It has been a while since we have provided an update on former Wildcats in the NBA, but the success of former UK players is not restricted to the basketball court. With the NFL closing in on the end of its regular season, a number of former football Cats are making a significant impact on their professional squads. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the more notable performances:
NBA
Rajon Rondo, Boston CelticsAfter being named to his first All-Star team last year and earning second-team defensive honors, Rondo has been one of the best point guards in the NBA this season. He has missed a few games due to injury, but he is still leading the league in assists (14.1) by over 3.5 per game while averaging 11 points per game and ranking in the top five in the NBA in steals per contest.
John Wall, Washington WizardsWall has battled a balky foot and ankle for much of the season, but has still tallied averages of 17.4 points and 9.1 assists per game. Wall kept his team close this week against the defending NBA champs with 22 points and 14 assists in a 115-108 loss, earning rave reviews from the Los Angeles Lakers in the process.
“I think he has a lot of talent and lot of potential,” Kobe Bryant said. “I’m very hopeful when I see guys like that that can carry the league for years to come. I just want guys like that to just continue to work and stay focused.”
Jodie Meeks, Philadelphia 76ersIn his first year, Meeks was traded by the team that drafted him and faced inconsistent playing time. However, it looks as if he may be finding his place. He has started the Sixers’ last three games and helped his team overcome a league-worst start to the year and win four of five games. On Saturday, Meeks delivered a performance that conjured memories of his 54 point explosion in Knoxville, Tenn., nailing six first quarter 3s en route to a career high 26 points.
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento KingsCousins has had some rookie ups and downs, but in just over 24 minutes a game he is scoring 11.3 points per game and grabbing 6.9 rebounds. While he will look to become more consistent as the season goes on, he has had some dominant stretches of play.
One of the highlights of his year though was the impromptu reunion of the Three Amigos that took place when John Wall attended a game in Los Angeles between Eric Bledsoe’s Clippers and Cousins’ Kings.
Eric Bledsoe, Los Angeles ClippersBledsoe has been a very pleasant surprise for the Clippers, starting 20 of the team’s 23 games and averaging 8.6 points, 5.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. Also, we wish Bledsoe a happy birthday as he celebrates his 21st Thursday.
Tayshaun Prince, Detroit PistonsPrince has been a model of consistency in his career with the Pistons and he has continued his strong play even as Detroit has struggled. Prince is averaging 14 points and 4.5 rebounds so far this year, including outputs of 31 and 30 points in the last three weeks.
Nazr Mohammed, Charlotte BobcatsMohammed has started 20 of the Bobcats’ 21 games this season in his 12th season, with averages of 7.9 points and 5.3 rebounds in 17.8 minutes per game.
Patrick Patterson, Houston Rockets
Patterson is expected to recalled by the Houston Rockets after a brief stint with the D-League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Patterson averaged 17.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
NFL
Jacob Tamme, Indianapolis ColtsIn the absence of Pro Bowl tight end Dallas Clark, Tamme has emerged and Peyton Manning has not hesitated throwing the ball his way. In six games as a starter, he has 42 catches for 416 yards and three touchdowns. His Colts take on the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night, but Tamme is questionable with a hamstring injury.
Steve Johnson, Buffalo BillsJohnson has emerged as the Bills top receiving target in his third year, leading the team in catches (61), receiving yards (832) and touchdowns (nine). Johnson is also tied for fifth in the NFL in touchdown catches.
Corey Peters, Atlanta FalconsPeters’ strong play in his rookie year has landed him a starting defensive tackle spot on the team that many are tabbing as the best in the NFL. Peters has 24 tackles (18 solo) and is also a key special teams contributor.
John Conner, New York JetsAfter gaining stardom for his crushing hits during HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” Conner has played sparingly on offense behind veteran fullback Tony Richardson. Conner has been an important special teams cog for the Jets and will surely get his chance on offense in future.
Trevard Lindley, Philadelphia EaglesWith injuries to starting corner backs Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs, Lindley has been pressed into duty, making nine tackles in his two starts. Lindley also had a game-clinching interception in week five against San Francisco.
Tim Masthay, Green Bay PackersMasthay has handled the punting duties for the Packers all season after winning the job in the pre-season. He has averaged 43.2 yards per punt.
