Good News...About OJ

[NickT315]

Sources have told me that he is very high on us right now, and that it is very very possible that he comes to Kentucky. His mom has stated that she really likes Tubby and OJ also stated that he likes Tubby. Also rumor has it that Tubby has been in heavy communication with him.

[Will Lavender]

Am I right that Mayo will be a junior this year?

And what was the deal about Mayo and Florida A&M? Didn't he say that he was seriously looking at FAMU because he liked their uniforms?

[Buddah]

OJ is a thug with an entourage.. If Brandon Rush isn't a tubby type recruit, then OJ sure the hell isn't... Not trying to bash the kid, just read so so so so much from many different sources and people.

[tauzreborn]

Didnt he live in KY but went to Ohio so he could play ball?

[Buddah]

No he lives or lived in Huntington WVA and went to Rose Hill in Ashland. Then transfered to Cincy school.

[tauzreborn]

Is it possible he bleeds blue from time to time?

[NotFrank]

tauzreborn wrote: Is it possible he bleeds blue from time to time?


He bleeds green. UK and an entourage doesn't work...paging Mr.Carruth. By all accounts OJ is a pretty good kid, but the "hangers on" is where the problems start.

[Buddah]

He was a good kid when he played at Rose Hill, but i think he has changed over time, from people who have encountered him have said. He does have an entourage though. thats a fact.

[Will Lavender]

Fran Fraschilla ran a story in ESPN.com recently about Mayo. It was a subscriber only, so I couldn't read it. The headline did mention the entourage, though...and something about Florida A&M. I think (not sure) that Mayo was considering FAMU because his entourage liked the way their uniforms looked.

[Coldstream]

Joneslab wrote: Fran Fraschilla ran a story in ESPN.com recently about Mayo. It was a subscriber only, so I couldn't read it. The headline did mention the entourage, though...and something about Florida A&M. I think (not sure) that Mayo was considering FAMU because his entourage liked the way their uniforms looked.


Sounds like the members of his entourage will end up being his agents with each one responsible for different facets of his personal and professional life. Much like LeBron.

[wildcatfanman3pt]

OJ is the next best thing that will happen in college basketball. As for him coming to kentucky? Who wouldn't turn a offer like that down?

[Caveman Catfan]

Things have changed then. I had a reporter tell me that his folks were looking for a reporter who had close ties to Pitino to better their chances at landing with RP at UL. They were evidently enamored with RP and his NBA connections.

[TRexSmarts]

I honestly don't like the idea of OJ Mayo coming to UK. I did like it when he was in 7th grade but time has changed and I can honestly see his entourage (sp?) messing up and accepting money and/or benefits on behalf of OJ's that will come back and bite UK on the butt! One year of his time isn't worth 3 or 5 years of probation!

TRexSmarts

[CatScratchFever]

I though I've read somewhere he will 19 when he graduates. If thats true he likely will go straight to the NBA.

[TRexSmarts]

I think the rules states you have to be "one year removed" from high school before you can get into the draft.

TRexSmarts

[CatScratchFever]

TRexSmarts wrote: I think the rules states you have to be "one year removed" from high school before you can get into the draft.

TRexSmarts



You are right. You have to both 19 & 1 year removed.

[Mark Blueblood]

Curious about Ricky P's connections with the NBA. Yeah, sure - he coached there - and every place he left thinks he's a blatant idiot.

But, who knows??

I'd think Tubby's connections would actually be more impressive.

[rickdacatkilla]

Natti and UofL led last week and uk wasn't on his list. A lot of UofL fans, myself included want Nolin Smith, not as good but top 10 and he is a UofL legacy and he will stay 3-4 years.

[wildcatfanman3pt]

Nick were exactly did u get this report?

[NotFrank]

NickT315 wrote: Sources have told me that he is very high on us right now, and that it is very very possible that he comes to Kentucky. His mom has stated that she really likes Tubby and OJ also stated that he likes Tubby. Also rumor has it that Tubby has been in heavy communication with him.



Complete BS. If he comesto Kentucky, it will not be to UK. We are not even close with him. Too many other things involved. If Steve Smith won't take him, neither will Tubby.

[CrowdControl]

NotFrank wrote: NickT315 wrote: Sources have told me that he is very high on us right now, and that it is very very possible that he comes to Kentucky. His mom has stated that she really likes Tubby and OJ also stated that he likes Tubby. Also rumor has it that Tubby has been in heavy communication with him.



Complete BS. If he comesto Kentucky, it will not be to UK. We are not even close with him. Too many other things involved. If Steve Smith won't take him, neither will Tubby.

Not true NotFrank.

We are in talks with him.

OJ DOESNT have a favorite. He was enamored with Cincy but has since fell out of favor with them. It is very open and Tubby has contacted and OJ is interested.

[NotFrank]

When I posted and before the Huggins thing, my post was 100% true.

[Caveman Catfan]

CrowdControl wrote: Not true NotFrank.

We are in talks with him.

OJ DOESNT have a favorite. He was enamored with Cincy but has since fell out of favor with them. It is very open and Tubby has contacted and OJ is interested.

Last year, his family had it hard for Rick Pitino (that coming from a reporter that has followed the kid). I really do not believe that UK has a shot at OJ. I trust your information, but on this one, I will only believe it when I see it.

[CrowdControl]

Caveman Catfan wrote: CrowdControl wrote: Not true NotFrank.

We are in talks with him.

OJ DOESNT have a favorite. He was enamored with Cincy but has since fell out of favor with them. It is very open and Tubby has contacted and OJ is interested.

Last year, his family had it hard for Rick Pitino (that coming from a reporter that has followed the kid). I really do not believe that UK has a shot at OJ. I trust your information, but on this one, I will only believe it when I see it.



Caveman... I thought so also. Then at one of the events I was at, OJ and Tubby were talking and the conversation was very congenial. afterwards, talking with Keenan Ellis, he said that OJ doesnt have that much as UL is looking at Nolan Smith. Since they are similar players... OJ pt is reduced. He had more of a feeling to UC . Now that the stuff on Huggy is coming out.. He isnt as enthralled there.

We do have a chance. Especially since most of our guards will be gone... He could come in and start.. which is what he wants...

[Caveman Catfan]

CrowdControl wrote: Caveman... I thought so also. Then at one of the events I was at, OJ and Tubby were talking and the conversation was very congenial. afterwards, talking with Keenan Ellis, he said that OJ doesnt have that much as UL is looking at Nolan Smith. Since they are similar players... OJ pt is reduced. He had more of a feeling to UC . Now that the stuff on Huggy is coming out.. He isnt as enthralled there.

We do have a chance. Especially since most of our guards will be gone... He could come in and start.. which is what he wants...

Interesting. The questions that begs, is that what we want?

OJ has to be considered a one and done. I can see how two year players can be helpful to a team, but it seems the one year NBA hopeful may not always be a good catch.

[CrowdControl]

Caveman Catfan wrote: CrowdControl wrote: Caveman... I thought so also. Then at one of the events I was at, OJ and Tubby were talking and the conversation was very congenial. afterwards, talking with Keenan Ellis, he said that OJ doesnt have that much as UL is looking at Nolan Smith. Since they are similar players... OJ pt is reduced. He had more of a feeling to UC . Now that the stuff on Huggy is coming out.. He isnt as enthralled there.

We do have a chance. Especially since most of our guards will be gone... He could come in and start.. which is what he wants...

Interesting. The questions that begs, is that what we want?

OJ has to be considered a one and done. I can see how two year players can be helpful to a team, but it seems the one year NBA hopeful may not always be a good catch.

I questioned the same thing. Especially with some of the other offers already are for just as talented players... Gary Johnson, Gani Lawal, etc. I think it is worth a look, evaluation of matching needs. His to get to NBA, and us to have players to keep team unity and get title. It is worth the look

[I. Melvin]

The "one-and-done" dilemma is one that all coaches of premier programs must come to grips with.

It is reasonable to avoid these players altogether as disruptive to chemistry and fool's gold.

It's also reasonable to view these guys as the hired gun - the missing piece to a title run. (It's done all the time at the pro level.) Carmelo is, of course, the poster boy for this strategem.

I think it comes down to the character of the kid. If he is by nature a team player who hates losing more than he loves putting up numbers, then you bring him in and everyone knows the deal. (Kills your graduation rate, however.)

If he's got the entourage, the bling, the hangers-on, I say you pass (even if he is the next Lebron.)

[trublu]

IMO, he is a one and done. I wouldn't lose a good 3-4 year recruit for him. One player cannot guarantee a championship anyway.

[CrowdControl]

I. Melvin wrote: The "one-and-done" dilemma is one that all coaches of premier programs must come to grips with.

It is reasonable to avoid these players altogether as disruptive to chemistry and fool's gold.

It's also reasonable to view these guys as the hired gun - the missing piece to a title run. (It's done all the time at the pro level.) Carmelo is, of course, the poster boy for this strategem.

I think it comes down to the character of the kid. If he is by nature a team player who hates losing more than he loves putting up numbers, then you bring him in and everyone knows the deal. (Kills your graduation rate, however.)

If he's got the entourage, the bling, the hangers-on, I say you pass (even if he is the next Lebron.)


Absolutely ... excellent post.

That is what I meant by talking and conversing. They will discuss.

BUt it isnt that simple to say PASS without the conversation trublu.

YOU might have a Carmelo, that "hired gun"... it wont hurt recruiting any 4 year players. We have 5 scholarships that year as it stands right now. Maybe more.

SO it wont "hinder that".

[NotFrank]

As CC pointed out, we have a bunch of schollies that year, so his one and done may not be an issue except graduation rates. If Bill Walker is part of the package along with the other kid (name?) then it may be worth the risk. The following is something I was hearing last week before all the Huggy stuff came out:

FWIW, I have been told that OJ wants to stay close to home (whatever that means) and is not only lobbying for his boys, but also his coach. I would not be surprised if his head coach ends up at the school he "commits" to. Think Jamal Magliore and Simeon Mars. The rumors of Pitino and NBA connects are complete BS...his family and friends are looking for the best platform for him to be the man, if he even goes to college. Mt.Zion, and now the other school the coach is opening, is actively recruiting him as a post-grad. Oak Hill is out at this point b/c OJ and crew bring too much baggage. That's a bad sign for UK b/c Steve Smith LOVES UK, regardless of the coach. Think Hawkins, Rondo and Mercer...all destined for other schools (New Mexico,UL and VU). What I hear is UC because of the scholly situation (they can offer all three) , but if 2/3 qualify (thus a program only needs to use 2 scholarships) UL becomes the frontrunner. But, if Nolan Smith early commits to UL, all bets are off because there is no way even Pitino turns down Derek's kid. Long story short, we are a longshot. Do not be surprised if OJ commits, doesn't sign, gets his boys/coach a deal and never sets foot on a college campus.



Keep in mind this was last week.

[UKONMYMIND]

Bronx, New York point gaurd Corey Fisher says

"I spoke to Coach Reggie (Hanson) and I was just asking if they were recruiting me or not," Fisher recalled from the day UK offered. "He said they're recruiting O.J. (Mayo), Jerryd Bayless, and me. He just said 'whenever you're ready.'"

I think Tubby would take him.

[CrowdControl]

NotFrank.

I know Steve Smith... at Oak Hill. He likes UK but doesnt play favorites with his recruits and UK. There is a genuine friendship, but he is not a UK fan/favorite.

Now as far as OJ... what you said... I concur.

[kybuc]

Dont fret now UK fans. Internet reports place OJ at Memorial Coliseum today hooping it up with UK basketball players.

Sounds to me like OJ is interested in UK!

[DCCatFan]

CC, I lurk a lot but don't get a chance to post all that often.

You are a journalistand know more than me -- but sometimes you seem to remind us of that too much.

These posts on this thread, however, are insightful and friendly. My opinion, which doesn't mean much, is that these are great posts -- keep 'em up man.

Go Big Blue!

[NotFrank]

CrowdControl wrote: NotFrank.

I know Steve Smith... at Oak Hill. He likes UK but doesnt play favorites with his recruits and UK. There is a genuine friendship, but he is not a UK fan/favorite.

Now as far as OJ... what you said... I concur.



You know Steve better than I do, but, I think you will agree, Steve has a great working relationship with our staff. Steve hates being pigeonholed as a basketball school. Tubby, and Rick (take it or leave it guys), hate being referred to as a basketball factories. Regardless of wins and losses, they all have the best interests of the players in mind at this point of their respectivecareers. Fortunately, or not depending on your interests, there will be a championship in the Bluegrass sooner rather than later.

BTW, can I get some love on my insights and basketball recruiting posts!

[UKHAS7NCAA]

Looks like who ever gets Mayo also gets Walker (his teammate) who is a top 5 player as well. Talk about a nice package deal.:shock:

[CrowdControl]

DCCatFan wrote: CC, I lurk a lot but don't get a chance to post all that often.

You are a journalistand know more than me -- but sometimes you seem to remind us of that too much.

These posts on this thread, however, are insightful and friendly. My opinion, which doesn't mean much, is that these are great posts -- keep 'em up man.

Go Big Blue!
My apologies...

I just clarify when I know something... something that isnt conjecture or rumor.

[poodoo]

DCCatFan wrote: CC, I lurk a lot but don't get a chance to post all that often.

You are a journalistand know more than me -- but sometimes you seem to remind us of that too much.

These posts on this thread, however, are insightful and friendly. My opinion, which doesn't mean much, is that these are great posts -- keep 'em up man.

Go Big Blue!
Well-said, DCCatFan. I always welcome "insightful, friendly" posts, and thesehave beenjust that, as you said. :)Too, CC, thanks for sharing your insight. :)

[ImForKy]

kybuc wrote: Dont fret now UK fans. Internet reports place OJ at Memorial Coliseum today hooping it up with UK basketball players.

Sounds to me like OJ is interested in UK!
For what it's worth, the guy from The Cats Pause just confirmed this on WLAP.

[CrowdControl]

What? You think I just made this up? why would I make it up?

[AugustaDan]

What? You think I just made this up? why would I make it up?
I believe the confirmation was about OJ being in Memorial Coliseum, which didn't originate with you.

Dan

[CrowdControl]

dxwils3 wrote: What? You think I just made this up? why would I make it up?
I believe the confirmation was about OJ being in Memorial Coliseum, which didn't originate with you.

Dan
hmmm where did it originate then...

[Caveman Catfan]

CrowdControl wrote: NotFrank.

I know Steve Smith... at Oak Hill. He likes UK but doesnt play favorites with his recruits and UK. There is a genuine friendship, but he is not a UK fan/favorite.

Now as far as OJ... what you said... I concur.



I would tend to agree, just by perception. He has sent a lot of kids to Division I schools. The fact that three have gone to UK is no big surprise. I think he has had at least that many go to UNC.

[CrowdControl]

and Maryland

and Syracuse (Carmelo, Eric Devendorf lately)

and Georgetown

[KapitalCat]

CrowdControl wrote: dxwils3 wrote: What? You think I just made this up? why would I make it up?
I believe the confirmation was about OJ being in Memorial Coliseum, which didn't originate with you.

Dan
hmmm where did it originate then...

CC--I'm sure I read it the same place you did, do you believe it?

[NotFrank]

CrowdControl wrote: and Maryland

and Syracuse (Carmelo, Eric Devendorf lately)

and Georgetown



My point was more that if Steve Smith wouldn't take a guy and all his baggage, chances are Tubby wouldn't either. Steve knows the type of players Tubby likes to recruit and knows better to send him any more Rashaad "I know what I'm doing dawg" Carruth. However, as I said, this was last week before the Huggins situation and before it looks more and more likely Nolan Smith will end up at UL, thus the schollie situation gets cloudy.

[CrowdControl]

Kapital Kat.

Incorrect.

My contacts at the U told me...

Some will never learn...:cool:

:P

[blueheretic]

CrowdControl wrote: Kapital Kat.

Incorrect.

My contacts at the U told me...

Some will never learn...:cool:

:P

Some will never learn? What exactly? I'm curious. That Greg is infallible? Come on now. A little high on ourselves aren't we? LOL :P:P:P

[CrowdControl]

With everyone else except you B> D>.//



;)

[blueheretic]

I'm just busting your balls. ;)

[CrowdControl]

I would expect nothing less BD...

;)