LOOKING BACK

 A basketball junkie? Yes, I plead guilty. I cannot get enough. I love high school and college basketball and can even watch the NBA during playoffs.

I watched open gym at Gilliam Gym last week and got a look at some of the local kids as they worked on their skills by playing pick up games, These are times that young men can work on their individual games at their own pace.

A lot of the kids in attendance are kids that I have watch through the years. One in particular was Eric Jones. I have known Eric since he was a toddler when he fell in love with baseball and later when he discovered basketball and the last few years as he developed into an excellent golfer.

Eric chose not to play basketball last year as a junior and normally that year away will set your game back and make a return difficult, but as I watched Eric play last week, I was impressed with his game. Eric looked stronger physically stronger. His defense was very good, he handled the ball well and made good passes and of course he always could shoot the ball.

I don’t know if Eric will play his senior year or not, but he could be an asset to the team.

It was good to see all the kids working hard. Travis Smith, who I feel was the best player in the 13^th Region last year, was there. Hunter Grubb looked very good along with Donnie Wilson and eighth grader Trevor Hill.

Robbie Igo was playing AAU ball and was not there for open gym, but I expect Robbie to be a force next year.

Right now, it is as it says, open gym. But as time moves along Coach Tony Pietrowski and his staff will lead next year’s hopefuls into summer basketball. I cannot wait.

 UK still a couple of players short

The University of Kentucky is still one or two short on their recruiting class for next year. Coach Cal needs a big man in the middle to replace Josh Harrellson. You simply must have what Al McGuire, the old coach at Marquette, used to call an aircraft carrier to rule the play in the paint.

The Cats have recruited two 6’10” kids in Anthony Davis and Kyle Wiltzer, but both are lean and not considered the type of player to be a bull in the middle. They may have to make do with what they have. You can never tell about Coach Cal, he may yet make a player out of Elroy Vargas. That may be a stretch.

Issac Wilson update 

I have an update on the 2010 player of the year in the 13^th Region, Issac Wilson. At last report Issac started every game at point guard for the Alice Lloyd Eagles, leading them in assists. Issac is also the number two golfer on their golf team and is carrying a 4.0 grade point average. When you add to that his leadership qualities and the very excellent content of his character, it adds up to a real good move to acquire this former Redhound by Alice Lloyd.

 Redhound of the Past

This week’s salute to a Redhound from the past goes to a quarterback in football in the early 80s, Greg Duncum. Greg was also a basketball and baseball player. Greg Duncum, always a Redhound.