Leonard Washington......still hanging by a moment....

When we all speak about the 2007 UK Cats, we do so assuming the roster that is currently composed of two seniors, 45 sophomores and an exciting freshman class. But we all should be careful that we dont forget about our good friend Leonard Washington. LW, who has a Jai Lucas-like ability to set a decision date and then postpone, is still waiting on final words on his grades and whether he will be eligible in 2007. The Washington camp is confident......actually lets just say REALLY confident that the grades will be there. The schools interested are.....well, not quite as confident. So we are in a holding pattern. But the holding pattern should end soon. Leonard should get final word and make a decision by the middle of next week. (likely while I am in the bar exam). When he does so, it is very likely that he will either join the Kentucky or Ole Miss rosters. So where will he go? Well it depends on who you ask and what day it is. Most UK message boards have had Leonard at various times committed to UK, considering UK and done with UK.....and at times, all three. But the real story is tough to get. The UK folks think he is theirs IF they want him. The Ole Miss folks believe that they almost have a commitment now. And Leonard's people seem to suggest he may just go straight to the USA national team with all of his current talent. So it is unclear where he is "leaning" because on this deal, it is hard to separate the facts from the bravado. Bottom line however is this....Leonard can help UK next year. He has the talent to put points on the board and be an inside banger this team needs. But there is baggage involved.....and for some schools (aka Kentucky), whether the baggage is worth it may in part be determined by the academic situation. For a five week recruitment, this has been a mini-circus in ways we have both explained and kept to ourselves. But no matter what, it looks as if it will end next week......unless of course it doesnt.