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Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009

John Clay: Europe suddenly an appealing path

Random notes:

■ Brandon Jennings' early NBA start — averaging 22 points and 5.3 rebounds through Milwaukee's first three games — will prompt more prep superstars to spend a year overseas, rather than in college, before becoming eligible for the NBA.

■ If you think Kentucky's Thoroughbred racing won't be affected by Ohio's approval of casinos on Tuesday, you're wearing blinkers.

■ If Ohio can put gaming on the ballot, why can't Kentucky put it on the ballot?

■ His players are battling the flu, but I think Rich Brooks is still sick over last Saturday.

■ Ex-UK quarterback turned tight end DeAunte Mason is back to playing quarterback and was the offensive MVP in last Saturday's Magic City Classic in Birmingham after leading Alabama A&M to a 21-7 win over Alabama State.

Mason, who transferred to A&M after being moved to tight end at UK, completed 21 of 32 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start.

■ Rajon Rondo got his $55 million, five-year contract extension, and a trip to the World Series on Monday night, courtesy of his corporate sponsor, Red Bull.

But Rajon may have had too much Red Bull when he mixed it up with Chris Paul during the Celtics' win over New Orleans on Sunday night.

■ Based on his eye-gouge attempt against Georgia, Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes may have a future in the WWE.

■ Kentucky is 104th out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams against the run. But you, and Anthony Dixon, already knew that.

■ Not just saying this because Mississippi State won here Saturday, but Dan Mullen is a force for the future.

He's young, smart, energetic and adaptable. He didn't run that counter play much at Florida, but he sure did Saturday night with Dixon. That's good coaching.

■ John Calipari has done an amazing job recruiting, but he's 0-2 versus Tom Izzo. Michigan State coaxed a commitment from Class of 2010 big man Adreian Payne last week, and from 2011 guard Brandan Kearney this week. Kentucky offered both.

■ Press room humor: Maybe DeAndre Liggins refused to go into Monday night's exhibition game. He does have a history, you know.

■ Twice this season, Eastern Kentucky has forced five turnovers in a game. Just saying.

■ Monday night's World Series Game 5 on Fox drew a 5.3 overnight rating. ESPN's Monday Night Football drew a 5.1 overnight rating.

And this is a World Series with the New York Yankees. And the defending world champion Phillies. Could it be there are so many markets without a shot of winning, they don't like to watch the winners?

■ I think you could make a case that at this very moment, the team playing on Rich Brooks Field in Eugene is playing better than any team in the country.

■ I'd like LSU's chances if it were playing Alabama in Baton Rouge. But it's not.

■ Sorry, but I thought those black Georgia helmets were hideous. I'll take Tennessee's jack-o-lantern unis over the Bulldogs' headgear.

■ One great thing about the return of the NBA: the return of Jeff Van Gundy.

■ Speaking of the NBA, did you see where Maria Sharapova is dating the Lakers' Sasha Vujacic. I thought women didn't date men with better hair. (Speaking as a man with no hair.)

■ Everyone has to step down at some point. And it sure seems Bobby Bowden's point to take that step.

■ Maybe there's a reason Rich Rodriguez was (allegedly) trying to practice more than 20 hours a week.