It may sound weird to hear someone say that a top 40 player in the 2009 class can be considered forgotten. However, that's exactly what has happened when referring to incoming shooting guard Jon Hood.
Hood rated the 40th overall player in the 2009 class by Rivals.com, is often left unmentioned when people talk about Kentucky's historic recruiting class. A class that include the #1, #2,#22, #23, #40 and perhaps the overall top rated Juco player in the nation.
I guess it could be easy to get lost in the shuffle while different analyst spit out name after name in excitement when talking about the new and improved Kentucky program. However, just because a player isn't as hyped as his other classmates doesn't mean his game isn't just as deadly.
I thought I would write a little about Jon because he doesn't get the respect he deserves. In time that will change. Since last season Jon has added 15-20lbs of muscle to his 6'6" frame and has been working hard to improve his game. Coming off an impressive outing at the Adidas Derby Festival Classic, Jon has recently had the opportunity to represent the Bluegrass in the Kentucky vs Indiana annual all-star series.
In two scrimmages against the Kentucky junior all-stars, Jon avaeraged 16 points a game in limited action. Tonight in the first of two games against the all stars from Indiana, Jon poured in 20 points and had 5 rebounds in just 23 minutes of action.
These numbers might look modest at first sight, however if you look a little deeper you will develop a true respect for Jon's overall game. Much like his high school days at Madisonville North, Jon found himself once again the only real offensive weapon on an undersized and outmatched Kentucky team. Unfazed by the double and triple teams, Hood still managed to dropped 20 points in 23 minutes on a more talented Indiana team.
Jon Hoods game on paper might not be as impressive as some of Kentucky's other recruits, but averaging 29.4 points and grabbing 12.9 rebounds a game while being doubled and tripled team on a nightly basis proves the kid has a serious skill set.
As a former player, I always enjoyed when I was not given my due respect. It made me hungrier and lit a fire from deep within. I am sure Jon Hood is no different. Sleeping on Jon Hood will be a costly mistake in the future.
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