Focusing on 2011 UK Recruiting: Point Guard

On UK’s 2010-2011 roster, Brandon Knight is really the only guy you would call a point guard. As a backup, John Calipari will likely turn to Doron Lamb and Darius Miller to give ten minutes or so at the spot in relief. When you consider as well that Knight is occupying the spot that John Wall, Tyreke Evans, and Derrick Rose left after just one season, it stands to reason that UK could have absolutely nothing returning at the position.

All of a sudden, point guard looks a pretty high priority in 2011 recruiting…until you remember that UK has already secured a commitment from the top ranked point guard in the class, Marquis Teague.

Did I mention how much fun it is to follow UK recruiting these days?

Marquis Teague is a special, special prospect. Brandon Knight has already entered the territory of being compared unfairly to John Wall, a very difficult spot. With Teague, though, the comparisons may not be completely unfounded. It remains to be seen whether Teague has Wall’s killer instinct, but Teague has the kind of athleticism and open floor ability that will scare people.

Teague has struggled to capture his AAU form playing for Pike, his high school in Indiana. Defenses slow things down and throw double and triple teams at him. I would like to see him develop his game when facing these kinds of defenses this year, but regardless, UK will be getting a great player.

Most of the time, a commitment from the top point guard in a class would cause a coach to close up shop in terms of recruiting at the position, at least among big time prospects. By this point, we know better with John Calipari.

So, who is UK going after then? Well, at this point, five of the top six point guards as ranked by Scout.com have made verbal pledges. Unsurprising, UK is in contention for the sixth.

QUINN COOK

Cook is a 6 foot point guard who attended DeMatha in Maryland for the first three seasons of his high school career. However, he just decided to transfer to Oak Hill, a school well known to ‘Cats fans, with alumni Doron Lamb most recently attending UK.

Cook is a small point with a knockdown jumper. He may be small, but he’s tough and he knows how to get it done. He is a really good scorer, but his floor management skills have developed significantly. Scout ranks him as a five star prospect, #3 among point guards and #20 overall.

He is currently playing for the USA’s Under-17 national team, a team that also happens to include UK commits Teague and Michael Gilchrist, as well as professed UK lover and target Tony Wroten. All three have bought into John Calipari’s philosophy of “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” and have actively recruited Cook.

Cook has said he intends to make all five visits and decide in the fall. He currently sports a list with about half of the Big East and other national powers. Arizona, UConn, and Rutgers have positioned themselves well to land visits, but it’s still quite open at this point.

Frankly, I don’t really see UK landing Cook, or really any other point guard in this class for that matter. I think UK will get one or two other players with point skills (ie Tony Wroten) who can spell Teague, but Teague is the guy.

ORTON ANSWERS CRITICS

As I was writing this point, I saw Daniel Orton take to Twitter to talk directly to UK fans about some of the criticism he has faced of late:

Okay there are some things that I’ve been needing to address, but I was trying to focus my attention elsewhere. As far as the classes I want to apologize for not doing what I said I would. I messed up bigtime and hope I can be somewhat forgiven. I messed up on a few due dates on My online class and I just lost focus in school. I apologize.

Then the thing about the Kansas comment. I was more so set up on that question. We all know the media and how they like to get people but i was asked was there any other school that I would have gone to. At first I said No because I loved UK and I loved my experience and my teammates there. Then he proceeded to say. I know Kansas was recruiting you hard, you Never had any thoughts of maybe you should have gone there? Of course I thought that at times I won’t lie about that. I’m sure at least two Players on every college team this year question their decision but in the end I am happy that I went to UK.

As far as leavin early. I can’t Really justify myself there. So sorry UK fans love yall and yall are the best Ima miss it!

Clearly, Orton is a conscientious kid who cares a lot about what UK fans think about him even though he’s no longer there. I think he still has love for the University and while some may slough off his apology, I respect him for doing it.

All along, the only criticism I have had for him is not following through on what he said he was going to do and finish school. It takes some maturity to recognize that mistake and own up to it. I respect him for that I accept his apology. As for the other stuff, I don’t think any apology is owed.

I hope UK fans will join me in wishing Daniel all the best. He’s got an opportunity to do what he loves at the highest level and I hope he seizes the opportunity.