Harrellson down to SLU and UK?

[DCWildcat]

Just on KSR

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/billiken-beat/billiken-beat/2008/04/harrelson-probably-slu-or-kentucky/

From the article:

"He said he likes SLU because he wants to play close to home, but likes Kentucky because he thinks he can play at the top level. He likes Rick Majerus and he likes Kentucky coach Billy Gillespie. “I guarantee you it will come down between those two,” he told me. “I’ll make the decision based on what’s best for me.”

[Blue_N_White]

Like I've been saying it seems like forever, although I know it's only been the past week or so....Josh Harrellson, Ater Majok and Paul McCoy all coming to UK in the fall would make me one very, very happy and enthusiastic Cats fan....:icon_mrgreen:

[DCWildcat]

I'd love for UK to land those 3. Man that'd be huge.

I really think there's a great chance we get Harrelson. Official visits have blown away recruits with Gillispie in the past. Hard for me to understand how Harrellson likes Gillispie and Majerus--they're very different coaches in style/manner. Hopefully the kid wants to leave home.

Man I love Gillispie. He's going after enough targets now that even if we miss a few, I think we can still get at least two.

[Blue_N_White]

I'd love for UK to land those 3. Man that'd be huge.


I definitely agree :icon_mrgreen: :thumbup:


I really think there's a great chance we get Harrelson. Official visits have blown away recruits with Gillispie in the past. Hard for me to understand how Harrellson likes Gillispie and Majerus--they're very different coaches in style/manner. Hopefully the kid wants to leave home.

Man I love Gillispie. He's going after enough targets now that even if we miss a few, I think we can still get at least two.

I certainly hope you're right. The suspense is killing me right now (insert biting fingernails/nervous smiley here).....

[Blue Heaven]

If we lose this kid to SLU, then I won't know what to think. I'm glad he's going to visit us first, but if he likes SLUs arena, what will he think of Rupp. It seems like a no brainer.

[ibleedblue2]

This guy would be a huge get for us. His size and his ability to score will be greatly needed. I can't wait til next season!

[crazzedcats22]

If we lose this kid to SLU, then I won't know what to think. I'm glad he's going to visit us first, but if he likes SLUs arena, what will he think of Rupp. It seems like a no brainer.


Well, for one he is from here in St. Louis. He is getting a lot of pressure to stay home and from what I have been told he wants to stay close to home.

Secondly, SLU just opened up a brand new arena this week. While it's not Rupp, it is a first class facility. However, I think once he visits UK he will be blown away, not only with Rupp but with Lexington (Keeneland) and UK's campus. SLU's campus kind of sucks and it's not a real "college town" atmosphere.

[countrycat]

Well, for one he is from here in St. Louis. He is getting a lot of pressure to stay home and from what I have been told he wants to stay close to home.

Secondly, SLU just opened up a brand new arena this week. While it's not Rupp, it is a first class facility. However, I think once he visits UK he will be blown away, not only with Rupp but with Lexington (Keeneland) and UK's campus. SLU's campus kind of sucks and it's not a real "college town" atmosphere.
It seems to be a no-brainer all the way around. He will announce he while he is visiting i hope.

[kyrgaines]

Well St. Louis isn't that far from Lexington so hopefully the prestige will set in.

[Got_Billie_G?]

I think Harrellson needs to be reminded of Majerus's recent history of bolting coaching jobs abruptly...seriously he could quit in a year...Rick's a great guy, at least on-camera..but between the two I think Gillespie will make him a better player, hopefully he agrees and inks to UK...I'm having doubts though, I have a feeling the home ties will be pulling hard...

[Wildcat Larry]

I'm not sure that I would bring up coaching longevity as an issue since Gillisipie was at UTEP for two years and Texas A&M for three years.

It looks to me like it will be determined strictly on whether Harrellson decides he wants to stay home or leave home, especially since he apparently said he would do what's best for him.

[Ukosumu]

I'm not sure that I would bring up coaching longevity as an issue since Gillisipie was at UTEP for two years and Texas A&M for three years.

It looks to me like it will be determined strictly on whether Harrellson decides he wants to stay home or leave home, especially since he apparently said he would do what's best for him.
And in all reality that is what all decision by recruits should be based on. I would like to have this kid but if he wants to stay close to home then I wish him well.

[billoliver40]

If St Louis is home, it's home...not much we can do about that. Don't forget, part of the problems he was having with the schools he had been
signed to was that he wanted out to do what? Be closer to home. Wouldn't get too comfortable with the closeness of Lexingon over St Louis.
Never, EVER sell Majerus short. He gets lots out of minor level talent (Come ON...you really think Utah was that great a basketball school before Majerus) and is as loyal to 'his kids' as any coach I've seen.
As far as leaving, the only reason he's done that was because of health
issues with himself or his mother.

Majerus against Kentucky in a recruiting battle is no minor league 'get' for
CBG.

[KYISSUPREME]

Like many have said, don't underestimate the lure of staying close to home. It's hard to tell what Harrelson will do. I hope he picks UK, would certainly understand if he goes to SLU.

[Bombastic Blue]

Like many have said, don't underestimate the lure of staying close to home. It's hard to tell what Harrelson will do. I hope he picks UK, would certainly understand if he goes to SLU.


You are right. Staying close to home is why UK got PPat.

[Mr. Tambourine Man]

If it's accurate, the article said that he wants to stay close to home (SLU), but also thinks he can play at the highest level (UK).

The way I'm thinking, is that if he comes to UK and feels like he can fit in and have a big role, gets along with players and coaches, and feels comfortable in Lexington then he'll be a Wildcat.

[TrueblueCATfan]

He says he will do what is best for him..that would be staying close to home..IMO:icon_cry:

[crazzedcats22]

If it's accurate, the article said that he wants to stay close to home (SLU), but also thinks he can play at the highest level (UK).

The way I'm thinking, is that if he comes to UK and feels like he can fit in and have a big role, gets along with players and coaches, and feels comfortable in Lexington then he'll be a Wildcat.

I agree, I think if he feels that he can come in and start and make a valuable contribution he'll be a Cat. If he thinks he might not start and won't play that much right away I think he will go to SLU.

He says he will do what is best for him..that would be staying close to home..IMO:icon_cry:

I actually spoke to someone fairly close to the situation yesterday about this. That person told me that SLU is very attractive because of the closeness to home and the chance to step in right away and play a lot. Also, Majerus is a big draw for Harrelson.

However, this person also said that the thought of playing at UK on the biggest college stage for Billy G is overwhelming and is very, very appealing.

While this person doesn't know for sure and it's not a "lock" or "done deal," his opinion and thought was that once Harrelson visits UK he will be blown away and will (in his opinion) likely commit to being a Cat.

Again, this doesn't guarantee anything nor am I saying this guy is 100% correct but he does have some ties to this.

[KyLarryV]

St. Louis vs U of K St.Louis or U of K St. Louis ville (lol) or KENTUCKY
what do you think!!!!:widcat:

[Blue Heaven]

St. Louis vs U of K St.Louis or U of K St. Louis ville (lol) or KENTUCKY
what do you think!!!!:widcat:
Huh?

[billoliver40]

St. Louis vs U of K St.Louis or U of K St. Louis ville (lol) or KENTUCKY
what do you think!!!!:widcat:

Home.

I dont think this will be a Cat recruit. Sorry, but the youngster already
sacrificed a year and was willing to go two at a JC...mainly because he wanted to be as near to his family as possible when they were going through hard times. Sounds like yep, UK is close, but SLU is closer.

[ibleedblue2]

I just saw where this guy was offered a scholly.

[bigbaloo]

Once he sees all the nice looking fillies in Lexington(and I'm not talking horses), it's a done deal. ;)

[Coldstream]

Harrellson High on UK and IU
Reported by: Doug Kufner
Monday, Apr 14, 2008 @10:27pm CST

Fox Seven Sports has confirmed that Southwestern Illinois College forward Josh Harrellson has been offered a scholarship by Billy Gillispie and the Kentucky Wildcats. Harrellson will visit UK later this weekend. He has also been contacted by Tom Crean and IU.


Link: Josh Harrellson (http://tristatehomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5922)

[DCWildcat]

Even if he's down to SLU and UK right now, I wonder if his interest in Indiana might pick up. They'd be a middle ground for him between the prestige, playing time and exposure of UK and the proximity to home of Illinois.

[katfantoo]

now while the distance geographicaly-speakin is of a concern to the young-man , the want to play at "the higher level of college basketball " leaves no need for ifs , ands or buts . so ,,,,,,,,of the want to perform at a MAJOR LEVEL PROGRAM being of a desire stated by him . then if he comes GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if not we probably didn't want him as bad as he NEEDED US .
:icon_mrgreen:

Kentuckin by Birth
Cat Fan by the Grace of God :icon_biggrin:

[crazzedcats22]

Even if he's down to SLU and UK right now, I wonder if his interest in Indiana might pick up. They'd be a middle ground for him between the prestige, playing time and exposure of UK and the proximity to home of Illinois.

He's actually from St. Charles which is about 30 miles or so west of downtown St. Louis. IU is a big St. Louis school, there are a lot of people from this area that go there.

As far as actual distance, IU is about 240 miles (4 hours) from where he lives and UK is 360 miles (6 hours).

[rockyone]

He would be great! Is there a vid. somewhere on him?.

[Blue_N_White]

So are Harrellson AND Flemings both supposed to be in Lexington this upcoming weekend for a visit? And if both are offered, could they both accept? The whole uncertainty with how many scholarships are available is a little frustrating to me right now (and I'm sure it's not something that Coach Gillispie and the University are really crazy about either). What if they both are offered and both accept, and meanwhile Majok and McCoy both commit this weekend at the same time as well? I'm wondering if that could even be a possibility, and how it would be handled if it did work out that way.....:confused:

[Gunsmoke]

I think I remember reading a few times that Sutton from DC has all but said he is going to commit. We may have 6 or 8 new players next year, who knows.:shrug1:

[billoliver40]

I think I remember reading a few times that Sutton from DC has all but said he is going to commit. We may have 6 or 8 new players next year, who knows.:shrug1:
Gunsmoke, you got that right....from what I've been reading, young Mr.Sutton would probably not even get all his visits in if Coach would give him an offer.

You hear stuff from peanuts to eggshells about kids....the latest I've read on Sutton is that he would definitely be a project in the vein of Carter and
Williams...however having said that, I'll also point out that if he is a project, he'll be a project that Billy Gillispie selected. That's no shot at the developmental kids on our bench now....it's just that this will be a kid
that the current coach sees something in.

[LexJim]

As far as actual distance, IU is about 240 miles (4 hours) from where he lives and UK is 360 miles (6 hours).

crazzedcats22, remind me never to drive with you. If you can't make it from St. Louis to Lexington in under 5 hours, even with the extra 30 miles or so to St. Charles, there's something wrong with you! :-)

[Gunsmoke]

LexJim it is good to see you are still alive and kickin'!!!!:icon_lol:

[crazzedcats22]

crazzedcats22, remind me never to drive with you. If you can't make it from St. Louis to Lexington in under 5 hours, even with the extra 30 miles or so to St. Charles, there's something wrong with you! :-)

I agree, those numbers were according to Mapquest though. In actuality St. Charles to Lexington is pretty close to 5 1/2-6 hours and St. Charles to IU is about 3 1/2 hours.

[ShivelyKatFan]

Prediction: Majerus is run over yet again by the Big Blue. This guy is absolutely hexed against UK. I hope that string continues!

[Blue_N_White]

Prediction: Majerus is run over yet again by the Big Blue. This guy is absolutely hexed against UK. I hope that string continues!

:icon_lol:

That's truly a great way of looking at it....:thumbup:

(fingers crossed)

[ukfanaticus]

This kid is a must get IMHO !!!!!!:icon_mrgreen:

[Blue_N_White]

With his visit being this past weekend...I'm surprised we haven't heard more about Harrellson. I've looked for links, but aside from one or two that seem to indicate that he "really enjoyed his visit"...I really haven't heard much that would seem to indicate that he was impressed to the point where it looks likely that he will commit. Anybody heard anything else?

[crazzedcats22]

UPDATE.....

I spoke to someone fairly close to the Harrelson situation and this is what he told me.

1. Loved UK's facilities, specifically the Craft Center, said he's never seen anything like it.
2. Liked UK's campus overall, thought the spring game was cool, and was very impressed with Keeneland.
3. Overall very excited and impressed with UK as a program and with Billy G.

Now for the not so great stuff..
1. Not sure how exactly he would fit in, still unsure about amount of playing time right away and that is something he really wants.
2. Still wants to visit SLU because he has been very impressed with Majerus.
3. Not sure about going that far away for school, ideally, wanted to be closer to home.

This person told me that he is scheduled to visit SLU this coming weekend and is still strongly considering visiting IU. Expects a decision within a week or two depending on if he visits IU.

My source still says that he thinks that Harrelson goes to SLU. It's close to home, he can play and contribute a lot right away, and they just opened a brand new arena so the can compete (somewhat) facility wise.

[Blue_N_White]

UPDATE.....

I spoke to someone fairly close to the Harrelson situation and this is what he told me.

1. Loved UK's facilities, specifically the Craft Center, said he's never seen anything like it.
2. Liked UK's campus overall, thought the spring game was cool, and was very impressed with Keeneland.
3. Overall very excited and impressed with UK as a program and with Billy G.

Great to hear....and not really all that surprising. :thumbup:



Now for the not so great stuff..

1. Not sure how exactly he would fit in, still unsure about amount of playing time right away and that is something he really wants.
2. Still wants to visit SLU because he has been very impressed with Majerus.
3. Not sure about going that far away for school, ideally, wanted to be closer to home.

Also not really that surprising. I can understand the "wanting to stay closer to home" part......BUT....

It sounds like he may have questions concerning his own ability somewhat. Not really sure why he would be wavering any, especially considering the PT angle or "fitting in". I would think that he would look at the currrent roster and situation and consider it a GOLDMINE of an opportunity. If Kentucky had already signed Majok and Sutton, etc., or something along those lines....then yeah, I could certainly understand it a lot more. But with Majok reportedly "leaning toward" UCONN....and only Perry Stevenson as a real, viable option to share playing time with (since Carter isn't much of a threat, and Williams might not even be around next year...and even if he is, not really a threat)....I can't believe that he would have those questions or concerns. I guess Josh hasn't stopped to consider that HE (Harrellson) just might be a "Gillispie type" player...since Gillispie is recruiting him, and that the players currently on the roster are what Gillispie inherited, and really doesn't present a whole lot of competition for him to NOT see *SIGNIFICANT* PT as early as the upcoming season!


This person told me that he is scheduled to visit SLU this coming weekend and is still strongly considering visiting IU. Expects a decision within a week or two depending on if he visits IU.

My source still says that he thinks that Harrelson goes to SLU. It's close to home, he can play and contribute a lot right away, and they just opened a brand new arena so the can compete (somewhat) facility wise.

Yeah, sounds like if he expects a decision "within a week or two" after visiting UK that he's just waiting for St. Louis to seal the deal. I guess if he takes the IU visit then they didn't seal the deal, and that could open the door a little further for Kentucky. But a kid like Harrellson, who I believe most everyone thought would practically be a shoe-in....NOT signing with Kentucky after being offered a scholarship is NOT the kind of news needed to help turn this program around to the point where it needs to be.

I realize I'm sounding somewhat pesimistic...and maybe I'm reading into it all wrong...but it just sounds like he has questions that weren't answered to his satisfaction during his visit. And that doesn't seem to bode well as for him signing with UK. I certainly hope I'm wrong on that, though.....

[crazzedcats22]

I realize I'm sounding somewhat pesimistic...and maybe I'm reading into it all wrong...but it just sounds like he has questions that weren't answered to his satisfaction during his visit. And that doesn't seem to bode well as for him signing with UK. I certainly hope I'm wrong on that, though.....

That's kind of what I got out of it as well. However, according to the article Coldstream just posted it sounds very promising. Who knows? :shrug1: