Kentucky hoop notes

Many of our readers take some much needed time for vacations at this time of year. In order to keep readers abreast of the latest Wildcat basketball headlines KSR's Brian Eldridge provides us with some of the more fascinating story lines being followed by basketball Cat fans over the last two weeks.

Former Rose Hill Academy (Ky.) star, and Wildcat commitment, Dakotah Euton has been ruled ineligible to play for Scott County (Ky.) by the KHSAA. The 6-foot-8 junior-to-be transferred from Rose Hill to play for Scott County when his father took a job in the area. The KHSAA, the governing body for high school athletics in Kentucky, ruled him ineligible due to statements made to the media by his father, prior to his the transfer to Scott County. The Eutons are expected to appeal the decision.

Incoming freshman Darius Miller helped lead the Kentucky All-stars to a streak-ending victory over the All-stars from the Hoosier state. Miller scored 13 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out four assists in the 95-78 victory. Indiana had defeated Kentucky eight consecutive times in the series.

2009 commitment, G.J. Vilarino is playing for the Adidas Nations team this summer. The roster is packed with top talent, including Kentucky targets Christian Watford, Daniel Orton, and Shawn Williams. They will compete with other nations’ teams from around the world in an event in Dallas in August.

The most anticipated news of recent weeks is the test scores of DeAndre Liggins. Liggins is expected to compete for big minutes for the Wildcats next season at the point guard position. With the transfer of Derrick Jasper to UNLV, there is a lot of playing time opening up. The only point guard on the roster with any experience is junior guard Michael Porter. Incoming JUCO transfer Kevin Galloway is also expected to compete for minutes. While there have been multiple reports that Liggins did get qualified on his latest attempt, nothing has been confirmed at this time.

Madisonville North-Hopkins (Ky.) star and Kentucky commit Jon Hood is competing in the NBAPA Camp this week. The camp consists of 110 of the top players in the nation, regardless of class. Hood is playing for the Spurs at the camp. After a slow start, Hood showed his ability to score in multiple ways, including his midrange jumper and a floater. Hood is teaming with another Wildcats prospect; Alabama forward Christian Watford.

Both Patrick Patterson and Jodie Meeks are on the mend for the Wildcats and expected to make full recoveries after injuries took a toll on both of their seasons. Patterson is expected to have his boot removed from his surgically repaired ankle today and should be completely healed up in time for the season. Meeks had surgery in March for a sports hernia. While he’s still experiencing soreness, he’s also expected to be ready for the season.

Congratulations to former Wildcat Rajon Rondo. He helped lead the Boston Celtics to a 4-2 series win over the Los Angeles Lakers to capture the NBA Championship. The second year guard put up and outstanding statistical line in the title clinching game. Rondo scored 21 points, grabbed seven rebounds, dished eight assists and gathered six steals. Rondo averaged 9.3 points, 6.7 assists and 3.8 boards per game during the series.