It seems that lately Kentucky head basketball coach Billy Gillispie can't talk to a high school player without convincing him to play at UK.

Such is the case for Madisonville-North Hopkins junior Jon Hood, who Thursday night committed to play for the Wildcats - the fifth player in the last eight days to do so.

Hood, the favorite to win Mr. Basketball honors in 2009 in Kentucky, is the second player in the class of 2009 to commit to the Wildcats. Texas point guard G.J. Vilarino committed last year.

Hood's rated as the 39th best junior in the country by Rivals.com, while Scout.com rates him the 68th best player in the 2009 class. He averaged 23.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.8 steals for MNHHS last season, leading the Maroons to a 22-10 record and a trip to the 2nd Region semifinals.