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Poor Rick Majerus. Not only did the University of Kentucky terrorize his Utah teams during NCAA tournament runs in 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2003, the Cats just landed a prized recruit out of his own backyard. Southwest Illinois College power forward Josh Harrellson signed a National Letter Of Intent to play for the Cats next season, UK head coach Billy Gillispie annoucned Wednesday. Harrellson chose Kentucky over Majerus and the hometown St. Louis Billikens. Harrellson had previously been recruited by Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri, Ohio State and Purdue.
 Image Josh Harellson picked the Cats over the hometown Billikens Gillispie said he's excited about the junior college transfer. "We're extremely happy to have Josh become a part of our basketball family," Gillispie said. "He's a guy who continues to improve and will fill a need for us next year. My excitement is growing about the prospects of next year's team. Josh has a ton of potential, and possesses a great basketball IQ."Harrellson said that although it would be nice to stay close to home, in the end he cited his relationship with Gillispie and the tradition and grander stage waiting for him in Lexington. “It’s been really hectic and stressful at times, but it feels like a 100-pound weight came off my shoulders,” Harrellson said. “I didn’t want to make my decision based on distance. Coach Gillispie is a cool guy. He’s down to earth and he really cares about his players.” He also mentioned the non-stop hysteria that surrounds Kentucky basketball. “The Kentucky fans are the best recruiters that have ever recruited me,” Harrellson said. “They’re so dedicated to the players. I would love to be a part of something like that.” "When he came on his visit to Kentucky, he loved it here," Gillispie said. "It went unbelievably well because our current players did a great job of making him feel a part of our family, and Josh meshed with them immediately. He kept talking about the fans and the exposure. I like having guys who look forward to accepting the challenge of playing at a place like Kentucky." Harrellson, a St. Charles, Mo. native, averaged 15 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for the Blue Storm this season en route to being selected to the NJCAA All-Region XXIV team as well as being named a First Team All-Great Rivers Athletic Conference performer. Harrellson, the fourth signee of the 2008 recruiting class, will fill an immediate need for the Cats down low next season, anchoring the post alongside Patrick Patterson. “What sold me is that he’s going to be an NBA lottery pick,” Harrellson said of Patterson. “Coach Gillispie said we’re going to mix it up.” Harellson, who gives the Cats some much-needed depth on block next season, can bang inside but also has the ability to step out and knock down the open jumper. For a time though it seemed, Harrellson wouldn’t be playing anywhere. After signing with Western Illinois after averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds out of St. Charles high school, Harrellson was mired in an ongoing struggle to be granted his release, landing him at Southwest Illinois. “It was really long and stressful at times,” Harrellson said. “I just wanted to get my release and get it over with.” Now with a second opportunity, Harrellson said he is ready to make the most of it. “I’m going to need these next few months,” Harrellson said. “With Coach Gillispie and Coach (Jeremy) Cox, they’re going to get me ready.” Harrellson will have three years of eligibility remaining. Comments (0)
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