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Here Comes the Payne?

By: Brett Blevins

Kentucky still doesn't have a power forward.

On top of that, they are now down an assistant coach. Coach Rod Strickland has been reassigned to an administrative role with the team.

Where do the talented -- but lightly staffed (only 8-9 players) -- Wildcats go from here?

Step #1 will be to replace Strickland on the the Wildcat's staff. Sources tell Hoopsreport.com that the replacement has already been chosen and agreed upon in principle. After the proper protocol is followed, Kentucky will name Kenny Payne from Oregon as the 3rd assistant coach on staff.

Step #2 is to fill the obvious void at forward. With the hiring of Coach Payne, Kentucky could be killing two birds with one stone. Terrence Jones, the highest rated recruit on the board and from Oregon, is still deliberating Kentucky and Washington as his college choices. Hiring one of the best recruiters in Oregon and the nation can only help in landing Jones.

Jones, who originally committed to Washington, has been having second thoughts about his original commitment since the minute he made a decision. Can you blame him? Look at 4 out of Calipari's 5 freshmen this year.

If you are a bigtime prospect and you have the choice between Washington and Kentucky, you choose which program is best for your future. At this point, we know where he should go. And so does Terrence.

Jones has already expressed interest in playing at UK to the staff. Will he buck the Oregonian hometown trend and land in the Bluegrass? Hiring Kenny Payne may be the trump card in his recruitment.

***UPDATE***

With Jones now signed, all signs still point to Kenny Payne being Kentucky's newest assistant coach. This could be announced as early as Monday.

POSTED: 5-22-2010

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