Perfect Practice

I completely agree here. There is a lot of talent here, but it is very widespread throughout the region (No. KY).

My point was not to talk about taking or not taking the extension. I have no problem with him not signing right now. But, how about focusing on winning now instead of worrying about the future. Modesty is an excellent quality, he has none. He is becoming a not so great role model for kids.

How about saying... "I play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. I want to focus on winning and winning a ring next season. Then, and only then, will i talk about the future." I mean come on, the guy is keeping Cleveland on the hook. The organization, the city, and the fans have done a lot for him. They love the guy. Where is the mutual respect? There is none. He is more about popularity and money than anything. Those who dont see it, are blind. Great basketball player, and does good things for some people, dont get me wrong. But, why leave a great situation? For money and fame, thats why.

Lets be honest.... "1b" means second. Holmes should be preseason rated number 1. They won state last year, plus they return 3 core starters that helped push them to state last year. Also, people forget about Avery, this kid is a stud. Anyone putting Holmes any less than 1 to start the season is just their bias coming into play IMO.

Ryan Popp will also be returning I believe. I think he might have started a few games last year. Probably should have played more, but didnt. He is a really nice player.

Scott County will falter this year just like they did last year IMO. All though, I think Guyn and Jackson will have great years.

Peasant James is up to no good again. Talking about his contract and how he isnt going to sign the extension. Why? Why bother talking about this right now? Might as well just say "Im gonna head to New York because I dont care about winning and championships, I just care about money and being a celebrity."

Eastern has a studded junior class that could resemble the junior class of Holmes last season. I look for them to make some big time noise. I cant imagine they would be ranked anywhere lower than 3. Abell, Marks,Gaines and others shouldn't surprise people this season. Keep an eye on these boys.

Where do you all think Mason County fits into this discussion? Setty, Pawsett, and Gilber is a pretty good junior class.

I agree with you. Everyone is counting Boone County out. This will be a very nice team this season. They lose McFarland and everyone thinks they are down and out. As long as Mikey Gabbard is on the floor, Boone County will be just fine with Earls, Popp, Cotton, Montgomery, Brown and some others. Gabbard is one of the best true PG's in the state for his senior class.

And I agree with this. Im not saying that I think he should have a major offer right now, I have just been saying I think he can get there. The kid has a lot of potential that he has left to tap into.

Someone had once stated that Rico could fit in at a smaller school in the ACC or even the SEC... I just think he could make it happen with a team like virginia, virginia tech, possibly with miami. In the SEC maybe a vanderbilt, or Ole Miss. Now obviously he would have to be a 4 year guy, but there ARE still those kind of guys left. They dont always come in and contribute right away, but for guys who have high potential ceilings, they accelerate themselves in terms of their game and knowledge in the big conferences at the big schools. He could also play in the PAC-10, Big East, Big 10, Big 12... take your pick. There are lots of schools that are "BCS" schools that could use his services. Plus, I think he could be a PG/SG at any of these schools. And, you make it seem like he cant improve his jumpshot in the next 2 years. Again, the offers he has are great for him, I am glad. But, I think he can get more, better offers.

Lets have this argument then. Make your case. The MVC had 5 teams that had winning records. The A-10 had 9 teams with winning records. The A-10 had 5 teams with win percentages better than 61%. The MVC had only 3 teams above 61%. The A-10 also has more teams, which can add for the potential of competition and talent. So much for the depth argument. As for the MVC being a top 10 conference... I cant really argue that. However, if they are a top 10 conference then the A-10 would have to be a top 9 conference. The A-10 is a better conference than the MVC. The C-USA is rather weak, but if you talk about exposure, the average college basketball fan has heard of, or knows about the C-USA more than they know about the MVC. As I have said time and time again, I would like to see Rico compete in a more competitive conference. I dont think the MVC is bad, I just dont think its as good as some of the others. Also as I have stated, any D-1 offer is a good offer.

Now that is good to hear. I believe this is the level of school that would suit Ricardo nicely. IMO of course.

Sure. We were just talking about the loyalty in sports.

The loyalty in sports is just about gone. The generational loyalty is definitely gone. A lot of this has to do with some of the parents IMO. The parents want their kids to get out and be the best they can be and play with the best teams. Yes, it is a shame, but in the same sense, you can kind of understand it. Everyone wants the best success for their kids. As for the loyalty again, I see kids play with AAU teams all summer and then up and leave those to teams at the end of the season to go play in Orlando even though their original team is still playing. Zero loyalty.

I agree with you in the sense that any D-1 offer is a pretty good offer. Also, an offer from Bradley is solid. However, I disagree that Bradley is a big time offer. The MVC is a mid to low major conference on the D-1 level. To me a "big time" offer would be from a BCS type of school. However, like i said previously, any D-1 offer even if its from the MVC and Bradley or anyone else is pretty solid. I would think that Ricardo has the ability to play in the higher conferences like the ACC, Pac 10, SEC, but if not in those, then definitely in a conference like the A-10 or C-USA. I really would like to see him get a big time offer to a higher level conference and school. He has the talent and ability and is a great ball player. Probably the best in KY at his age level. However, if he doesnt, then he can go tear up the MVC and make a name for himself on the college level. Great kid from everything I have ever heard and seen.

Anyone have any news or updates on the USSSA Nationals at the Speice Fieldhouse in Fort Wayne, IN.??? I heard that there were some local teams going up there.

Is there an official listing of the top 10 players in the 9th region or is this just in your opinion? He's a really good player from what I have heard and seen in AAU. Just curious.

Why did the Firebirds go D-2??? Glad to hear they're doing so well. They are a good team but I think they could have gone with the big boys. They could have hung in there.

I am glad to hear that a lot of the KY teams are doing so well. A little surprised that SS McFarland sounds to have a struggled a little in bracket play. I was really pulling for them guys.

Anyone know how Zollo and his team played in Vegas?

Love Jordan, or hate Jordan... There is no alleged to his greatness! He is the man. And, to be the man, you have to beat the man. Unfortunately, the dude just has to much on his plate. I dont think we'll see another like him in my lifetime, or yours.

If you are a coach, which you are... And you win a big game, biggest game of your lifetime. Then, the other coach doesnt come and shake your hand because you beat him between the lines, fair and square. Would you feel slighted? You should. You worked hard for that. LeBron should have manned up. Bottom line. He didnt, so it became an issue. Small in the realm of life, large in the aspect of sport and sportsmanship.