John Wall

Terrence Commodore recently was sitting around with one of his mentors when it was suggested maybe he put together a summer basketball camp featuring some of the players he got to know when he was on John Calipari's staff at Kentucky. “I have a good relationship with a lot of guys that came through Kentucky and was good friends with them,” said Commodore, a former Mason County basketball player. “I just put a concept together and ran with it. They were all pretty open to it. The main part was just scheduling and making sure who was available when.

CHICAGO - On the court, Andrew Harrison is an intense competitor - a Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Deandre Liggins type. Off the court, he's just as intense and not afraid to voice his opinion. Not only did the future Kentucky point guard say that he though the McDonald's All-American Game - he had 10 points on 5-for-5 shooting,  four assists, two rebounds and one steal in 18 minutes in Wednesday's game here - was a more prestigious event than the upcoming Jordan Brand Classic, but he's already tossing verbal barbs at Louisville.  He admitted he had picked Louisville to reach the Final Four, but then told media members, "I hope Michigan wins (the national title)

The Marshall County Hoop Fest featured some of the nation's best high school talent last year and Hoop Fest director Dan Hudson is already putting together another star-laden even for Dec. 5-6-7 in Benton. “We really think we could have a special event again,” said Hudson. Kentucky recruiting target Cliff Alexander of Chicago Curry will be back to play in the event for the second straight season. The 6-9, 240-pound Alexander is ranked as the nation's second best center and No. 5 overall prospect by Scout.com.

North Carolina point guard John Wall confirmed today that he will play for John Calipari at the University of Kentucky next season. Wall is regarded as one of the nation's top prep player. "He will do a lot of damage at Kentucky," said Scout.com recruiting analyst Evan Daniels. Go to www.amnews.com for more details and read more in Wednesday's edition of The Advocate-Messenger.

Kentucky coach John Calipari wasn't surprised by John Wall's impressive performance in a 64-61 win over 14th-ranked Connecticut earlier this week. Wall scored 12 of Kentucky's last 15 points that kept the Wildcats perfect on the season at 9-0. Calipari said Wall, who tossed in a career-high 25 points against the Huskies, is one of the team's top leaders during the team's daily workouts. "He works harder than anyone in practice," Calipari said. "I think he is building his own self esteem, his own confidence.

What will Kentucky's lineup look like next season? Now that Jodie Meeks won't be returning, John Calipari will have several options to choose from once practice begins in four months. Considering the high-class recruits he has signed since taking over as coach at Kentucky on April 1, Calipari won't be lacking in talent and will have three or more choices when it comes to a starting lineup. Here are a few possibilities: (A) John Wall, Darnell Dodson, Darius Miller, Patrick Patterson and DeMarcus Cousins.

His outside shot is suspect and he's not a big point guard. However, those who have seen Eric Bledsoe play have no doubt the 6-foot-1 point guard from Birmingham should flourish in John Calipari's system at Kentucky. Bledsoe averaged 20.3 points, 11.5 assists and 9.4 rebounds per game last season at Parker High School. He's rated as one of the nation's top point guards and signed with Kentucky last week. "Eric is a consummate point guard. He's a guy who wins. What I liked best about him last year was his competitive drive and presence on the court," said Dave Telep, Scout.

His outside shot is suspect and he's not a big point guard. However, those who have seen Eric Bledsoe play have no doubt the 6-1 point guard from Birmingham should flourish in John Calipari's system at Kentucky. Bledsoe averaged 20.3 points, 11.5 assists and 9.4 rebounds per game last season at Parker High School. He's rated as one of the nation's top point guards and signed with Kentucky last week. "Eric is a consummate point guard. He's a guy who wins. What I liked best about him last year was his competitive drive and presence on the court," said Dave Telep, Scout.

A few quick quotes from some of the UK players... Eric Bledsoe on freshman center DeMarcus Cousins: "He is a really cool guy, but on the court he turns into another person. He's good. He does everything well. He can dribble, shoot, play post, step outside. There's nothing he can't do for a team. We did beat him in high school because we stayed in a zone and all five guys surrounded him and beat on him. He didn't enjoy that. " Daniel Orton on freshman point guard John Wall: "John Wall is beyond great to tell you the truth.

Sometimes it can be almost impossible for a highly-touted high school player to meet expectations on the collegiate level. Those who have seen North Carolina point guard John Wall play say not to worry about how he'll fare now that he's decided to play at Kentucky. "John Wall is a terrific prospect. He's similar to (former Memphis star and current NBA standout) Derrick Rose based on what they can each do with the ball," said Scout.com recruiting analyst Evan Daniels. "He needs to work on his jump shot, but he'll do a lot of damage at Kentucky with his overall play.