The past few years have been well, not good. Or at least by Kentucky standards. While most collegiate basketball programs would kill to have the resume of that of Kentucky over the past three seasons, Kentucky fans were starting to keep their big blue attire back into their closets and drawers. If things couldn't get any worst, Kentucky missed the tourney for the first time since its probation ridden seasons of the early 90's, then suffered an exit from the NIT before even reaching Madison Square Garden. Then April Fools Day came, and to a Kentuckians surprise, the joke was actually on everyone else in the college basketball world as Kentucky officially hired Coach John Calipari to fill its coaching void (left by the firing of Billy Gillespie). "Patience"is what Cal preached to all the Kentucky faithful, but with just barely a couple months gone by since the presser, there is very little reason for a Kentucky fan to be patient.
The first pieces fell into place as Calipari convinces Gillespie signee's Daniel Orton (Rivals 22nd ranked player) and Jon Hood (Rivals 40nd ranked player) to stay on board for next season. Then came ex-UAB/Memphis signee DaMarcus Cousins (Rivals 2nd ranked player) into the mix, along with another Memphis signee Darnell Dodson (JUCO transfer) who Jerry Meyer (Rivals.com recruiting expert) himself says would have been a top forty player if he would have been part of this years Class of 09'. Just if things could not get any sweeter for Cat fans, Kentucky favorite and prized big man Patrick Patterson announced he was coming back for his junior season, despite the fact he was a possible lottery pick in next years draft. And, no, I'm not finished yet. Joining fellow Alabamian Cousins, PG Eric Bledsoe (Rivals 23rd ranked player) also pledged his allegiance to John Calipari and the University of Kentucky. A huge signing for the Cats being PG was certaintly the biggest concern last year and Bledsoe is the third ranked PG in this class.
BUT, there's still more. If things didn't go from so bad to so good in under a month, Kentucky fans got the news they pateintly was awaiting for, the coming of high school phenom (and number one overall player in the nation) John Wall. Wall who shined as a senior at Raleigh, NC, Word of God Academy, has made just as much news off the court as he has on it. There was mention of Wall challening the NBA's one year removed of high school rule (in which he was predicted to be the number two pick behind Oklahoma standout big Blake Griffin), rumored to possibly go the Brandon Jennings route to Europe, and circumstances surrounding his committment and possible school destination kept a handful of schools fans/coaches at bay for more than a month. Not to mention the breaking and entering charge he recieved which is now basically water under the bridge and rightfully so being there was no wrong doing found. But, when the dust settled it left Kentucky with not only Wall but one of the best recruiting classes ever assembled.
The Cats are still waiting for Junior standout, and team scoring leader (among the nations tops in scoring) Jodie Meeks to pull his name from the NBA draft, but don't look for that to happen. However if it does, then look out. This team is already special, but adding Meeks would give the Cats four possible lottery picks in next years NBA draft, and that is unheard of. Calipari himself announced to the Kentucky faithful this may take time, and that he is not the Messiah. However, with what he has done with a historic team on the verge of extinction is very messiah like (in a basketball sense). As Kentucky was looking to have an even worst campaign next season than this, the Cats now are assure either one of the top two positions in next years pre-season polls. Wow, what a difference a couple of months make. I don't think anyone has ever looked forward to October 14th so bad in their life (the night of Midnight Madness, the first official practice of the season and first time Cats fans can see the 09-10 squad.
Did I mention Kentucky Basktball is back?
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