Official: Cliff Hawkins is Out

[KY Kid]

It's been reported on several websites that Brooks Downing reported on WLAP that Cliff Hawkins will be ineligble for the first semester next season. I don't have a link, but it has been confirmed on several message boards that Brooks made that statement at the request of Coach Smith. So it looks like no Hawk for the first part of the season. I also heard that Cliff has some work to get done to be eligible for the 2nd semester.

[Administrator]

Well sum beach!!!!!

I go to the lake for a couple of days and look what happens.

At least it's just the first semester (for now) and we can overcome. He better get his act together though because if he's out for the entire year, you can kiss that deep run in the tourney goodbye IMO.

At least the younger guys will have a chance to get some PT.

[Administrator]

There is also a possibility Hawkins would be sidelined the entire season if he is unable to catch up in the classroom.

Downing informed numerous media outlets Thursday night that an official statement from UK coach Tubby Smith would be forthcoming on Friday. He added that Smith would also be naming a new assistant coach in the coming days, just ahead of the all-important Nike and Adidas camps that begin July 5 in Indianapolis and Teaneck, N.J., respectively.

[kj]

Without Hawkins, another disappointing season is in store. Stockton isn't ready and Barbour's talents are better suited at the wing. Still enough talent to go 22-10. At least the surprises are starting early, gives one a little more time to wonder what happened.

[KY Kid]

I still expect Cliff to be back by the 2nd semester.

[Administrator]

kj said:

Without Hawkins, another disappointing season is in store. Stockton isn't ready and Barbour's talents are better suited at the wing. Still enough talent to go 22-10. At least the surprises are starting early, gives one a little more time to wonder what happened.

If Cliff is out the entire year, I agree with everything you said. ;D

[Kybluegal]

Man not a good way to start the day out...I get up to check the message boards before work and bam...This news about Cliff...Why?? That is all I have to say WHY??

[Tummygoat]

When will the madness stop! We are just plagued with bad news the last 4 years it seems. Come on Cliff...college is not that hard...especially when you are a basketball player!

[Tummygoat]

this will hurt in the Maui invitational, but Hawk won't be out that many games as long as he gets good grades. We're talking about six or seven games I presume. We'll have him for UL, UNC and whoever else provided he does well in summer school and fall semester. as long as he does well it really isnt that big of deal.

[Blueblood_Jim]

Actually, Grant (and of course I have not seen the schedule yet) I would assume that Hawkins will be out 10-12 games and that would include the UNC game. But even without Hawkins I do not see us racking up very many fall losses. I believe that Barbour, Fitch and Stockton can pick up the slack until Hawkins returns and we certainly have mucho depth at the 3, 4 and 5 spots. We will have enough guards, but we will miss Cliff. Bottom line will still be scoring, the D will be there. I hope Brown passes that test because he would ne nice to have as insurance coming off the bench, even though he will be young. But incredibly Hawkins should be ready by the time we play Louisville. That will be his deput for Kentucky next year, and it will also be Stones first appearance in action for hated Louisville