.

Daniel Orton is down to six schools- Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Kansas, Ohio State and Kentucky, which is his favorite.

"I'm really interested in Kentucky and their program," said Orton. "I've known the coaches for a long time. Coach Gillispie recruited my brother, and (Assistant) Coach Cyprien coached him at Oklahoma State." - Article

Here is the summary of Daniel Orton's teams game from yesterday.

The most anticipated game of the Nike Global Challenge opening day ended up exceeding expectations. USA-3 has arguably the strongest roster in the field, featuring John Wall and Jeremy Tyler, considered by many to be the #1 players, respectively, in the ‘09 and 2010 classes, plus 2011 sensation Michael Gilchrist and ‘09 stud center Daniel Orton. Not to mention USA-3 was supposed to have ‘09 two-guard Xavier Henry, a Top-10 talent who isn’t playing this weekend due to injury.
Meanwhile, the Serbians came to Oregon toting a roster of mostly 19-year-old pros, led by a handful of players who could conceivably be taken in the NBA Draft over the next few years.

In another hotly-contested battle, Serbia found itself down by nine points with under three minutes to go, but stuck back-to-back threes and got a Tayshaun Prince-like running lefty hook from 6-8 Milojko Vasilic to pull within one point in what seemed like no time. They finally took the lead with 43 seconds left on a tip-in by 6-9 Nikola Markovic, which led to one of the Serbian coaches leaping in the air for a chest-bump with Markovic (17 pts, 13 rebs, 5 stls) on the ensuing timeout.

Serbia had a chance to extend the lead, but Orton made a spectacular block at the rim to give the U.S. the ball back and a chance to win. Inbounding under their own basket with nine seconds left, the U.S. got the ball to DeShaun Thomas, but the 6-6 forward from Bishop Luers (Ind.) who’d scored a team-high 22 points had his driving layup blocked by Vasilic. John Wall chased down the loose ball and fired a three from the corner that looked good, but rattled in and out, giving Serbia the win.

Wall put up 18 points and four steals, and for stretches showed why he might be the best player in the country. When he wanted to, he directed the offense like a coach diagramming plays, literally telling everyone on the floor where to go while he worked his magic. Wall constantly beat his man off the dribble and seemed to score at will, and had way more amazing passes than his two-assist stat line implied. He also wowed the crowd with a blocked shot that he pinned on the glass near the top of the backboard square, and dove for loose balls more than a couple of times. - Article

Harrison Barnes is playing for a loaded USA Team 1. That includes one time UK target Demarcus Cousins. Today Barnes and his talented squad enjoyed a victory over Senegal 81-68. Tomorrow they will go up against Team Canada.

Head Coach: Otis Hughley, LeFlore HS, Mobile, AL

Assistant Coach: Jeffrey Pope, LeFlore HS, Mobile, AL

Phil Pressy
G-5'10-160-2010
Episcopal School
Dallas, TX

Tommy Mason-Griffin
G -5'10-206 -2009
Oak Hill Academy
Mouth of Wilson, VA

Harrison Barnes
W-6'5''-1962010
Ames
Ames, IA

Rodney Williams, Jr.
W-6'5-180-2009
Robbinsdale Cooper
New Hope, MN

Royce White
F-6'7''-213-2009
De La Salle
Minneapolis, MN

Jamil Wilson
W-6'5''-203-2009
Horlick HS
Racine, WI

Roger Franklin
W-6'4''-203-2009
Duncanville HS
Duncanville, TX

Mason Plumlee
F-6'11''-210-2009
Christ School
Arden, NC

Alex Oriakhi
C-6'9''-224-2009
Titon School
Titon, NH

Demarcus Cousins
C-6'11''-269-2009
Le Flore HS
Mobile, AL

Daniel Orton will also be participating in the games. Orton is playing for an equally talented USA Team 3. Orton is teamed up with Jon Wall. Xavier Henry was also supposed to be on the team however is unable to participate due to an injury. Today Orton's team squared off against FMP-Serbia and as of now the results have not been posted.

Head Coach: Dwayne Bryant, Georgetown Prep, Kensington, MD

Assistant Coach: Renard Phillips, Georgetown Prep, Kensington, MD

Gary Franklin, Jr.
G-6'4-203-2010
Mater Dei
Santa Ana, CA

Aaron Dotson
W-6'3-194-2009
Rainier Beach
Seattle, WA

John Wall
G-6'3-188-2009
Word of God Christian
Raleigh, NC

Michael Gilchrist
W-6'6-199
2011
St. Patrick
Elizabeth, NJ

Dion Walters
W-6'3-214-2010
Roman Catholic
Philadelphia, PA

Jereme Richmond
W-6'7-191-2010
Waukegan HS
Waukegan, IL

Mike Moser
W-6'7-179-2009
Grant HS
Portland, OR

Milton Jennings
F-6'9-205-2009
Pinewood Prep
Summerville, SC

DeShaun Thomas
W-6'6-208-2010
Bishop Luers
Ft. Wayne, IN

Jeremy Tyler
C-6'9-240-2010
San Diego HS
San Diego, CA

Daniel Orton
C-6'9-258-2009
Bishop McGuinness
Oklahoma City, OK

Xavier Henry
W-6'6-214-2009
Putnam City HS
Oklahoma City, OK

The annual event is held in the prestigious Rucker Park in New York City on August 22. The event is host to 24 of the nations most talented basketball players. 2010 Center Josh Smith and 09' point guard John Wall will both play in the event. The event also is host to New York's native son Lance Stephenson. One time Oho State verbal and UK target Trae Golden will also participate in the event. The rest of the roster are as follows.

Name, High School, Pos., Class

• Abdul Gaddy, Tacoma, PG 2009
  Brandon Knight, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., PG, 2010
  Derrick Favors, Atlanta, Ga., PF, 2009
  Dexter Strickland, Elizabeth, N.J., PG, 2009
  Dominic Cheek, Jersey City, N.J., SG, 2009
  Doron Lamb, Mouth of Wilson, Va., PG, 2010
  Durand Scott, New York, N.Y., SG, 2009
  Erik Murphy, Southborough, Mass., PF, 2009
  Jared Sullinger, Columbus, Ohio, PF, 2010
  Jereme Richmond, Waukegan, Ill., SF, 2010
  Jeremy Tyler, San Diego, Calif., PF, 2010
  John Wall, Raleigh, N.C., PG, 2009
  Jordan Hamilton, Compton, Calif., SF, 2009
  Josh Smith, Covington, C, 2010
  Karron Johnson, Durham, N.C., PF, 2009
  Kenny Boynton Jr., Plantation, Fla., SG, 2009
  Lance Stephenson, Brooklyn, N.Y., SG, 2009
  LaQuinton Ross, Raleigh, N.C., SG, 2011
  Maalik Wayns, Philadelphia, Pa., PG, 2009
  Michael Gilchrist, Elizabeth, N.J., SF, 2011
  Ryan Kelly, Raleigh, N.C., PF, 2009
  Tony Wroten Jr., Seattle, SG, 2011
  Trae Golden, Powder Springs, Ga., PG, 2010
  Tristan Thompson, Newark, N.J., SF, 2010

Chase Tapley may be somewhat of an unknown commodity in this neck of the woods, but he is a rising name out west. His father Tommy played his high school ball with Sidney Moncrief at Little Rock Hall High. Tommy went on to play college ball for Arkansas State and Moncrief for Arkansas. Tapley didn't play much as a freshman and unfortunately broke his leg early in his sophomore campaign and was forced to missed the teams final 20 games. The folks around him have had faith in the kid all along. The rest of the nation is starting to see why. Is the kid from Sacramento High that good?

Last season Tapley burst back onto the scene. The athletic youngster was awarded the Division III player of the year. Delivering when the lights are their brightest was the kids forte, he tailed 35 points and 9 rebounds and 4 steals in the state final and averaged 22.2 points, 4.8 assists and 4.6 steals per contest. The 6'3 180 pound combo guard has a knack for getting to the rim and a sweet stroke. His well rounded game was on display throughout the run to the State Championship game. Tapley is rated just inside the rivals.com 150 for 09' at 149. Tapley just might be better than the ranking suggests.

Though Orange County Register columnist Adam Maya has only seen the kid play once, he recently told us that the hype being pumped out of Sacramento about this kid, is real.

"He was one of the 3 or 4 best high school players I saw all year." Maya told us.

Simply stated the kid is superior to his competition on most nights, he has the strength, agility and smarts to out whit the majority of them as well. After all, Tapley does sport a 3.0 GPA. Maya was quick to point out the best qualities in the young man's game:

"Tapley found a way to get whatever shot he wanted. He rarely settled for jumpers but instead looked to exploit defenses that could not cover him in man defense. There probably aren't many kids that can stay in front of him. He is great at drawing contact and also giving himself a chance to finish after being fouled. He is good enough to make an impact as a freshman at a major Division-I program. The kid is an athlete and a scorer. He also worked hard on the boards and was an aggressive defender."

This kid is a solid overall player but he does have some rough edges to his game. Maya went on to complete his analysis by summing up the areas that may need some improvement:

"My only question is how he would fare in a more disciplined offense. It looked like he had to do too much the night I saw him in the state title game against Santa Margarita. Also, having just seen him once I'm not sure whether he is a streaky shooter. He certainly looked like a true scorer who needs to take a lot of shots to be effective."

According to Rivals and Scout Tapley does list Kentucky, however in his most recent interview that was done by Bill Patterson of the Sacramento Bee today, there was no mention of the Cat's. Stanford seems to be the school that the academically oriented student is most intrigued with at this time.

"Tapley plans to make his first official college visit this weekend to the University of San Diego. He said Sacramento State, Baylor, San Diego State, Wyoming, Pacific, UC Davis and Saint Mary's also have offered scholarships.

He admits the Stanford offer is enticing. Tapley, who has a 3.0 grade-point average, went on an unofficial visit to Palo Alto earlier this summer. He said he spent 3 1/2 hours talking with Dawkins, a U.S. Olympic men's basketball team assistant to head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

"I felt really comfortable around him," Tapley said of the former Duke star and longtime Blue Devils assistant. "He's someone who has done what I'd liked to try – been an All-American and played in the NBA. I think I could learn a lot from him."

Patterson has covered a lot of Dragon games and is constantly raving about Sacramento's hometown hero. Patterson recently updated Tapley's progress while on the AAU summer circuit.

Tapley was a key player on the star-studded Pump 'N Run Elite team that won several major Amateur Athletic Union tournaments and lost in the semifinals of the talent-filled adidas Super 64 tourney in late July in Las Vegas.

During that event, Tapley fared well against some of the nation's top recruits – he hit a three-pointer with under a minute left to help beat the pre-tournament favorite and defending champion Atlanta Celtics 72-68.

Tapley said having played on Pump 'N Run the summer before with UCLA freshman Jrue Holiday and other potential NBA players was a huge benefit.

"Jrue was a great role model because of the way he plays the game," Tapley said. "He wants to win, has the killer instinct and ... he always wanted to guard the best player."

Tapley may have his sights set on some of fellow Sacramento High School alum Kevin Johnson's records this coming season. In the end even though the chances of him attending a school in this area are seemingly an Olson twin away from disappearing, kind of slim, Tapley may be a name that you hear for the next four years. Most of all the kid is coachable and truly enjoys the game. His coach holds him in high regard and has a lot of respect for him. In turn he embraces the lessons offered by his coach.

"He is unselfish almost to a fault," said Sac High coach Derek Swafford. "I've been fortunate to have a kid like him. He's so talented. But what's even better is that he sets a good example and is a good student. He's a jewel."

"We have the best relationship," Chase Tapley said. "We talk about everything, basketball and life. Without him, I don't know where I'd be." - Tapley on Coach Swafford

A special thanks to Adam Maya of the Orange County Register for contributing information for this article. Photo and other quotes courtesy of Bill Patterson of the Sacramento Bee.

This is an update from Jim Calhoun's Elite Camp day 1. It goes in detail about some background information on the kid. A really nice read. His father said that he would like his son to end his recruitment this fall, however Orton said that it would likely be spring before a decision is made.

Jim Calhoun and the UConn men's basketball team's coaching staff welcomed 25 local and national recruits to Gampel Pavilion Sunday for the first day of Calhoun's elite camp. Here are a few notes and observations, in addition to those in today's story:(1) Daniel Orton, the top-10 prospect out of Oklahoma City, is a beast. At 17 years old (he'll turned 18 on Aug. 6), he looks 25, and his 6-foot-10, 267-pound frame proves as much. Why 267? At least, that's what he weighed at Sunday."It depends on what day it is," Orton said, drawing a chuckle from the ground of reporters around him. "I can be 265, 270."

Some key things to know about the Scout.com 5-star recruit:a) At the moment, Orton, ranked No. 10 overall in the Class of 2009 by Rivals.com as well as the No. 2 center, has been praised for his defensive skill set, and says he draws parts of his game from past UConn defensive stalwarts such as Emeka Okafor and Hilton Armstrong, as well as Charlie Villanueva. That said, his offensive game has room to grow, though there certainly is loads of upside. In the few hours I got to see him Sunday, he showed off a number of powerful dunks in drills as well as good instincts around the rim during a scrimmage, including some pretty interior passing.

Orton said he's working primarily on refining his jump hook this summer "because I figure in high school, I can get those down over the small 6-4, 6-5 guys.""I have to say so right now, yes (my defense) is (the best part of my game), but I'm improving everything," Orton added. "I'm trying to become an all-around player. My offensive game has come a long way and it's developing really well. I like it."b)

Orton has his list of schools down to seven: UCLA, Kansas, Texas, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, UConn and Kentucky. He's not sure which ones he'll make an official visit to, though he said he plans to wait until the spring to declare."That's something new," his father, Larry said. "I would like him to get it over with in the fall (during the early signing period). I thought he wanted to get it over with in the fall. But you know kids, they change every day."So far, Orton said he's yet to visit Ohio State, Texas and Kansas unofficially."I know he went to Kentucky and really liked it," Larry Orton said. "The fans were great. (Oklahoma State), he grew up as the ball boy at OSU because my son (Terrence Crawford) played there (between 2000 and 2005)."Orton said playing time is a significant factor for him as a freshman, as he is looking to stay one, maybe two years, in college. With Hasheem Thabeet seemingly a lock to leave following this season (barring injury) and Jeff Adrien guaranteed to leave (graduation), there would be immediate opportunity for Orton in Storrs. It's notable, too, that UConn has never had a one-and-done.

"But I look for a college that I can see myself at for four years because you never know what can happen," he said. "You can get hurt, you never know what can happen."c)

Why has UConn caught his eye? For one, the Huskies put players in the pros, and "the development of the big men, I really like that," Orton said.Larry Orton, who said his family plans on moving to wherever Daniel goes to school, has also taken a liking to UConn, he said."I think it's excellent," he said. "It's what we thought it was, one of the top three programs in the country. ... (The campus) kind of reminds me a little of OSU because it's kind of sitting in the back when you get of the highway. The campus is really nice. And I grew up on the East coast. I was telling the young lady that picked me up that it reminded me a lot of home and where I grew up in (Virginia)."d)

Some background on Orton: He didn't start playing basketball seriously until the seventh grade, roughly about the time he grew 15 inches in a single year, his father said."Me and my older son, we used to laugh at Daniel," Larry Orton said. "We didn't think Daniel was going to be a basketball player because he didn't really get into it until his seventh grade year. He was just a short, chubby, fat kid. I have pictures I can show you. And then he grew 15 inches — and I knew it was coming, I just didn't know when. Then between 14 and 15 (years old), he grew 15 inches."The first game he played he scored 16 points, never played in an organized game (before)," he added. "He was just doing things that were unbelievable. The guy didn't believe he was seven years old."e) Just a very well-spoken kid, and is seemingly very aware of the recruiting process and how things go. He also has a rather hectic summer planned. From UConn, he heads to Kentucky for its elite camp, to Portland for the Nike Global Challenge, to San Francisco to work out — “But I don’t think my mom’s going to let me,” he said — and finally Brazil for another Nike competition. -Article

Curtis Pulley has seen his last snap as quarterback and receiver for the University of Kentucky. Coach Brooks made the announcement today during the schools media day. Coach Brooks was asked about the dismissal and stated that Pulley's recent troubles coupled with other factors was the reasoning behind the decision. Ken Taylor told Rick Bozich this afternoon on Louisville's ESPN affiliate 93.9 the Ticket that Brooks would not elaborate on the "other reasons" that paired with the known factors in this situation.

Though Pulley had only started 1 career game the team and fan base always had high hopes for the once heralded youngster. After all, Pulley was Kentucky's Mr. Football in 2004. Pulley was also the recipient of the Paul Hornung award as Kentucky's Player of the Year. Pulley had an illustrious career while playing in talent laden Christian County at Hopkinsville High. Pulley was a four year letter man while playing quarterback and safety. He accumulated over 6,000 passing yards and 62 touchdowns. On the ground Pulley delivered more punishment to the opposition adding another 3,000+ yards and over 50+ touchdowns. Pulley was also a proven winner. Leading his squad to a 31-8 record in three seasons as the starter under center.

Pulley's career numbers at UK will fall short of the expectations finishing 39 of 64 for 280 yards no touchdowns and three interceptions. Pulley's rushing and receiving statistics also fell way short of his potential. 72 career rushing attempts for 273 yards and three touchdowns. 23 receptions for 220 yards and one touchdown.

If I had to sum up my feelings about Pulley in one word it would be, disappointment. This kid had so much talent, a great staff ready to develop it and a bright future ahead of him. I don't think that the young man realized how much stock the citizens of the Commonwealth had wrapped up in him. Kentuckians take pride in their homegrown athletes and talented people who actually make it. It is almost like folks see some of themselves in kids and in turn expect the kids to embrace the opportunity to represent our state the way that they felt like they would have if given half the chance.

Overall the Wildcat's have taken a bit of an early season blow these past couple of days losing 3 projected starters.. The news that cornerback Paul Warford would not be eligible for the upcoming season. Warford is a Junior from Richmond, Ky who started 11 games last season. Warford does plan to re-enroll this spring and redshirt this season. David Jones who has spent his time bouncing back and forth from receiver to cornerback is expected to take Warford's spot in the lineup. In addition, news that offensive lineman Christian Johnson would likely miss the season due to a back injury or could be ruled academically ineligible for the upcoming season has surfaced. Johnson is a senior from Fort Campbell Kentucky and has not used his redshirt.

The Cat's can ill-afford to lose many more players from the depth chart. Depth is what separates the Cat's from being a consistent top 25 program. I do believe that the staff has done a great job adding talent to a once barren roster. However the team is still a couple of seasons away from having injuries and defections not playing as critical of a role on the win/loss column.

Nov. 3 (Mon) MISSOURI - ST. LOUIS [Exh.] 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 7 (Fri) TBA [Exh.] 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 14 (Fri) VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 18 (Tue) at North Carolina 9:00 p.m. ESPN
Nov. 22 (Sat) DELAWARE STATE Noon
Nov. 24 (Mon) LONGWOOD 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 28 (Fri) vs. Kansas State 11:59 p.m. ESPN U
Nov. 29 (Sat) vs. West Virginia/Iowa TBA 7:30/10:30 p.m. ESPN U
Dec. 3 (Wed) LAMAR 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 6 (Sat) MIAMI (FL) 5:30 p.m. ESPN
Dec. 7 (Sun) MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE 3:00 p.m.
Dec. 13 (Sat) INDIANA 4:00 p.m. CBS
Dec. 20 (Sat) vs. Appalachian State (at Louisville) Noon
Dec. 22 (Mon) TENNESSEE STATE 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 27 (Sat) FLORIDA ATLANTIC 3:00 p.m.
Dec. 29 (Mon) CENTRAL MICHIGAN 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 4 (Sun) at Louisville 1:30/4:30 p.m. CBS
Jan. 10 (Sat) • VANDERBILT 2:00 p.m. Raycom
Jan. 13 (Tue) • at Tennessee 9:00 p.m. ESPN
Jan. 18 (Sun) • at Georgia Noon Raycom
Jan. 21 (Wed) • AUBURN 9:00 p.m. Raycom
Jan. 24 (Sat) • at Alabama 3:00 p.m. Raycom
Jan. 27 (Tue) • at Ole Miss 7:00 p.m. ESPN
Jan. 31 (Sat) • SOUTH CAROLINA 3:00 p.m. Raycom
Feb. 3 (Tue) • MISSISSIPPI STATE 7:00 p.m. Raycom
Feb. 10 (Tue) • FLORIDA 9:00 p.m. ESPN
Feb. 14 (Sat) • at Arkansas 1:00 p.m. CBS
Feb. 17 (Tue) • at Vanderbilt 9:00 p.m. ESPN
Feb. 21 (Sat) • TENNESSEE 1:00 p.m. CBS
Feb. 25 (Wed) • at South Carolina 7:00 p.m. Raycom
Feb. 28 (Sat) • LSU 2:00 p.m. CBS
Mar. 4 (Wed) • GEORGIA 8:00 p.m. Raycom
Mar. 7 (Sat) • at Florida 2:00 p.m. CBS
Mar.12-15(Th-Su) 3 SEC Tournament [Tampa] / TBA

Check local listings
• All times Eastern
• SEC Game

It seems like it has been quite sometime since the state of Kentucky has been among the top in the nation in producing talent. The 80's and early 90's saw a boom of players from the bluegrass state making a huge impact on division 1 games around the country. There were those Kentucky teams that were loaded with homegrown players. Then there were the Louisville teams that hosted names like Griffith, Morton, Wheat and Osborne. For the last 10 years the state has been seemingly in a slump. Sure there were solid players like Carrier, Stockton and Lofton and Rondo but not like before?

Now the state looks poised to solidify itself as a top 15 producer of talent again. There are the names we have all heard of: Darius Miller, Scotty Hopson, Jon Hood, Jacob Jenkins, Aaron Cosby, Dakotah Euton and Chad Jackson. However the state has talent that goes deeper than the household names for the first time in a long time.

Some of the top players in the state are also young. D'carlo Hayes (left) helped to lead his Male Bulldogs to a 23-7 record last season. Hayes was also named the MVP of the Derrick Smith shootout at Hoops. Thomas Blakmore (center) averaged 15 points a game last and helped to lead Butler to a respectable 19-12 record. Ian Chiles (right) is possibly better than his older brother Adam. Ian's Ballard squad finished 21-10 last season.

Darnell Davis plays out one of the top producers of talent per capita in the nation, Hopkinsville. Davis is a solid prospect. Davis is 6'5 has a wide frame and is a solid post player.

Shaquille Wilson has been on Xavier's radar for sometime and is a long smooth athlete also out of Hopkinsville. Wilson is a terrific shooter and should flourish during the remainder of his high school career.

The state is also host Clint Stepp who attends June Buchannan. Stepp burst onto the national scene at the Adidas Super 64 in Vegas. Stepp had games with 26 and 33 points respectively. His family is associated with high scoring production so this doesn't come as a shock locally, however nationally Stepp is now on the radar.

Richie Phares out of Scott County is a 6'7 power forward that can shoot as well. Phares has been contacted by all of the local mid majors and will be a solid player at that level.

In the end the best way to sum things up in this agricultural state is that the drought just may be over.

Article by Brad King

I sometimes wonder if Kentucky basketball fans are the most fierce and organized fan base on the planet. If our state's mind was focused, who knows what we could accomplish. So it seems after the UK fans completely annihilate a CBS poll by Gary Parish that matched the top programs over the past 100 years with the best players from their national championship teams. The results were outstanding. Kentucky did not just win, but destroyed the likes of IU, UNC, and UCLA...and it wasn't even close. So here is to you, UK fans... here is to taking over the Presidential elections in the fall as well. Link to Article: http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10913833.