Indianapolis Pike junior point guard Marquis Teague became the latest elite player to pick Kentucky Thursday when he made the announcement at his high school.
“[Kentucky coach John Calipari] coaches guards real well and I want to be a great guard when it’s all said and done,” the 6-foot-2 Teague said, according to Jody Demling’s Twitter.
Teague added that he’s not thinking about “one-and-done.” He just wants “to win.”
Teague averaged 16.3 points, 4.6 assists and 1.6 steals last season as a junior.
The No 1. point guard in the Class of 2011, Teague chose Kentucky over Louisville, Cincinnati, Indiana and Purdue.
Louisville had long been considered the frontrunner. Shawn Teague, Marquis’ father, played for Cardinals coach Rick Pitino at Boston University.
Marquis said he considered committing to Louisville on previous occasions.
“I almost committed to Louisville twice but that just shows what coach Cal can do,” he said, according to Demling.
“I can’t say either school was a better fit. But the school he picked is a good fit,” Shawn added.
Seattle Garfield junior guard Tony Wroten, who earlier Tweeted that Teague had told him he would pick Kentucky, chimed in via Twitter.
“I told y’all big blue nation. Mr. Teague is a kentucky wildcat. Great choice for my bro,” he tweeted.
In a little more than a week, Kentucky has now landed 2010 players Brandon Knight and Doron Lamb and 2011 studs Michael Gilchrist and Teague, the top two players in that class.
The Wildcats could lose five players, including four freshmen, to the upcoming NBA Draft, but are simply reloading for the future.
Calipari previously told ESPNU that he hopes to bring in “five or six players” this year. The Wildcats currently have four commits for 2010 in Knight, Lamb, 6-9 center Enes Kanter of Simi Valley (Calif.) Stoneridge Prep and 6-5 wing Stacey Poole of the Jacksonville (Fla.) Providence School.
Calipari told the network that last year’s Kentucky team demonstrated that a group of young talented players can achieve great things if they come to school together with a willingness to work hard.
“If you want to go fast, go alone,” he told ESPNU. “If you want to go far, go together.”
(Photo courtesy IndyStar.com)
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ChicagoUK / April 22, 2010
UK is on fire! Averaging two 5* commits per week in April, LOL.
All Tony Wroten does is talk about coming to UK and Cal hasn’t even offered him a scholarship.. that is the #9 ranked player in the class!
Anyway, we need to finish off the 2010 class now.. TJ and CJ.. quit playing guys..
(for the record, I hope Cal does pick up Wroten.. the guy is a Boogie Cousins-like entertainer)
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razor ramone / April 22, 2010
For Calipari to get Teague out from under Louisville’s grasp is nothing short of amazing. Bottom line is Pitino has ZERO track record of producing good PGs. And to think he said the Syphergate incident wouldn’t impact his recruiting. To lose Michael Chandler (Top 10 in 2011) to a de-commit and now Teague in the same week is devastating.
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bball purist / April 22, 2010
No Surprise here. Teague’s been recruited by UK since he’s 12 y.o. The question becomes will Cal win a NC with even more talent than in UM or UMass, and if he does, will it be vacated?
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BlueCat32 / April 22, 2010
Welcome to Kentucky M.T. 2011 class is going to be a stellar group when all is done….
Go Big Blue!
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BlueCat32 / April 22, 2010
You need to check your facts,UL has been on Teague much longer than UK….
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BostonCat / April 22, 2010
awesome pick up that sets the stage for the greatest recruiting class in history. teague is elite! q. miller, you are next!!!!
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bball purist / April 22, 2010
Yes, yes, Teague was recruited by the guy with the license plate “HARDCARD” even longer…
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MilesCat / April 22, 2010
It is good to be one of the ” ELITE ” schools again. Cal has some work to do for this years class yet. Leslie, Jones, Thornton, Ross, and Hill….who is next?
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bball purist / April 22, 2010
Ross won’t qualify academically…
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ChicagoUK / April 22, 2010
Wow, just saw the stat that Cal has signed nine 5* players in the past calendar year:
John Wall
Boogie Cousins
Eric Bledsoe
Daniel Orton
Brandon Knight
Doron Lamb
Enes Kanter
Mike Gilchrist
Marquis Teague
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MilesCat / April 22, 2010
I heard that too. Prep school?
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bball purist / April 22, 2010
I’ve seen that speculated on at least two times – plus Vetter was surprisingly mum, and the few quotes I saw him make were of a dismayed coach. He is not a fan of Ross’ mom.
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ChicagoUK / April 22, 2010
Terrence Jones is announcing on 4/30.
Here we go again..
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MilesCat / April 22, 2010
I am alot more nervous about that anouncement…not as confident. Plus, we need some size for next year. 4/30 is a big day!
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ChicagoUK / April 22, 2010
Me too Miles.. I am thinking UW.. although some UK folks say that he has already committed to UK and is only waiting on Ross.
Zags, any thoughts on Jones? KU fans?
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bball purist / April 22, 2010
Jones – UK;
Ross – B.B. comment I saw – Terrence Ross is probably going to have to go JUCO or Prep. No one thinks he’ll qualify because he was home schooled, but there’s an NCAA rule that might allow him to play as an exception.
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RockChalkWoody / April 22, 2010
ChicagoUK, I keep reading Jones to UW…but who knows? Somebody posted on a KU site that he “loves” Romar, but I’ve never seen written. I figure the only way he’s a Jayhawk is if he somehow squeezes in a visit…and that seems unlikely. I’m sure playing time is a factor and it looks like he’d get more at UK than KU.
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fearthephog25 / April 22, 2010
Terrence Jones is UW Husky. I been saying it all along since seeing him at midnight madness in October. Would I like him in Kansas…Sure. But he always wears Husky attire and hangs around the I-5 Elite AAU Team and Tacoma, Wa. Elite. Sorry cat fans, its a done deal in The 206.
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tsmooth / April 22, 2010
Wroten only began talking about UK after Gilchrest committed.
I don’t see him going to UK. UW has been on him longer, plus he’s real close with Isiah Thomas, the PG at UW. CJ appears to be leaning towards NC State right now, and TJ looks like a UW lean. Gonna check into it though.
Nice get in Teague, btw. I really like him as a player. Cats versus the Tigers in 2011 should be epic if it happens.
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tsmooth / April 22, 2010
Syphergate isn’t affecting L’ville recruiting. L’ville backed off of Chandler from what I hear, and Teague’s decision has nothing to do with Sypher.
You must have forgot that L’ville has Wayne Blackshear for 2011
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tsmooth / April 22, 2010
Had the greatest class in history last year and didn’t win it… just sayin’. Takes more than talent to win a national championship. Coaching is just as important.
Q Miller is very high on Duke as well
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tsmooth / April 22, 2010
Ross going to UW
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Wheatgerm / April 23, 2010
Jones very recently stated on a local radio program that given a reason, he wants to stay close to home. And UW has some things going for it. Including two scholarships for him and his clingy friend Ross.
UK desperately needs some size to go along with Kanter in the frontcourt, and the beefy Jones would be ideal. But it’s not at all clear that Calipari, despite his scary recruiting abilities, can land him. And don’t you know that’s why Calipari is looking at Marcus Thornton as a safety valve.
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BlueCat32 / April 23, 2010
True,had a great class of freshmen last season and a great year even though they didn’t win it all…
Teague on recruiting others…
He mentioned No. 3 Quincy Miller of North Carolina and top-10 prospects Tony Wroten of Seattle and Michael Chandler of Indianapolis. The Wildcats lead for Miller, while Wroten has said on his twitter account that UK is No. 1 on his list. Chandler, who is from Indianapolis Lawrence North, backed off his commitment from Louisville last week and the UK coaches visited the 6-foot-10 center on Wednesday.
“I am focused on going there, winning and getting an education and it is not a big deal for me to be one-and-done,” Teague said. “We can do some great things at Kentucky. It’s a nice dynasty if we can get other guys to join on.”
http://jodydemling.courier-journal.com/2010/04/teague-recruiter.html
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fearthephog25 / April 23, 2010
Calimari can look all he wants……Goodluck.
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basketballblueblood / April 23, 2010
The recruiting done by Cal to this point has been nothing short of amazing.
However, I do believe that the Teague situation and it’s affects on UL BB is being overplayed.
It came down to a young man choosing a coach that has proven to improve PG potential to the next level. The fact that Blue won over Red was a fortunate coincidence for us, in this case, because that coach happens to be ours.
Louisville isn’t KY, but it’s a fine school with a Hall of Fame coach. It stings coach Pitino right now, but he and UL will be fine.
KY still needs a PF for the 2010 class.
I’d love to get Leslie and Jones both. One of them would be almost a necessity to have a decent season.
They both have good schools remaining on their lists and I hope they choose KY, but if they don’t, I’ll be happy for them wherever they go.
fearthephog25 seems confident about UW. Maybe he knows.
It’s a great school, but, I’m my money’s on the Cats!!!
They are smokin’ hot right now!!!
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fearthephog25 / April 23, 2010
basketballblueblood
i like your style and class. i think you guys will get cj leslie though, you will be fine. i would stay away from ross, the kid has possible sanctions written all over him, and nrrds another year of prep school.
but who knows, cal has a way of making players eligible and making all officials look the other way. had he not made the boosters mad at memphis for coaching kuntucky, i still think everything would still be under wraps. but thats old news.
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BostonCat / April 23, 2010
if winning a title is the end all be all then you will be disappointed almost every time. uk is one of if not the greatest basketball program in college. yet in about 80 years worth of basketball starting with rupp in 1930, uk has just 7 titles. so by your standards just 8% success rate. and thats for a program like uk!!!! i understand why rival fans place the bar so high for uk, higher in fact then they place it for their own school. its so they can tie words like uk, cal, failure together and frame a picture that makes them feel better. mean while….what is there team doing?
i’d rather know i have great talent and a shot to win, then know i dont have the talent and virtually no shot to win regardless how good coaching is.
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BostonCat / April 23, 2010
a week ago evan daniels said teague was 60/40 ul. evan was wrong. jones may end up at UW, but i doubt you have any idea what you are talking about.
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GasCan / April 23, 2010
“You must have forgot that L’ville has Wayne Blackshear for 2011” Well see how long he stays with tha ‘ville. He has been considered a “soft” verbal for a while now. But I do agree with your overall point that the Sypher situation is not to blame for Pitino’s recruiting failures of late. IMO, Teague spurned him because of his past history, or lack there of, developing top quality point guards. In my time of following Pitino, the best points he has had are Billy Donovan, Travis Ford, and Francisco Garcia. All great college players, but none had the pro careers that the top talent today aspires too have.
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UAWildcat / April 23, 2010
I hope Terrance Jones does not commit to UW.
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ChicagoUK / April 23, 2010
So what happened with KU and Terrence Jones? Does anyone know?
I can think of two reasons: either his family did not want to add a school or Bill Self thinks he has already committed to UW (maybe UK)?
I am guessing something will leak sooner or later..
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BostonCat / April 23, 2010
most likely it was just chatter started by some KU fans fueled by jones comment during the jordan week to add more hype to his recruitment.
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ChicagoUK / April 23, 2010
Jones is taking his official to KU this weekend.
I am curious why he set his date before the visit..
Here goes!
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ChicagoUK / April 23, 2010
ie his annoucement date
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Jayhawk_Jake / April 23, 2010
No clue ChicagoUK but Im excited about the news. In all honesty earlier today I was thinking dang no visit means no chance. I know it will be hard to change a kids mind this late but im hoping Self can work his magic having the last shot to see Jones, and that he has Selby on speaker phone lol, If some how KU lands him they could be pretty damn good next year and super athletic, fringe top 10 without him and a possible 5 or 6 with him, Ill be keeping my fingers crossed.
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ChicagoUK / April 23, 2010
I was very surprised when it was being suggested that KU was not in the mix for Jones. Bill Self (like Cal, Roy Williams and Coach K) is not the kind of guy that gives up on a recruit that easily.
So a UK vs. KU battle yet again. To be honest, I think the team to beat is UW. But KU having a visit 5 days before the kid annouces is big.
One question: aren’t we in the no contact period..? It is hard to understand the NCAA calendar..
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Jayhawk_Jake / April 23, 2010
Yeah its confusing, but I think since he is a senior and its the Spring signing period he is allowed to visit. Cal vs Self again, a good battle as always if he doens’t go to UW. I can see him coming to KU or UK I have no read either way. My honest opinion is that KU or UW is his best fits, because my gut feeling says Leslie will announce for UK. I know people will right away say so what but its just my opinion. I do see UK as a solid top 15 team once the youngsters begin to gel, but KU could be very good with him on board. I know KU lost alot but they are still loaded with Selfs famous stars in waiting approach.
Im not gonna hate on what Cal has done with recruiting, the guy is an amazing recruiter, but I ask this question if KU or UNC had 5 guys leave and playing time was a given, could they reload in a similar fashion, and my answer is yes. I mean not the top2 every year but something comparable what do you think ?
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slappedyomomma / April 23, 2010
word is that Jones has it slimmed down to UW and Kansas.
he is officially visiting campus on Sunday-Tuesday.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/apr/23/terrence-jones-take-official-visit-ku-sunday/
it doesn’t look good for UK fans. especially since Calipari cancelled his recruiting trip to visit Jones this past week (at least, that was what i heard).
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basketballblueblood / April 23, 2010
What has happened at KY since Cal got their is unprecedented up to this point, but even though it’s not probable it will be replicated, it is certainly possible.
Especially with Blue Bloods like KU and UNC.
The recruiting prowess of coach Self and coach Williams is well documented.
Still, what Cal is doing in Lexington is incredible. But if it could be replicated, it would happen at a KU or UNC, Indiana or Duke.
Hey, the greater these giant programs are, the more legendary the games when they meet each other in the NCAA tournament.
KY is on top right now in all time wins, but the chase has to be exciting for our opponents like KU and UNC who are the only teams close enough to have a chance at catching us.
Let’s hope that these schools keep the bar raised high for the pure level of competition we get to enjoy each year.
Good luck to your Jayhawks, Jayhawk_Jake.
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UofA BJ / April 24, 2010
Very Shady
But it looks like kentucky will be loaded in two years, if B knight stays two years like I think he will.(especially with NBA cloud looming)that team is more highly rated than any team in history. Congrats on all the commits kentucky fans.
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UofA BJ / April 24, 2010
I know its down to UW (favorite)and KU (still has a chance) for a fact. My source has ties to TJ and family and he is a graduate of ARIZONA and has played in the NBA.
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UofA BJ / April 24, 2010
Why, Pac 10 had a down year and we need some NBA talent to replinish the PAC.
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UofA BJ / April 24, 2010
Do I have to spell it out. He is down to UW and KU thats why,
Kentucky is out (baring a midnight visit by WWW and a briefcase of cash).
But like I said before its almost looking like leslie to UK is a lock. And him and Jones were never going to commit together anyway.
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blasphemy / April 24, 2010
Look, Leslie to UK is NOT a lock. NOT!! I would love to have him, but NC State is looking reallllllly good right now. In fact, it has been speculated by Evan Daniels of Scout and Jeff Drummond that he may end back up at NC State. You obviously don’t follow recruiting, but instead, speculate using your own opinion. My issue is not that you claim that UK is out of the Jones race, even though the same two say it is UK or the West Coast, but that you claim this knowledge, and yet, it has yet to be published. Perhaps a link? Then I might start to believe you, short of that, stop this speculation drivel.
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UofA BJ / April 24, 2010
very good points boston cat, its not all about winning because tourney is so tough and you must win six straight against the best. Personally I like to judge programs success on final fours. I think most kentucky fans would agree that last year was a dissapointment when all is said in done, with elite 8 exit. But going like 35-3 is definetly not a failure.
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UofA BJ / April 24, 2010
All I said is leslie is looking more like a kentucky lean and TJ is not going to Kentucky. Dont see how this is drivel. obviously I follow recruiting because I frequent this site and its not for the rock n roll or knicks coverage. What do you know about recruiting is the question. I make the trip to vegas every year for the july tournies and the desert duel in AZ and have seen most of these kids play last couple years. So maybe my opinion of TJ who Ive seen play live a dozen times(Romar has beeen at every game,and no Cali sightings, just rod strickland once or twice) is a little stronger than yours.
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UofA BJ / April 24, 2010
Indiana? You have no credibility after listing Indiana.
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basketballblueblood / April 25, 2010
Yeah, right?
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UofA BJ / April 25, 2010
Blackshear is nice, definitely a future lottery pick.
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pastaboy / April 25, 2010
Cal needs some glue guys who can play his style …..he had them waiting at Memphis for the class he took to Ky ……lets remember CDR was a 3 year guy when Memphis won the title in 08
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slappedyomomma / April 26, 2010
“lets remember CDR was a 3 year guy when Memphis won the title in 08”
===
are you referring to their CUSA title? cause we all know who won the NC in ’08 (Kansas), who had the better team (Kansas), and who was the better coach (Self).
that being said, i really think KU has a good shot at Jones. being the last place to visit has its advantages. KU will remain fresh in Jones’ head this coming week while he is deciding. and few places are as great to visit as Lawrence. its definitely different from some of the other schools recruiting him.
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