I know it is early but I was just wondering who are the leading canidates for Mr. Basketball this year. I assume most people would put John Hood in the forefront because of the commitment to UK. Just wanted to see what everyone thought, here are some of my picks.

 

Jonathan Ferguson - Elliott County

Richie Phares - Scott County

John Hood - Madisonville North Hopkins

 

Just to name a few.

Jon Hood by a landslide in the voting...

You are probably right but is that because he is the UK commit. I know how this state falls in love with these kids. Examples are Josh Carrier, Brandon Stockton, and Darius Miller. Miller being the only one to be a legit player.

You are probably right but is that because he is the UK commit. I know how this state falls in love with these kids. Examples are Josh Carrier, Brandon Stockton, and Darius Miller. Miller being the only one to be a legit player.

 

That would be an incorrect statement. Hood is the leader and has been proving it on the court this season and a great talent. The other player some could see challenging Hood is Jacob Jenkins of Manual who has been sidelined. The voting does not occur until after the Sweet 16 this year so Jenkins still has plenty of time to prove his case. Those are the two coaches see 1 and 2 in this year's race.

Russ Middleton who is a long shot but still deserves some attention

That would be an incorrect statement. Hood is the leader and has been proving it on the court this season and a great talent. The other player some could see challenging Hood is Jacob Jenkins of Manual who has been sidelined. The voting does not occur until after the Sweet 16 this year so Jenkins still has plenty of time to prove his case. Those are the two coaches see 1 and 2 in this year's race.

 

By making that statement I am not saying it is a fact. I am just brining up that sometimes the people of this state automatically assume the kid that commits early to UK should be Mr. Basketball. No disrespect to Hood I know he is a great player. Just trying to make the conversation a little more interesting is all.

Russ Middleton who is a long shot but still deserves some attention

 

IMO he is not even one of the top 3 players in his "mediocre" region.

IMO he is not even one of the top 3 players in his "mediocre" region.

 

WOW! Mediocre. WOW!

I saw Jon Hood in the KY/IN practices at Lexington Catholic this summer and think he's a step ahead of the class talent wise.

 

His being consistently ranked by national recruiting services as one of the top 40 overall in-class and top 10 at his position makes it hard to argue that he isn't a step above other candidates early on. The fact that's he's signed with UK certainly won't help his campaign, but it'd be a real insult to Hood's ability appeal to the "Of course he won... he's going to UK" argument. It won't hurt his case that he's a home-grown player in a "County/Public" school, or that both of his parents played basketball in college.

 

Otherwise, I see 4 challengers:

 

The first tier:

 

Jacob Jenkins has the scoring ability, summer camp credentials, and publicity to be a sleeper pick. Also, he plays in a program that isn't traditionally strong state-wise (meaning he has the opportunity to cement a legacy). One of his biggest strengths (playing in Louisville) could actually be detrimental to his hopes. Personally, I haven't seen Cosby play, but get the impression that plenty of people would point to him and and argue that Jenkins isn't even the best in his town.

 

Vee Sanford is currently drawing national attention and will get plenty of exposure playing at Lexington Catholic. He's an athletic player who'll have the ball in his hands quite often. With his recruitment picking up, he's gaining momentum at the right time. He'd have to have a big year and get a big D1 offer to overtake Hood at this point though. Would voters hold the name on his jersey against him?

The second tier:

 

Richie Phares has the tools to make a run, but I'd consider him a long-shot; he plays on a talented team with lots of scoring opitions, and could get lost in the shuffle easily. You also have concerns about voters reluctance to ballot another Scott Co. player, especially this year. He does have the upside of playing arguably the most challenging schedule, so he'll have his chances to shine against quality competition. I don't have his stats versus Duncanville or Holmes, but solid outings in both would be a jump-start.

 

Russ Middleton could certainly play a role; however to get serious consideration, he likely has to do two things. First, he would have to step up even more than what may have been expected during the regular season and then lead the Royals back to Rupp. Seondly, his PPG and other "flashy" numbers would have to go up. He could be more of a factor if others have disappointing years, especially considering the possibility for extra credibility if placing emphasis on team success during his whole career.

 

 

:devil:

Edited December 17, 200817 yr by JokersWild24

I would put Vee right at the top

I would put Vee right at the top

:thumb:

Just posting the Colleges that are listed on rivals for each kid mentioned...

 

Vee Sanford

UK

Vandy

Virginia Common.

EKU

 

Jacob Jenkins

Dayton (offered)

Notre Dame (offered)

V Tech (offered)

Wake Forest (offered)

Butler (offered)

Illinois St (offered)

WKU (offered)

Morehead St (offered)

 

Jonathon Ferguson

Duquesne

IU

UK

Miss St

Ohio St

Tenn

W Va

WKU

Murray St

 

Richie Phares

UC

WKU

 

Jon Hood

UK (committed)

Ole Miss

Tenn

Georgia

I saw Jon Hood in the KY/IN practices at Lexington Catholic this summer and think he's a step ahead of the class talent wise.

 

His being consistently ranked by national recruiting services as one of the top 40 overall in-class and top 10 at his position makes it hard to argue that he isn't a step above other candidates early on. The fact that's he's signed with UK certainly won't help his campaign, but it'd be a real insult to Hood's ability appeal to the "Of course he won... he's going to UK" argument. It won't hurt his case that he's a home-grown player in a "County/Public" school, or that both of his parents played basketball in college.

 

Otherwise, I see 4 challengers:

 

The first tier:

 

Jacob Jenkins has the scoring ability, summer camp credentials, and publicity to be a sleeper pick. Also, he plays in a program that isn't traditionally strong state-wise (meaning he has the opportunity to cement a legacy). One of his biggest strengths (playing in Louisville) could actually be detrimental to his hopes. Personally, I haven't seen Cosby play, but get the impression that plenty of people would point to him and and argue that Jenkins isn't even the best in his town.

 

Vee Sanford is currently drawing national attention and will get plenty of exposure playing at Lexington Catholic. He's an athletic player who'll have the ball in his hands quite often. With his recruitment picking up, he's gaining momentum at the right time. He'd have to have a big year and get a big D1 offer to overtake Hood at this point though. Would voters hold the name on his jersey against him?

The second tier:

 

Richie Phares has the tools to make a run, but I'd consider him a long-shot; he plays on a talented team with lots of scoring opitions, and could get lost in the shuffle easily. You also have concerns about voters reluctance to ballot another Scott Co. player, especially this year. He does have the upside of playing arguably the most challenging schedule, so he'll have his chances to shine against quality competition. I don't have his stats versus Duncanville or Holmes, but solid outings in both would be a jump-start.

 

Russ Middleton could certainly play a role; however to get serious consideration, he likely has to do two things. First, he would have to step up even more than what may have been expected during the regular season and then lead the Royals back to Rupp. Seondly, his PPG and other "flashy" numbers would have to go up. He could be more of a factor if others have disappointing years, especially considering the possibility for extra credibility if placing emphasis on team success during his whole career.

 

 

:devil:

 

That looks pretty accurate. A guy being left off who is very good is Wesley Cox from Ballard.

IMO he is not even one of the top 3 players in his "mediocre" region.

 

Wow Mediocre!!!! I would love to know who you are comparing the 10th to! This region puts a team in the tourney every year that is a tough out!

I'd say Hood and Jenkins are the two front runners right now, with Sanford being right behind them.

 

Phares has been absent in his teams two biggest games this season. (Holmes and Duncanville) But to his advantage, they play in the brutal 11th which will give him a chance to prove himself.

 

Talent wise, Hood is hands down the best in the state.