During NBA Lockout, Coach John Calipari Invites Former University of Kentucky Players to Work Out at UK
by Evan Dunlap on Jul 5, 2011 12:01 PM EDT
in News
Email
PrintAmong the questions Orlando Magic rookie DeAndre Liggins faced at his introductory news conference last Wednesday: where and how will he train during the NBA lockout, which prohibits players from communicating with team employees or using team facilities? Liggins said he intended to return to Lexington to work out at the Kentucky Wildcats' gym. He sheepishly added that he'd yet to ask coach John Calipari for permission.
Well, now, he doesn't need to. "I reached out to every former Wildcat that’s in the NBA dealing w/ this lockout to tell them our facility is available to train if needed," Calipari announced to his 1.1 million Twitter followers. "Part of what we want to continue to do is give former players from our family the opportunity to jumpstart their careers," he continued.
If the defensive-minded swingman takes Calipari up on his offer, he may find the gym a bit crowded: fourteen other former Wildcats--including Magic center Daniel Orton, former no. 1 pick John Wall, and All-Star Rajon Rondo--play in the NBA.
The Magic selected Liggins 53rd overall in this year's NBA Draft. He and combo forward Justin Harper, acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers for two future second-round picks, represent Orlando's 2011 Draft haul. They'll join Orton, an injury-plagued 2010 first-rounder, as the Magic's three rookies this season.
(Hat-tip: Ball Don't Lie)
7 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
EH.
Feels cheapened knowing they’re going to use it as a recruiting staple. “We helped our NBA players when they were locked out!” What about the other 90 percent of your players who didn’t make it in the NBA?
I’m just being picky though.
Fear the Beard!
by BleedingBlueSince89 on Jul 5, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
If every school did it
then it wouldn’t be a recruiting pitch. If just a few schools do it, then I don’t see the problem with them using it as a recruiting pitch.
I read some of them planned to do summer school
so they could avail themselves of the university’s facilities
Smart move by Cal
I’d be surprised if he wasn’t actually already doing this in years past. I believe as long as you don’t announce when certain players will be participating in workouts, you are allowed to do this. If you do however, you violate some NCAA rules. Miami football does it every summer. A ton of their former players go down there and work out with the current players. They all love it.
You can't reason with stupid.
http://www.twitter.com/JShannonhouse3
http://www.twitter.com/Amway_Get_Loud
Good news for UK players.
It’ll help somebody like Terrence Jones who stayed. Also Brandon Knight.
No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Daniel Orton please.........................
Take advantage of this offer and go back to train with coach Calipari, he will give you the confidence and desire that maybe you need to be an NBA player.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
Related FanPosts on Orlando Pinstriped Post
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Contact Us
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- The 10-man rotation, starring your Indiana Pacers
- Blake Griffin highlights, ‘NBA Jam’-style (VIDEO)
- Finally, Shelvin Mack and Robert Pack have a dance dedicated to them (VIDEO)
- Create-a-Caption: Allen Iverson, superfan
- Kobe Bryant-themed Gotye cover song waxes wistful for ‘The Kobe That We Used to Know’ (VIDEO)
