No argument about Meeks' work ethic. Maybe he won't be an all-star, but count me among those who believe he will be drafted.
* Lexington's Paul Nesbitt felt it was unfair to criticize Meeks as Reeves did for not holding a press conference like UK football player Jeremy Jarmon did when he announced his career was over because he used a banned substance. He also thinks it is unfair to blame Meeks for turning pro.
"I am an engineer. If a company came to me after one, two, or three years of engineering school and told me that I was a great engineer, didn't need any more training, leave and I would be given a chance to make a million dollars or more a year, would I hesitate? Of course not!
"I was on a scholarship during my undergraduate days, and that wouldn't have stopped me because of 'loyalty to the University.' We want Jodie to stay because we are selfish, want to see him play another year. Yes, I want him to have made the decision to come back, but do not fault him in any way.
"I will never forget an interview with Rex Chapman after he decided to leave after his sophomore year. He stated that an injury late in the year made him realize that his pro career could be over before it starts if he suffered a bad injury. Of course, they can borrow to buy insurance now, in Rex's day they could not. Last I heard that was limited to one million dollars. Jodie's potential earnings will be much greater than that.
"You go Jodie! I will always be a fan, even more so because you suffered such a horrible year at the hands of coach (Billy) Gillispie."
I think the mental and physical anguish Meeks endured the last two years under Gillispie had as much to do with his decision as anything. He just doesn't want to risk playing for a third coach in four years.
* Danville's Antwann Yocum wasn't surprised with Meeks' decision.
"The main reason why it is no surprise to me is that when you look at the incoming freshmen and all the promise they bring, it doesn't leave as many touches for Jodie. Last year Jodie was the only guard who could give reliable scoring. That probably would not have been the case this year.
"Also I have to say that personally, I am happy Jodie is going with his heart and I wish him well. The fact that he took so long to make it official only confirmed my suspicion that he was going the NBA."
Yocum is right. There won't be as many touches - or shots - and Meeks had to figure his numbers would never look better to NBA scouts and coaches than they do now. Maybe lower numbers would not have impacted his draft status, but who can blame him for not wanting to take that risk.
* Mick Murrell of Ballardsville, Ala., thinks Reeves is a "bitter reader" to criticize Meeks for leaving.
"If the guy is a regular reader of your column and blog he couldn't be shocked. He can be disappointed, but clearly if he has second-grade reading comprehension he is not shocked. You have covered every aspect of Jodie's college career up to and including the reaffirmation of his career decision.
"As for me, I am happy for Jodie. I wish him every success in living his dream. I hope he comes back to Lexington often. We need players with his talent and integrity to keep this program on top. I'm so sorry that we could not provide him better coaching during his career. Bottom line UK needs more Jodies and fewer Bens.
"My message to Ben is as fans we are fortunate to have a university that encourages students and athletes alike. Success with each student is measured by whether or not the university has helped them achieve their goals and dreams. In Jodie's case he appears to be well on his way. He owes the fan nothing. The university has succeeded in its mission."
That might be a little too harsh on Reeves, then again maybe it's not. There was no doubt in my mind Meeks was leaving and as Murrell noted, I wrote why often. It's his choice and I wish him well. And my guess is that he will be back to UK often.
* Louisville's John Michael Marshall remains a Meeks' supporter.
