Jackson, Christmas cut lists

Two top prospects have cut their lists this week and neither included the University of Kentucky.

Joe Jackson, a top point guard in the 2010 class, narrowed his choices down to Memphis, Tennessee, and Kansas. Kentucky was thought to be in pretty good position for Jackson and he was thought to be attending Big Blue Madness in October. Being a Memphis native it is believed Jackson is a heavy Memphis lean, he has already visited the Tigers campus and facilities many times and feels comfortable with the program.

Rakeem Christmas, the best low post defender in the 2011 class, narrowed his list down to eight teams, none of which are Kentucky. Many people around the country are surprised with this decision because it was thought that UK was perhaps the leader—or one of the leaders—for Christmas’ services. Dave Telep, the lead recruiting analyst for Scout.com “tweeted”, “I would have bet my son’s college savings that Kentucky made Rakeem’s Christmas list of 8″.

Many people believe that UK IS still in the mix and it is odd that he would not list them. Either way it would be a big blow if UK were eliminated while Coach John Calipari is in China.

Tobias Harris visits UK campus

One of the top rising players this summer has been SF/PF Tobias Harris. Harris shot up the rankings with his summer AAU performances after beginning this summer over 15 pounds lighter than the previous year. Harris is a mismatch nightmare for opponents and manhandled junior phenom Michael Gilchrist on national TV two weeks ago.

Harris is on campus today and will stay overnight until at least thursday with his father as they check out the Kentucky campus. It has long been said that Syracuse and UCONN lead for his services but teams like UK, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech are making tremendous efforts as well.

Fab Melo to Syracuse

A little cross town news, Fab Melo, a consensus top 10 recruit has chosen Syracuse over UCONN and Louisville.

Many people at UofL felt that they were the leaders but word is he is heading up north.

Brandon Knight visits Kentucky

Word around the UK program is consensus top 5 high school senior Brandon Knight had his mother on the Kentucky campus yesterday and met with Lee Todd and the UK staff. It seems that she was very intruiged with what he saw—I’m guessing that means the Joe Craft Center and possibly the Wildcat Lodge along with some academic facilities.

Many reports have indicated that Kentucky already leads for Knight, a player many consider the best in all of high school basketball, and now with this visit it seems they may even have a very distinct advantage.