Brandon Knight PG 2010 (UK Commit)

[Ukosumu]

Brandon Knight
http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/BRANDONKNIGHT5_29150.JPG
http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gif
Point guard
Coral Springs (FL) Pine Crest
AAU: Team Breakdown
Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 170 lbs
Class: 2010
Rivals.com Rating: NR
Position Ranking: NR
2010: Hoops Top 100 ranking (8) (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1909)
2010: Point guards (2) (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=2183)

http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=59767&sport=2
Five-star junior talks about UK interest
Current list includes Clemson, Conneticut, Duke, Florida, Florida St, Indiana, Kentucky, Memphis, Miami (Fl), North Carolina, Texas, Texas A&M, and Wake Forest.

[Ukosumu]

Thanks for all the links, Ukosumo.
:icon_redface: Just trying to contribute to this great fan forum.

[Ukosumu]

By Aggrey Sam

Brandon Knight, 6-3 combo guard, Pinecrest (FL), 2010: Paired with AAU running mate Kenny Boynton (the 2009 standout also balled, but I’m pretty sure I’ve covered his game ad nauseum on this site), Knight continues to step his game up from nice young prospect to dominating scorer/distributor.
http://slamonline.com/online/2008/07/live-from-the-reebok-all-american-camp/

[Ukosumu]

Knight talks Duke (http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=888&script=content.asp&cid=828080&fid=&tid=&mid=)
Brian McLawhorn
Devils Illustrated
http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/BRANDONKNIGHT5_29100.JPG


Coral Springs (Fla.) Pine Crest five-star guard Brandon Knight has long been considered a priority for the Duke basketball program. At 6-foot-3, 170 pounds, Knight brings a scorers mentality to the table, but also features an incredible knack for making plays with the pass and creating opportunities for others off the dribble.

[WildcatRick]

This young man is the real deal. He would be a huge get if Coach Cal could pull it off. He was close to unstoppable in the AAU tourney I went to. One of our members got his autograph on a ball after their first game and I told her to hang on to that one.

[poodoo]

This young man is the real deal. He would be a huge get if BCG could pull it off. He was close to unstoppable in the AAU tourney I went to. One of our members got his autograph on a ball after their first game and I told her to hang on to that one.


NEAT! Thanks for sharing, WildcatRick. :)

[Ukosumu]

Brandon Knight will playing at the Reebok Summer Championships this week. There will be 40 ranked players in the Reebok Summer Championships (33 in the class of 2009 and seven in the class of 2010).

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=910&CID=828447
http://prepchamps.com/summerchampionships

[poodoo]

In a piece about five-star recruit Brandon Knight, Jeff Drummond shares the following quote from Brandon in this week's Cats' Pause: "I want to find a coach who can push me to get better and instill the kind of work ethic you need to reach that goal (making the NBA)." I happen to think Coach G fits that description. :big_grin:

[wildcat6]

[quote=poodoo;481786]In a piece about five-star recruit Brandon Knight, Jeff Drummond shares the following quote from Brandon in this week's Cats' Pause: "I want to find a coach who can push me to get better and instill the kind of work ethic you need to reach that goal (making the NBA)." I happen to think Coach G fits that description. :big_grin:[/quote

Coach fits that description to a tee.:thumbup:

[countrycat]

In a piece about five-star recruit Brandon Knight, Jeff Drummond shares the following quote from Brandon in this week's Cats' Pause: "I want to find a coach who can push me to get better and instill the kind of work ethic you need to reach that goal (making the NBA)." I happen to think Coach G fits that description. :big_grin:
That is great to hear. Hope he is in blue someday.

[J.Jennings]

If this kid was to come on board, i would think that it would be at the expense of Ross Miller but who knows. Ross Miller will probaly end being a 4 year player who BCG can develop as time goes on which isn't a bad thing. Gillispie will figure it out..........

[Ukosumu]

THE BIG SHOW

Rivaling only The Beatles "Love" Cirque du Soleil show at The Mirage, there wasn't a bigger show in Sin City than what was happening inside the gym at Foothill High School on Tuesday.

And the main attraction was the Team Breakdown versus Northwest Panthers. The game was about as good as it gets in Vegas as the four superstars in the game – Kenny Boynton (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=46418) and Brandon Knight (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=59767) of Breakdown and Abdul Gaddy (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=60890) and Avery Bradley (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=60888) of the Panthers – gave the packed house something to talk about.

For the first 16 minutes, it looked like the kids from Tacoma were setting the mood. Bradley was the hottest hand in the gym, scoring 14 points. Two of his points came on a jaw-dropping one on one situation against Boynton. Bradley made a quick jab step to the middle of the lane and saw the open lane. He conversely powered his way to the rim and cocked back for a thundering dunk.

Boynton and Knight had a combined 12 points going into the break. It took a while for the duo to find their game legs as Breakdown got into their rental van roughly 25 minutes before their 12:30 match-up. Oh, and the rental car facility is 16 miles away from Foothill.

Down by 14 at the break, Breakdown responded in a major way in the second half. With only seven points in the first half, Boynton decided he was ready to turn on the jets in the final 16 minutes of play. Boynton scored 27 points in the second half and only missed one shot from the field.

Boynton put on a show and played at a level similar to what Eric Gordon did inside the same gym two Julys ago. The five-star guard scored 36 points and helped his team come from behind to get the victory. Boynton shot 14 of 21 from the field and hit five three-pointers in the process.

Not forgetting their match-up with the Northwesterns at the Reebok All-American camp at the start of the month, Boynton and Knight came back with a vengeance.

Knight was equally impressive in the second half. The five-star rising junior finished with 22 points on seven of 19 shooting from the floor. He scored 17 points in the second half and hit clutch free throws and found his shooting groove during Breakdown's stick the dagger in your heart run.

Bradley finished with 18 points and was a non-factor in the second half of the game. Gaddy finished 26 points and switched the switch to scoring mode instead of being the facilitator. He was good in the scoring vein but it wasn't enough, especially when Boynton was in the kind of zone he was in.

With the bar set extremely high now, the energy at the Reebok Summer Championships is the best of all three tournaments after day one. It will be interesting to see what happens during the rest of the week. The bar was set extremely high on day one.

Notes From the Notepad

Knight, one of the five-stars for Breakdown, said he doesn't have an official list but rattled off a list of Florida, Miami, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Duke, Wake Forest and Kentucky. He said Florida is his only offer. Hard to believe that though. He's clearly one of the most recruited guards by the elite level programs.
http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=829609

[poodoo]

Knight, one of the five-stars for Breakdown, said he doesn't have an official list but rattled off a list of Florida, Miami, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Duke, Wake Forest and Kentucky. He said Florida is his only offer. Hard to believe that though. He's clearly one of the most recruited guards by the elite level programs. QUOTE from link************

Thanks for the link, ukosumo.

Too, when I read this particular part, I checked back in the Cats' Pause for I had remembered that some top recruit had not yet talked with Coach G, saying, "It seems like every time one of us tries, the other is busy with his schedule." THAT recruit, though, as shared by Jeff Drummond, had been Harrison Barnes, a junior rated #6 in the country and a player I REALLY HOPE Kentucky gets on its roster.

[Ukosumu]

Las Vegas: Day Five (http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=830721)

It was Brandon Knight (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=59767)'s turn to get a piece of the pie. After watching Boynton put his stamp on the Reebok tournament in the first match-up against the Panthers, Knight tapped into his afterburners and blazed his way up and down the court in the rematch during the quarterfinals.

The class of 2010 stud scored 25 points and sparked the blowout win over the Panthers. Knight had his way against one of the best defensive backcourts in the tournament.
http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=830721

[poodoo]

Las Vegas: Day Five (http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=830721)

It was Brandon Knight (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=59767)'s turn to get a piece of the pie. After watching Boynton put his stamp on the Reebok tournament in the first match-up against the Panthers, Knight tapped into his afterburners and blazed his way up and down the court in the rematch during the quarterfinals.

The class of 2010 stud scored 25 points and sparked the blowout win over the Panthers. Knight had his way against one of the best defensive backcourts in the tournament.
http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=830721

Thanks for sharing, Ukosumo. Also, from what I've read, I would love for Mr. Knight to become a Cat.

[Ukosumu]

July 31, 2008
Vegas events top performers: 2010 Class (http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=832334)
Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting (http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/)

Brandon Knight (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=59767), PG, Team Breakdown
It might be Kenny Boynton (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=46418)'s team, but Knight, who averaged 20.4 ppg, was every bit as valuable in Team Breakdown's run to the Reebok Championship. Knight just did everything that a point guard is supposed to do from getting the ball to the hot hand, getting to the rim and finishing, knocking down jumpers, rebounding on the defensive glass and defending at a high level. He used this platform to reestablish himself as the top guard in his class.

[Ukosumu]

The 2008 Boost Mobile Elite 24 (http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=834552)
August 6, 2008
Stacey Davis
NYCHoops.net (http://nychoops.rivals.com/)

The Official rosters for the 3rd annual Boost Moble Elite 24 Classic have been released to NYC Hoops.

Three New Yorker and four from New Jersey made the cut. The event will be held at the famous Rucker Park in New York City on August 22nd at 8pm. Here are the rosters:

White Squad - The Goat

# Name Class HS Ht/Wt Pos

1 Lance Stephenson - 2009 Lincoln (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 6-5/200 SG
5 Brandon Knight (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=59767) - 2010 Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) 6-3/178 PG
8 Maalik Wayns - 2009 Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.) 6-1/190 PG
9 Dexter Strickland - 2009 St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) 6-2/180 PG
10 Abdul Gaddy - 2009 Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma, Wash.) 6-3/180 PG
21 Jeremy Tyler - 2010 San Diego (San Diego, Calif.) 6-9/225 PF
23 Mike Gilchrist - 2011 St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.) 6-6/195 SF
24 Jereme Richmond - 2010 Waukegan (Waukegan, Ill.) 6-7/190 SF
32 Jared Sullinger - 2010 Northland (Columbus, Ohio) 6-8/240 PF
42 Durand Scott - 2009 LeFlore (Mobile, Ala.) 6-11/270 C
43 Tristan Thompson - 2010 St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.) 6-9/215 SF
50 Erik Murphy - 2009 St. Mark's (Southborough, Mass.) 6-10/225 PF

Blue Squad - Skip To My Lou

# Name Class HS Ht/Wt Pos

0 Trae Golden (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=57958) - 2010 McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) 6-2/190 PG
1 Dominic Cheek - 2009 St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) 6-5/170 SG
2 Tony Wroten Jr. - 2011 Garfield (Seattle, Wash.) 6-5/180 SG
3 Kenny Boynton Jr. - 2009 American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) 6-3/190 SG
4 Derrick Favors (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=44563) - 2009 South Atlanta (Atlanta, Ga.) 6-9/220 PF
9 Doron Lamb - 2010 Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 6-4/175 PG
10 John Wall (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=68235) - 2009 Word of God (Raleigh, N.C.) 6-2/188 PG
17 LaQuinton Ross (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=68956) - 2011 Word of God (Raleigh, N.C.) 6-8/205 SG
21 Karron Johnson - 2009 Mount Zion Academy (Durham, N.C.) 6-7/210 PF
23 Jordan Hamilton - 2009 Dominguez (Compton, Calif.) 6-7/220 SF
33 Ryan Kelly - 2009 Ravenscroft (Raleigh, N.C.) 6-9/210 PF
50 Josh Smith (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=64551) - 2010 Kentwood (Covingon, Wash.) 6-9/230 C

NYC Hoops will provide full coverage from beginning to end

[Ukosumu]

Tourney Recap: adidas Nations (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=3529852)
By Reggie Rankin
Scouts Inc.

Brandon Knight, PG (6-3, 175)
2010, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./ Pine Crest

The first thing one notices about Knight is the constant effort he puts forth. He also is great at advancing the ball up the floor after he receives the outlet pass to keep constant pressure on the transition defense. Knight does a good job running the offense and keeping the ball on the move. His excellent speed and quickness allows him to get into the lane on a regular basis, and Knight has good court vision. He can find an open teammate with ease; he penetrates and draws two or three defenders. Knight did a much better job taking care of the ball at this event than he has in the past. He has a great feel for the game especially when using on-ball screens. Knight comes off the screen with speed and is a threat to pass to the screener rolling to the rim, popping for a perimeter shot or taking the ball all the way to the basket. Off the dribble, he likes to shoot his pull up jumper and he is also a good 3-point shooter when the defense is backs off. He works hand on defense at pressuring the ball and has excellent foot speed and quick hands. Knight has the special ability to turn up his intensity and take over games with a flurry of baskets when ever he wants. He plays with a quite confidence and is a big-time talent.

[poodoo]

Tourney Recap: adidas Nations (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=3529852)
By Reggie Rankin
Scouts Inc.

Brandon Knight, PG (6-3, 175)
2010, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./ Pine Crest

The first thing one notices about Knight is the constant effort he puts forth. He also is great at advancing the ball up the floor after he receives the outlet pass to keep constant pressure on the transition defense. Knight does a good job running the offense and keeping the ball on the move. His excellent speed and quickness allows him to get into the lane on a regular basis, and Knight has good court vision. He can find an open teammate with ease; he penetrates and draws two or three defenders. Knight did a much better job taking care of the ball at this event than he has in the past. He has a great feel for the game especially when using on-ball screens. Knight comes off the screen with speed and is a threat to pass to the screener rolling to the rim, popping for a perimeter shot or taking the ball all the way to the basket. Off the dribble, he likes to shoot his pull up jumper and he is also a good 3-point shooter when the defense is backs off. He works hand on defense at pressuring the ball and has excellent foot speed and quick hands. Knight has the special ability to turn up his intensity and take over games with a flurry of baskets when ever he wants. He plays with a quite confidence and is a big-time talent.

Thanks, Ukosumo. Too, again, I would love for Brandon Knight to become a Wildcat.

[Ukosumu]

August 21, 2008
by Jody Demling
Concerning the New Scout.com 2010 Rankings

UK is listed with the following guys: No. 5 Brandon Knight, No. 11 Adreian Payne, No. 32 Anthony Johnson, No. 36 Justin Martin, No. 41 Jordan McRae, No. 56 Ian Miller, No. 63 Stacey Poole, No. 69 Russell Byrd, No. 72 Cory Joseph and No. 75 Lenzelle Smith.
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs....html#comments (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2008/08/barnes-smith-tabbed-high-in-10.html#comments)

[Ukosumu]

Top Florida guard tandem looks to show off New York toughness (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=3544676)
By Jon Mahoney
ESPNRISE.com
August 21, 2008

Knight is a prototypical point guard who loves to run the show. An excellent passer and a lockdown defender, Knight, a junior at Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), can also make buckets with regularity.

"Brandon is just a pure point guard with a very high basketball IQ," Boynton said. "What makes him so difficult to stop is his decision-making. He's difficult to stop coming off the screen."

"He pretty much does it all and understands the team concept," said Pine Crest head coach David Beckerman. "Great players make other players good. He makes players around him that much better."

And he's as tough as nails, both physically and mentally. At 6-foot-3, 178 pounds, Knight can manhandle most opposing point guards with his power, but it was off the court last year where he showed his true strength.

*****
"You can't really have friends on the basketball court," said Knight, who's being recruited by Kentucky, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Miami, Florida, Duke, Marquette, Kansas and others.

[Ukosumu]

August 23, 2008
UM trying to keep top guard home
(http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=888&script=content.asp&cid=834727&fid=&tid=&mid=)

Matt Shodell
CaneSport.com

This player is ranked the No. 2 point guard in the nation by Rivals.com and the No. 8 overall player regardless of position for the Class of 2010. He's exactly the kind of player UM coach Frank Haith hopes to keep home in order to bring the Canes to consistent national prominence.

[Ukosumu]

LFBall on Hoops from the Boost Mobile Elite 24
http://lfballonhoops.blogspot.com/2008/08/boost-mobile-elite-24.html

Brandon Knight looked like a slimmer version of Paul Harris with the long braids and Miami look. And he was just as tough and got to the rim every time he tried. This kid will be a huge recruit for some program. Will Donovan let him out of Florida. Will Luke get him for Miami?

[poodoo]

LFBall on Hoops from the Boost Mobile Elite 24
http://lfballonhoops.blogspot.com/2008/08/boost-mobile-elite-24.html

Brandon Knight looked like a slimmer version of Paul Harris with the long braids and Miami look. And he was just as tough and got to the rim every time he tried. This kid will be a huge recruit for some program. Will Donovan let him out of Florida. Will Luke get him for Miami?

What kind of chance does Billy G have of getting Knight? That is my question. I would certainly love for him to become a Cat, based on what I have read.

Too, as always, thanks, Ukosumo. GO CATS! GO COACH G!

[Ukosumu]

Currently ranked #2 for the class of 2010 on Rivals.
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?SID=910&Year=2010&ra_key=1909

[Ukosumu]

ESPNU Super 60 for Class of 2010 (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=3557677)
By Paul Biancardi and Reggie Rankin
Scouts Inc.
8/28/2008

Six-foot-3 scoring point guard Brandon Knight (http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=44030) (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Pine Crest) ranks No. 2 in the class. A one-man fast break, he'll rebound the ball and take it himself or receive the outlet pass and go. Either way, he's putting pressure on the defense by advancing the ball with a high-speed dribble and terrific vision. Knight also accelerates to the basket on his penetration and knows how to finish when he gets to the rim. He possesses a strong middle game on his penetration to the basket as he pulls up in the lane and knocks down the shot with good body control and a soft touch. In a two-man game he is dangerous because he attacks off the ball screen and scores or finds the screener rolling or popping. Defensively, he keeps his man out of the lane with his athletic ability, proud demeanor and high motor.

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0828/recruit_knight_200.jpg
Floor general Brandon Knight is the top-ranked point guard in the Class of 2010.

[poodoo]

You may be noticing, Ukosumu, that I'm keeping up with all your updates on Barnes and Knight. Thanks again. :)

[Ukosumu]

You may be noticing, Ukosumu, that I'm keeping up with all your updates on Barnes and Knight. Thanks again. :)

Thanks for following along. :big_grin:

[Ukosumu]

Brandon Knight- Part of One of America's Most Talented AAU Duos (http://http://blog.northstarbball.com/2008/08/29/brandon-knight-part-of-one-of-americas-most-talented-aau-duos.aspx)
Posted by northstarbball
by Alex Schwartzi
8/29/2008

*****

Interesting interview with Brandon Knight. Most notable exchange was the following Q&A.

NB: What are some of the factors you’re looking at in a college?
BK: Right now, just somewhere, maybe not with a good history, it doesn’t have to be good history, just somewhere where I can come in and play, fit in, play my game, [and] not have to change anything around. [Somewhere where] the coach already likes what I do . . . and he can say, ‘you can come into my offense and score, [do] whatever you need to do, just play the way you [have] been playing and you can help our team get better.’

[poodoo]

Brandon Knight- Part of One of America's Most Talented AAU Duos (http://http://blog.northstarbball.com/2008/08/29/brandon-knight-part-of-one-of-americas-most-talented-aau-duos.aspx)
Posted by northstarbball
by Alex Schwartzi
8/29/2008

*****

Interesting interview with Brandon Knight. Most notable exchange was the following Q&A.

NB: What are some of the factors you’re looking at in a college?
BK: Right now, just somewhere, maybe not with a good history, it doesn’t have to be good history, just somewhere where I can come in and play, fit in, play my game, [and] not have to change anything around. [Somewhere where] the coach already likes what I do . . . and he can say, ‘you can come into my offense and score, [do] whatever you need to do, just play the way you [have] been playing and you can help our team get better.’

Thanks, Ukosumu. Too, that part is indeed "notable." With UK's history, that statement is NOT what I really want to read, of course.

[Ukosumu]

Florida Workout: Day Belonged To Knight (http://kentucky.scout.com/a.z?s=48&p=2&c=795389&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fkentucky.scout.com%2fa.z %3fs%3d48%26p%3d2%26c%3d795389)
By Eric Bossi
Scout.com
Date: Sep 28, 2008

CLEARWATER --- Now in it’s third year of existence, the Nike Team Florida Fall Workout and Exposure Camp kicked off Saturday. Taking the floor on the first day of the event were juniors and seniors. It wasn’t tough to identify the top player in attendance. Junior uber stud Brandon Knight who proved to be every bit as good as his top five ranking.

[Wally Londo]

Thanks, Ukosumu. Too, that part is indeed "notable." With UK's history, that statement is NOT what I really want to read, of course.

I agree, Poodoo. Carruth Jr, anyone? Doesn't sound coachable at all, does he?

[Ukosumu]

Team Florida event breakdown (http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=857146)
September 30, 2008
Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting

Brandon Knight (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=59767)- Knight simply possesses the complete package as a point guard. He has blow by speed, tight handles, the ability to score at all three levels, defends well and rebounds his position. On top of these physical skills, Knight has a sublime feel for the game as a leader and facilitator. Throw in a superb work ethic exemplified by Knight diving on the floor for loose balls and busting it during the drill sessions to complete the package.

[poodoo]

Throw in a superb work ethic exemplified by Knight diving on the floor for loose balls and busting it during the drill sessions to complete the package. QUOTE by Jerry Meyer
__________________

Thankls for the link, Ukosumu. Too, I'm sure Coach G LOVES that aspect of Knight's game.

[Ukosumu]

October 2, 2008
Knight still a priority? (http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=858065&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=)
Brian McLawhorn
Devils Illustrated

Duke basketball enters the month of October with two guards from the 2010 class already committed to the program. This leaves many wondering where five-star guard Brandon Knight now falls into the equation.

Current list: Clemson, Conneticut, Duke, Florida, Florida St, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Memphis, Miami (Fl), North Carolina, Syracuse, Texas, Texas A&M, and Wake Forest

[Ukosumu]

October 2, 2008
Meyer's Mailbag: KU, UM battle for top guards (http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=858225)
Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting (http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/)

NBA prospects
Who is the most NBA ready player in the class of 2010?
-- Lee from San Antonio
-----
It's sort of tough to gauge NBA readiness for juniors in high school, since none of these players are actually ready for that level of play. But in regards to most ready, I'd put it as a toss-up between our top two prospects - Josh Smith (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=64551) and Brandon Knight (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=59767).

Knight, a 6-foot-3, 170-pound point guard, has everything you look for in a point guard - tight handle, speed, quickness, feel for the game, passion for competing, scoring ability and defensive and rebounding prowess. He doesn't yet have the strength of a grown man, but he is s in the process of adding more muscle mass.

[Blue_N_White]

You may be noticing, Ukosumu, that I'm keeping up with all your updates on Barnes and Knight. Thanks again. :)

That's because you have good taste and a good eye for talent, poodoo ;)

The exact two that you named are the main two on my radar for 2010. I'll add Josh Smith, Doron Lamb, Dominique Ferguson, Roscoe Smith, Kyrie Irving, Will Barton, CJ Leslie and Adreine Payne to my list...but the two you named are at the top.

Just thought this thread needed to be bumped up. I found it on the third page with the last post being made this past October...and Knight is too great of a talent not to be on the first page, near the top. :thumbup:

[poodoo]

That's because you have good taste and a good eye for talent, poodoo ;)

The exact two that you named are the main two on my radar for 2010. I'll add Josh Smith, Doron Lamb, Dominique Ferguson, Roscoe Smith, Kyrie Irving, Will Barton, CJ Leslie and Adreine Payne to my list...but the two you named are at the top.

Just thought this thread needed to be bumped up. I found it on the third page with the last post being made this past October...and Knight is too great of a talent not to be on the first page, near the top. :thumbup:

I agree that the thread needed to be "bumped up." Too, I love that we are on Brandon Knight's list now that Coach Calipari is at Kentucky. :icon_biggrin: Oh, yes, we are also in agreement about our top two choices (and they have obviously been my top two for a long time), although those, for me, are closely followed by Dominique Ferguson. In regard to Josh Smith, he's evidently not interested in Kentucky at this time.

[WildcatRick]

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[Ukosumu]

May 26, 2009
Nike MDC: A Supreme Championship (http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=949367)

Brian Snow
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting

Even though his team lost in the championship game, Knight was very solid for Each 1 Teach 1. He hit shots, got to the rim...


http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=949367

[WildcatRick]

One of the top high school basketball players in the Class of 2010 - Brandon Knight - has a long list of colleges after him.

But the 6-foot-3 guard from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Pine Crest said he's not ready to name any favorites of the schools that are currently in the mix for his services.

"I am very open right now," Knight said. "I have not cut down the main list yet and I won't be ready to for a while. I have been open, so all the schools are really in it."

Connecticut, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Miami, Syracuse and Kentucky are among the schools that are involved in his recruiting process.

Knight said about Kentucky that the Wildcats "are in there for sure." He said he has watched what new coach John Calipari has done in his short time on the job, bringing the No. 1 recruiting class in the country to Lexington.

"You notice it," Knight said of the Wildcats haul. "You have to see where everyone is going, so you pay attention. But at the end of the day, it's the best place that fits you as a player."

Knight averaged 31.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists as a junior and was only the third junior to ever be named Gatorade National Player of the Year. The two previous were LeBron James and Greg Oden.

He's ranked No. 1 in the Rivals.com rankings and No. 3 by Scout.com.

Jody Demling (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2009/05/brandon-knight-very-open.html)

[JFCats22]

This kid is a total stud. On par with Wall....getting him could start a tradition of landing stud PGs.

[Jazz]

I could see us getting knight because Cal gets a stud PG every year ( i mean EVER year.) see Rose, Evans, Wall, and next year its going to be Knight!!

Ok maybe its just wishful thinking.:icon_biggrin:

[RxRusty]

[quote=Jazz;679030]I could see us getting knight because Cal gets a stud PG every year ( i mean EVER year.) see Rose, Evans, Wall, and next year its going to be Knight!!

He got 2 this year!:thumbup:

[dwukfan1]

yeah but even if we dont get knight i feel cal can still have a chance at joe jackson,maybe kyrie irving but i have a feeling Indiana is going to get him:shrug1:,but i also feel that UK will be Brandon KNIGHT'S college choice:5x

[Ukosumu]

July 3, 2009
Rivals 150 sees moves near the top

Jerry Meyer
Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting (http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/)

Brandon Knight remains the #1 prospect in the Rivals 150.

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=961933

[WildcatRick]

Q: Where will Barnes and Knight go to college?

A: That remains unclear.

Barnes is still considering a number of schools -- everybody from Florida to North Carolina to Iowa State. But sources familiar with his recruitment believe the 6-foot-6 wing will eventually sign with either Duke or Kansas. One person I trust said Duke. Another guessed Kansas. So take that for what it's worth.

As for Knight, the smart money (and even the dumb money) is on Kentucky.

Knight is a dominant point guard, you see, and nobody has coached more dominant point guards in recent years than new Kentucky coach John Calipari. Assuming things go as planned, John Wall will soon become Calipari's third consecutive point guard to be selected in the top five of the NBA Draft. That's a stretch that'll be difficult for Knight to ignore. And even if it wasn't, did you know that Knight happens to have family in the Lexington area?

(He does.)

Again, the smart money has Knight playing for Calipari at Kentucky.

[Ukosumu]

From Matt Jones:

On KentuckySportsReport.com, Larry Vaught today quotes a “reliable source” as saying that Adrien Payne and Brandon Knight are both very close to committing to the Cats. Potential very good news if both of these Class of 2010 guys end up pulling the trigger….
http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=24176 (http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=24176)


Larry Vaught quotes "reliable source" on Kentucky Sports Report that Cats are close to commitments from Adrien Payne and Brandon Knight.
http://twitter.com/KySportsRadio (http://twitter.com/KySportsRadio)

[Will Lavender]

^ :shock:

[KCKUKFan]

From Matt Jones:

On KentuckySportsReport.com, Larry Vaught today quotes a “reliable source” as saying that Adrien Payne and Brandon Knight are both very close to committing to the Cats. Potential very good news if both of these Class of 2010 guys end up pulling the trigger….
http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=24176 (http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=24176)


Larry Vaught quotes "reliable source" on Kentucky Sports Report that Cats are close to commitments from Adrien Payne and Brandon Knight.
http://twitter.com/KySportsRadio (http://twitter.com/KySportsRadio)

Holy Lord, that would be unbelievable.

[bcbaxter10]

The Mastermind will have done it again if that holds true!

[WildcatRick]

Brandon’s father gave me an update this morning, basically going over how everything was with Brandon’s recruitment and whether there were any new developments to report. Mr. Knight said that in-home visits and official visits had been set up but that he didn’t have the information because his wife had the calendar. Right as he was finishing up telling me about where his wife was headed, the family dog took off into the neighbor’s yard and Mr. Knight gave him what I’ll just call “a little talking to.” The phone was handed over to Brandon, who began to tell me about Kansas’ involvement.

Brandon said, “Yeah, they’re definitely involved. [Coach] Self has called me a couple times, so if I was to make a list, they’d definitely ben on it.”

I then asked Brandon about his father’s comment to a local paper in the Miami Herald about his son’s top three, which he said at the time were Connecticut, Miami (FL) and Kentucky. Knight explained that he hadn’t read that particular article but, “I guess you could say that. I do talk to them a lot but I’m not really sure when he said that.”

Kentucky seems to attract a ton of guard interest now that they’ve wooed Calipari into Lexington. Knight explained that he too has felt that same pull.“With Calipari’s good track record with guards and helping them get better, it only makes them more attractive.”

Knight then started to tell me about the plans for in-home visits and official visits but he wasn’t sure about the exact dates either and also said that his mom would be the best person to talk to. He was able to tell me that the middle of September would be when the in-home visits would occur.

Next up it was Momma. Turgenia was driving when I called her, so I told her we could just keep it short and sweet or she could even call me back. Mrs. Knight, always accomodating, humorous and extremely polite, said she was fine to talk because “what else is there to do while driving anyways?” she laughed. There’s a few important things to pass along to you guys from our conversation.

First, the rumored “family or friend” that the Knight’s have living in the Lexington area is a “family friend”. This friend was, oddly enough, the person Turgenia was driving to pick up at the airport.

Secondly, although she couldn’t get the calendar right then, while driving, she was able to tell me that Brandon does have in-home and official visits scheduled. She wasn’t sure that these dates were completely correct but she will be giving me a call back later tonight and I’ll update you guys with the changes. At this point, she was able to tell me that UK will have an in-home visit around the middle of September (she said, “I believe either the 13th, 14th or 15th) and she also thinks that UK will be getting an official visit around the middle of September as well. Again, this will all be updated later tonight and I’ll pass it along to you. I thought about not including this until later tonight, when the dates were solid, but I figured…why not…it’s Saturday and KSR readers are probably in black out mode already anyways. They won’t even remember this post tomorrow.

The last bit of information came after I asked what Mrs. Knight thought about Mr. Knight’s quote in the Miami Herald about the top schools for his son. She said, “Well, that’s probably true. Brandon’s top 5 are UConn, Kentucky, Kansas, Miami (Florida), and Florida.”

I then told Mrs. Knight thank you for her time and I also told her that she and her husband have done a wonderful job of raising Brandon and that he is always very polite to all the media members and consistently answers all questions thoroughly and seems very gracious and humble. She answered, “Well thank you, he better be!!” Nice family who has a lot of things to look forward to with their son.

[WildcatRick]

Rivals’ top player in the class of 2010 and one of the two rumored UK commits from a few weeks ago, Brandon Knight, will take an official visit to Kansas for Midnight Madness. The Lawrence Journal-World is reporting that Knight told Rivals that he will be in attendance for the “Late Night in the Phog” event in October. No word on whether or not he thinks this is the corniest name for an event in the history of mankind.

[WildcatRick]

Knight will be visiting UK the same weekend as Stacey Poole. They will be on campus the weekend of the UK/UL football game(Sep 19th).

[UKDonkbet]

From Matt Jones:

On KentuckySportsReport.com, Larry Vaught today quotes a “reliable source” as saying that Adrien Payne and Brandon Knight are both very close to committing to the Cats. Potential very good news if both of these Class of 2010 guys end up pulling the trigger….
http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=24176 (http://new.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=24176)


Larry Vaught quotes "reliable source" on Kentucky Sports Report that Cats are close to commitments from Adrien Payne and Brandon Knight.
http://twitter.com/KySportsRadio (http://twitter.com/KySportsRadio)


that would be unbelievible. lets hope it happens soon

[UKDonkbet]

Does the smart money still say that Knight goes to UK?

[Soldier1969]

Any update???

[JFCats22]

Visiting KU today

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/oct/30/no-1-recruit-visiting-kansas/?sports

[Will Lavender]

Really nice video of Knight. I think sometimes we take for granted how good this guy really is.

http://community.prepticket.com/video/video/show?id=823292:Video:109847

[KY Coal by Armbar]

Aaron of UKBBBlog tweeted this morning that Knight's top three targets are: Kansas, Florida and Kentucky. Knight also said that Kenny Boynton could play a role in his decision.

What does that mean?

[Will Lavender]

Aaron of UKBBBlog tweeted this morning that Knight's top three targets are: Kansas, Florida and Kentucky. Knight also said that Kenny Boynton could play a role in his decision.

What does that mean?

Boynton and Knight were on the same AAU team.

[KY Coal by Armbar]

Boynton and Knight were on the same AAU team.

So... Florida may be the leader for his services?

[Will Lavender]

So... Florida may be the leader for his services?

I don't know. You see a lot of these "package deals" hinted at, but a lot of times they don't pan out.

[Blue_N_White]

I don't know. You see a lot of these "package deals" hinted at, but a lot of times they don't pan out.

I'm honestly trying to think of the last time I saw a package deal that didn't include the Henrys... :icon_lol:

[JFCats22]

Knight denies having a top 3 list at this point

http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/11/16/pankey-to-announce-today-on-sny-tv-report-knight-denies-report-he-has-top-three/

[KY Coal by Armbar]

I don't know what to believe anymore.

[Blue_N_White]

I don't know what to believe anymore.

Me either.

They've been saying that THIS particular class is keeping their choices "as close to the vest as possible"...and I absolutely believe it at this point. Need an example? It was said that Barnes was going to go to Duke if Kyrie Irving signed with the BlueDevils. Reportedly, Barnes was even recruiting Irving to sign with Duke! Irving did. Barnes went to North Carolina.

Nuff said.

[UKDonkbet]

Saw where Knight had 50-something in a game the other night. WOW. Really would like to see this kid in Blue and White with Kentucky across his chest

[Wildcat_Fan98]

I don't know. You see a lot of these "package deals" hinted at, but a lot of times they don't pan out.

JaiLucas and Patrick Patterson I remember ppl saying they were goin to same school now look at em:icon_lol:

[JFCats22]

Brandon - were you watching the game last night? Which program would you rather be part of????

[Blue_N_White]

I read recently where the staff was feeling pretty good about their situation and involvement with Knight, but I can't seem to find the article now. But it defintiely sounded positive, like Knight was really "feeling" Kentucky, much like C.J. Leslie stated recently as well.... :thumbup:

[KCKUKFan]

In Matt Jones' newest blog post, he says that the folks around UK feel "better than they have in quite sometime" in regards to Knight's position. So, that's great news! Let's start haulin' em in, Cal.

Stacey Poole
Brandon Knight
C.J. Leslie
Doron Lamb
(Juco here?, Chris Hill?)

[Blue_N_White]

Stacey Poole
Brandon Knight
C.J. Leslie
Doron Lamb
(Juco here?, Chris Hill?)

That would be an awesome class. Add a big man (Vargas?) to that group, and we'll be ready to roll again next year :thumbup:

[poodoo]

Still again, I say that I SO hope Mr. Knight, a very intelligent young man, makes the wise choice of becoming a Kentucky Wildcat. Also, Blue_N_White, you may remember how I have especially wanted Harrison Barnes and Brandon Knight to become Wildcats (for about two years I've been saying that). Well, we lost Barnes. May we PLEASE get Knight. :5x :)

[Blue_N_White]

Still again, I say that I SO hope Mr. Knight, a very intelligent young man, makes the wise choice of becoming a Kentucky Wildcat. Also, Blue_N_White, you may remember how I have especially wanted Harrison Barnes and Brandon Knight to become Wildcats (for about two years I've been saying that). Well, we lost Barnes. May we PLEASE get Knight. :5x :)

Yes, I very much remember, poodoo....I was right there with you :icon_lol: :thumbup:

True, we lost Barnes....but we're still in the running for Knight!!! :icon_mrgreen:

:5x that Brandon decides to become a Cat!!!! :widcat:

[WastedWildcat]

I'm honestly trying to think of the last time I saw a package deal that didn't include the Henrys... :icon_lol:

chuck hayes and michael porter ..... perry brothers ....

[Blue_N_White]

chuck hayes and michael porter

Chuck Hayes....Modesto Christian High School class of 2001....and Michael Porter....Modesto Christian High School class of 2006???? Five years difference....a "package deal" :shrug1:

Forgive me for having a tough time believing there was any kind of a "package agreement" involving those two.

[ibleedblue2]

I'm feeling more and more confident about Knight being a CAT. It seems as though we may have cooled on Selby a bit, imo.
http://www.lex18.com/news/brandon-knight-and-dribble-drive/
This sounds awesome guys., considering Knight has held his words close to his vest.

[CurlyCat]

I'm feeling more and more confident about Knight being a CAT. It seems as though we may have cooled on Selby a bit, imo.
http://www.lex18.com/news/brandon-knight-and-dribble-drive/
This sounds awesome guys., considering Knight has held his words close to his vest.

Love that article, that's exciting! I wanna go watch Brandon play in person! Surely he'll be somewhere close to Tampa soon, time to investigate. ;)

And I hope we get back to running more dribble drive offensive schemes, the kid says he likes it!!!

[CurlyCat]

Wow! This is unbelievable!

I just realized that my daughter's school, who won the state basketball championship last year, is in the same conference with Pine Crest! They are good this year too, 15-3, loosing all three games in one McDonald's tournament. So if they make it to state again, they'll play Brandon Knight's team and I will be there.

Also found this upcoming telecast of a Pine Crest game if you want to see Brandon Knight on TV:

Friday, February 05, 2010
ESPN2 - Televised Game @ FAU
7:00 PM
Away
Basketball - Boys Varsity Pine Crest School vs Winter Park High School

[Soldier1969]

Thanks for sharing the schedule cutycat, got it on the schedule - we will be watching it as well.

[Will Lavender]

Jeff Drummond's Twitter tonight re: B. Knight:

"Something could be brewing..." :5x

[Blue_N_White]

Jeff Drummond's Twitter tonight re: B. Knight:

"Something could be brewing..." :5x

Haven't we been hearing this for a while now? :shrug1:

"WOLF.....WOLF..." ;) :icon_lol:

[Boatright_21]

Can we get an update on this? Anybody registered on this site and can read the article?

[Blue_N_White]

Can we get an update on this? Anybody registered on this site and can read the article?

I believe Will will (sorry, Will...no pun intended) pass along whatever he is allowed to pass along, when he is able to pass it along (:shock:...whew, say that five times fast!)

[Boatright_21]

I believe Will will (sorry, Will...no pun intended) pass along whatever he is allowed to pass along, when he is able to pass it along (:shock:...whew, say that five times fast!)


I am so glad that WCN is free! I would hate to be on a website where you have to pay to read stories.

[UKDonkbet]

I believe Will will (sorry, Will...no pun intended) pass along whatever he is allowed to pass along, when he is able to pass it along (:shock:...whew, say that five times fast!)

I'm sure Will will be busting at the seems to post on here whatever the 'news thats brewing' is really. Especially good news, but the bad also.

:5x Let's hope for good news, I have a good feeling about this which I havent had in awhile when it comes to a recruit commiting

[JFCats22]

Drummond says the Knight is "close" to a decision.

It's down to UK and Florida but UCONN and Miami are trying to stay in it.

Read elsewhere the decision could be tomorrow or a month from now.

[Blue_N_White]

Drummond says the Knight is "close" to a decision.

It's down to UK and Florida but UCONN and Miami are trying to stay in it.

Read elsewhere the decision could be tomorrow or a month from now.

Hoping for the former (deciding tomorrow...FOR UK!!!!)

But I have a feeling it will be the latter.

And maybe not just "a month"...but a few months.

After all....John Wall didn't declare until May last year.....

[matt colvin]

But I have a feeling it will be the latter.

And maybe not just "a month"...but a few months.



Same thoughts here.

[MakeItEight]

Anybody think he could be waiting to see for sure that John Wall is leaving? I know Coach Cal was able to sell the idea of Wall and Bledsoe playing together, but Wall, Knight and Bledsoe would be a little much. Certainly everyone feels that John Wall will be leaving, but could Knight be waiting for absolute certainty?

Has anyone heard something lately about when he'll commit or who are on his final list?

[Blue_N_White]

Anybody think he could be waiting to see for sure that John Wall is leaving? I know Coach Cal was able to sell the idea of Wall and Bledsoe playing together, but Wall, Knight and Bledsoe would be a little much. Certainly everyone feels that John Wall will be leaving, but could Knight be waiting for absolute certainty?

Has anyone heard something lately about when he'll commit or who are on his final list?

I'm not too worried about it, in all honesty.

I'm not exactly sure how accurate "Cal's Cats: Your Facebook UK News" is....but this is what they had to say in the last edition:


Recruiting notes: I’m hearing good things for the 2010 class. Things are looking good for five stars Leslie, Kanter and 4 star Lamb. Knight is close to making his decision but everyone in the know continues to say we get either Knight or Selby.

Selby might actually be the better player at this point but you can’t go wrong with either one. It may just be whichever one wants to pull the trigger first. Only way we get both is if Bledsoe does decide to go pro.
Otherwise Bledsoe moves to the point next year and Knight or Selby plays the 2 in a point guard way like Bledsoe is doing this year.

Terrence Ross is an underrated 4 star UK wants and he is now playing alongside 5 star Jones. Both are being recruited for UK and there is a chance of getting both to come together. Jones has the potential to start out of the gate at UK if we can steal him away from the west coast.If we were to land Leslie, Kanter, Lamb and either Knight or Selby to go along with Poole...that would be one of THE top recruiting classes in the country.

I've always been one of the few that considers Selby to be the equivalent of Knight. So IMHO....it will likely be a situation where whichever one announces first will be the one we get. The other will go elsewhere, and I'm fine with that (whichever one we get). But if rumors that adding Selby means adding Lamb also...where as adding Knight means that Lamb goes elsewhere....you can put me firmly down in the "Selby/Lamb" combo camp.

[Will Lavender]

Pretty neat video of Alonzo Mourning surprising Brandon Knight with the Gatorade POY award.

YouTube- Alonzo Surprises Brandon Knight with 09-10 Boys Basketball POY Award

[RxRusty]

Love it that he was sitting on the front row. Probably his regular spot based on what I've heard about his excellent academic record. Sure would love to see him as a Wildcat!

[KY VOL]

FWIW............

coachblevins (http://twitter.com/coachblevins)

Just spoke with person very close to UK program. Brandon Knight has indeed committed and will announce for UK on the 14th. Not a big shock.


DustinRumbaugh (http://twitter.com/DustinRumbaugh)

Sounds like the classic case of spring recruiting rumors & bad info there. Again any Knight commitment info out there is FALSE at this point

[Blue_N_White]

FWIW............

coachblevins (http://twitter.com/coachblevins)

Just spoke with person very close to UK program. Brandon Knight has indeed committed and will announce for UK on the 14th. Not a big shock.


DustinRumbaugh (http://twitter.com/DustinRumbaugh)

Sounds like the classic case of spring recruiting rumors & bad info there. Again any Knight commitment info out there is FALSE at this point

Let's hope that while maybe a bit premature....that "coachblevins" is correct! :thumbup:


Brandon Knight to Announce College Choice on Wednesday (http://www.aseaofblue.com/2010/4/10/1414139/brandon-knight-to-announce-college)


Brandon Knight.....COME ON DOWN!!!! :widcat:

[J.Jennings]

Let's hope that while maybe a bit premature....that "coachblevins" is correct! :thumbup:


Brandon Knight to Announce College Choice on Wednesday (http://www.aseaofblue.com/2010/4/10/1414139/brandon-knight-to-announce-college)


Brandon Knight.....COME ON DOWN!!!! :widcat:


Somebody please, come on down!!!!!!!!

Starting to get a little nervous here with only two committed and 4/5 returning players....................

[Tampa_Cat54]

Somebody please, come on down!!!!!!!!

Starting to get a little nervous here with only two committed and 4/5 returning players....................

Come on now JWorld. Knight will be commiting tomorrow, followed by definitely CJ Leslie, and hopefully Lamb, or Jones, or Ross, or Hill, or Selby, or anyone really! No reason to be worried, I have a feeling Dodson will be back as well :thumbup:

[Roper92391]

YES!!!! We got Knight!

[matt colvin]

Here's some real game footage:

ocL291k5vkk

[Will Lavender]

Just realized something.

Knight wore #11 at Pine Crest. So I'm assuming he'll take Wall's 11 at UK.

Which is perfect, because all those jerseys--including my son--will just be broken back out next October. :thumbup:

[Disgrantled]

Just realized something.

Knight wore #11 at Pine Crest. So I'm assuming he'll take Wall's 11 at UK.

Which is perfect, because all those jerseys--including my son--will just be broken back out next October. :thumbup:

Man count me in the camp that is really excited about Brandon Knight and his potential to have more of an impact than John Wall. And I love John Wall.

I just think being able to shoot the basketball trumps blazing speed.

I like Knights all around game more. Plus, he isn't a guaranteed one and done.

[Will Lavender]

Man count me in the camp that is really excited about Brandon Knight and his potential to have more of an impact than John Wall. And I love John Wall.

I just think being able to shoot the basketball trumps blazing speed.

I like Knights all around game more. Plus, he isn't a guaranteed one and done.

Agree that Knight might not be a one-and-done.

But again, he's no Wall. Very good, yes, and as valuable on the court (Wall's off-the-court value will go on for years at UK) because he'll possibly be around for more than a season, but I think there'll be times next year when we say about this team, "What's going on?" Well, it'll be because we don't have a Wall.

As great as he was, I don't think he was appreciated fully. That'll happen next year when we hit some bumps in the road.

[Disgrantled]

Agree that Knight might not be a one-and-done.

But again, he's no Wall. Very good, yes, and as valuable on the court (Wall's off-the-court value will go on for years at UK) because he'll possibly be around for more than a season, but I think there'll be times next year when we say about this team, "What's going on?" Well, it'll be because we don't have a Wall.

As great as he was, I don't think he was appreciated fully. That'll happen next year when we hit some bumps in the road.

We shall see. I know what your talking about. The games the John Wall single handedly won games for us.

But Knight has that potential too.

I only difference I'm hearing is Wall's speed and how it can't be matched. I'm sure that's true, but teams did a good job at corralling Wall and rendering his speed ineffective at times.

When you can spot up and hit a shot from anywhere in anybodys face, that's special.

Remains to be seen. But the best PG guards (who have won titles recently) could shoot the ball very effectively. I think its vital for this day in age PG.

[WildcatRick]

John Calipari's rebuilding project at Kentucky is well under way.

The Wildcats signed center Enes Kanter and received a commitment from guard Brandon Knight on Wednesday, two players Calipari hopes can step in and fill some of the holes left by the defection of five players to the NBA.

Knight, a McDonald's All-American and a two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, donned a blue Kentucky hat after making his nationally televised announcement at Pine Crest High in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

"I just chose Kentucky because I felt it was a place that had great players, a great environment and a place where I can elevate my game," Knight said on ESPNU.

Knight chose Kentucky over Syracuse, Connecticut, Kansas and Florida. The 6-4, 185-pound Knight was ranked the No. 1 prospect in the country by Rivals.com. He averaged 32 points a game last year at Pine Crest and ended his high school career as the second-leading scorer in Florida history.

Knight will have some big shoes to fill at Kentucky, which loses three players to graduation and could have five underclassmen -- guards John Wall and Eric Bledsoe, forward Patrick Patterson and centers DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton -- leave early to head to the NBA. The departing underclassmen were the core of a team that went 35-3 and won the Southeastern Conference tournament before advancing to the regional finals of the NCAA tournament.

CBS Sports (http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/13216987/top-point-guard-recruit-knight-commits-to-kentucky)

[WildcatRick]

Urgent alert to the Big Blue Nation: Breathe easier, Brandon Knight is aboard.

On the first day of college basketball's spring signing period, Kentucky won an intense recruiting sweepstakes for Knight, the nation's No. 4-rated senior. Knight made his announcement on ESPNU.

"I just chose Kentucky because I felt it was a place that had great players, a great environment and a place where I can elevate my game," Knight said on ESPNU.

Timing was everything for Knight. With the departure of five players who will enter the 2010 NBA draft, including guard John Wall -- the nation's freshman of the year and a first-team All-American -- the Wildcats were in dire need of an impact, do-everything point guard.

"Obviously this fills a huge void for [coach] John Calipari and Kentucky," said Paul Biancardi, ESPN's national basketball recruiting director. "Brandon can play the point and off the ball; he's equally adept at both. Defensively he possesses quickness and strength. In the half court, he can run the show."

Before opting for the Wildcats, Knight -- who played at Pine Crest School in Boca Raton, Fla. -- considered Syracuse, Connecticut and Kansas.

Knight, a McDonald's All-American, joins a talented Kentucky class, including ESPNU 100 prospects Enes Kanter, a 6-9 center out of Stoneridge Prep (Calif.) via Turkey, and forward Stacey Poole of Providence School (Jacksonville, Fla.).

Calipari said Kanter has the body and potential to be "special."

ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/news/story?id=5087281)

[WildcatRick]

Brandon Knight (Coral Springs, Fla./Pine Crest) ended months of heated speculation about his final college choice when he pledged his commitment to coach John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats. Knight, who had cut his list to five, has been a major target of the Kentucky staff in their anticipation of losing All-American freshman point guards John Wall and Eric Bledsoe early to the NBA draft.

This is a major pickup for Kentucky. It marks the second consecutive year the Wildcats have come up big in the late signing period. At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, Knight is an impressive physical specimen who can dominate on both sides of the ball. Although many experts believe he is still an evolving point guard, he is one of the most dynamic and explosive scorers in the country. His skill set of attacking off the dribble to create offense for himself or his teammates is a perfect fit for the Wildcat's dribble-drive offense.

Calipari has had great success attracting elite point guards and letting them find their way within the system. The recent history of past and future NBA draft picks (Wall, Tyreke Evans, Derrick Rose, Dajuan Wagner) from Calipari-coached teams are all positives in predicting Knight's future. Of course, the task of mastering the point guard position is daunting, but no one is better suited to develop an elite point guard than Calipari. As the next in line to assume the point guard mantle, Knight's ability to get it going from behind the 3-point arc is a weapon that should make him almost impossible to stop within the system.

As the two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, Knight is the complete package. The Florida native has excelled in the classroom as well as on the court. At the prestigious and challenging Pine Crest School, Knight -- who carries a 4.0-plus GPA -- never received a grade below an A throughout his academic career. He is an elite student-athlete in every sense of the word and could have attended nearly any school in the country based on his academics regardless of basketball.

ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/basketball/mens/columns/story?id=5086609)

[WildcatRick]

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[matt colvin]

Brandon Knight leaves a legacy at Pine Crest

Ethan J. Skolnick Sports columnist

FORT LAUDERDALE

Brandon Knight hardly needed a recommendation, let alone a glowing one, to earn admission into any college in America. A repeat Florida Mr. Basketball and Gatorade National Player of the Year? No need to waste time and trees. Son, just show up and start shooting.

Yet this is what colleges got, if they cared to read it. They got an English Honors III teacher raving about "Brandon's perfect articulation in reading Shakespeare," and describing "the stillness of the room as his peers listened in rapt attention" to his "Macbeth" soliloquy. They got an Advanced Placement statistics teacher recalling all the times he would stay for extra help, even it meant missing dinner before a game. They got his college counselor gushing, "A finer Pine Crest student I cannot imagine."

So that's what Kentucky is getting, along with arguably the greatest
basketball player Broward County (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/) has ever produced, someone with skills to match those of other point guards (Derrick Rose (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/sports/basketball/derrick-rose-PESPT008549.topic), Tyreke Evans, John Wall) John Calipari has recently coached. They're getting someone who has a 4.3 grade-point average, someone physics teacher Naeemah Owens "would love to clone," someone who would ask for further explanation about the one question missed on a test, "not because he wanted the points, but just so he could understand."

They're getting one of the most special student-athletes this area has ever seen.

Knight made his announcement Wednesday afternoon in the standing-room-only Stacy Auditorium.

The rest can be read here (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/basketball/browardboys/fl-knight-commits-skolnick-0415-20100414,0,7360770.column?page=1)

[UKDonkbet]

Brandon Knight leaves a legacy at Pine Crest

Ethan J. Skolnick Sports columnist

FORT LAUDERDALE

Brandon Knight hardly needed a recommendation, let alone a glowing one, to earn admission into any college in America. A repeat Florida Mr. Basketball and Gatorade National Player of the Year? No need to waste time and trees. Son, just show up and start shooting.

Yet this is what colleges got, if they cared to read it. They got an English Honors III teacher raving about "Brandon's perfect articulation in reading Shakespeare," and describing "the stillness of the room as his peers listened in rapt attention" to his "Macbeth" soliloquy. They got an Advanced Placement statistics teacher recalling all the times he would stay for extra help, even it meant missing dinner before a game. They got his college counselor gushing, "A finer Pine Crest student I cannot imagine."

So that's what Kentucky is getting, along with arguably the greatest
basketball player Broward County (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/) has ever produced, someone with skills to match those of other point guards (Derrick Rose (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/sports/basketball/derrick-rose-PESPT008549.topic), Tyreke Evans, John Wall) John Calipari has recently coached. They're getting someone who has a 4.3 grade-point average, someone physics teacher Naeemah Owens "would love to clone," someone who would ask for further explanation about the one question missed on a test, "not because he wanted the points, but just so he could understand."

They're getting one of the most special student-athletes this area has ever seen.

Knight made his announcement Wednesday afternoon in the standing-room-only Stacy Auditorium.

The rest can be read here (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/basketball/browardboys/fl-knight-commits-skolnick-0415-20100414,0,7360770.column?page=1)

Great article Matt. Thanks for posting. Physics teacher would "love to clone him", that speaks volumes to me

[poodoo]

Thanks for the link, Matt. Yes, it's a really good read about, evidently, a really special young man. :thumbup: By the way, as I posted the day of the press conference, Knight's press conference had made me think back to Patrick and the Pattersons. That's a compliment, of course.

I surely hope fans fully appreciate what Brandon brings to our team next season. John Wall was absolutely unreal as a talent and in running the team as a freshman. Besides all the spectacular, exciting plays I will never forget, h singlehandedly came through in tight game after tight game, ultimately putting the game in the "W" column. John Wall was a "once-in-a-lifetime" player. It's important, in my opinion, that we fans are careful not to expect Knight to do the things Wall did. Such would be most unfair to Knight -- and could potentially make him not feel as appreciated as we want him to feel. Just a thought.

I'm THRILLED that Brandon Knight chose to become a Wildcat. :thumbup: Too, as this writer notes, we're also getting a very special young man in Knight.

Also, thanks a million to WildcatRick for all the Knight links.
Brandon Knight leaves a legacy at Pine Crest

Ethan J. Skolnick Sports columnist

FORT LAUDERDALE

Brandon Knight hardly needed a recommendation, let alone a glowing one, to earn admission into any college in America. A repeat Florida Mr. Basketball and Gatorade National Player of the Year? No need to waste time and trees. Son, just show up and start shooting.

Yet this is what colleges got, if they cared to read it. They got an English Honors III teacher raving about "Brandon's perfect articulation in reading Shakespeare," and describing "the stillness of the room as his peers listened in rapt attention" to his "Macbeth" soliloquy. They got an Advanced Placement statistics teacher recalling all the times he would stay for extra help, even it meant missing dinner before a game. They got his college counselor gushing, "A finer Pine Crest student I cannot imagine."

So that's what Kentucky is getting, along with arguably the greatest
basketball player Broward County (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/) has ever produced, someone with skills to match those of other point guards (Derrick Rose (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/sports/basketball/derrick-rose-PESPT008549.topic), Tyreke Evans, John Wall) John Calipari has recently coached. They're getting someone who has a 4.3 grade-point average, someone physics teacher Naeemah Owens "would love to clone," someone who would ask for further explanation about the one question missed on a test, "not because he wanted the points, but just so he could understand."

They're getting one of the most special student-athletes this area has ever seen.

Knight made his announcement Wednesday afternoon in the standing-room-only Stacy Auditorium.

The rest can be read here (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/basketball/browardboys/fl-knight-commits-skolnick-0415-20100414,0,7360770.column?page=1)

[Bluerunner]

Brandon Knight leaves a legacy at Pine Crest

Ethan J. Skolnick Sports columnist

FORT LAUDERDALE

Brandon Knight hardly needed a recommendation, let alone a glowing one, to earn admission into any college in America. A repeat Florida Mr. Basketball and Gatorade National Player of the Year? No need to waste time and trees. Son, just show up and start shooting.

Yet this is what colleges got, if they cared to read it. They got an English Honors III teacher raving about "Brandon's perfect articulation in reading Shakespeare," and describing "the stillness of the room as his peers listened in rapt attention" to his "Macbeth" soliloquy. They got an Advanced Placement statistics teacher recalling all the times he would stay for extra help, even it meant missing dinner before a game. They got his college counselor gushing, "A finer Pine Crest student I cannot imagine."

So that's what Kentucky is getting, along with arguably the greatest
basketball player Broward County (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/) has ever produced, someone with skills to match those of other point guards (Derrick Rose (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/sports/basketball/derrick-rose-PESPT008549.topic), Tyreke Evans, John Wall) John Calipari has recently coached. They're getting someone who has a 4.3 grade-point average, someone physics teacher Naeemah Owens "would love to clone," someone who would ask for further explanation about the one question missed on a test, "not because he wanted the points, but just so he could understand."

They're getting one of the most special student-athletes this area has ever seen.

Knight made his announcement Wednesday afternoon in the standing-room-only Stacy Auditorium.

The rest can be read here (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/basketball/browardboys/fl-knight-commits-skolnick-0415-20100414,0,7360770.column?page=1)

Very Cool. thanks for posting. Maybe he will stay more than a year like PP, fast track to graduate.

[WildcatRick]

Two weeks ago, word spread across the country: Brandon Knight, one of the top high school basketball players in the country, had signed a Letter of Intent to play at Kentucky.


But he hadn't.


Knight signed an "aid agreement," which is a different animal entirely. It means that Kentucky owes him a full scholarship for next year. This has been widely reported as Knight "committing" to Kentucky.


But he didn't really do that, either.


Knight did not commit to anything. If he was truly committed to Kentucky, he could have signed a Letter of Intent, like virtually every other top player in the country. Players often commit to schools, but they almost always do it during a time of year when they are not allowed to sign a Letter of Intent. Knight did it instead of signing a Letter of Intent.


Nobody knew quite what to make of Knight's pseudo-commitment. He said he was going to Kentucky, he signed something with Kentucky ... it seemed like a technicality.


But it isn't.


Knight gamed the system. The whole point of signing with a school is to enforce a two-way commitment: The school and the prospect swear to love each other, in sickness and in health, in the NCAA tournament and the NIT. Schools can take scholarships away after players spend a year on campus (which I don't like, but that's another column). The Letter of Intent ends the recruiting process.


By signing an aid agreement, Knight forced Kentucky to make all the vows. The Wildcats are committed to him, but he is not committed to them.


This is perfectly legal, and my first thought was: Good for Knight. Every year, coaches sign a batch of recruits, then bolt for another job and the recruits don't find out until they turn off the Xbox and see the news stream across the bottom of their TV screen. Players don't have much power in college sports. Knight found a way to take a few chips away from the house. Good for him.


Still, I must ask:


Why?


SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/michael_rosenberg/04/29/knight/)
(http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/michael_rosenberg/04/29/knight/)

[bayside21]

Extra freedom incase bled bled comes back?

[freethrow]

New video from One Entertainment Hoops. Worth seeing for sure.

http://web.me.com/oneentertainment/Site/Home/Entries/2010/5/9_Brandon_Knight_is_Kentucky%E2%80%99s_New_11_-_Top_Ranked_PG.html

[Bluesong]

Thanks for posting that, Freethrow. Excellant video!

[WildcatRick]

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