Branded: Recruiting

Sktech
Wildcats Thunder Sports Editor/Writer

"Chuck Connors starred in the 60’s western TV show Branded, which followed the life of Jason McCord, former Captain in the U.S. Cavalry. Court martialled for cowardice under fire during the Battle of Bitter Creek from which McCord was the only survivor, McCord knows he’s innocent but refuses to pin the blame where it belongs, his commanding officer, General Reed, who died in the battle.

Featuring one of the most recognizable signature songs in the history of television, Branded was also notable as one of the few dramatic productions to come out of the production team of Goodson/Todman, best known for game show properties like The Price is Right.” (Info courtesy of www.tv.com)

I don’t know if you’re a fan of the series or not, but I am. Anyway, by now you are asking: what does this have to do with recruiting? Well true enough Jason McCord was branded as being a coward and deserting his men. Even though it appears he was innocent (based on his escapades in the show), he was still marked. Which brings me to my next point: what is the definition of branded? According to Webster, Branded means: 1. to mark with a brand, 2. to mark with disapproval, 3. to impress indelibly brand the lesson on his/her mind>. Well, unlike our friend Jason McCord, who was negatively branded, I am referring to current UK recruits on whom we are trying to put our “mark” so to speak. Think of it as a type of veritable UK cattle brand, only these aren’t cattle, they’re stud horses. Here is a current list of players on which the University of Kentucky and Coach Gillispie is trying to put its’ brand in 2008:

5 STARS
# 4 PF JaMychal Green - Med. OFFERED
#5 C Tyler Zeller - Med. OFFERED
#6 SG Willie Warren - Med. OFFERED

4 STARS
#5 SF Deandre Liggins - High OFFERED
#5 PG Bud Mackey - Committed to Indiana but some BD-itis????
#7 SF Darius Miller - High OFFERED
#9 PG Dashan Harris - Med. OFFERED
#9 SG J'Covan Brown - Med. OFFERED
#9 PF Chris Singleton - Med. OFFERED
#10 PG Rontei Clarke - not listed but taking an official visit

#13 C Tony Woods - Not listed but widely discussed
#16 C Andre Clark - Med. OFFERED (07 Eligibility????)
#18 PF Terrance Henry - Med. OFFERED
#19 PF Olek Czyz - Med. OFFERED
#23 PF Kevin Jones - Med. OFFERED

3 STARS
#16 PG Courtney Fortson - Med. OFFERED
NR SF Leonard Washington-Med-OFFERED (Late 07 Recruit)

(Special props to Dandycat a Wildcats Thunder Member for this list of recruits: see LINK)

So, here’s hoping to at least “Branding” a few of these guys! Also, don’t forget about current UK commits GJ Vilarino (2009) and Dakota Euton (2010).

A final question: What do you do when you’re a Wildcat?