Jai Lucas Interview and other tidbits

I spoke earlier this evening with Jai Lucas about his recruitment and how it has changed with the new Kentucky coach, Billy Gillispie. We had a short conversation, which is recounted below:

What did you think of Kentucky’s hire of Billy Gillispie?

I think it is a great hire. Coach Gillispie has done a great job everywhere he has been and he is going to do a great job at Kentucky. I wasnt sure what they were going to do, but when I heard they were getting Coach Gillispie, I thought it was a great choice.

Did you know much about Coach Gillispie before this week?

Yeah, he recruited me while he was at Texas A&M, so I know him and his staff. I like the way they play, what they do with the point guard and everything about his coaching.

You mentioned that Gillispie recruited you while with the Aggies. How come you didnt seriously consider the school?

Thats a good question….I dont really know. Mainly because I just wanted to get out of Texas.

Have you spoken with Coach Gillispie yet?

Yeah he called me Friday night and we had a good conversation. He said that the pieces were in place for them to have a successful team but he wanted a point guard and he wanted me to be the point guard. He said I could help build the program from here forward. It was a great conversation.

What is your status right now with Florida?

Well with Taurean Green leaving, Coach Donovan has been calling more often and I am considering them. But you know, I am pretty connected with my top schools. So I dont know what I will do with Florida right now.

When do you think you will make a decision?

I am not sure yet. I am not really in a hurry. I want to talk to Coach Gililspie some more and just see how things play out. But I will do it relatively soon.

So that is where things stand with Jai. I think UK is still in good shape with him and it is clear that the Gillispie hire is a good one with respect to the Cats. A couple of other tidbits….

WHAS reported that Gillispie contacted Stephon Pettigrew on Friday night as well, along with big man Anthony McClain, one of the last remaining center talents in the class. McClain is interesting to follow as he has Ramon Harris on his Myspace site as one of his top friends. Once again, myspace teaches all……

Just wait till you see what Gillispie is going to do in the 08 class. I am already hearing my recruiting contacts telling me that they predict a Top 5 class with the kids he was already in on at Texas A&M and the guys he can get at UK. It would not shock me to see him leave a scholarship or two open this year, in order to save for what could be a huge haul in 08.

Michael Beasley now says he is considering Memphis, NC State and Florida State….this afetr his mother said he would be staying in Manhattan, Kansas. Aw recruiting….

Look for more tomorrow, and have a GREAT Easter!