Walker: Hood’s shooting could help Cats
November 9th, 2009 | 
Author: Editor’s note: Former Kentucky All-American Kenny Walker, who now provides analysis of UK basketball for both WVLK (590 AM) and Kentucky Sports Report, will be an occasional guest columnist during basketball season for vaughtsviews.com.
By KENNY WALKER
When I watched Jon Hood play in high school, I could see he was athletic and he won a couple of dunk contests to prove that. You knew he had talent. Some people in western Kentucky I know wanted to compare him to Rex Chapman, which was a little overblown. But he does have talent and maybe even more talent than I originally thought.
The thing that he can do, especially for this team, is knock down outside shots consistently. This team really needs somebody that can do that outside of Darnell Dodson and Josh Harrellson. Nobody else has been consistent from the 3-point line and think if guys struggle doing that, it will be an opportunity for him to get on the floor and show what he can do.
He is an in-state kid and we know how people in Kentucky follow in-state kids. They are going to pull for them a little harder just like they did Richie Farmer, John Pelphrey, Rex Chapman or anybody in this state that has grown up here and then put on the blue and white. Those kids understand the passion and the true meaning of Kentucky basketball a little bit better than guys that grow up out of state. They grow up loving Kentucky basketball and Jon Hood is one of those kids.
He’s also going to be a four-year guy in John Calipari’s system and it is important to have guys that can help you pass down your system to new players. That really helps you out as a coach. This is probably going to be the most difficult year for coach Cal because he’s got to put in a system. Once that system is in place and you have a kid like Hood that will be around for four years, then they help teach the system. Sometimes when the coaches are not allowed to be around, a guy like that can take charge and teach a young guy about the system.
I think it will be important to have a guy like Jon Hood around. He loves Kentucky, he’s a great shooter and he’ll know the system. All those are big pluses for Cal.”
Posted in UK Basketball
14 Responses to “Walker: Hood’s shooting could help Cats”
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Agree on all points. Go CATS!
Great job Kenny. Welcome to the best blog on the net. It will be nice to hear your insights throughout the season.
Larry, another solid addition to your guest writer’s list. You are the Cal of blog writer recruiting.
GO BIG BLUE!!!
Do hope we can get him regularly
You know, It is allways great to hear fom SKY, I think before all is said and done HOOD will be the biggest “surprise” in this class, I love Hoods motor so far, He and everybody on this team so far are putting forth the effort,great to see,If he picks this offense up, and starts strokeing it like he has the last two years, then look out for this team, I think we will be effecient from three this year, Opening up this offense, But if these Kids hit threes like they can…WOW!!!! GO BIG BLUE!!!!
What I really like about Hoods situation is he’s not being thrown into a high pressure roll. We dont need Jon to score 15. All he has to do is learn the system and achieve
I agree. He’s really going to be good. Maybe not this year, but down the road he could be a huge factor in this system
Good choice in getting Kenny to write, but then you are always right on, Larry. Thank you for blessing us with your blog. It is really appreciated.
I was impressed by Hood’s athleticism. He also has long arms. However, he looked like he is not quite in big-time college basketball shape. As he adds strength to his frame, he will get better.
Hood is athletic and has held his own better this quick than I expected. Give him two years or so and then watch out.
And it is nice to have Kenny’s insights
Hood has been impressive to me in the 3 outings so far. He was tenative in the Blue/White game and showed improvement in the Cambellsville outing. He really showed what he was capable of in the Clarion game. He has the ability to come off the bench and give us some really quality minutes. He doesn’t have to be spectacular just solid in getting the ball to the right guy at the right time and making the shot when he’s open.
Great insight Don. He can be a help just being solid
Kenny is a class act. I’ll never forget him taking time at a Mississipit State game to have his picture taken with my father, and brothers. Kenny “Gets it” and I am grateful he is involved in the program. UK and CAl should continue to involve Kenny and welcome his insight and participation. Thanks Kenny for being a life long CAT. You make us proud.
Will make sure to pass that on to Kenny. He really is a guy I enjoy being around and listening to. Has great connections to the team as well
I Will never forget the NCAA tourny Game against ILLINOIS!!Never forget The round Mound of Rebound after SKY Broke his Heart!! GO SKY!! GO BIG BLUE!!!