Freshmen Info

[freethrow]

Good Stuff,


Over the past couple of weeks, I have spoken with a number of people who have spent the summer watching the team in their workouts. The reports I have been given as to who is playing well have varied a bit. Some say Jared Carter is becoming great, some say he is just better. Some say Ramel Bradley is developing into the leader of the team and some wonder if he talks too much. But literally EVERY PERSON has told me that the “freshmen are going to be special.” more,,,,,,,,,

http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=715

[WildcatDan]

Good stuff in that blog post and just what us "bad news weary" fans need to hear.

Love this - this bodes well for UK and our new S&C coach:

Equally as impressive is what is being said about Perry Stevenson. While his potential for immediate playing time may be slightly less, he is reported to have put on 15 pounds since he arrived in Lexington and he is living in the weight room. His work with new trainer Scott Holsopple, could earn the new employee his paycheck and it seems the work has already paid off. Stevenson is said to be “already more physical than Sheray Thomas” which may or may not be a compliment, but is certainly encouraging.



Liked this as well:

All of this news, while not surprising to me considering their high school careers, suggests that the 06 class that Tubby has brought in could end up being one of his best during his tenure. Four Tubby SMith type guys….workhorses who are intelligent players and check their ego at the door. This would be a pleasant change indeed.
If the freshmen have this attitude and we can get a healthy dose of team chemistry this year we may just be a bit more nasty than anyone is currently giving us credit for. :thumbup

[freethrow]

Amen to that. :)

WildcatDan wrote: Good stuff in that blog post and just what us "bad news weary" fans need to hear.

[mrmeeks]

Nice blog. What I really don't understand is why some folks think Jodie can't be an elite player in college. I'll hold my tongue, but come on. They hesitate to believe because they read the internet and may have seen him play once? I can tell you this and I'll shut up, Jodie can play with or even outplay ANY of the guys in his position that made McDonalds or any other all star game. If you have followed his play his senior year as most UK fans have (many have seen him play multiple times), you are optimistic. He will need to learn fast and work hard. I am confident he will find a way to positively contribute to the team this year. I just hope all the nay sayers are saving their posts. As for the Card fans, I have no comment. They will have to prove their "on paper" superiority of the Cats on the court. Good luck.............



PS Take any other player in Jodie's class at his position and compare their size, desire, statistics, or anything else and then get back to me. I'm not talking about what awards or teams they were selected for or about how many stars someone has given them, I'm talking about on court performance and effectiveness. Keep this in mind, on his high school team the coach focused on how to help the team win. Sometimes Jodie had the opportunity to take over some games, but he averaged 17 shots a game for the season! He shot over 50% from the field. Most of the kids that have the big games or the big averages (Jodie averaged 23pts), shot the ball more and made less.

I'll have that conversation with you because he has played against quite a few of them.

I am not offended, but how can anyone say for sure if Jodie has to score 10pts a game the Cats are in trouble? Do they not understand he shoots close to 90% from the FT line? If the team needs him to do it, I believe he could do that easily. The key is what does the team need. Not what a player can or can't do.

[Will Lavender]

That little snippet on Perry Stevenson, if true, is the best thing I've read all summer.

[SunBaller]

There have already been quotes from one very young potential UK recruit who says Jodie Meeks is constantly moving without the ball. I love that style of 2-Guard and that energy and work ethic like "Rip" Hamilton. If all is true, and J. Meeks has the energy and work ethic to constantly move for the screens, has a great vertical leap, and a quick and accurate shot, there is no doubt in my mind he will eventually start at the 2 over Crawford. Crawford hasn't shown the greatest work ethic in two (2) years and we could certainly use another Bogans, Fitch, or Sheppard with that energy to work hard for that screen and shot. Shooting accuracy will always be the key however. There are a lot oftaller,quicker, and more athleticdefenders in Division I College Basketball than Georgia High School Basketball.

[bret1555]

mrmeeks wrote: Nice blog. What I really don't understand is why some folks think Jodie can't be an elite player in college. I'll hold my tongue, but come on. They hesitate to believe because they read the internet and may have seen him play once? I can tell you this and I'll shut up, Jodie can play with or even outplay ANY of the guys in his position that made McDonalds or any other all star game. If you have followed his play his senior year as most UK fans have (many have seen him play multiple times), you are optimistic. He will need to learn fast and work hard. I am confident he will find a way to positively contribute to the team this year. I just hope all the nay sayers are saving their posts. As for the Card fans, I have no comment. They will have to prove their "on paper" superiority of the Cats on the court. Good luck.............



PS Take any other player in Jodie's class at his position and compare their size, desire, statistics, or anything else and then get back to me. I'm not talking about what awards or teams they were selected for or about how many stars someone has given them, I'm talking about on court performance and effectiveness. Keep this in mind, on his high school team the coach focused on how to help the team win. Sometimes Jodie had the opportunity to take over some games, but he averaged 17 shots a game for the season! He shot over 50% from the field. Most of the kids that have the big games or the big averages (Jodie averaged 23pts), shot the ball more and made less.

I'll have that conversation with you because he has played against quite a few of them.

I am not offended, but how can anyone say for sure if Jodie has to score 10pts a game the Cats are in trouble? Do they not understand he shoots close to 90% from the FT line? If the team needs him to do it, I believe he could do that easily. The key is what does the team need. Not what a player can or can't do.


Mr. Meeks,

I think a lot of thes types of comments are not-so-subtle digs at the upperclassmen. Although I think our incoming juniors are special, the perception is that UK does not have good talent. Therefore, when people say things like this, they are merely frustrated that we seem to be in the position that we need 10 ppg from a freshmen.

FWIW, I don't think we need 10 ppg from Jodie. . . I do think he is capable of that. The thing I think impresses all of us (at least from what we've heard about Jodie) is that he buys into the team approach. It seems that Tubby has gotten a class of quality talent AND quality people.

Do you have any info from Jodie about camaraderie. . . From all reports, they get along great, but I was just wondering about how he likes the team & how well they all get along.

[Will Lavender]

bret1555 wrote: mrmeeks wrote: Nice blog. What I really don't understand is why some folks think Jodie can't be an elite player in college. I'll hold my tongue, but come on. They hesitate to believe because they read the internet and may have seen him play once? I can tell you this and I'll shut up, Jodie can play with or even outplay ANY of the guys in his position that made McDonalds or any other all star game. If you have followed his play his senior year as most UK fans have (many have seen him play multiple times), you are optimistic. He will need to learn fast and work hard. I am confident he will find a way to positively contribute to the team this year. I just hope all the nay sayers are saving their posts. As for the Card fans, I have no comment. They will have to prove their "on paper" superiority of the Cats on the court. Good luck.............



PS Take any other player in Jodie's class at his position and compare their size, desire, statistics, or anything else and then get back to me. I'm not talking about what awards or teams they were selected for or about how many stars someone has given them, I'm talking about on court performance and effectiveness. Keep this in mind, on his high school team the coach focused on how to help the team win. Sometimes Jodie had the opportunity to take over some games, but he averaged 17 shots a game for the season! He shot over 50% from the field. Most of the kids that have the big games or the big averages (Jodie averaged 23pts), shot the ball more and made less.

I'll have that conversation with you because he has played against quite a few of them.

I am not offended, but how can anyone say for sure if Jodie has to score 10pts a game the Cats are in trouble? Do they not understand he shoots close to 90% from the FT line? If the team needs him to do it, I believe he could do that easily. The key is what does the team need. Not what a player can or can't do.


Mr. Meeks,

I think a lot of thes types of comments are not-so-subtle digs at the upperclassmen. Although I think our incoming juniors are special, the perception is that UK does not have good talent. Therefore, when people say things like this, they are merely frustrated that we seem to be in the position that we need 10 ppg from a freshmen.

FWIW, I don't think we need 10 ppg from Jodie. . . I do think he is capable of that. The thing I think impresses all of us (at least from what we've heard about Jodie) is that he buys into the team approach. It seems that Tubby has gotten a class of quality talent AND quality people.

Do you have any info from Jodie about camaraderie. . . From all reports, they get along great, but I was just wondering about how he likes the team & how well they all get along.

Bret is exactly right. The recruiting frustration that all of us feel is not aimed at this class, it's more of a byproduct of the senior class and the sophomore class.

Tubby has had, for some reason or another, a rough time of it the last four years in terms of his consistency on the recruiting trail. It's no secret. Everybody is in agreement with that, I think. So what you get is people just bashing recruiting with a broad brush. They'll say "Our recruiting stinks," when in reality they should say, I think, "Our recruiting has been inconsistent."

Clearly, the freshman class this year was not one of Tubby's mistakes. This class is going to be very good, and if Perry Stevenson can get out there and be a shot-stopper in the paint, then I think this class may go down, as Matt Jones writes in the blog, as Tubby's best.

[jpay]

For what its worth, I think this class has tremendous potential. Jodie appears to have all the tools. You can't teach athleticism, Jodie reminds me of D Wade as far as size goes. If he has a motor like Rip we are in for something special. Jasper, and Stevenson will also be major contributors. Anything we get from Porter this season will just be gravy. Gawd I am pumped, I can't wait for the season to start. :thumbup

[mrmeeks]

bret1555 wrote: mrmeeks wrote: Nice blog. What I really don't understand is why some folks think Jodie can't be an elite player in college. I'll hold my tongue, but come on. They hesitate to believe because they read the internet and may have seen him play once? I can tell you this and I'll shut up, Jodie can play with or even outplay ANY of the guys in his position that made McDonalds or any other all star game. If you have followed his play his senior year as most UK fans have (many have seen him play multiple times), you are optimistic. He will need to learn fast and work hard. I am confident he will find a way to positively contribute to the team this year. I just hope all the nay sayers are saving their posts. As for the Card fans, I have no comment. They will have to prove their "on paper" superiority of the Cats on the court. Good luck.............



PS Take any other player in Jodie's class at his position and compare their size, desire, statistics, or anything else and then get back to me. I'm not talking about what awards or teams they were selected for or about how many stars someone has given them, I'm talking about on court performance and effectiveness. Keep this in mind, on his high school team the coach focused on how to help the team win. Sometimes Jodie had the opportunity to take over some games, but he averaged 17 shots a game for the season! He shot over 50% from the field. Most of the kids that have the big games or the big averages (Jodie averaged 23pts), shot the ball more and made less.

I'll have that conversation with you because he has played against quite a few of them.

I am not offended, but how can anyone say for sure if Jodie has to score 10pts a game the Cats are in trouble? Do they not understand he shoots close to 90% from the FT line? If the team needs him to do it, I believe he could do that easily. The key is what does the team need. Not what a player can or can't do.


Mr. Meeks,

I think a lot of thes types of comments are not-so-subtle digs at the upperclassmen. Although I think our incoming juniors are special, the perception is that UK does not have good talent. Therefore, when people say things like this, they are merely frustrated that we seem to be in the position that we need 10 ppg from a freshmen.

FWIW, I don't think we need 10 ppg from Jodie. . . I do think he is capable of that. The thing I think impresses all of us (at least from what we've heard about Jodie) is that he buys into the team approach. It seems that Tubby has gotten a class of quality talent AND quality people.

Do you have any info from Jodie about camaraderie. . . From all reports, they get along great, but I was just wondering about how he likes the team & how well they all get along.
Thanks for clearing that up. I speak with Jodie as often as I can. My wife and I really leave him alone as much as possible:) From everything he has told me they all get along pretty well. It appears the team is pretty focused on getting better. He has told me on a number of occasions that Ramel is very funny. He loves the smack talk on the floor at the scrimages. He enjoys playing with all of them. He has told me of some pretty good battles. I wish I could see some of them. So far he is doing pretty well in school and off the court with his teammates. When he called me last night they were coming back from some Mexican restaurant. He is having a pretty good time for summer school, but tells me he is looking forward to getting home in a few weeks for some rest:D

[bret1555]

mrmeeks wrote: bret1555 wrote: mrmeeks wrote: Nice blog. What I really don't understand is why some folks think Jodie can't be an elite player in college. I'll hold my tongue, but come on. They hesitate to believe because they read the internet and may have seen him play once? I can tell you this and I'll shut up, Jodie can play with or even outplay ANY of the guys in his position that made McDonalds or any other all star game. If you have followed his play his senior year as most UK fans have (many have seen him play multiple times), you are optimistic. He will need to learn fast and work hard. I am confident he will find a way to positively contribute to the team this year. I just hope all the nay sayers are saving their posts. As for the Card fans, I have no comment. They will have to prove their "on paper" superiority of the Cats on the court. Good luck.............



PS Take any other player in Jodie's class at his position and compare their size, desire, statistics, or anything else and then get back to me. I'm not talking about what awards or teams they were selected for or about how many stars someone has given them, I'm talking about on court performance and effectiveness. Keep this in mind, on his high school team the coach focused on how to help the team win. Sometimes Jodie had the opportunity to take over some games, but he averaged 17 shots a game for the season! He shot over 50% from the field. Most of the kids that have the big games or the big averages (Jodie averaged 23pts), shot the ball more and made less.

I'll have that conversation with you because he has played against quite a few of them.

I am not offended, but how can anyone say for sure if Jodie has to score 10pts a game the Cats are in trouble? Do they not understand he shoots close to 90% from the FT line? If the team needs him to do it, I believe he could do that easily. The key is what does the team need. Not what a player can or can't do.


Mr. Meeks,

I think a lot of thes types of comments are not-so-subtle digs at the upperclassmen. Although I think our incoming juniors are special, the perception is that UK does not have good talent. Therefore, when people say things like this, they are merely frustrated that we seem to be in the position that we need 10 ppg from a freshmen.

FWIW, I don't think we need 10 ppg from Jodie. . . I do think he is capable of that. The thing I think impresses all of us (at least from what we've heard about Jodie) is that he buys into the team approach. It seems that Tubby has gotten a class of quality talent AND quality people.

Do you have any info from Jodie about camaraderie. . . From all reports, they get along great, but I was just wondering about how he likes the team & how well they all get along.
Thanks for clearing that up. I speak with Jodie as often as I can. My wife and I really leave him alone as much as possible:) From everything he has told me they all get along pretty well. It appears the team is pretty focused on getting better. He has told me on a number of occasions that Ramel is very funny. He loves the smack talk on the floor at the scrimages. He enjoys playing with all of them. He has told me of some pretty good battles. I wish I could see some of them. So far he is doing pretty well in school and off the court with his teammates. When he called me last night they were coming back from some Mexican restaurant. He is having a pretty good time for summer school, but tells me he is looking forward to getting home in a few weeks for some rest:D


Glad to hear they are getting along, well. More importantly, I am glad to hear that Jodie is doing well in summer school. Strictly from a student's standpoint, I always preferred summer school better in college. . . Smaller classes, more individual attention w/the instructor(s), and I am sure he is relieved not to have to balance the concerns of the season with academics. I hope he enjoys a well-deserved rest.

P. s. Anything on Holsopple (the S & C Coach)?

[bleedbluelady]

:cool: A much needed breath of fresh air to read something postive.

And mrmeeks, I sure love your spunk.:thumbup :dude:

[Caveman Catfan]

Derrick Jasper is finding his role with the Cats and is playing a lot of small forward during the various workouts.
Not surprised by this. I think that Jasper and Meeks may get some time at the WF spot this season.

[Will Lavender]

Caveman Catfan wrote: Derrick Jasper is finding his role with the Cats and is playing a lot of small forward during the various workouts.
Not surprised by this. I think that Jasper and Meeks may get some time at the WF spot this season.



I agree.

We might see situations this year where D. Jasper runs point, yet he guards the other team's 3 because of his size. That would allow Bradley and Crawford/Meeks to play the 2 and the 3 on offense, positions I think they can handle on that end.

Put it this way: we certainly have a lot more options this coming season on the perimeter defensively than we did a year ago, and you can't tell me that perimeter defense wasn't one of our biggest flaws this past year.

[poodoo]

Thanks for the link, freethrow. I am now even more anxious to see these freshmen in action. It is good to read that Perry Stevenson is putting on weight.

I particularly like what I have read here about your son, Mr. Meeks. We absolutely need a guard who moves well without the ball. I also love reading how your son's work ethic is so impressive, besides how all the players love him. I think I love him already! :cool:I am truly really anxious to see all these guys next season. :)

[catsmeow]

Mr. Meeks,

Heart & desire can make an average plalyer a great one. I am sure Jody is more than an average player or UK would not have recruited him. I have heard what a hard worker he is and that he has more than enough desire & heart. I am looking forward to watching him and will be cheering him on!!!!

Catsmeow

[audacious1]

mrmeeks wrote: bret1555 wrote: mrmeeks wrote: Nice blog. What I really don't understand is why some folks think Jodie can't be an elite player in college. I'll hold my tongue, but come on. They hesitate to believe because they read the internet and may have seen him play once? I can tell you this and I'll shut up, Jodie can play with or even outplay ANY of the guys in his position that made McDonalds or any other all star game. If you have followed his play his senior year as most UK fans have (many have seen him play multiple times), you are optimistic. He will need to learn fast and work hard. I am confident he will find a way to positively contribute to the team this year. I just hope all the nay sayers are saving their posts. As for the Card fans, I have no comment. They will have to prove their "on paper" superiority of the Cats on the court. Good luck.............



PS Take any other player in Jodie's class at his position and compare their size, desire, statistics, or anything else and then get back to me. I'm not talking about what awards or teams they were selected for or about how many stars someone has given them, I'm talking about on court performance and effectiveness. Keep this in mind, on his high school team the coach focused on how to help the team win. Sometimes Jodie had the opportunity to take over some games, but he averaged 17 shots a game for the season! He shot over 50% from the field. Most of the kids that have the big games or the big averages (Jodie averaged 23pts), shot the ball more and made less.

I'll have that conversation with you because he has played against quite a few of them.

I am not offended, but how can anyone say for sure if Jodie has to score 10pts a game the Cats are in trouble? Do they not understand he shoots close to 90% from the FT line? If the team needs him to do it, I believe he could do that easily. The key is what does the team need. Not what a player can or can't do.


Mr. Meeks,

I think a lot of thes types of comments are not-so-subtle digs at the upperclassmen. Although I think our incoming juniors are special, the perception is that UK does not have good talent. Therefore, when people say things like this, they are merely frustrated that we seem to be in the position that we need 10 ppg from a freshmen.

FWIW, I don't think we need 10 ppg from Jodie. . . I do think he is capable of that. The thing I think impresses all of us (at least from what we've heard about Jodie) is that he buys into the team approach. It seems that Tubby has gotten a class of quality talent AND quality people.

Do you have any info from Jodie about camaraderie. . . From all reports, they get along great, but I was just wondering about how he likes the team & how well they all get along.
Thanks for clearing that up. I speak with Jodie as often as I can. My wife and I really leave him alone as much as possible:) From everything he has told me they all get along pretty well. It appears the team is pretty focused on getting better. He has told me on a number of occasions that Ramel is very funny. He loves the smack talk on the floor at the scrimages. He enjoys playing with all of them. He has told me of some pretty good battles. I wish I could see some of them. So far he is doing pretty well in school and off the court with his teammates. When he called me last night they were coming back from some Mexican restaurant. He is having a pretty good time for summer school, but tells me he is looking forward to getting home in a few weeks for some rest:D


I just want to go on record saying how cool it is that a players father is feeding us the inside scoop. 8^)

Mr. Meeks, just keep in mind that most posters here at WCN do a good job of being reasonable and fair with our posts. A few though aren't. So it just takes a bit of time to figure out who's who.

Keep the great comments coming! We're looking forward to Midnight Madness!