NEWSSTAND (6/18): Another big commitment, Fox in Philly, C.M Newton revere
C.M. Newton is still revered for his legacy. Allen Edwards is winning no matter where he's at.
Kentucky lands another huge commitment and NBA draft talk continues.
ON THE RECORD
Four-star Class of 2019 athlete Keontra Smith committed to Kentucky on Saturday morning and he spoke with CatsIllustrated.com shortly after announcing his choice.
The Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna defensive back had a lot of interesting things to say.
LINK: Q&A with new Kentucky defensive back commit Keontra Smith
COMMITMENT
Kentucky's recruiting momentum continued on Saturday morning when the program landed a huge commitment from four-star Class of 2019 defensive back Keontra Smith.
The 5-foot-11, 193-pound corner hails from Chaminade Madonna in Hollywood, Fla., a school that has become a major pipeline for Kentucky.
FINDING SUCCESS
Edwards made news this spring when it was reported Wyoming lost money while winning the College Basketball Invitational tournament. The Cowboys incurred a net loss of $74,425. Part of Wyoming’s deficit involved a requirement that teams pay the CBI $40,000 per game to be host in return for keeping all ticket and concession revenues.
“My focus was more on getting experience playing in postseason play,” Edwards said.
Wyoming had not won a postseason championship since the 1943 NCAA Tournament. So the CBI was worth it.
LINK: From UK to Wyoming, Allen Edwards finding success in basketball
NEWTON REVERED
Amid questions about Kentucky’s dominating 77-61 win over host Alabama in early 2016, John Calipari scanned the Coleman Coliseum media room.
Looking for one face in particular, the Wildcats’ basketball coach nearly didn’t recognize it when his eyes finally landed on their target.
“C.M. Newton, how are ya?” Calipari said in partial surprise, “… (and) with the beard, I’ll tell you what!”
LINK: SEC basketball coaches still revere former Alabama coach (and Kentucky A.D.) C.M. Newton
PERFECT FIT?
People in the Houston suburb of Katy, Texas, aren't surprised that there is a lot of buzz surrounding De'Aaron Fox heading into Thursday's NBA draft.
They have been experiencing such hoopla since Fox was dominating varsity competition as an attack-minded freshman at Cypress Lakes High School.
So, folks in the southeast part of Texas weren't amazed when the Kentucky point guard scored 39 points in an 86-75 victory over UCLA in an NCAA Sweet 16 game in March. That's the night that Fox destroyed UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball and momentarily quieted Ball's outspoken father, LaVar.
LINK: De'Aaron Fox says he would be a perfect fit for the 76ers, too
Unlike Monk, we know that Fox can make plays in tight spaces as a very good ball-handler with elite quickness. Instead of making him go against a set defense, the Sixers had Fox do some shooting and full-court drills ..." (Read more)
LINK: Fox's pre-draft workout notes
What’s it like to perform for someone who has their eyes on a rival? That’s the question De’Aaron Fox had to answer Saturday afternoon at the Sixers’ practice facility. Philadelphia’s focus turned toward the No. 1 pick and Markelle Fultz on Friday afternoon, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the rest of their workout plans.
For Fox, the only thing he appeared concerned with was his own game. During the portion of the workout the media was privy to, we got a glimpse of all the things that make Fox a divisive prospect for the Sixers; he was lightning quick in the open floor, competed hard in defensive drills, but struggled to make jumpers at a consistent clip.
LINK: Fox says he's not worried about his jump shot
Fox stands at 6’3″ weighing 176 which makes him an undersized point guard at the next level. Questions surround Fox as to whether he will translate to a successful NBA player or not. He is a suspect three-point shooter, plays out of control too often on offense, and struggles against physical defenses due to his lanky frame.
(Reminder: These articles aren't endorsed by the Newsstand, they're presented for a comprehensive view of the conversation taking place).
LINK: Three reasons why the Lakers should not draft De'Aaron Fox
MEET DE'AARON FOX
Here's another video from NBA.com, this one focused on De'Aaron Fox's preparation for the next level.
ADEBAYO IN CHARLOTTE
For the record, I can’t see the Hornets picking Adebayo unless he absolutely blows them away. He’s still 19 and the Hornets want a more polished player. Kennard and Jackson are both good options, however.