Another Christmas has come and gone. With record highs, we had sandal weather instead of sweater weather. Is this what it feels like to live in Florida during the winter?
Sports teams are away for tournaments during the two-week break. As a teenager, I loved playing in the holiday tournaments. As an adult, I believe in letting the kids have some time off with the family. It is a two-edged sword.
Speaking of some things that are darned if you do, darned if you do not, the college basketball recruiting world is heading in a crazy direction.
Apparently, Trentyn Flowers is on the board for college coaches.
We’re talking about a two-way NBA player who has played in eight games and been a part of the G-League.
Baylor recruited James Nnaji who was the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He played professionally overseas and in NBA Summer League games.
Is this what college basketball has become? Where will the line be drawn when it comes to amateur status? Does that even matter anymore?
I have always loved college basketball because it consisted of players who still played for the name on the front of their jersey. When they move up to the League, defense is a thing of the past and it is all about money.
College still provided a sense of love for the game.
But with NIL, the NCAA has basically thrown everything out the window.
I understand allowing players to be paid. The NCAA was making millions of dollars off the backs of student-athletes who could not attend a cookout with a coach without committing a recruiting violation.
What is the possibility of seeing Kentucky players who left early, returning?
Do we refuse to participate, or do we play along with what is being allowed?
I think at some point we have to keep up with the times. But it does not mean I have to like it.
The Cats will have been on a hiatus when SEC play begins Saturday against Alabama.
I love what I have seen from Jayden Quaintance. The guy is a difference maker. Jaland Lowe is the point guard we need.
But we do not have someone who can step out and hit the 3 when we need it: the Kellan Grady, Immanuel Quickley, Koby Brea type of player.
Kentucky bounced back since the Gonzaga loss.
We turned it up in the second half against Indiana, and I thought we looked really good against St. John’s.
We are not a National Championship team this year. Without a lethal sharpshooter, I do not think we can cut down the nets.
With that statement, I do hope I eat crow come March.
Aberdeen and Kam Williams stepped up for us. And Dioubate was a huge missing piece for us while injured. I think at times, he is our best player, with Otega Oweh being consistent and personally, my favorite.
I will be pleasantly surprised if we beat Alabama. But I do expect us to lose a few SEC games. As long as JQ stays healthy, we have a shot at winning our conference tournament.
Still plenty of basketball left to be played.
Go Cats.
Brittni McCoy is the sports editor at the Mountain Citizen.