LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky top scorer Jodie Meeks has decided to leave the Wildcats and remain in consideration for the NBA draft.
Coach John Calipari posted Monday on Twitter that Meeks had called to let him know about the decision. The school also released a statement.
“I want to thank the fans and the city of Lexington,” Meeks said in the statement. “They have been great and I will always be a Kentucky Wildcat. I feel comfortable with my decision and I’m confident in my ability. My family and I talked over the weekend and decided this was the best decision.”
Calipari wrote on Twitter that he understood the decision for Meeks, who led the SEC in scoring and was eighth nationally with 23.7 points.
“He’s excited and I’m excited for him,” Calipari said. “I wish I got the chance to coach him.”
The decision is one of few setbacks in Calipari’s efforts to amass a star-studded roster. He has landed some of the nation’s top recruits, and center Patrick Patterson decided not to go pro.
Meeks provided one of the few highlights for a lackluster Kentucky season when he scored a team-record 54 points against Tennessee. Not only was that the highest-scoring game in Division I last season, but Meeks also had the next two highest in non-overtime games, with 46 and 45 points.
As the SEC’s leading scorer, he made the conference’s first team and became the first player in SEC history to win conference player of the week honors four times in one season.
Meeks started all 36 games and led the SEC in free-throw shooting (90.2), 3-point field goal shooting (40.6) and 3-point field goals per game (3.25). His 117 3-pointers were a Kentucky record.
The guard from Norcross, Ga., had one season of eligibility remaining. He will be the first Wildcat underclassman to join the NBA since Randolph Morris and Rajon Rondo in 2006.
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Comments » 73
tway14 writes:
I am so glad he is going! Good luck!
Colliervol writes:
Big loss for the Cats. And he won't be hanging 50 on us again either!
golfballs03 writes:
Hooray
Colliervol writes:
I would be humiliated if I couldn't spell unbelievable.
"I" before "E" except after "C". Or don't they teach that in your elementary school?
james_lay writes:
I personally think this is a good move for both.
1) He wasn't a Coach Cal player, and I think he might not have gotten the leash and freedom that he did with Wild Bill.
2) I think he saw this as a chance for him to sneak into the first round, get the money and sit for a winning team while continuing to improve.
I think it's an ideal situation for both schools. And for us!!! This leaves the with Patterson as their primary Veteran. So that is going to put some serious pressure on him now. And honestly, I think it'll be a bit more than he wants.
tennrich1 writes:
Man if i where going to try and hate on the Vols I would at the least make sure the post were grammatically correct...really steals some of the thunder!
Colliervol writes:
I think your #2 is more likely than #1. Calipari's teams don't even run a set offense. The "Drivel Drive" (as we so affectionately call it in Memphis) is basically this: Throw it around the perimeter until the point guard or the wings can penetrate. They either drive to the basket or kick it out to a shooter. Either way, Meeks would have been a good fit because he could do both.
The Memphis players had all the "freedom" they wanted. (And that included 3 am visits to the Plush Club and the freedom to beat the dickens out of your girlfriend with no punishment.)
OrangeMan_86 writes:
Really? Neither team was ranked.'
Tennessee was unranked when they faced #17 Memphis/Calipari on the other hand when Lofton scored 21 in the the first half to give UT a 42-20 lead over Memphis. I expect Scotty Hopson to do the same against Calipari a ssophomore, junior and senior if he stays that long.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BaZaG...
murrayvol writes:
I would give him no credit for thunder. At best a muted fart.
Colliervol writes:
Tennrich, this child makes Billy Bob Thornton's character in Slingblade look like Einstein. Not only is he obviously 10 years old but a functional illiterate as well. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
murrayvol writes:
I was mistaken. Thought he would return and thrive in a Calipari offense. With Meeks UK had Final Four potential. They'll still be good but not great. And so it goes.
OrangeMan_86 writes:
That's because they had no shooters. Hopson and Tatum have been working on their stroke. Forgive a team with no seniors not doing better. Integrating a new point guard also didn't help.
The sad thing is that Tennessee played the #3 SOS compared to Kentucky's #64 SOS and still finished with fewer losses. How does that happen? Because Tennessee was better than UK overall just like Florida was better than Tennessee overall the championship years. Do you really believe UK was a better team overall? If so then give Tennessee a NC because they were 3-1 against Florida's two championship teams. Kentucky played the second hardest schedule in the SEC behind Tennessee. UT would have got a better seed if they played garbage like the rest of the SEC and Memphis.
allvol9 writes:
Meeks is a classy guy and I wish him the best. As for you....not so much. If you want to be a classless troll on another school's board...check the spelling next time.
OrangeMan_86 writes:
You've got to be joking. Why did Pearl take UWMilwaukee to two NCAA tournaments and an NIT in four seasons if he isn't a good coach? They had a losing record when he took over and they had never been to either tournament. He took phooey players at a phooey school to a Sweet 16 for crying out loud. You can't win games with no one to distribute the ball and no one to hit three's. But oh wait.... They are bringing in a 5* point guard in 2010 and a 4* shooting guard that is one of the best shooters in the class. Doesn't matter, Tennessee will be better this season than last year anyways. They lose nobody and have been working out with Chris Lofton. Chris Lofton is the same guy that torched pros over in europe. He was like second or third in the league for scoring as a rookie and in the playoffs put up 61 points while shooting 17/22 from downtown. I am telling you right now that Scotty Hopson is going to be as good as Lofton and Meeks. He was the #5 player in the country for his class. The arch on his shoot is beautiful. He'll be alot more calm and collected as a sophomore.
TommyJack writes:
A heel, but no tarheel.
OrangeMan_86 writes:
So Pearl has made it to the Sweet 16 three teams and suddenly making it to the Elite 8 is considered a deep run? That's one game farther. Last time I checked Calipari hasn't made it past the Elite 8 seeing as he is going to be stripped of yet another final four. Can't make it that far without the two best players he has ever coached. Both of which have gotten in trouble. First of all, Calipari knew about the money to Camby and knew that Rose cheated. If not.... then he is a poor job of character and that's pathetic. You think it's a coincidence that players like those ended up at UMass and Memphis? Why would they?
OrangeMan_86 writes:
Ok... I am done talking to you. Two division one players? They had two or three other four star players on their roster. You seriously have no clue what you're talking about. I think what you meant to say was they had two all-americans on their roster. Two division one players.... everyone who plays on Kentucky is a division one player. Lay off the drugs man.
OrangeMan_86 writes:
This upcoming class that Calipari is bringing in is UK's 2009 class. Would you like to see their classes prior?
2008
4* Darius Miller
4* Deandre Liggins
3* Kevin Galloway
3* Josh Harrelson
3* Donald Williams
2007
5* Patrick patterson
4* Alex Legion
3* AJ Stewart
2006
4* Jodie Meeks
4* Perry Stevenson
4* Derrick Jasper
3* Ramon Harris
Yeah... I am done responding to TrollHeel. Two divison 1 players? Again, everyone who plays on Kentucky is a division 1 players and they had a lot of 4* players even without Meeks/Patterson. You're clueless man.
back2backchamps writes:
I hate to agree with tarheel, as I don't try to stir up the pot, but how can any basketball fan seriously question the dribble-drive offense? I am not a Calapari fan, but the offense he attempts to run has been proven by several coaches. The offense definitely relies on slashing guards, but please tell me how Pearl's offense is set-up that it can be great without good guard play.
GreyhairedVol writes:
Orangeman
Kentucky has not recruited up to Kentucky standards since Pitino left. Tubby Smith is one of the best X and O coaches in the nation but he refused to recruit the elite players. That is why he is no longer the coach at UK. Calipari is just like Pitino, he will have his pick of the top players along with Duke and UNC, Kansas and a few others.
Calipari was a great recruiter at Memphis but at UK he will take it to another level.
CharlotteVol writes:
Speaking of good coaches, thanks for sending us Buzz Peterson - that worked out well... No different than MJ and his failures getting the Bobcats here in C-town to be competitive. Seems like ex-Tarheels don't do so well outside of Chapel Hill, do they?
For my fellow Vol brethren, I have several Tarheel friends here in Charlotte who are not idiots like this clown. Most Tarheels have a true knowledge of sports and are not just 'homers'. Contrary to what you may think reading his drivel, most Tarheels understand that UT Football is like UNC basketball and they respect what we stand for. TarHeelRules is just an idiot with too much time on his hands.
CharlotteVol writes:
Good post Cat. You are right that next season in the East will be a hot one.
What is your prediction for Wildcat football this year?
volbeast33 writes:
I disagree I think our coaching has been top notch. You still have not answered my question of which coach has had a better start to their coaching career at a major university with the type of history UT basketball has than B Pearl. There may be one that had a better start if they took over a ready made team but even that will be hard to find. All we need is time and B Pearl will lead us to the final four.
CharlotteVol writes:
Last night on ESPN radio they were saying that Phil Jackson may retire and that if so, the Lakers are expected to make another run at Coach K. The guys on ESPN were speculating that now K may be ready to try the NBA.
VolinLexington writes:
You are a stupid **CK! I bet you that UT will have a more productive BB season this year than UNC! I can't wait for Coach K to embarass you!
back2backchamps writes:
THR wins!!! Why do you guys let somebody get under your skin so much when its obvious that is his ONLY goal?
Remember all, sports are just here to entertain the masses, try not to let em get you so riled up.
troubleinc writes:
You are such a troll. I never had a problem with UNC before ... but with fans like you cheering for them I think I might have to change my mind. Find a UNC board, or even a board for a team in your own conference and quit posting your drivel on here. We play UNC in football in 2011 and 2012 ... can't wait until the Orange runs over your boys. Until then go away.
chad_t31 writes:
Anyone seen eric montross lately?
chad_t31 writes:
As for the article at hand, I, too, wish nothing but the best for meeks. Outstanding player. Even watching him light us up, there was not one bad shot he took during that game. And I LOATHE ky, so this is a huge compliment coming from me.
back2backchamps writes:
Actually it is my understanding that the record books will show the wins vacated by Bama, but they wont show up as wins for the other schools. It should be interesting looking at the FSU/Alabama game now, as they both had to vacate the win. Does that mean that game was not really played?
CharlotteVol writes:
Sounds like an uphill battle for the Cats next year. I like Brooks - feel like he is one of the "good guys" in college football. Unfortunately though I'm not sure he can get Kentucky football to the next level from where you are now. He has been able to get a few more skill players recruited which indicates you have a base to build on. With the Louisville program falling a bit, now is the time to capitalize on in-state recruiting.
ArealVolFan writes:
You are correct, vacated wins don't equal wins for other teams. So we didn't move ahead of Bama, but we are only two behind them now, I believe.
crappieking writes:
Turdheel really has it in for Pearl for some reason. Pearl probaly dumped his Mom.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
UKAD have any real good lawyers on staff?
back2backchamps writes:
Why, is the former USC coaching staff already on the lookout for good lawyers? Curious minds want to know :-)
vol88 writes:
You may be right. I figure he thought he was a player and bugged UT to death and he got his feelings hurt when he found out we didn't need a 5'6" slow sub-par player.
gbeejr#1354500 writes:
I am no ky fan (actually I hate 'em) but what do you mean Tubby "refused to recruit elite players"? Refused?? That makes no sense. And Cal is not near the coach Pitino is but he should have recruiting success, especially if he can implement the same SAT testing program that he had at memphis state.
oldvolsfan writes:
hey numnuts go to yhr tarheel site and leave us the suck alone you do not have a dog in this fight
TommyJack writes:
I think the best lawyers on retainer at UF.
murrayvol writes:
The spotlight shines bright on my old Kentucky home
Tis roundball season and the NCAA gumshoes are gay
murrayvol writes:
One more line item to delete from my bucket list. Oh Yeah!
rockytop4ever writes:
bye
FLVol writes:
Nice CWS game last night. I hope you lose today as well.
FLVol writes:
Ok now I get your agenda. You must have something against BP and his staff. Did he piss you off somewhere down the line?
Talent at UT was above average but nothing of what UNC has every year. UT had lost 5 starters/contributors from the previous years team. No excuses..but they did underachieve. The will not do that this year.
kiffownsfla writes:
Lmfao book say ur HILARIOUS BIG!GO VOLS!
back2backchamps writes:
Funny that you should mention the Gators. You might enjoy this blog about the Gator Defensive MVP. He has defended the last 24 cases and counting...
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/spor...
Snapshot writes:
You need to take it easy on him Colliervol,he is only in the sixth grade. Maybe he will get to go to the seventh after three years in the sixth.
back2backchamps writes:
That wasn't nice THR :-)
The Vol fans know plenty about the postseason, they mentioned the Michigan win over UF about 3 million times last year. Funny how I haven't heard to many remarks about the OU game last year though.
Oh well, they can keep watching everybody else and remembering the "good ole days"...
VOLKING writes:
For all you new to TarHellRules' posts. HE IS A MEMPHIS FAN! No self-respecting UNC fan would ever have the time or inclination to come on to a UT website to bash us. You, sir, are a poser and a loser. This guy shows up after Calipari leaves for UK and now posts about 50 times a day. First, he has no life...then, no brain...and, lastly, no backbone. Oh yeah, and since Calipari left....no relevant team. He will deny it to the end of time...but everybody knows the truth. Sad, pathetic little man. Truly sad.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Maybe we won't get 50+ put on us next year, certainly not by Meeks, but at least a half-dozen other opponents' back-court players established career highs against us. Aside from the half-court offense--my favorite hobby-horse--my next area needing major improvement is the defense overall.
As for Meeks, I am glad he won't be playing against the Vols, but I will miss seeing him play. As someone posted earlier, he will likely sit the bench on a good NBA team as a late-first-round draft pick. But you never know. If he can keep his good shooting touch, he might get some early playing time on a team that needs that. Really good touch shooters are no more common in proportion in the NBA than they are in college.
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