford and Bradley leaves a void. McCoy SOUNDS (emphasize sounds, because I haven't seen him play yet) like a primary ball handler, penetrator, and disher. While there is definitely a place and need for that on ANY team....I'm just not sure with Jasper, Liggins, Galloway, Porter, Meeks, etc. on the roster for next year....and Vilarino and Ross-Miller committed for the future...and a chance to get Wall next year....that ANOTHER ball handler/penetrator, assist man is what is needed. But a pure shooter with range IS.

Jones is also 6'4"...while McCoy is barely 6'0" (maybe 5'11").

But like I said...I'll be able to see McCoy play here in a couple of weeks...and he very well may have a nice stroke with range and be capable of taking and hitting the 3 with consistency when necessary. I certainly hope that's the case. But from everything I've seen, heard and read...apparently there is no question that Jones DOES have that ability.

But the verdict is still out...so we shall see.....

[Catligula]

No not really. A person who was over it would just pass by a harmless joke instead of breaking out the "holier than thou" schtick every single time a person makes a comment or joke about the thing that they are supposedly over. Like I said, the comments about Smith will persist as long as there is a UK basketball program. The thing that angers some of you is that there is truth to that joke.

This thread is about recruiting, if I wanted easy "comedy" I'd go watch Larry the Cable Guy.

Anyway, do you guys think we will get a PG and a center recruit for next year? I thought that with the scholarship situation it was one or the other.

[bigblue23]

I'll have a better idea of McCoy once the Derby Classic game has been played (I have tickets and will be attending)....but I'll give you my honest opinion regarding McCoy from what I've seen, read and heard:

Jones has the sweeter stroke and better, more consistent outside shot between the two.

Why is that important?

Because losing Crawford and Bradley leaves a void. McCoy SOUNDS (emphasize sounds, because I haven't seen him play yet) like a primary ball handler, penetrator, and disher. While there is definitely a place and need for that on ANY team....I'm just not sure with Jasper, Liggins, Galloway, Porter, Meeks, etc. on the roster for next year....and Vilarino and Ross-Miller committed for the future...and a chance to get Wall next year....that ANOTHER ball handler/penetrator, assist man is what is needed. But a pure shooter with range IS.

Jones is also 6'4"...while McCoy is barely 6'0" (maybe 5'11").

But like I said...I'll be able to see McCoy play here in a couple of weeks...and he very well may have a nice stroke with range and be capable of taking and hitting the 3 with consistency when necessary. I certainly hope that's the case. But from everything I've seen, heard and read...apparently there is no question that Jones DOES have that ability.

But the verdict is still out...so we shall see.....

I'd like to read whatever the heck you've been reading because everything I've read on McCoy says that he he's a PROLIFIC scorer lol.

[Blue_N_White]

I'd like to read whatever the heck you've been reading because everything I've read on McCoy says that he he's a PROLIFIC scorer lol.

Re-read my post, and what the emphasis is on. SCORER...and SHOOTER....are two separate things. For example, Patrick Patterson is a scorer....but I don't think many people would necessarily say that he is a shooter. Same with Hansbrough in Carolina, etc. My emphasis was on being a pure outside shooter...to stretch the defense and be able to knock down the 3 with consistency.

Like I said...I'm hoping McCoy has that ability...and hopefully I'll see first hand in a couple of weeks. But I did mention that he is a penetrator...and penetrators can be scorers as well. They just don't stretch defenses...because the defense doesn't respect the outside shot and tend to pack it in, waiting for the drive (and either shot, or dish).

[DCWildcat]

No reason we couldn't have both...McCoy is 08 and Jones is 09

[Blue_N_White]

No reason we couldn't have both...McCoy is 08 and Jones is 09

That would be nice...but Jones is '08 also:

http://kansas.scout.com/a.z?s=172&p=8&c=1&nid=1930418

http://rivalshoops.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=44791

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=42815&season=2008

[DCWildcat]

I knew that...lol...getting old. Was thinking y'all were talking about Vilarino for some reason.

[ibleedblue2]

McCoy is a track star. This means he is probably very quick like Jodie. Wouldn't it be nice to see those 2 on the fast break?

[BigblueDrew]

I'll take the "scorer" any day. I've seen too many "shooters" come here and flop.