Gang, excellent week.
Thanks for the support and for reading along. If you'd like to participate in the mailbag and have a question, send it to jgreeson@timesfreepress.com.
From Big Orange Dave--
You and (David) Paschall were talking about the sixth-grader on "Press Row." Who is on the Rushmore of most famous kid athletes?
Big Orange Dave --
We were talking about 5-foot-2, 105-pound quarterback Daron Bryden, who has his own Rivals.com recruiting page. As a sixth-grader, for crying out loud.
As for famous kid athletes, let's set the bar on preteen athletes, since there are more than a few who had big-time success before they could drive. This also eliminates Danny Almonte, the New York Little League pitcher who was actually 14 rather than 12 when he pitched his team to the title in Williamsport.
Tiger Woods, who was banging 2-irons at 3 on "The Mike Douglas Show," makes it. So does Michelle Wie. We all knew about Damon Bailey before he hit puberty -- he was offered a scholarship by Indiana's Bobby Knight in middle school. Finally we'll go with Martina Hingis over Tracy Austin.
As for the Bryden kid, this screams Todd Marinovich to us.
From TK022 --
Jay, I have heard you like the (NFL) draft. I can assume then you will be paying attention to the combine this weekend.
Who are the guys that when Monday's "5-at-10" rolls around you are going to be telling us won the weekend in Indy?
TK --
Great question. Let's assume you're correct, that we'll spend a few of the very cold hours watching the combine. Hey, we love the draft, but you knew this.
Let's pick four guys who have a chance to really shine.
Auburn receiver Sammie Coates is going to test like a stud. Book it.
Miami receiver Phillip Dorsett has a chance to run a sub-4.3 40, and that would be impressive.
UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley is going to solidify his spot as the No. 3 QB on the board and could slide into the first-round range.
Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory may be the guy who earns the "freak" tag out of this group.
From Chas --
I agree with Mark Wiedmer's judgment that this may not be Kentucky's best-ever team. They rarely have five on the floor who play with as much passion as they should. Should Big Blue Nation worry that their team doesn't get nearly as many rebounds as their size and athleticism would suggest?
Also, should Tennessee's Josh Richardson be on the postseason All-SEC roster? I thought he was underwhelming (Tuesday) evening. Of course, UK's tough defense may be the reason. He's clearly Donnie's star but would only make my second All-SEC team, at best.
Chas --
We'll start with the second part first.
Richardson's inclusion in the postseason pecking order will be interesting. In fact the entire All-SEC team will be interesting.
For example, LSU big Jordan Mickey is posting legit numbers, ranking in the top five in the league in scoring, rebounding and blocks. He could be a contender for SEC player of the year. And the question is, would he be more than Kentucky's third or fourth post option?
You could really have your All-SEC team be from UK. That's how talented they are. But postseason accolades are more about numbers than potential or talent. So it goes.
As for Richardson, he could sneak onto the first team, but we agree with you that second team would be the best spot for him.
Big Blue Nation needs not worry about the bouts of indifference, in our view. The challenges are few and far between, and that will not be the case for the three-week marathon/sprint that is the Madness.
In fact, Johnny Wildcats Fans everywhere should be encouraged by the way this bunch handles tight games and meaningful moments with a balance of intensity and calm.
Good times -- 40-0, here they come.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6343. Follow him on Twitter at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com.
His "Right to the Point" column appears on A2 Monday, Thursday and Saturday, and his sports columns run Tuesday and Friday. Read his online column "The 5-at-10" Monday through Friday starting at 10 a.m. at timesfreepress.com.