Sadly I wasn't at the Nike EYBL event in Hampton this weekend, and coaches weren't either, but there was still some news.
Won't be the juiciest Monday Notes but here we go.
Bolden: Could this be the week? I know a lot of people seem to think that's the case. Perhaps some people have some inside information but I think many are just trying to read between the lines. Here's why it looks like Bolden could be committing this week:
Time: It has to be eventually, right? The spring signing period ends on Friday (not that it really matters) but maybe he wants to get it over with and sign an actual LOI.
School: Yes, Bolden's high school is doing a "wear your college colors" day on Friday. Would Bolden like to wear a UK or Duke shirt there? I'd guess he would.
AD: The Athletic Director spoke here (http://www.lonestarstatehoops.com/blog/recruiting-updatebolden-could-be-nearing-decision) and said that he was hoping for a decision by May 17th. It's the 16th. Maybe Bolden is close?
Calipari: Calipari has been vocal lately. He has talked about the recruitment indirectly. He's talked a lot about next season. Maybe Calipari knows Bolden is closing in on a decision and that's why there's been so much talk lately. Plus, the #Kaboom.
School (II): It seems like Bolden cares about academics, right? We know that based on his mom's thoughts and because Bolden has said it himself. Summer school starts soon. I believe it's early June for UK. Probably similar time frame for Duke. He could theoretically decide a week before school starts and be OK but it may be something that's on his mind.
(Gabriel just texted me and said it start June 9th and he'll be on campus June 6th).
Lee: Lee will have to decide soon if he's officially staying or leaving Kentucky. If he leaves, a scholarship has opened up and Bolden won't have to wait. If he stays, Bolden knows that Kentucky's frontcourt may be too crowded and he can pick Duke.
Lee technically can wait longer than a week but it seems unlikely.
Twitter: Bolden has been more active on Twitter lately.
I must be getting old because I have no idea what the second tweet could mean. Maybe people are reading into his tweets.
Conclusion: But you put all those things together and it's easy to see why some may think he's getting close to a decision.
Sadly I don't have anyone on the inside telling me that it's 100 percent factual. Kentucky believes he's close to a decision and waiting on Lee's decision. If Lee decides this week then it seems likely we'll hear something from Bolden.
If Lee leaves expect Kentucky to be the choice.
2017: I'll have some more on this later in the week but here's who shined this weekend.
Trae Young: He averaged 25.8 points, 8.8 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game this weekend. He had a triple-double on Saturday night and nearly did it again on Sunday.
Physically he's not the most impressive guard in the 2017 class. He's not the fastest or most athletic, but his passing ability, smarts and ability to score from anywhere makes him the best guard. UK remains in a great spot and I think ultimately lands him.
If you haven't seen him in person try to this summer or next fall/winter.
P.J. Washington: Kentucky has been recruiting him for a while now. It seems like people, including myself, were so fixated on Vanderbilt or Porter at the three and forgot that Washington was a serious target that UK locked in on last summer.
He had a double-double in all four games this weekend, continues to show range on jumpers while still able to attack the rim. He has already visited Kentucky and will officially visit int he fall for Big Blue Madness.
I think Kentucky leads for him and he's quickly becoming one of my favorite wings, right there with Porter.
Those two were really great this weekend.
Trent: He's hoping to announce this fall. I really think UK can make some waves in this recruitment but it's unclear if the Cats want him to be their two guard. The next few weeks/month should give us a better idea. One of the best scorers in the class.
Mitchell Robinson: Here's a new name. 6-foot-10, 220-pound center from Louisiana. He's been playing well this summer and is a great rebounder/shot-blocker. I wouldn't expect an offer right away because the Cats haven't watched much of him but possibly down the road.
I still believe UK feels good about Richards so there wouldn't be an absolute need for Robinson. Richards and Bamba are still the top choices.
Won't be the juiciest Monday Notes but here we go.
Bolden: Could this be the week? I know a lot of people seem to think that's the case. Perhaps some people have some inside information but I think many are just trying to read between the lines. Here's why it looks like Bolden could be committing this week:
Time: It has to be eventually, right? The spring signing period ends on Friday (not that it really matters) but maybe he wants to get it over with and sign an actual LOI.
School: Yes, Bolden's high school is doing a "wear your college colors" day on Friday. Would Bolden like to wear a UK or Duke shirt there? I'd guess he would.
AD: The Athletic Director spoke here (http://www.lonestarstatehoops.com/blog/recruiting-updatebolden-could-be-nearing-decision) and said that he was hoping for a decision by May 17th. It's the 16th. Maybe Bolden is close?
Calipari: Calipari has been vocal lately. He has talked about the recruitment indirectly. He's talked a lot about next season. Maybe Calipari knows Bolden is closing in on a decision and that's why there's been so much talk lately. Plus, the #Kaboom.
School (II): It seems like Bolden cares about academics, right? We know that based on his mom's thoughts and because Bolden has said it himself. Summer school starts soon. I believe it's early June for UK. Probably similar time frame for Duke. He could theoretically decide a week before school starts and be OK but it may be something that's on his mind.
(Gabriel just texted me and said it start June 9th and he'll be on campus June 6th).
Lee: Lee will have to decide soon if he's officially staying or leaving Kentucky. If he leaves, a scholarship has opened up and Bolden won't have to wait. If he stays, Bolden knows that Kentucky's frontcourt may be too crowded and he can pick Duke.
Lee technically can wait longer than a week but it seems unlikely.
Twitter: Bolden has been more active on Twitter lately.
I must be getting old because I have no idea what the second tweet could mean. Maybe people are reading into his tweets.
Conclusion: But you put all those things together and it's easy to see why some may think he's getting close to a decision.
Sadly I don't have anyone on the inside telling me that it's 100 percent factual. Kentucky believes he's close to a decision and waiting on Lee's decision. If Lee decides this week then it seems likely we'll hear something from Bolden.
If Lee leaves expect Kentucky to be the choice.
2017: I'll have some more on this later in the week but here's who shined this weekend.
Trae Young: He averaged 25.8 points, 8.8 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game this weekend. He had a triple-double on Saturday night and nearly did it again on Sunday.
Physically he's not the most impressive guard in the 2017 class. He's not the fastest or most athletic, but his passing ability, smarts and ability to score from anywhere makes him the best guard. UK remains in a great spot and I think ultimately lands him.
If you haven't seen him in person try to this summer or next fall/winter.
P.J. Washington: Kentucky has been recruiting him for a while now. It seems like people, including myself, were so fixated on Vanderbilt or Porter at the three and forgot that Washington was a serious target that UK locked in on last summer.
He had a double-double in all four games this weekend, continues to show range on jumpers while still able to attack the rim. He has already visited Kentucky and will officially visit int he fall for Big Blue Madness.
I think Kentucky leads for him and he's quickly becoming one of my favorite wings, right there with Porter.
Those two were really great this weekend.
Trent: He's hoping to announce this fall. I really think UK can make some waves in this recruitment but it's unclear if the Cats want him to be their two guard. The next few weeks/month should give us a better idea. One of the best scorers in the class.
Mitchell Robinson: Here's a new name. 6-foot-10, 220-pound center from Louisiana. He's been playing well this summer and is a great rebounder/shot-blocker. I wouldn't expect an offer right away because the Cats haven't watched much of him but possibly down the road.
I still believe UK feels good about Richards so there wouldn't be an absolute need for Robinson. Richards and Bamba are still the top choices.
