Know Your Unknown Wildcat

Mark Coury “Flurry”
The second installment of “Know Your Unknown Wildcat” features my favorite player, Mark Coury. Talk about a true underdog story, it is hard to find any information prior to him walking-on to Kentucky. Mark will not be unknown for long. He has started the first two exhibition games and he played great against Seattle.

From...
He was born August 8, 1986 to Jerry and Maria Coury. His father played basketball at Wayne State University.

Major
Business. Named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, caring a 4.0 GPA.

High School
All-State in basketball his senior year, 2005
Mark averaged 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds as a senior.
Played at Detroit Country Day School. Attended same high school and played in same program as Chris Weber and Shane Battier. All-State performer in track and field his senior year.

Recruiting Process
He was an Orlando “Tubby” Smith type of recruit. Mark, his father, and his coach did all the work. They looked across the nation for teams thin at power forward; he ended with Kentucky. Mark was not completely unknown. He was highly ranked as a high school sophomore because of his size, but he failed to develop over his career. Mark was recruited by some smaller schools but no offers came from top tier schools. Not satisfied with his scholarship offers, he took a year off from basketball. He worked to improve his body and his game. After his year off, Mark walked on at Kentucky and midway through last season, he earned a scholarship.

2006-07 Season
This will be short. He played in only 9 games. The End. The biggest news last year from Mark came off the court. Mid-Way through the season Tubby gave Mark a scholarship. Many fans were livid, believing this kid was not a SEC caliper player. Man, were we wrong.

What’s Next
Mark is my favorite type of player. He is not naturedly gifted but he hustles all the time and knows his limitations. If needed he can step out to about 15 feet, but with Kentucky’s talent I doubt if there will be many plays designed for him. He will best serve the Wildcats by using his determination and 250lb frame to dive on loose balls and rebounds. Billy Gillispie said Mark has to be "the meanest guy in the SEC. Not dirty mean. Just tough." I think he will be. Fans enjoy this kid for the next 3 years.