^^ That would be very big for us next year. Now we need to work on Sanchez a little more. I think we need him or PP more than anything.

I just love it when some of you guys get into the "My dad can beat up your dad" fights.

Who said anything about our dads? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Kentucky has edge on center's wish list

In the case of one recruiting prospect, Kentucky's search for a big man began in the murky period between Tubby Smith's departure as coach and Billy Gillispie's arrival.

 

That's when Beas Hamga, a 6-foot-111/2 native of Cameroon attending Decatur (Ill.) Christian School, put Kentucky on his list. He originally committed to Iowa, then began re-considering when Steve Alford took the coaching job at New Mexico.

 

Decatur Christian School Coach Alan Huss said Hamga made Kentucky a possible destination because Huss's younger brother attends UK. Hamga lives with Huss's parents.

 

"The new coaching staff walked into that," Huss said yesterday. "They ran with it. They've done a great job. Nothing flashy. They've been nice, honest, easy to deal with."

 

Huss said Kentucky probably had a slight edge over UNLV, Indiana and New Mexico. Hamga, whose name is pronounced BEE-as HAM-ga, plans to visit UNLV this weekend. A visit to UK is anticipated, but no date has been set, the coach said.

 

Hamga has a reach of 9-foot-7. His wingspan is 7-3. "So he's really long," Huss said.

 

Recruiting analyst Dave Telep of Scout.com described Hamga as a promising prospect.

 

"His value comes as a rebounder and shot blocker," Telep said. "He's a guy whose offense needs a little work."

 

Hamga averaged about seven blocks this past season for Decatur Christian, his third high school since coming to the United States in 2005, Huss said. In 2005-06, he attended Stone Ridge Prep in Simi Valley, Calif., and Cornerstone Christian in San Antonio.

 

Hamga came to the United States as part of the A-HOPE Foundation. A-HOPE, an acronym for African Hoop Opportunities Providing an Education, is a non-profit organization founded in 2004, according to its Web site.

 

Hamga had been considered a high school junior. He's now attempting to be designated a senior by transferring credits from Cameroon, Huss said.

 

If Hamga visits UK on the weekend of May 11-13, he'll likely join another frontline prospect: Mike Sanchez of Springdale, Ark.

 

The spring signing period ends May 16.

The longer Lucas and Patterson wait the more of a chance I see this kid and Sanchez committing. Which is fine with me!

The longer Lucas and Patterson wait the more of a chance I see this kid and Sanchez committing. Which is fine with me!

 

:thumb:

I'd love to see this kid playing in Rupp this year.

That is very possible.

Memphis is now in the picture.

Memphis is now in the picture.

 

Not good.

Not good.

 

Good news for BCG is that if Beas comes out in '07 (everything is looking like he will), he will have had a very short recruitment process. BCG was on him fast and hard, and set himself up very well.

 

The other guys have a LOT of catching up to do.

Other school need to be involved, so he can see his choices. UK won't pale next to anyone.

Just like that, Beas Hamga became a very popular player on the recruiting front. The 7-foot center from Decatur (Ill.) Christian is ahead of the pace academically and barring an unforeseen denial by the NCAA Clearinghouse, he will be a 2007 graduate.

 

This comes straight from rivals.com. I am not a subscriber so I cannot read the whole article. Sounds good for UK though!

 

The other guys have a LOT of catching up to do.

Why do you think that?

Why do you think that?

 

From what I gather, UK was first in the door with the offer for '07, and he really likes UK/BCG.

From what I gather, UK was first in the door with the offer for '07, and he really likes UK/BCG.

Where did you gather that?

All of the reports that I have read, including rivals.com, has said that UK has been the clear leader. Will this change? Maybe, but it doesn't seem likely. Hamga knows that he has a solid opportunity to come in and start - even if we sign Patterson and/or Sanchez, who each could play PF. I think Hamgas will be in the UK blue and white, but I don't know if it will be in '07 or '08.