Get off Orton's back... if you're on it

Gomez here...

This picture above was circulated around Big Blue Nation last week, but we never commented on it. However, since the big 4 (and maybe 5, depending on Patterson) have officially declared, its worth finally commenting on this debacle since more morons might come out of the wood-work to verbalize their displeasure.

The picture above represents a major problem that Big Blue Nation has to live with... we have morons like Mark Hamilton in our midst. Years ago, that wasn't as much of a problem because those same morons didn't have a pulpit. Their only hope to be heard was by spouting off on a call-in show before some wise producer clicked the hang-up button. However, thanks to Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, fans now have more access to players and coaches than ever before, and because of that, sad people like Mark Hamilton believe they can just tell these kids whatever they want.

In short... its sad.

Because of Daniel's lack of playing time, there are some uneducated UK fans that think his jump to the NBA is premature and unwarranted. Of the five Wildcats that have (or most likely will) declare for the draft, he takes the brunt of the criticism for not being ready for the next level. However, that isn't necessarily true. Daniel Orton is a great talent. He's big, strong and athletic... the hat trick of attributes that most NBA scouts are looking for the most. That's why Chad Ford of ESPN said Orton could go in the lottery and most certainly somewhere in the first round.

We should keep in mind that had Daniel played on any other team in the country, ahead or behind anyone other than DeMarcus Cousins, we would have been able to see his potential more clearly realized. But he chose to play for the Big Blue, and we should thank him for that; and we certainly shouldn't go on some idiotic rant based on anger. Orton is following his dreams to play basketball professionally, and for more money than most of us will see in our entire lifetime. He's projected in the first round, and he's not signing an agent right away, so its a safe move. How can you not understand that, Mark?

Anyway, we want to take this time to salute you, Daniel, and we wish you the very best of luck in the future. You responded to Mark with class, and you should be applauded for that, as well. Most of us would have given an idiot like that a piece of our mind for far less than this.

As for you, Mark? How about you shut your pie hole and quit pretending to be a true UK fan, because you clearly are not.

I know this is old news for most of us, but I still feel better having finally gotten this off my chest.