What could have been.
UTEP one-year transfer Konner Tucker missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer last night against UNLV with Billy Clyde Gillispie apparently in attendance down in El Paso. Tucker was actually a former Gillispie commit, and it all got me thinking about whatever happened to all those Billy Clyde commits back in the day while he was at Kentucky.
Remember, Gillispie offered a eighth-grader Michael Avery, a couple of freshmen in Dakotah Euton and Vinny Zollo -- and the first BCG commit in Lexington was then-sophomore guard G.J. Vilarino.
Let's be fair, though. Gillispie also brought talent to UK. He signed Patrick Patterson, DeAndre Liggins, Daniel Orton and Josh Harrellson. But then there were others that had people scratching their heads.
Without any further ado, I give you the list of Billy Clyde Gillispie recruits and their status:
Konner Tucker, UTEP - Barely played as a freshman at Wake Forest and eventually transferred to Sam Houston State, where he averaged 12 points per game last season. He made his debut last night for Tim Floyd and UTEP and scored a dozen points.
G.J. Vilarino, Whereabouts Unknown - He began his career at Gonzaga and averaged 2.3 points per game as a freshman before transferring to Appalachian State. Put up 3.8 points per game last season for Jason Capel before apparently going home and quitting basketball.
Dakotah Euton, Asbury University - The 6-foot-8 forward was offered a scholarship as a freshman in high school in 2008. Began his career at Akron University, but transferred to NAIA Asbury University and is averaging 10.6 points and 5.8 rebounds thus far this season.
K.C. Ross-Miller, New Mexico State - Spent his freshman season at New Orleans and averaged 9.2 points in 11 games before transferring to New Mexico State, where he is putting up 5.9 points per game while starting all 10 contests for Marvin Menzies.
Dominique Ferguson, Whereabouts Unknown - Entered the NBA Draft after a sophomore season at Florida International, where he played for Isiah Thomas, in which he averaged 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Ferguson said he wanted to transfer, but sources indicated he didn't have the grades to do so. He was recently released from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the D-League.
Vinny Zollo, Furman - The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 3.7 points as a freshman at Western Kentucky before transferring to Furman this past offseason. He's sitting out this year and will be eligible next season.
Michael Avery, Somona State - The 6-foot-5 guard was offered by Billy Clyde in the eighth grade and is now at Somona State, where he's averaging 3.2 points in six games this season.
