If there was one major concern I had about Coach Gillispie, it might be that he wants to win so badly this season that the recruiting for this season might make landing players in future seasons more difficult. Last week, Donald Williams committed to Kentucky and officially became the 13th and final scholarship player on the UK roster. While I have no problem with Williams (or any of the 2008 recruits, for that matter), I was worried that there would be a problem with having all 13 scholarships filled. With no seniors on the team, Coach Gillispie is either counting on a transfer or somebody going to the NBA to open up an additional scholarship for 2009. The 2009 class will already have Jon Hood, Matthew Pilgrim and GJ Vilarino, but everybody knows how badly Kentucky needs Daniel Orton, the ***** center from Oklahoma City. Counting on a transfer or a pro declaration is risky beyond belief. I think it’s definitely possible that Patrick Patterson will go to the NBA after this season, but what if his stress fracture severely limits his play, or what if he gets hurt again?
Well, it appears that there might be a solution to that problem. The story comes from Marc Maggard. I am neutral on Maggard. While I think he’s really been on the ball in tracking the decisions of this staff, I worry about how he can do what he does as an unofficial recruiting guru. Still, I like believing people when they post good news because it’s pretty easy to accept. Here is the blurb from Maggard regarding Donald Williams.
The most amazing part of this story is that Williams has already agreed that this will be a one year deal. Yes, that’s right. He is on scholarship for 2008, but will NOT be on scholarship in any subsequent years. Donald Williams passed up four year offers from Marquette and St. Johns for a one year deal to the University of Kentucky!
This does not mean that Williams will be transferring after one year. His intentions are to make as big an impact in 2008 as possible and remains as a key member of this squad as a non scholarship player.
Talk about a U-turn. On Friday, the rumor (posted by Matt Jones – echo my thoughts on Maggard, then add the fact that I don’t like him) was that Williams was going to redshirt, which would make his recruitment by Coach Gillispie incredibly stupid in my humble opinion. In fact, the thought of Williams being a redshirt violates every lick of common sense in the world. Why would you recruit a guy that can contribute this season, but then make him sit out this season and tie up a ride for a player like Orton for the next season? Now it turns out that Williams will play this season, which makes all kinds of sense. The best part about all of this (if true) is that he’ll be walking on his last three years. That might make him the best walk-on in college basketball since Christian Moody.
I’m Seth Stogsdill, and Tennessee embarrassed the SEC last night.






