Kentucky grabs a big man

Josh Harrellson had to go the junior college route this past season. Harrelson, a freshman from St. Charles, MO, signed with Western Illinois University coming out of high school. Harrellson, who stands 6-foot-9 (280), now can leave junior college after playing this season at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, IL.

Harrellson has decided to play for the Kentucky Wildcats of the SEC Conference. Josh visited Kentucky and St. Louis in recent weeks. He received interest from Missouri and Indiana also this spring.

"I just liked everything about Kentucky," Harrellson told CatsPause.com. "I love the coaches. I love coach Gillispie. He's been on me hard, more than anybody, and I really felt a need for me there. Plus, that's one of those schools I've always wanted to go to. The tradition and the history are incredible.

"When I was going through the process of making my decision, I said to myself I can't go there because of the distance (from the St. Louis area). That's the only reason I was hesitant. But it's not all that far. I can't pass on a chance to live my dream over that distance."

Harrelson sveraged 14.8 ppg, 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.5% (188-321) from the floor this past season.