Mark Maloney on Kentucky sports

DeMarcus Cousins (Maloney photo)

Just got into the office after speaking with DeMarcus Cousins, the former University of Kentucky center who last season earned NBA All-Rookie first-team honors with the Sacramento Kings.

“Big Cuz” is at the Kentucky Basketball Academy through Wednesday for the DeMarcus Cousins Elite Skills Basketball Camp, hosted by the Bluegrass Stallions.

Cousins took time to discuss the upcoming “Kentucky Legends” exhibition game versus the John Calipari-coached Dominican Republic, what he might do if the NBA lockout remains in place at the start of next season and, of course, his Wildcats.

“I can’t wait for the 15th (of August). We get to play in Rupp,” Cousins said of the exhibition.

“It’s going to be fun. Playing with John (Wall), Eric (Bledsoe) … again — it’s going to be a lot of fun. Playing with Rajon (Rondo), that’s going to be an experience.”

As for the NBA labor situation, Cousins says his plans “really depend on it’s locked out. If we’re missing like a lot of games, I probably will (overseas). … As of right now, I’m just working out, waiting it out.”

Cousins says he has no idea where he might play if he goes overseas, not even enough of an idea for a preference between Europe and Asia.

“A very talented class,” is his assessment of the Kentucky Wildcats. “If the lockout does continue, you should see my face in Rupp this year. Hopefully, I can make it down. I didn’t get a chance last year — my schedule.”

More of Cousins’ thoughts will be recapped later today on www.kentucky.com.