Meeks to fulfill 'dream' at UK

[Coldstream]

Meeks to fulfill 'dream' at UK http://www.kentucky.com/images/common/spacer.gif
GUARD COMMITS AFTER 'GREAT' FAN SUPPORT ON VISIT
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By Jerry Tipton
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HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

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During his official visit last weekend, guard prospect Jodie Meeks learned that he was a household name in Kentucky before stepping into any household in the Bluegrass State.

"I knew the fans were great," he said yesterday. "I didn't know they were that great in their support."

No coincidence that Meeks officially committed to the Cats at an afternoon ceremony at his high school in Norcross, Ga.

"Very important" was how Meeks termed UK fans to his commitment. "You want to go where you feel welcome and where you feel wanted."

UK fans certainly showed the love during Meeks' visit. The player said there were about 100 fans waiting for him when he arrived at Wildcat Lodge to start the two-day visit.

When he and UK Coach Tubby Smith stopped for gas during the visit, they were recognized.

"That was a big thing for me," Meeks said. "There's no pro sports in Kentucky. It's all about basketball. Basketball is a way of life."

During the visit, Meeks and several UK players visited the fans camping outside Memorial Coliseum for Midnight Madness tickets. The fans asked Meeks for his autograph and encouraged him to commit.

"I was surprised," he said. "I don't even go there yet."

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/sports/12811494.htm

[Coldstream]

Georgia guard Meeks commits to Wildcats
Also considered Alabama, Florida
By Michael Smith
The Courier-Journal


LEXINGTON, Ky. — Jodie Meeks had heard about the University of Kentucky basketball team's rabid fan base, but he saw it firsthand when he was here last weekend for his official visit.

Meeks, one of the nation's top guard prospects who committed to UK yesterday, had to slalom through a throng of basketball fans who were waiting for Big Blue Madness tickets outside Memorial Coliseum.

Many of the fans already knew his name, some wanted their picture taken with him and others asked him to join them for a game of cornhole.

"They were camping outside for Midnight Madness tickets, and that's not normal," said Meeks' father, Orestes. "That's being very excited about your school. They've got a fan base that's second to none."

The Wildcats probably had the younger Meeks locked up before he saw such a wild show of support. It was about 2-3 weeks ago, Jodie Meeks said, that he received a call from UK coach Tubby Smith, who said, "We need you."

"For coach Smith to call and say that I'm his guy, that was a dream for me," Meeks said. "I was thrilled to hear that."

Even though Alabama and Florida had been recruiting him longer, Meeks was drawn by Kentucky's tradition and a bond that he felt form with Smith over a short period of time.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051004/SPORTS03/51004006/1002/SPORTS

[Coldstream]

Prep guard commits to Wildcats
By Victoria Sun
Post staff reporter

University of Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith got an assist from a few thousand fans.

Their devotion helped steer point guard Jodie Meeks away from Alabama and onto UK's campus next fall.

Meeks, a 6-foot-4 senior from Norcross (Ga.) High School orally committed to Smith on Monday.

Meeks deliberated between UK, Alabama, the school that had been recruiting him the longest, and Florida before deciding on the Wildcats late Sunday night.

"Their fans are crazy about basketball," said Meeks, who took an official visit to UK over the weekend. "They were camped outside the practice facility waiting for Midnight Madness tickets and it's a week away."

Although Meeks is the third guard from the 2006 class to commit to the Wildcats, he isn't worried about playing time.

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051004/SPT0202/510040323/1017

[bigsky]

"I just felt right at Kentucky," said Meeks, who grew up a UK fan. "It was the best place for me."

His father was proud of his son's decision.

"When you look at Kentucky, you think of the traditions, the history and the championships," Orestes Meeks said. "When you think of Kentucky, you think of winning."

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/highschool/1005/04meeks.html

[bleedbluelady]

Sounds like a great kid with a great attitude. He seems like a perfect fit for UK and Tubby's system.

Welcome to UK Jodie Meeks! :D:cool:

[poodoo]

I agree, bleedbluelady! :)

bleedbluelady wrote:
Sounds like a great kid with a great attitude. He seems like a perfect fit for UK and Tubby's system.

Welcome to UK Jodie Meeks! :D:cool:

[WildcatDan]

You know, there is nothing I like more than a recruit that is just downright EXCITED to come play for the Cats! WHOO HOO! :)

[trublu]

The more I hear about this kid, the more he reminds me of Sheppard.:)