UK - Time to get 9 [2015-2016]

[Joseph]

Time for another thread.

I'm ready for next season now.

[cumberlandreds]

I need a break. Long season that ended in disappointment.

News conference at 2:30 today to announce that the seven are leaving. Booker is the only one that seems a little iffy about going but I expect him to go too.

[WVRed]

All seven gone.

All of the talk about being a top 3 team next season is a bit much IMO. This reminds me of the year after 2012 where we missed the tournament. I don't expect that type of drop off, but I'll be shocked if they are a top 3 seed in the tournament next season

[Assembly Hall]

Couple of questions for you guys.

Do you know what your OOC schedule is gonna be next year?

Thoughts on SEC team/teams that are going to be better next year. Especially Florida?

And what are you guys hearing about Maker and Swanigan?

[WVRed]

Couple of questions for you guys.

Do you know what your OOC schedule is gonna be next year?

Thoughts on SEC team/teams that are going to be better next year. Especially Florida?

And what are you guys hearing about
Maker and Swanigan?

OOC is pretty solid. Duke in Champions Classic, at UNC and at UCLA. Louisville at Rupp. USF in Miami, Ohio State in CBS Sports Classic. Plus a Big 12 team for the SEC-Big 12 challenge on the road (my money on Kansas or West Virginia)

As for the SEC, long term I think it will be better, especially with Pearl back and Rick Barnes and Ben Howland in the mix. LSU is going to have the top freshman in the nation next season and they are fun to watch. Florida depends on what Donovan decides to do. He's eyeing a return to the NBA supposedly, so that whole situation could be in flux.

I like UKs chances with Maker. It's basically between Kentucky and Kansas. Swanigan I don't think is very much in the running.

It could be a situation where UK ends up burning a scholarship on a Julius Mayes type player just to fill a roster spot. Jaylen Brown is a UCLA lean due to Adidas. UK is very much in the running for Malik Newman but I'm not ruling out Ben Howland and Mississippi State there either. Think Russell Westbrook. Brandon Ingraham is another target but is unlikely to leave the Tar Heel State. It gets pretty slim after that.

[Assembly Hall]

Ouch on that OOC schedule. Although Ohio St.'s status is in doubt. I have seen Maker all over the place concerning his grades. As far as Swanigan, rumor is in my neck of the woods it is Cal for him? And that be the west coast Cal.

[cumberlandreds]

IMO its going ot be tough sledding next season. Probably a lot like 2013. To make the NCAA's it will all depend on if they can beat anyone good in the out of conference schedule. You just can't lose that many players and not take a big hit. Just part of the deal with Cal and the part I really don't like.

[Assembly Hall]

IMO its going ot be tough sledding next season. Probably a lot like 2013. To make the NCAA's it will all depend on if they can beat anyone good in the out of conference schedule. You just can't lose that many players and not take a big hit. Just part of the deal with Cal and the part I really don't like.

Yeah I been seeing alot of pundits saying that. But hey, if it aint broke don't fix it.

[WVRed]

Ouch on that OOC schedule. Although Ohio St.'s status is in doubt. I have seen Maker all over the place concerning his grades. As far as Swanigan, rumor is in my neck of the woods it is Cal for him? And that be the west coast Cal.

Swanigan committed to Sparty today.

Duke and Louisville will both be down next season, so those games are winnable. The rumor going around now is Stephen Zimmerman and Thon Maker most likely with Cheik Diallo, Malik Newman, Jaylen Brown, and Brandon Ingraham as all possibilities.

Cal has four scholarships to play with. It will be interesting.

[Joseph]

Swanigan committed to Sparty today.

Duke and Louisville will both be down next season, so those games are winnable. The rumor going around now is Stephen Zimmerman and Thon Maker most likely with Cheik Diallo, Malik Newman, Jaylen Brown, and Brandon Ingraham as all possibilities.

Cal has four scholarships to play with. It will be interesting.


7 kids leave but only 4 scholarships? Plus seniors.....

Just asking, I really don't know the morass of rules for the NCAA institution. Please show your work.

[WVRed]

Three commits: Skal Labissiere, Isaiah Briscoe, and Charles Matthews.

If I'm not mistaken, the seniors are walk ons. Should have probably went into more detail.

[Joseph]

Three commits: Skal Labissiere, Isaiah Briscoe, and Charles Matthews.

If I'm not mistaken, the seniors are walk ons. Should have probably went into more detail.

Just my naivety, I appreciate the explanation. I don't pay attention to the next class until the prior season is over, so I'm definitely behind on the 2015/16 commits.

[dabvu2498]

Word around the campfire is that he might have one more to play with.

[Razor Shines]

Word around the campfire is that he might have one more to play with.

You got invited to the post season team camp out?

[dabvu2498]

You got invited to the post season team camp out?

There were open spots after all those dudes left.

[WVRed]

Word around the campfire is that he might have one more to play with.

Poythress?

[dabvu2498]

Poythress?

That's already been reported in the media, that he's weighing his options and will make a decision with his family. The one I heard was a possible transfer. It sounded somewhat unlikely, to me, but my source is fairly solid.

Also, here's a pretty solid analysis of what each SEC team is likely to look like next year: http://www.anchorofgold.com/2015/4/10/8302643/2015-ncaa-basketball-sec-offseason-preview-rankings-part-1
The guy is a bit of a homer, but I think he does a decent job of recapping the rosters at least.

[RedTeamGo!]

The real question is: how many points can the 2015-2016 Kentucky Wildcats beat the Phuladelipia 76ers by? :D

Seriously though: good luck next year - Kentucky is going to murdere OSU.

[dubc47834]

The real question is: how many points can the 2015-2016 Kentucky Wildcats beat the Phuladelipia 76ers by? :D

Seriously though: good luck next year - Kentucky is going to murdere OSU.

Not with Russel coming back

[dabvu2498]

That transfer rumor I mentioned... Yeah. Forget that.

[WVRed]

That transfer rumor I mentioned... Yeah. Forget that.

Derek Willis by chance?

Is Russell for sure coming back? Can't imagine him giving up being a top 5 pick

[Razor Shines]

Derek Willis by chance?

Is Russell for sure coming back? Can't imagine him giving up being a top 5 pick

Yeah, that's interesting. I thought he was gone for sure. It would be crazy if he came back.

[Assembly Hall]

Yeah, that's interesting. I thought he was gone for sure. It would be crazy if he came back.

I would be amazed if he came back, but sometimes you just never know.

[dabvu2498]

Derek Willis by chance?

Is Russell for sure coming back? Can't imagine him giving up being a top 5 pick
It was Willis, indeed.

[Assembly Hall]

It was Willis, indeed.

And any thoughts as to what his destination would be?

[WVRed]

UK just lost Slice Rohrssen to St Johns today. This will probably hurt on the Cheik Diallo front. Rumor is Tony Barbee will take his place.

[WVRed]

I'm not going to lie, I don't feel like Cal is going to close out this class.

That said, I think next years team makes the tournament but will be overrated to start the season.

[Big Red Smokey]

I'm not going to lie, I don't feel like Cal is going to close out this class.

That said, I think next years team makes the tournament but will be overrated to start the season.

Yep. They will be ranked preseason 2 or 3 for no reason at all, then struggle all year and will be called Overrated by the same media that overrated them to begin with

[dabvu2498]

Portis and Qualls both leave Arky. The SEC is going to suuu-uccccccckkk.

[Assembly Hall]

Portis and Qualls both leave Arky. The SEC is going to suuu-uccccccckkk.

I saw Portis, I didnt see Qualls.

As it stands right now.....how do you UK/SEC boys see how the conference will shake out next year?

[WVRed]

I saw Portis, I didnt see Qualls.

As it stands right now.....how do you UK/SEC boys see how the conference will shake out next year?

Weak, but no weaker than usual.

LSU will be the top threat to Kentucky, especially if Bennie Simmons is as good as advertised. I'm really curious to see if Malik Newman goes to Mississippi State, with Howland coaching him. Also watching to see if Donovan goes to the NBA as rumored. Florida could come crashing down if that happens

[dabvu2498]

I saw Portis, I didnt see Qualls.

As it stands right now.....how do you UK/SEC boys see how the conference will shake out next year?

http://www.anchorofgold.com/2015/4/10/8302643/2015-ncaa-basketball-sec-offseason-preview-rankings-part-1


This is a pretty fair break down. Still lots to be determined, however.

[cumberlandreds]

Just thought I would pass this sad news along. Mike Phillips died Saturday apparently from a fall at his home.
Phillips is the first one from the 78 team to pass away. Very sad circumstances. Sounds like it was just a freak accident. Phillips was part of the original Twin Towers at UK. He teamed inisde with Robey for four seasons that eventually lead to the 78 championship. Phillips was always a steady and consistent player. You could count on 10 to 12 points a game to go along with 6 or 8 rebounds. He was a key contributor from the beginning of his freshman season right until lthe end of his career. As noted in that article he was the one Hall didn't bench in the famous Florida State game in the 78 NCAA's. I don't think he benched Macy either but I would have to check that. He also played a lot of minutes on the 76 team that eventually won the NIT. Robey was hurt mid way through the season and Phillips had to play a lot more. That may have lead to his being an even better player. It's really sad to see players you basically grew up with to pass away. It just brings mortality that much closer to you. RIP Mike Phillips. Thanks for all the good memories and times you gave me.

http://www.kentucky.com/2015/04/26/3820660_ex-cat-mike-phillips-one-of-twin.html?rh=1

[Assembly Hall]

Remember him well. Helluva a ball player. RIP Mike.

[WVRed]

UK got a sharpshooter yesterday in JuCo Mychal Mulder but lost a bigger prize in Cheik Diallo to Kansas. This on top of losing out on Malik Newman and Brandon Ingraham earlier this week.

Jaylen Brown and Jamal Murray are the best hope of locking up the top recruiting class but it's not looking very promising.

[cumberlandreds]

UK got a sharpshooter yesterday in JuCo Mychal Mulder but lost a bigger prize in Cheik Diallo to Kansas. This on top of losing out on Malik Newman and Brandon Ingraham earlier this week.

Jaylen Brown and Jamal Murray are the best hope of locking up the top recruiting class but it's not looking very promising.

Not looking good for either of those two. Brown is starting look like a lock for Michigan. Murray hasn't decided if he will reclassify or not and won't commit to even visit UK. Looks like who they have now will be the 2015-16 version of UK basketball.

[Assembly Hall]

Not looking good for either of those two. Brown is starting look like a lock for Michigan. Murray hasn't decided if he will reclassify or not and won't commit to even visit UK. Looks like who they have now will be the 2015-16 version of UK basketball.

Are there any graduate transfers out there that UK might be interested in?

[WVRed]

Looks like Billy Donovan is headed to the NBA. I've never been a fan of his teams but the SEC is losing one of its best.

I wonder who will replace him in Gainesville. Florida is definitely a more attractive job than when Donovan inherited it, but the ODome is going to need some work.

[cumberlandreds]

Are there any graduate transfers out there that UK might be interested in?

There was one from UNCC that had some interest but he eventually signed with Illinois. I don't know know of any other graduate transfers. I did read some more positive news on Jaylen Brown. So there is still a chance with him.

[cumberlandreds]

Looks like Billy Donovan is headed to the NBA. I've never been a fan of his teams but the SEC is losing one of its best.

I wonder who will replace him in Gainesville. Florida is definitely a more attractive job than when Donovan inherited it, but the ODome is going to need some work.

I'm not sure who Florida could get at this late stage. They do have two former head coaches on the current staff in Pelphrey and Grant. They may have to turn to one of them.

[WVRed]

I'm not sure who Florida could get at this late stage. They do have two former head coaches on the current staff in Pelphrey and Grant. They may have to turn to one of them.

It may be on an interim deal then. Neither are long term options, and it will be an attractive job.

Think Gregg Marshall would take it?

[cumberlandreds]

It may be on an interim deal then. Neither are long term options, and it will be an attractive job.

Think Gregg Marshall would take it?

Someone on Twitter was mentioning Archie Miller, Richard Pitino and the xavier coach,can't remember his name, as possibilities. Grant and Pelphrey were also mentioned as fall back choices.

[Assembly Hall]

Someone on Twitter was mentioning Archie Miller, Richard Pitino and the xavier coach,can't remember his name, as possibilities. Grant and Pelphrey were also mentioned as fall back choices.

That be Chris Mack at Xavier.

Aside from those three you mentioned. I have heard Jamie Dixon(Pitt), Mike White(La. Tech), and even Jeff Capel.

[Assembly Hall]

There was one from UNCC that had some interest but he eventually signed with Illinois. I don't know know of any other graduate transfers. I did read some more positive news on Jaylen Brown. So there is still a chance with him.

Brown to Cal.

[Joseph]

Kentucky has gotten nothing compared to last year. Not saying it'll be a bad year or a long season, but just that it will be decidedly different in feel than it did this season.

[cumberlandreds]

This is just weird freshman class. Most of the top rated players went to places that aren't exactly know for their basketball. Cal,Miss State,LSU and UNLV (at least not in the last decade or so). UK will be OK next year but they may take some L's early and Cal will have a job to do to keep their confidence up. It may come down to who they can beat in the non conference if they make the NCAA's or how they will place in the tourney.

[Assembly Hall]

This is just weird freshman class. Most of the top rated players went to places that aren't exactly know for their basketball. Cal,Miss State,LSU and UNLV (at least not in the last decade or so). UK will be OK next year but they may take some L's early and Cal will have a job to do to keep their confidence up. It may come down to who they can beat in the non conference if they make the NCAA's or how they will place in the tourney.

I am amazed that UK didnt get any of those guys after the early entries. How does your scholly count look?

[IslandRed]

These things go in cycles. No need to shed tears for Kentucky.

But I do think that the end result of 2015 -- star players unselfishly giving up minutes to build an ultra-deep juggernaut, only to be denied the prize at the end -- might make it tougher to assemble that much talent in the future. And that goes for anyone, not just UK. If we're looking at players good enough to profile as early entries, it's always been pretty rare for them to choose a place where they'll be a role player instead of an instant starter, which just points out how well Calipari recruited. (And it says positive things about the kids as well.)

[cumberlandreds]

I am amazed that UK didnt get any of those guys after the early entries. How does your scholly count look?

I haven't tried to count them yet but someone on another site said 9 as of now.

[Assembly Hall]

I haven't tried to count them yet but someone on another site said 9 as of now.

Wow. I wonder if Cal will "pocket" the remaining ones?

[Assembly Hall]

I just saw this......

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/john-calipari-hints-that-platooning-hurt-kentucky-s-recruiting-163937974.html

[Assembly Hall]

You guys have been awfully quiet? Just wonder if UK is gonna make a charge at a couple of the Florida recruits that asked for a release?

[WVRed]

You guys have been awfully quiet? Just wonder if UK is gonna make a charge at a couple of the Florida recruits that asked for a release?

Haven't checked but I did see we're play the Jayhawks in Lawrence as part of the SEC Texas Ten challenge.

I was selfishly hoping for WVU but I'd rather make the four hour trip to Rupp if that happened next season.

[cumberlandreds]

I read something that UK still has a shot at Swanigan. Probably a longshot. I still don't expect him to come to UK. I hadn't heard anything about Florida guys coming to UK or if UK has any interest.

Going to be a really tough OOC next season. Trips to Kansas and UCLA. Two teams UK throttled last season will make it that much tougher. Plus Duke, Ohio State and Louisville.

[Assembly Hall]

I read something that UK still has a shot at Swanigan. Probably a longshot. I still don't expect him to come to UK. I hadn't heard anything about Florida guys coming to UK or if UK has any interest.

Going to be a really tough OOC next season. Trips to Kansas and UCLA. Two teams UK throttled last season will make it that much tougher. Plus Duke, Ohio State and Louisville.

Killer OOC to say the least.

[Joseph]

Very easily could be a double digit loss season next year and still be a good team.

[Assembly Hall]

Very easily could be a double digit loss season next year and still be a good team.

Right here right now that is the way I see it. But I dont want to play them come tournament time.

[Assembly Hall]

BTW fellas, I heard a rumor that Swanigan was seen at a Fort Wayne restaurant eating with two guys that were wearing UK hats.

[WVRed]

BTW fellas, I heard a rumor that Swanigan was seen at a Fort Wayne restaurant eating with two guys that were wearing UK hats.

Something about his recruitment and Jaylen Browns seems very sketchy. From the comments of him wanting a personal chef (could be sour grapes from Sparty) to Browns announcement. I think somehow Swanigan ends up at Cal and the whole thing blows up.

[Assembly Hall]

Something about his recruitment and Jaylen Browns seems very sketchy. From the comments of him wanting a personal chef (could be sour grapes from Sparty) to Browns announcement. I think somehow Swanigan ends up at Cal and the whole thing blows up.

The one thing the bothers me about Swanigan is decommitting from Sparty less than a month after he verbally committed. Something seems afoul.

[WVRed]

Swanigan commits to Purdue but Jamal Murray is in for an official visit.

[Assembly Hall]

Swanigan commits to Purdue but Jamal Murray is in for an official visit.

LOL......Swanigan commit? Hmmmmmmmmmm.

[WMR]

Murray would seriously elevate this team...

[Assembly Hall]

Murray would seriously elevate this team...

The only question is......which year?

[WVRed]

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/sec-announces-uks-new-permanent-opponents/

Tennessee and Vandy join Florida as UKs permanent opponents.

I like this a lot better.

[goreds2]

My girlfriend is a UK fan and her daughter goes to UK so I keep up with the news even though I am a Buckeye fan. ;) I root for UK unless they play the Buckeyes. UK vs Buckeyes this year! It should be a fun party at my house!

Just saw that UK plays Duke in the champions classic on Tuesday Nov. 17 in Chicago ILL. UK plays THE Ohio State Buckeyes Sat Dec. 19 at the CBS Sports Classic in Brooklyn NY. UK plays Louisville in Lexington on Sat. Dec. 26

[WVRed]

Jamal Murray announcement on Tuesday night at 6 pm on ESPNU. He's also reclassified to 2015.

I'd be shocked if it isn't Kentucky.

[cumberlandreds]

Jamal Murray announcement on Tuesday night at 6 pm on ESPNU. He's also reclassified to 2015.

I'd be shocked if it isn't Kentucky.

Almost everyone is saying he is going to Oregon. Oregon already has some Canadiens on their team and that is probably the tipping point.

[WMR]

Almost everyone is saying he is going to Oregon. Oregon already has some Canadiens on their team and that is probably the tipping point.

This spring recruiting period has absolutely SUCKED.

[WVRed]

Almost everyone is saying he is going to Oregon. Oregon already has some Canadiens on their team and that is probably the tipping point.

I love being right. :)

[Joseph]

I love being right. :)

Even when UK is the loser?

Fact is, last year was the big year. Fully loaded, go for it type year. It might be a bit before Cal absolutely dominates recruiting again to that degree if ever it happens again.

[WVRed]

Even when UK is the loser?

Fact is, last year was the big year. Fully loaded, go for it type year. It might be a bit before Cal absolutely dominates recruiting again to that degree if ever it happens again.

I was referring to Murray picking UK tonight. Big win on a pretty abysmal recruiting period.

[Joseph]

I was referring to Murray picking UK tonight. Big win on a pretty abysmal recruiting period.

I'm not good at reading sometimes.

[cumberlandreds]

Well that was a surprise. Everyone had him going to Oregon. But you never know what will happen in recruiting. Murray said the only people he told his decision were his parents and his brother. So everyone else had badly educated guesses. Most are saying this gives UK the number one or two class this year. Not too bad after all the hand ringing of missing out on quite a few others. This will make the Duke game early next season that much more interesting now with most saying these two have the one and two recruiting classes for the 15-16 season.

[WMR]

Well that was a surprise. Everyone had him going to Oregon. But you never know what will happen in recruiting. Murray said the only people he told his decision were his parents and his brother. So everyone else had badly educated guesses. Most are saying this gives UK the number one or two class this year. Not too bad after all the hand ringing of missing out on quite a few others. This will make the Duke game early next season that much more interesting now with most saying these two have the one and two recruiting classes for the 15-16 season.

Definitely the #1 class now... this puts UK into position to enter the season as good as any other team in the country.

Murray was EXACTLY what this team needed.

[WMR]

Apparently there's a decent chance the Australian enrolls at UK in December because of how the Australian school system works. He could give a serviceable 5-10 mins a game backing up Skal and Lee.

[Assembly Hall]

Definitely the #1 class now... this puts UK into position to enter the season as good as any other team in the country.

Murray was EXACTLY what this team needed.

Heck, I looked at them that way before they got Murray!!!!!! LOL

[Assembly Hall]

Apparently there's a decent chance the Australian enrolls at UK in December because of how the Australian school system works. He could give a serviceable 5-10 mins a game backing up Skal and Lee.

It's winter "Down Under" right now isnt it? Got a name WMR?

[cumberlandreds]

It's winter "Down Under" right now isnt it? Got a name WMR?

It's Tai Waynard (sp?). I don't know much about him other than he's big man. I don't expect much out of him other than helping out in practice and maybe a couple or three minutes a game.
I'm not sold on Kentucky being number one at the beginning of the season. Its going to take a while to gell and they have a very tough schedule. But I think this signing puts them in the Final Four talk again. Except for the 2013 team every Cal team has improved a lot as the season goes along. This one should too.

[WMR]

It's Tai Waynard (sp?). I don't know much about him other than he's big man. I don't expect much out of him other than helping out in practice and maybe a couple or three minutes a game.
I'm not sold on Kentucky being number one at the beginning of the season. Its going to take a while to gell and they have a very tough schedule. But I think this signing puts them in the Final Four talk again. Except for the 2013 team every Cal team has improved a lot as the season goes along. This one should too.
Number 1 recruiting class, not #1 preseason.

I don't think they'll be #1 pre-season. Probably be behind UNCheat*** and possibly Dook/KU.

Don't really care, either... ending #1 is all that matters.

[WMR]

It's Tai Waynard (sp?). I don't know much about him other than he's big man. I don't expect much out of him other than helping out in practice and maybe a couple or three minutes a game.
I'm not sold on Kentucky being number one at the beginning of the season. Its going to take a while to gell and they have a very tough schedule. But I think this signing puts them in the Final Four talk again. Except for the 2013 team every Cal team has improved a lot as the season goes along. This one should too.

Wynyard.

Kid has some good beef on him already... he wouldn't need to do much besides hit the boards and bang around down low.

[cumberlandreds]

Number 1 recruiting class, not #1 preseason.

I don't think they'll be #1 pre-season. Probably be behind UNCheat*** and possibly Dook/KU.

Don't really care, either... ending #1 is all that matters.

Yea I said that after reading some that said UK will be ranked number one to start the season. You are right all that matters is where you are ranked at the end.

[Assembly Hall]

Yea I said that after reading some that said UK will be ranked number one to start the season. You are right all that matters is where you are ranked at the end.

I think UK has an advantage right off the top when talking about this upcoming season. And that is their conference. OOC schedule aside the 'Cats should still dominate the SEC. That aint gonna be the case with with some of the other pre-season Top Ten schools. Save maybe Wichita St. and Gonzaga.

[jimbo]

Sources: Kings probing John Calipari about coaching, front-office jobs

The Sacramento Kings are probing University of Kentucky coach John Calipari about his interest in taking over the franchise's front-office and coaching jobs, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Calipari has been communicating with owner Vivek Ranadive and other members of the Kings' ownership group in recent weeks, league sources said. Calipari has listened to scenarios with which the Kings could offer him complete control of the franchise's fledgling basketball operations to go along with coaching, league sources said.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--kings--john-calipari--kentucky-195614697.html

I think it's only a matter of when and where, not if.

[cumberlandreds]

Everyone is denying it now. Never offered the job. Cal stated "For the 100th time I have the best job in basketball." I still think he will eventually go to the NBA but I sort of doubt it will be for this job.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Why would he go to the NBA?

He's said numerous times that he affects more lives and influences more families in his current position.

If you find that hard to swallow (and most non-UK fans seem to), you could also look at where he's going to get the most publicity. It's not as a head coach in Sacramento or Indianapolis. He's at one of the most influential and prestigious coaching gigs in all of basketball. And he gets paid serious bank while there. Not only that, he's revered in that state.

If he goes to the NBA, it'll be after he "retires" from Kentucky and becomes a talking head for a year or two.

[Assembly Hall]

Why would he go to the NBA?

He's said numerous times that he affects more lives and influences more families in his current position.

If you find that hard to swallow (and most non-UK fans seem to), you could also look at where he's going to get the most publicity. It's not as a head coach in Sacramento or Indianapolis. He's at one of the most influential and prestigious coaching gigs in all of basketball. And he gets paid serious bank while there. Not only that, he's revered in that state.

If he goes to the NBA, it'll be after he "retires" from Kentucky and becomes a talking head for a year or two.

One word........Ego. The great ones have them.

[cumberlandreds]

One word........Ego. The great ones have them.

Ego and one last huge payday.

[Assembly Hall]

Ego and one last huge payday.

And something that he has failed at before.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Ego and one last huge payday.

For that reason, I don't think he's willing to jeopardize his "place" in NCAA basketball.

Why trade his current Coach K/ Roy Williams/ Bill Self/ Rick Pitino spot willingly for one that includes Pitino and Larry Brown?

It's a downgrade for a top-level college coach.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Interesting nugget one of my friends linked to.

UK players under Cal stand to make just north of $721 million in NBA contracts. This doesn't include the second-round picks this year or Kanter's likely bump.

[Assembly Hall]

For that reason, I don't think he's willing to jeopardize his "place" in NCAA basketball.

Why trade his current Coach K/ Roy Williams/ Bill Self/ Rick Pitino spot willingly for one that includes Pitino and Larry Brown?

It's a downgrade for a top-level college coach.

Interesting you mentioned Larry Brown. Cal was an assistant under him a couple of times.

[goreds2]

My girlfriend (her daughter goes to UK) showed her pride at our Mt. Vernon, Ohio campsite over the weekend.

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb468/goreds2/UK%20Camping%20A%2007102015_zps8gsxex81.jpg

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb468/goreds2/UK%20Camping2%2007102015_zpss6beg3le.jpg

Her camping chair below:

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb468/goreds2/UK%20Chair%20Camp%2007112015_zpsbrgk4grp.jpg

[goreds2]

Former Cats to meet in Rupp Arena for an NBA exhibition. http://www.kentucky.com/2015/07/14/3944134/nbas-pelicans-kings-to-meet-in.html

Also, girlfriend and I went camping last weekend in Sunbury, Ohio and she showed her pride again. No other camper had a comment about it. We can't wait for my Buckeyes to meet her UK Wildcats on Dec. 19.

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb468/goreds2/Camping%2007242015_zpspykhf0wy.jpg

[cumberlandreds]

Anyone see Jamal Murray play for Canada in the Pan Am games? I watched about four of their games and he looked great. He averaged about 15 points a game and made a big difference for Canada when he was on the floor. I think you can certainly pencil in a three guard lineup for UK this season with Ulis,Briscoe and Murray all starting.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Anyone see Jamal Murray play for Canada in the Pan Am games? I watched about four of their games and he looked great. He averaged about 15 points a game and made a big difference for Canada when he was on the floor. I think you can certainly pencil in a three guard lineup for UK this season with Ulis,Briscoe and Murray all starting.

Murray is tall enough (6'5") with a long enough wingspan (6'7") to play the wing. It helps that Isaiah Briscoe has a 6'10" wingspan too. (And no, that's not a typo.)

I suspect these three plus Matthews and Mulder will allow Poythress to go back under the basket as a big. Calipari can sell him on being the next Draymond Green for buy-in. (Not that Poythress has ever been unwilling to do whatever Cal asks of him.) That leaves Skal LaBassiere as the center.

That's a really nice, balanced five person unit. All of them can score and defend at a high level.

I'd like to see them pressure the ball this season, trying to score 90+.

[WVRed]

Murray is tall enough (6'5") with a long enough wingspan (6'7") to play the wing. It helps that Isaiah Briscoe has a 6'10" wingspan too. (And no, that's not a typo.)

I suspect these three plus Matthews and Mulder will allow Poythress to go back under the basket as a big. Calipari can sell him on being the next Draymond Green for buy-in. (Not that Poythress has ever been unwilling to do whatever Cal asks of him.) That leaves Skal LaBassiere as the center.

That's a really nice, balanced five person unit. All of them can score and defend at a high level.

I'd like to see them pressure the ball this season, trying to score 90+.

Surprised this hasn't been mentioned, but UK is likely receiving help with a 7'0 Australian center in Isaac Humphries. Seems like a big body for depth this year who could be a Harrellson type of player the following.

I'm thinking 2016 is going to be a letdown for recruiting. Could be wrong, but it's looking that way.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I'm thinking 2016 is going to be a letdown for recruiting. Could be wrong, but it's looking that way.

Calipari said on one national news outlet or another that this could be his best year ever for recruiting. Two weeks ago, IIRC.

[cumberlandreds]

Surprised this hasn't been mentioned, but UK is likely receiving help with a 7'0 Australian center in Isaac Humphries. Seems like a big body for depth this year who could be a Harrellson type of player the following.

I'm thinking 2016 is going to be a letdown for recruiting. Could be wrong, but it's looking that way.

Cal never has a letdown in recruiting. 2016 is supposed to be loaded. So I expect we will see a good recruitin gclass when the dust settles. Top three as usual.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Cal never has a letdown in recruiting. 2016 is supposed to be loaded. So I expect we will see a good recruitin gclass when the dust settles. Top three as usual.

Serious angst over this season's recruits until Murray committed-- and that was after the number one PG and number one C had signed up.

Only at Kentucky.

[WVRed]

Cal never has a letdown in recruiting. 2016 is supposed to be loaded. So I expect we will see a good recruitin gclass when the dust settles. Top three as usual.

As of right now the only ones I feel comfortable with are Rawle Alkins and Markelle Fultz. Kobi Simmons was a UK lean but has been leaning toward Ohio State recently. Cal is chasing Dennis Smith who is likely a NC State lean.

I think we'll get our fair share of recruits, but the upper echelon recruits are looking elsewhere. Size is an issue as well as I doubt they'll get Giles out of North Carolina.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Points
Cal has three. Might not get any, but both Fox and Simmons have called Kentucky their "dream school". I suspect Cal softened on Simmons because of the interest in either Smith or Fox.

Wings
Bridges and Monk are 50/50, with both leaning Kentucky.

Bigs
Wynyard is already committed.
Humphries is already on campus.
Bolden and Killeya-Jones look possible.

Lots of balls in the air, but, really, this is likely to be a veteran team next season anyway. If Briscoe, Murray, Lee, Poythress, and LaBassiere go, you'll still have:

PG Ulis/ Hawkins
2G Mulder
SF Matthews
PF Wynyard/ Willis
C Humphries/ Wynyard

A combo guard (Monk) and a small forward (Bridges) are really all Calipari needs. Monk and Bridges would make that team top ten, for sure. A young PG (Fox?) and a PF (Bolden) would make it one of the pre-season favorites.

[WVRed]

Points
Cal has three. Might not get any, but both Fox and Simmons have called Kentucky their "dream school". I suspect Cal softened on Simmons because of the interest in either Smith or Fox.

Wings
Bridges and Monk are 50/50, with both leaning Kentucky.

Bigs
Wynyard is already committed.
Humphries is already on campus.
Bolden and Killeya-Jones look possible.

Lots of balls in the air, but, really, this is likely to be a veteran team next season anyway. If Briscoe, Murray, Lee, Poythress, and LaBassiere go, you'll still have:

PG Ulis/ Hawkins
2G Mulder
SF Matthews
PF Wynyard/ Willis
C Humphries/ Wynyard

A combo guard (Monk) and a small forward (Bridges) are really all Calipari needs. Monk and Bridges would make that team top ten, for sure. A young PG (Fox?) and a PF (Bolden) would make it one of the pre-season favorites.

Completely forgot about Fox. He came out of nowhere.

Bridges is between Kentucky and Michigan State. I think Cal is going to have a time getting Malik Monk out of Arkansas though. His brother played there and they have that pull, similar to Malik Newman.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I think Cal is going to have a time getting Malik Monk out of Arkansas though. His brother played there and they have that pull, similar to Malik Newman.

If Arkansas is as bad as they project to be AND their three guys caught passing counterfeit money end up in a heap of trouble (both extremely likely), he won't go there. Too, an interview both Monk and his brother did with The Courier-Journal kind of explains their thought process in his recruiting. He knows who best prepares HS kids for the pros, and it's not Mike Anderson.

[WVRed]

Humphries is official for this year.

UK landed Sacha Killeya-Jones which is easily the best name I've ever heard for a basketball player. He's projected right now by 24/7 at 18th but his stock has been rising. I'm guessing his commitment means Kentucky is likely and never was in the running for Harry Giles.

Also of note, Markelle Fultz who was thought to be a major UK lean with Louisville as the fallback option commits tonight to Washington. I think there are other options Cal was considering and Fultz knew to look elsewhere. Moral of the story, never trust the Crystal Ball at 24/7.

[goreds2]

I showed my OSU Pride and Girlfriend showed her UK pride on a camping trip in Granville, Ohio this weekend.

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb468/goreds2/Camping%2020150821_zpsemrmnryd.jpg

[Assembly Hall]

What is up with Skal? Hasnt been cleared to play yet?

[cumberlandreds]

What is up with Skal? Hasnt been cleared to play yet?

No not yet. UK seems confident he will be. Its all about where he went to school last year. It is sketchy and his "guardian" seems a little unseemly at best.

[Assembly Hall]

No not yet. UK seems confident he will be. Its all about where he went to school last year. It is sketchy and his "guardian" seems a little unseemly at best.

Where he went to school last year?

[cumberlandreds]

Where he went to school last year?

This article does a good job of documenting why the NCAA is scrutinizing his academics. For good reason. Its a mess.


http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/report--ncaa-has-yet-to-clear-kentucky-s-skal-labissiere-235744709.html

[Assembly Hall]

This article does a good job of documenting why the NCAA is scrutinizing his academics. For good reason. Its a mess.


http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/report--ncaa-has-yet-to-clear-kentucky-s-skal-labissiere-235744709.html

Wow. Very interesting to say the least. What other schools recruited him?

[Bourgeois Zee]

This article does a good job of documenting why the NCAA is scrutinizing his academics. For good reason. Its a mess.


http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/report--ncaa-has-yet-to-clear-kentucky-s-skal-labissiere-235744709.html

The NCAA is incredibly corrupt and measures justice on its own whims. For example, KU's Chieck Diallo hasn't been cleared yet, but the kid is obviously college material. He can speak six languages and has, by all accounts, both an excellent track record and work ethic. They [The NCAA] just get nervous around foreign players and transfers in general. (The xenophobic reaction to almost all foreign transcripts-- especially those of African students-- says much.)

That said, if Calipari has signed off on it, you can bet it will eventually clear up. The man knows the NCAA rulebook well, especially after the Enes Kanter situation.

Now, if this is, as the article suggests, actually about LaBassiere's guardian and his questionable actions, it's a whole other kettle of fish. (That said, the Cam Newton defense-- Dad did shady things, but son didn't know, so it's cool-- seems to protect LaBassiere here. But, again, NCAA doesn't use precedence, so every decision is a crapshoot.)

[cumberlandreds]

Wow. Very interesting to say the least. What other schools recruited him?

No idea. I'm sure all the big name programs at least showed some interest. IIRC, he committed to UK early on. I don't get a good feeling about his eligibilty by just going on past precedence. But who really knows with the NCAA. They seem to rule on these things on a whim.

[Assembly Hall]

No idea. I'm sure all the big name programs at least showed some interest. IIRC, he committed to UK early on. I don't get a good feeling about his eligibilty by just going on past precedence. But who really knows with the NCAA. They seem to rule on these things on a whim.

To be honest, the way things are going across the CBB landscape, I would be concerned.

[WVRed]

No idea. I'm sure all the big name programs at least showed some interest. IIRC, he committed to UK early on. I don't get a good feeling about his eligibilty by just going on past precedence. But who really knows with the NCAA. They seem to rule on these things on a whim.

Memphis

[Assembly Hall]

Just seen where Skal has been cleared to play.

[cumberlandreds]

Just seen where Skal has been cleared to play.

That was a nice surprise. UK should be a top five team most of the season now and definite player for the national championship. They won't go 38-1 again but it should be a nice year.

[Assembly Hall]

That was a nice surprise. UK should be a top five team most of the season now and definite player for the national championship. They won't go 38-1 again but it should be a nice year.

Yep, just dont need that injury bug.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Yep, just dont need that injury bug.

They've been a bit snake-bit under Calipari, for sure. Noel, Cauley-Stein, Poythress-- each of the past three years could have ended much differently with a bit of luck and good health across the board. You could certainly argue that Kentucky wins two more championships with a fully healthy squad.

[Assembly Hall]

They've been a bit snake-bit under Calipari, for sure. Noel, Cauley-Stein, Poythress-- each of the past three years could have ended much differently with a bit of luck and good health across the board. You could certainly argue that Kentucky wins two more championships with a fully healthy squad.

Yeah, I cant disagree with that. I think this year it is critical for the 'Cats to stay healthy for them to have success come the end of the year.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Yeah, I cant disagree with that. I think this year it is critical for the 'Cats to stay healthy for them to have success come the end of the year.

It depends on what you mean by success, though. Four Final Fours in five years is a pretty phenomenal record, national title or not. As a Kentucky fan, all I want is a team that's competitive nationally. A team that's in the hunt, so to speak. I'd like to have that every year, but recognize there are times when it doesn't happen, whether through injury or poor recruiting. Calipari has done as well as anyone in the nation since becoming UK coach. Pitino had the same type of "contender" success. Hall, for most of his tenure, did too.

That's fine for me, and, I suspect, fine for 98% of all UK fans. (Unfortunately, it's the other two percent about which numerous articles are written.)

[Assembly Hall]

It depends on what you mean by success, though. Four Final Fours in five years is a pretty phenomenal record, national title or not. As a Kentucky fan, all I want is a team that's competitive nationally. A team that's in the hunt, so to speak. I'd like to have that every year, but recognize there are times when it doesn't happen, whether through injury or poor recruiting. Calipari has done as well as anyone in the nation since becoming UK coach. Pitino had the same type of "contender" success. Hall, for most of his tenure, did too.

That's fine for me, and, I suspect, fine for 98% of all UK fans. (Unfortunately, it's the other two percent about which numerous articles are written.)

Success is doing what you guys have been doing. I know there is going to be a "down" year every now and then due to certain "issues". But I hate seeing a good/great team's potential being determined by injuries no matter who that team is.

[goreds2]

Blue-White game recap: http://www.aseaofblue.com/2015/10/27/9624018/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-blue-white-game-recap

[cumberlandreds]

Blue-White game recap: http://www.aseaofblue.com/2015/10/27/9624018/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-blue-white-game-recap

I watched last night. Plenty talent but a long way to go to be ready for March. They are set up for a Final Four run and title. That's about all you can ask for as a fan.

[Bourgeois Zee]

The Canadian kid-- Jamal Murray-- looks like a scoring machine. Ulis will be among the best PGs in all of basketball. LaBassiere and Humphries could be a nice pairing at center.

What will separate Kentucky from other teams, though, are the other two positions. Can some combination of Alex Poythress and Marcus Lee be dominant defensively and score and rebound at a big enough clip to affect games? And can some combination of Briscoe, Matthews, and Mulder stretch defenses as a third long-distance scorer?

I'm not a big believer in Briscoe yet. (He looks like a typical freshman.) I really think Mulder could help big time as a small forward too. (Love the long arms, defensive reputation, and long-distance marksmanship.)

We'll see, of course.

[Assembly Hall]

The Canadian kid-- Jamal Murray-- looks like a scoring machine. Ulis will be among the best PGs in all of basketball. LaBassiere and Humphries could be a nice pairing at center.

What will separate Kentucky from other teams, though, are the other two positions. Can some combination of Alex Poythress and Marcus Lee be dominant defensively and score and rebound at a big enough clip to affect games? And can some combination of Briscoe, Matthews, and Mulder stretch defenses as a third long-distance scorer?

I'm not a big believer in Briscoe yet. (He looks like a typical freshman.) I really think Mulder could help big time as a small forward too. (Love the long arms, defensive reputation, and long-distance marksmanship.)

We'll see, of course.

http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/10/27/ranking-college-basketballs-top-back-courts/

[WVRed]

I know this is an exhibition game, but Kentucky is looking great so far.

This isn't like last year but the guard play is going to be huge.

[WVRed]

Jamal Murray finishes one assist shy of a triple double.

[Javy Pornstache]

Jamal Murray finishes one assist shy of a triple double.

And Cal pulled him with three and a half mins to go - what a heel! :D

[cumberlandreds]

Even though this was against an NAIA team you had to like what you saw last night. This should be a very good shooting team. Ulis should be a great point guard and Murray is just a beast. Looks like Cal is going to press some with this team and let them run. Should be a fun season. This team won't go 38-0 but it won't lose many games either.

[WVRed]

Even though this was against an NAIA team you had to like what you saw last night. This should be a very good shooting team. Ulis should be a great point guard and Murray is just a beast. Looks like Cal is going to press some with this team and let them run. Should be a fun season. This team won't go 38-0 but it won't lose many games either.

I wasn't too optimistic heading into this season given the retooling, but I liked what I saw.

The Duke game will be the litmus test.

[Bourgeois Zee]

The Duke game will be the litmus test.

Nah.

Way too early to be any sort of litmus test.

At LSU? Okay. Totally.
At Vandy? A little late, but yeah. I can get behind that.
At Kansas? Sure-- both teams should be at full strength and both coaches should know what they have.

But Duke in November? Way too early.

Poythress isn't ready. Calipari hasn't decided on his style of play, plan of attack, or rotation. Neither, for that matter, have the Blue Devils. Between them, at least half the starters will be in their first big game. Ever.

[WVRed]

Nah.

Way too early to be any sort of litmus test.

At LSU? Okay. Totally.
At Vandy? A little late, but yeah. I can get behind that.
At Kansas? Sure-- both teams should be at full strength and both coaches should know what they have.

But Duke in November? Way too early.

Poythress isn't ready. Calipari hasn't decided on his style of play, plan of attack, or rotation. Neither, for that matter, have the Blue Devils. Between them, at least half the starters will be in their first big game. Ever.

Litmus test as in first game against a quality opponent.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Litmus test as in first game against a quality opponent.

Still won't tell you anything.

The Kentucky team that plays Duke will look and play very little like the one that plays Vandy or Florida in late February or early March.

Ditto Duke.

Taking away anything other than pure talent levels from early games is a fool's errand.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Kentucky looked crazy good against their two exhibition opponents. Loving the inside-outside games of Murray, Ulis, and LaBassiere, Poythress.

[Javy Pornstache]

I didn't get to see much of last night's game, did at least DVR it, but judging from what I heard, sounds like Marcus Lee and Derek Willis both looked much improved, the box score says there were a lot of turnovers, but here's hoping it's just typical opening night yips, seems like it is a yearly tradition for our teams at the beginning of the year. We'll find out quickly if it was a one-game anomaly, another game tonight, and the big one on Tuesday!

[Bourgeois Zee]

Willis with another good game offensively. He might be the wild card for this team-- his deep shot will be important as the season goes along, as might his ability to play big in place of the three guards Calipari looks like he wants to play. Lee also looks better, if only because he's getting more minutes (and playing more aggressively).

LaBassiere's jumper is absolutely lethal. He reminds me of (gulp) a late-career Kareem Abdul-Jabaar offensively. As a defender, he reminds me of a goal post-- he's got a long, long way to go.

Still, the team they played last night-- NJIT-- is a likely tournament team with a solid veteran bunch of scorers and a tough offense to guard. In the second half, they plays lights out defensively.

The potential of this team is fun to dream on. I love the inside-outside combination of Murray/ LaBassiere and the corresponding role players-- Ulis, Briscoe, Lee, and Willis.

If Poythress can come in as an energy guy willing to go balls to the wall in Beast Mode, Kentucky should become the favorite to win it all in a down year for college basketball.

[cumberlandreds]

UK looked much better against NJIT. I thought Briscoe gave them a big lift in that game. Skal can be a monster scorer with that great touch he has. Murray was off Saturday night but he is going to have a great year too. This is going to be a fun team to watch develop. They should be able to score a lot and if the defense comes around should be right in the thick of things in March. Sort of doubt they can beat Duke Tuesday but should be right in the game.

[Assembly Hall]

You guys got a big time recruit this morning.........can you make it a "daily double" this evening?

[Bourgeois Zee]

You guys got a big time recruit this morning.........can you make it a "daily double" this evening?

Chance to have Fox, Monk, and Adebayo likely inside the top 10. Killeya-Jones and Gabriel might sneak into the top 15.

That's one hell of a haul.

[cumberlandreds]

You guys got a big time recruit this morning.........can you make it a "daily double" this evening?

Yes they did make it a daily double.

Nice win over Duke. The three guard lineup looks great so far. Ulis, Murray and Briscoe are a three headed monster that is going to be hard to contend with. Inside play was spotty at times but they will get better with experience. Its going to be a fun season with a team that is going to really push the ball up the floor a lot.

[WVRed]

Two things:
1. I know it's early, but I think this years Duke team is similar to our 2013 team. The talent level isn't there this year and it's a mostly young team. Depth is an issue too. Next year though they will be stacked.

2. I'm curious to see how Cal uses Bam, Jones, Gabriel, and Wynyard. All four players play almost identical.

[cumberlandreds]

Some very credible sources are tweeting that Malik Monk will sign with UK today. If true that will be some amazing recruiting signings in a two day period. That would just about wrap up 2016 recruiting too. On to 2017.........

Its official Monk is a Cat.



http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1613272-five-star-malik-monk-commits-kentucky

[WVRed]

Great two days to be a Wildcat fan. Taking down Duke and leaping them in the recruiting rankings.

[Bourgeois Zee]

The recruiting for 2017 is insane (composite 24/7):

2. CG Fox
5. CG Monk
14. PF/C Adebayo
16. PF/C Killeya-Jones
17. F Gabriel

Add C Humphries (can't go pro-- only 17), SF/ PF Willis (unlikely to go pro yet), SF Matthews, SF Mulder, and PG Hawkins as depth.

Even if everyone else decides to go (Ulis, Poythress, Lee, Briscoe, LaBassiere, and Murray), that's a stacked team.

[WVRed]

The recruiting for 2017 is insane (composite 24/7):

2. CG Fox
5. CG Monk
14. PF/C Adebayo
16. PF/C Killeya-Jones
17. F Gabriel

Add C Humphries (can't go pro-- only 17), SF/ PF Willis (unlikely to go pro yet), SF Matthews, SF Mulder, and PG Hawkins as depth.

Even if everyone else decides to go (Ulis, Poythress, Lee, Briscoe, LaBassiere, and Murray), that's a stacked team.

I don't see Ulis going. He's a great college player but is seriously limited by size.

Only thing missing is a post player. I'm not sold on Humphries as a starter.

[Assembly Hall]

I don't see Ulis going. He's a great college player but is seriously limited by size.

Only thing missing is a post player. I'm not sold on Humphries as a starter.

I agree with ya. I see Ulis as a career player at UK. As far as the post.....Thon is still out there.

[WVRed]

I agree with ya. I see Ulis as a career player at UK. As far as the post.....Thon is still out there.

Everything I've seen suggests he is a lock for the Sun Devils.

[Assembly Hall]

Everything I've seen suggests he is a lock for the Sun Devils.

I dont if he is a lock anywhere.....Notre Dame has jumped into the picture.

[cumberlandreds]

Cal has been pumping Ulis for the NBA already. If he has someone that can guarantee him that he will be drafted,even in the 2nd round, I think he will go pro.

[goreds2]

Yes they did make it a daily double.

Nice win over Duke. The three guard lineup looks great so far. Ulis, Murray and Briscoe are a three headed monster that is going to be hard to contend with. Inside play was spotty at times but they will get better with experience. Its going to be a fun season with a team that is going to really push the ball up the floor a lot.

Marcus Lee has 17 offensive rebounds vs 9 defensive rebounds so far this year. UK was amazing on the offensive boards vs Duke. The will improve on the defensive rebound side.

[cumberlandreds]

Marcus Lee has 17 offensive rebounds vs 9 defensive rebounds so far this year. UK was amazing on the offensive boards vs Duke. The will improve on the defensive rebound side.

I guess I was mainly referring to the first 10 minutes of the game when no one rebounded. They let Plumlee look like an All American. After that they were much better. I thought Lee actually sparked them with his intensity at going for the boards late in that first half.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Ulis is an early-season favorite for college All-American status. (Media guys fall all over themselves voting for diminutive PGs with ball-handling and defensive skills. Add in "leadership" and "toughness" and he's almost a shoo-in, at this point, for one of the first three teams. That and his tenacity, quickness, range, and ball-handling skill will get him drafted. So will his "winning attitude."

A snippet from a recent scouting page at Draft Express:


Scouts are seeing Ulis in a very different role this season, particularly defensively where he's not picking up opponents 94 feet away from the basket and putting crazy ball-pressure on opposing point guards like we became accustomed to last season. Nevertheless, his really frustrated freshman Derryck Thornton in their individual matchup, forcing him into bad passes and even worse body language as the game wore on.

Ulis is the engine that makes Kentucky go, and every win he accumulates will be another notch in his belt as a Mr. Intangibles type that some NBA team will inevitably fall in love with.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/#ixzz3rxtZaAma
http://www.draftexpress.com

[WVRed]

Has anybody read the comments about Malik Monk spurning Arky? It's insane.

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/longtime-arkansas-sportscaster-is-so-mad-about-monk-committing-to-uk/

It's pretty bad when a grown man is telling a minor he better move out of state.

[Bourgeois Zee]

It's pretty bad when a grown man is telling a minor he better move out of state.

Having dealt with quite a few Arkansans over the past 20 years, it's par for the course. (While driving through a small town in the Ozarks, a big truck purposefully bumped into my van's bumper. The guy with me told me it was because I had out of state plates. He told me not to stop unless there were witnesses, it was daylight, and I had protection in my hand. I laughed, but he was serious.) They're rabid about the Razorbacks and HATE Kentucky. I assumed Kansas, maybe Wichita State, or Texas from the old SWC days would be their biggest rival. And they are too. Arkansas HATES Texas, KU, and Wichita State. They HATE LSU. They HATE Ole Miss.

There's not a natural rivalry with Arkansas because they hate everyone.

As a result, anyone who decides to go outside of that state is personal enemy number one. It's seen as a betrayal of (excessive) state pride.

Having said that, I'm sure a few stupid Kentucky fans have done something similar to recruits who didn't tote the Blue/ White line. Of course, I'm also fairly certain none of them were media members. So there's that.)

[Assembly Hall]

Having dealt with quite a few Arkansans over the past 20 years, it's par for the course. (While driving through a small town in the Ozarks, a big truck purposefully bumped into my van's bumper. The guy with me told me it was because I had out of state plates. He told me not to stop unless there were witnesses, it was daylight, and I had protection in my hand. I laughed, but he was serious.) They're rabid about the Razorbacks and HATE Kentucky. I assumed Kansas, maybe Wichita State, or Texas from the old SWC days would be their biggest rival. And they are too. Arkansas HATES Texas, KU, and Wichita State. They HATE LSU. They HATE Ole Miss.

There's not a natural rivalry with Arkansas because they hate everyone.

As a result, anyone who decides to go outside of that state is personal enemy number one. It's seen as a betrayal of (excessive) state pride.

Having said that, I'm sure a few stupid Kentucky fans have done something similar to recruits who didn't tote the Blue/ White line. Of course, I'm also fairly certain none of them were media members. So there's that.)

Ummmm, Kansas and Wichita St. werent in the old SWC.

But back in the day Arky had a pretty good rivalry with Houston in basketball.

[cumberlandreds]

Ummmm, Kansas and Wichita St. werent in the old SWC.

But back in the day Arky had a pretty good rivalry with Houston in basketball.

You are right about Arkansas and the old SWC. I think they always felt slighted in that conference because they were thee only member not located in Texas. In football Texas was their big rival. Not sure about basketball but I'm sure Houston probably was since they had some really good teams in the 80's.

[Assembly Hall]

You are right about Arkansas and the old SWC. I think they always felt slighted in that conference because they were thee only member not located in Texas. In football Texas was their big rival. Not sure about basketball but I'm sure Houston probably was since they had some really good teams in the 80's.

Believe it or not I started following Arky in b-ball back in the late 70's. Just because a guy I knew from Albion IN went there and was on their '78 FF team. But in the late 70's into the early 80's the Hawgs and Cougs were pretty dang good and had fantastic games.

Can never forget that Eddie Sutton left Arky for UK.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Ummmm, Kansas and Wichita St. werent in the old SWC.

But back in the day Arky had a pretty good rivalry with Houston in basketball.

I worded it poorly. I meant Texas (as an old SWC conference rival) or Kansas/ Wichita State (as regional rivalries).

[Bourgeois Zee]

Can never forget that Eddie Sutton left Arky for UK.

Well, I feel foolish.

Now it makes a bit of sense why Arkansas fans hate Kentucky. Though, to be fair, Nolan Richardson ended up far more successful than Sutton ever did.

[Assembly Hall]

Well, I feel foolish.

Now it makes a bit of sense why Arkansas fans hate Kentucky. Though, to be fair, Nolan Richardson ended up far more successful than Sutton ever did.

Dont feel foolish. I am just old!!!!!!!!

To be honest I would take Eddie Sutton's career over Nolan's.

[cumberlandreds]

I doubt there is much animosity from Arkansas fans over Eddie Sutton now. Maybe at first but with the way Sutton's regime ended at UK they were probably glad they were shed of him.
Sutton was a good coach but he had his demons and UK paid for them. I think Richardson had a better overall tenure at Arkansas but he had his own problems and his time at Arkansas ended very badly.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Dont feel foolish. I am just old!!!!!!!!

To be honest I would take Eddie Sutton's career over Nolan's.

Richardson has the rings-- one each for NIT, junior college championship, and NCAA.

That in itself makes his run more successful.

They both have three Final Fours.

I take Richardson.

[Revering4Blue]

On the surface, I agree with you.

OTOH, while the perception exists in the minds of some UK fans - at least the ones that I have conversed with over the years - that Sutton's UK teams underachieved, IMO, judging from talent alone, one can present a decent argument, at least compared with the last two Joe B. Hall coached FF teams, that the 32-4 '86 team - 17-1 in what was NOT an easy SEC conference at all- was far less talented, and that Sutton worked a miracle to get that team to the Elite 8. Granted, lottery pick Kenny Walker and Winston Bennett - both wound up as NBA role players - were on that team, but it was more of a well-oiled machine that meshed well together.

I also credit Sutton for resurrecting what had become a dead Oklahoma State program, turning them into a power. Prior to Sutton's arrival the program had only one NCAA appearance - the '83 team with Leroy Combs and Bill Self - from '65 and '91.

Conclusion: You and A.H both present solid arguments; flip a coin.

[Revering4Blue]

Willis with another good game offensively. He might be the wild card for this team-- his deep shot will be important as the season goes along, as might his ability to play big in place of the three guards Calipari looks like he wants to play. Lee also looks better, if only because he's getting more minutes (and playing more aggressively).

LaBassiere's jumper is absolutely lethal. He reminds me of (gulp) a late-career Kareem Abdul-Jabaar offensively. As a defender, he reminds me of a goal post-- he's got a long, long way to go.

Still, the team they played last night-- NJIT-- is a likely tournament team with a solid veteran bunch of scorers and a tough offense to guard. In the second half, they plays lights out defensively.

The potential of this team is fun to dream on. I love the inside-outside combination of Murray/ LaBassiere and the corresponding role players-- Ulis, Briscoe, Lee, and Willis.

If Poythress can come in as an energy guy willing to go balls to the wall in Beast Mode, Kentucky should become the favorite to win it all in a down year for college basketball.

Just curious as to why you believe that this a down year.

Granted, a lot of talent exited the NCAA ranks following the conclusion of last season, but a lot of talent also entered. Granted, the NBA Draft is, IMO, a weak barometer of the strength of NCAA teams overall, but even if you wish to use that as a measuring stick, this upcoming draft is projected to be stronger than last season's. The SEC is also, FWIW, projected to be stronger, as well.

We shall see.

[RedTeamGo!]

I finally found some time to watch the Dayton vs Alabama game from Monday, and I must say, Alabama is complete garbage. Dayton looked like an NBA team in comparison.

Is Alabama the worst team in the SEC? Are there any teams that can actually compete with Kentucky this year in conference?

[dabvu2498]

There have been some not-so-great losses for SEC teams already. And yes, I'd say Bama is the worst team in the conference with UT right behind. Vanderbilt is probably the second most talented team in the league, and they're pretty deep, but they got taken to OT last night by Stony Brook. LSU could be a wild card. A/M should be decent. Florida is ok, but not deep. Everyone else is mediocre to bad.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Just curious as to why you believe that this a down year.

Talent is down almost across the board from last season.

Last year, Arizona, Duke, Kentucky, and Wisconsin were all crazy talented. All of those teams are worse this season, and I wouldn't take anyone agaisnt them. Virginia, Villanova, Notre Dame, and Gonzaga were also great, but clearly (in retrospect) second tier. This year's teams are more like that second tier.

I don't know of a year like last one with all the talent. Crazy good players all across college basketball.

[Assembly Hall]

Talent is down almost across the board from last season.

Last year, Arizona, Duke, Kentucky, and Wisconsin were all crazy talented. All of those teams are worse this season, and I wouldn't take anyone agaisnt them. Virginia, Villanova, Notre Dame, and Gonzaga were also great, but clearly (in retrospect) second tier. This year's teams are more like that second tier.

I don't know of a year like last one with all the talent. Crazy good players all across college basketball.

I think it is little too early to be analyzing talent at this point. I will make my judgement come the end of the season.

[Revering4Blue]

I think it is little too early to be analyzing talent at this point. I will make my judgement come the end of the season.

That's my point. The games aren't played on paper.

For all we know, UNC, who is missing Paige, may be as good as Duke was last year. Maryland, IU and/or Michigan State may be as good as Wisky last year. Cal, for example, may be as good as Arizona was. Sure, UK on paper isn't as good as last year, they may well, by the end of the year, subjectively be viewed as favorably as any elite 8 team last year. And this isn't taking account other conferences - BCS or not.

Remember when '13 was viewed by some posters here as a "down" year, when ultimately, the Final 4 representatives that year - the two final teams, Louisville and Michigan - compared favorably with any Final Four teams in recent memory, including last year's. And, frankly, and it's obviously not their fault, were stronger than any team '12 champ UK faced that year, in which only one team - UNC with a healthy Kendall Marshall - were equipped to challenge them.

[Revering4Blue]

There have been some not-so-great losses for SEC teams already. And yes, I'd say Bama is the worst team in the conference with UT right behind. Vanderbilt is probably the second most talented team in the league, and they're pretty deep, but they got taken to OT last night by Stony Brook. LSU could be a wild card. A/M should be decent. Florida is ok, but not deep. Everyone else is mediocre to bad.
This is a really good assessment.

I'll just add:

Arkansas is understandably down.

Rick Barnes just doesn't have enough up front to compete just yet.

It's going to get worse at Mizzou - talk about a program falling off the map - before it gets better.

Georgia is roughly what they were last year.

I'd rate both of the Mississippi schools and Auburn about the same as Florida; if everything breaks right, the NCAA beckons, if not, they may not even qualify for the NIT.

Finally, a sleeper: With a Mickey D's All-American guard added to four returning starters, South Carolina.

[Bourgeois Zee]

This is a really good assessment.

I'll just add:

Arkansas is understandably down.

Rick Barnes just doesn't have enough up front to compete just yet.

It's going to get worse at Mizzou - talk about a program falling off the map - before it gets better.

Georgia is roughly what they were last year.

I'd rate both of the Mississippi schools and Auburn about the same as Florida; if everything breaks right, the NCAA beckons, if not, they may not even qualify for the NIT.

Finally, a sleeper: With a Mickey D's All-American guard added to four returning starters, South Carolina.

The bottom of the SEC should really suck this year. That might mean some inflated win numbers for the upper level of the league.

It wouldn't surprise me to see five teams with 12+ league wins and two more just over .500 and hoping for a bid.

I don't know if Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi State, and Alabama will win ten games between them.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I think it is little too early to be analyzing talent at this point. I will make my judgement come the end of the season.

The pre-season number one team in the country just lost to a mid-major. In their third game.

[Revering4Blue]

The pre-season number one team in the country just lost to a mid-major. In their third game.

On the road without their starting PG and arguably their best player.

Hardly proof, and I'm no UNC fan at all.

[Bourgeois Zee]

On the road without their starting PG and arguably their best player.

Hardly proof, and I'm no UNC fan at all.

Five top ten teams have lost so far this year to mid-major teams.

It's week two.

[dabvu2498]

Five top ten teams have lost so far this year to mid-major teams.

It's week two.

This is a typo, right?

Because the only other top 10 team that I can find who has lost to a mid-major is, ironically, also a mid-major: Wichita St.

Just found another. GW over Iowa State.

Nonetheless, I still disagree with your evidence. That just means the preseason polls are crap.

[cumberlandreds]

The pre-season number one team in the country just lost to a mid-major. In their third game.

UK will be number one this week. Not sure they are a number one team but I don't who is at this point.

Todd Benzinger's boy is pretty good. He scored 19 against UK last night for Wright State.

[dabvu2498]

Benzinger was girls' coach at a couple different high schools in the Cincy area after he retired. Channeling his inner Dave Collins.

[Bourgeois Zee]

This is a typo, right?

Yep.

I meant to type five top ten teams have lost so far this year, two to mid-major teams.

When was the last time that happened?

[RedTeamGo!]

This is a typo, right?

Because the only other top 10 team that I can find who has lost to a mid-major is, ironically, also a mid-major: Wichita St.

Just found another. GW over Iowa State.

Nonetheless, I still disagree with your evidence. That just means the preseason polls are crap.

Didn't someone beat Virginia?

[dabvu2498]

Didn't someone beat Virginia?

Yes. Brain fart on my part. GW beat UVa, not Iowa State.

[Assembly Hall]

Yep.

I meant to type five top ten teams have lost so far this year, two to mid-major teams.

When was the last time that happened?

I cant answer that, but I remember when the #1 team in the country got beat by a DII school!

[Bourgeois Zee]

I cant answer that, but I remember when the #1 team in the country got beat by a DII school!

Chaminade v. The Virginia Ralph Sampsons.

Remember that game.

[westofyou]

Chaminade v. The Virginia Ralph Sampsons.

Remember that game.

That's a classic, it's like when UofM lost to Appalachian State. Paradigm kinda win

[Assembly Hall]

Chaminade v. The Virginia Ralph Sampsons.

Remember that game.

Yepper, I would have to look it up but that week was something else. Virginia went down....but I remember IU rising to #1 after beating UK that I think was #2 or #3 at the time. IIRC IU was #5.......so the four ahead of them got beat. That was in '82.

[cumberlandreds]

Chaminade v. The Virginia Ralph Sampsons.

Remember that game.

Chaminade also beat Louisville a couple of years later. IIRC, UL was ranked like third in the country than.

[Assembly Hall]

Chaminade also beat Louisville a couple of years later. IIRC, UL was ranked like third in the country than.

My memory banks arent functioning too well this morning, but I aint too sure Chaminade didnt beat the Cards in back to back years.

[cumberlandreds]

My memory banks arent functioning too well this morning, but I aint too sure Chaminade didnt beat the Cards in back to back years.

Good memory. This article states they did indeed beat UL two straight seasons. Sounds like it was not in their tournament but in a regular season game.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19841224&id=BeJNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=O4sDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3679,4191306&hl=en

[Assembly Hall]

Good memory. This article states they did indeed beat UL two straight seasons. Sounds like it was not in their tournament but in a regular season game.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19841224&id=BeJNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=O4sDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3679,4191306&hl=en

LOL, I guess the banks were working better than what I thought! I dont think the Maui Classic existed back then(I could be wrong), I remember IU going to Hawaii in '80 and it was the Rainbow Classic and the Rainbows were the host. But my mind is still foggy from all the beer I drank over the week-end!!!!!! :beerme:

[goreds2]

I don't think I have ever seen a Basketball team (HS, College or NBA) get offensive rebounds like this one can. I have not seen the stats but it seems that way. They need to make the shot the first time though. :laugh:

[Bourgeois Zee]

I don't think I have ever seen a Basketball team (HS, College or NBA) get offensive rebounds like this one can. I have not seen the stats but it seems that way. They need to make the shot the first time though. :laugh:

Poor outside shooting so far.

That should improve.

If it does, UK becomes favorite for title. Again.

[BEETTLEBUG]

Can some one kept me up on UK basketball scores here can't receive them any where else now am at work please?

[Javy Pornstache]

Can some one kept me up on UK basketball scores here can't receive them any where else now am at work please?

UK won today 84-63, brother Beetle. They beat South Florida, the game was played in Miami. Jamal Murray led all scorers with 21 points, and Tyler Ulis suffered a hyperextended right elbow, but being reported as "day-to-day", doubtful he plays their next game Monday night (versus Illinois State), but fingers crossed he'll be back for the following game after that.

[Big Red Smokey]

So last night was not fun....

[Assembly Hall]

So last night was not fun....

And the early season keeps on getting stranger across the board.

[WVRed]

So last night was not fun....

I'm actually not surprised. Kentucky has not played in a true road environment this year (USF doesn't count) and teams are starting to figure them out.

Pack the inside and force them to beat you from outside the paint. On offense, take it inside against a soft big in Labissierre and undersized Alex Poythress.

I doubt this is the last game we lose on the revenge tour. I can definitely see losses against LSU and Kansas.

[cumberlandreds]

Skal obviously isn't an inside player. Cal has got to adjust that. Poythress still disappears more often than not. Lee is the best big man but he really can't out muscle anyone. Cal is going to have to go to a more pick and roll type offense like he had in 2011. Ulis, Murray and Willis are pretty good outside shooters and they are going need to use that to their advantage to be good this season. But its early and everyone is trying figure out everyone else at this point. All of Cal's teams have improved as the year as gone along in the past and I think this one will too.

[Assembly Hall]

Skal obviously isn't an inside player. Cal has got to adjust that. Poythress still disappears more often than not. Lee is the best big man but he really can't out muscle anyone. Cal is going to have to go to a more pick and roll type offense like he had in 2011. Ulis, Murray and Willis are pretty good outside shooters and they are going need to use that to their advantage to be good this season. But its early and everyone is trying figure out everyone else at this point. All of Cal's teams have improved as the year as gone along in the past and I think this one will too.

Cant disagree with anything there, but I was surprised the Bruins put up 87.

[cumberlandreds]

Cant disagree with anything there, but I was surprised the Bruins put up 87.

I think that was due to a lack of inside presence more than anything. The big white guy for UCLA had a field day.

[Assembly Hall]

I think that was due to a lack of inside presence more than anything. The big white guy for UCLA had a field day.

I didnt watch the game. Plenty of points in the paint? Rebounding or feeding the post?

[traderumor]

UCLA played out of their minds, but UK did not really have an answer but to match bucket for bucket. They really never had a run from when I started watching about halfway through the first half. Too many open jumpers, and last night, they weren't missing.

[cumberlandreds]

I didnt watch the game. Plenty of points in the paint? Rebounding or feeding the post?

I only watched the first half because of the late night game on a work night. Rebounding wasn't there after Lee went out. Welch just got the ball too easy and he made his shots. Also couldn't really handle Parker which wasn't a surprise. Basically too UCLA got all the 50-50 balls. Not a lot of fight from most of UK's players. UCLA played over their heads a little too. But they have better talent than their 4-3 record indicated. They should be an NCAA team but Alford (The Coach) will probably screw that up.

[WMR]

Skal is definitely the least ready to play big man of the Cal era.

Not completely hard to understand considering Skal's unique situation and lack of meaningful bball in at least 1 year.

Still think UK will be one of the favorites headed into the tournament.

[Javy Pornstache]

Skal is definitely the least ready to play big man of the Cal era.

Not completely hard to understand considering Skal's unique situation and lack of meaningful bball in at least 1 year.

Still think UK will be one of the favorites headed into the tournament.

it is a learning process but UK stands to be in real good shape come March with the guards they have, assuming they continue to grow at the rate of most of Cal's teams.

I do think it would be greatly beneficial for Skal and the team to pull him out of the post, and let him play to his strengths, which would be more of a stretch-four. I am not sure Cal will be able to "make" him into a center as he did Anthony Davis and Karl Towns. But who am I to question Coach Cal? I do think we need more true post play out of Lee, and to see what we have with Humphries and Wynyard as the backups there, and let Skal play with a little less pressure outside the paint some.

[Assembly Hall]

Still think UK will be one of the favorites headed into the tournament.

From what I am seeing, nothing has changed in the SEC. I expect the 'Cats to dominate the conference yet again and be a #1 seed.

[cumberlandreds]

From what I am seeing, nothing has changed in the SEC. I expect the 'Cats to dominate the conference yet again and be a #1 seed.

Vandy will be UK's top challenger. They could win the SEC depending on how well UK plays on the road. LSU has the talent but no coaching. They are 4-4 which should be embarrasing for them with the talent they have.

[Assembly Hall]

Vandy will be UK's top challenger. They could win the SEC depending on how well UK plays on the road. LSU has the talent but no coaching. They are 4-4 which should be embarrasing for them with the talent they have.

Hmmmmmm......what does A&M's schedule look like?

[goreds2]

I do not see an OSU Mens Basketball thread so..... -- If you were planning on traveling to Brooklyn, New York for Ohio State basketball's game against Kentucky on Dec. 19, you now know the tip-off time.

The Buckeyes and Wildcats will tip off at 3:30 p.m. in the CBS Sports Classic at The Barclays Center, home of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and Jay Z sightings. UCLA and UNC will play the first game of the day at 1 p.m.

[WVRed]

The only good thing about today's game is that it seems like Jamal Murray is coming out of his funk. Outside of that, not so much.

This team is going to be every bit of what I thought they would be. They'll still be a top 25 team and may turn it on come tournament time, but they've got some growing to do.

[Assembly Hall]

Can someone tell me when UK and Duke got beat the same day? LOL UK will be just fine.

[traderumor]

A team that got completely humiliated by UConn just last Saturday and beating UK today is just very hard to understand. But I can tell you, that the Buckeyes team today made its first appearance of the season. They are young, but I've also questioned the talent level. Today was just really unreal having watched them lose to the likes of UT Arlington and Lousiana something.

UK, I've seen a couple of times, and they seem similarly a work in progress. What seemed to catch them off guard today was the Buckeyes matching up in the interior as well as they did.

[WVRed]

Can someone tell me when UK and Duke got beat the same day? LOL UK will be just fine.

Come tournament time, yes.

This is not a top 5 team though. Not right now, maybe not by the end of the season.

The only player on this team that shows up every game is Ulis. Murray may have turned it around today but there is no consistency or cohesion with this team.

I don't think there is a better adjective to describe Skal's game than "soft" either.

[Assembly Hall]

Come tournament time, yes.

This is not a top 5 team though. Not right now, maybe not by the end of the season.

The only player on this team that shows up every game is Ulis. Murray may have turned it around today but there is no consistency or cohesion with this team.

I don't think there is a better adjective to describe Skal's game than "soft" either.

Interesting comments. I figured they would walk away with the SEC, I aint so sure anymore.

[WVRed]

Interesting comments. I figured they would walk away with the SEC, I aint so sure anymore.

I don't know there is one clear cut team in the SEC. Texas A&M maybe. Vanderbilt has lost to Dayton at home. LSU and Mississippi State both have underachieved with their star freshmen. South Carolina is a sleeper with a top freshman in PJ Dozier and a Frank Martin coached team.

It's just a down year for college basketball. I think Kentucky wins the SEC and will improve gradually through the season but they will lose games in the process. I don't see any way this team stays within 20 of Kansas in late January.

[Assembly Hall]

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/25419986/loss-to-ohio-state-shows-this-could-be-a-grueling-year-for-kentucky

[WMR]

A team that got completely humiliated by UConn just last Saturday and beating UK today is just very hard to understand. But I can tell you, that the Buckeyes team today made its first appearance of the season. They are young, but I've also questioned the talent level. Today was just really unreal having watched them lose to the likes of UT Arlington and Lousiana something.

UK, I've seen a couple of times, and they seem similarly a work in progress. What seemed to catch them off guard today was the Buckeyes matching up in the interior as well as they did.

Congrats on the win, Buckeyes played much harder than UK and deserved the win.

I've got some OSU fans in the family and they were sort of grumbling about Matta. He's a damn good coach and I don't think OSU could replace him with someone better.

- - - Updated - - -


Interesting comments. I figured they would walk away with the SEC, I aint so sure anymore.

This team is going to lose some games on the road in the SEC, you can take that to the bank.

[WVRed]

Congrats on the win, Buckeyes played much harder than UK and deserved the win.

I've got some OSU fans in the family and they were sort of grumbling about Matta. He's a damn good coach and I don't think OSU could replace him with someone better.

- - - Updated - - -



This team is going to lose some games on the road in the SEC, you can take that to the bank.

I've said all season this team is a 3-4 seed in the NCAA tournament but can be a sleeper team to go to the final four in the right bracket.

I think the Duke game gave false hope that this team is better than it actually is. And Duke is in the same boat as Kentucky this year.

[bucksfan2]

Congrats on the win, Buckeyes played much harder than UK and deserved the win.

I've got some OSU fans in the family and they were sort of grumbling about Matta. He's a damn good coach and I don't think OSU could replace him with someone better.

This team is going to lose some games on the road in the SEC, you can take that to the bank.

See what happens UK when you decided to play a real team? Sorry I had to gloat a little, especially after UK ruined probably the most loaded OSU team in my lifetime.

As for OSU and Matta, he is one good coach, OSU definitely could not do much better. What really hurt him is his whiff of a recruiting class 5 years ago, and the fact that those guys stuck around for 4 years. Shannon Scott had the potential to be great, but never developed an outside shot. Thompson and Williams never developed and McDonald was just a 5 foul big man. There was little development of those guys and they were good enough to be difference makers.

I was getting ready to lead a charge to revoke that kids green card as he drained 3 after 3. It was a fun, nerve wracking game for me. OSU was a sleeping giant in that they have a ton of talent, it is just young and unseasoned. UK may be the same way, although Ulis and Poythress I thought would have been difference makers.

[Assembly Hall]

I've said all season this team is a 3-4 seed in the NCAA tournament but can be a sleeper team to go to the final four in the right bracket.

I think the Duke game gave false hope that this team is better than it actually is. And Duke is in the same boat as Kentucky this year.

I see where you are coming from and I agree for the most part. But of the major conferences, the SEC appears by far to be the weakest.

[George Foster]

Where are all the UK lovers and UK haters??? We just best little brother....again. You guys are lettin' me down!!

discuss...discuss!!!

[goreds2]

Nice win over Lousville - Great rivalry. UK's loss to Ohio State probably helped them (UK). Ohio States win over UK helped them (OSU).

[Assembly Hall]

At this point in time the only thing that impresses me about UK is that Ulis is just phenomenal. Damn, that kid can play.

[WVRed]

At this point in time the only thing that impresses me about UK is that Ulis is just phenomenal. Damn, that kid can play.

I don't see how he's not an All American.

This might be the most veteran dependent team I can ever remember in the Cal era. Briscoe was hurt, and Murray and Labissierre were non factors.

And then Pitino flipped off the fans.

[Bourgeois Zee]

At this point in time the only thing that impresses me about UK is that Ulis is just phenomenal. Damn, that kid can play.

Poythress can be a beast.

Murray can be the best shooting guard in college basketball.

Briscoe can be a shut-down defender and driving monster.

Lee can be a double-double energy guy and shot blocking god.

Skal can shoot from 15 feet and swat balls away from the goal.

Willis can shoot from distance and play underneath as a Wiltjer clone with much more athleticism.

Unfortunately for the Cats, these haven't happened in the same game. In fact, it seems as if only two or three of them happen in the same game. (And, sometime, like the OSU game, only one of those happen.)

If they get it together at the right time, this team is going to be crazy good. And Calipari has a history of teams gelling at exactly the right time. Might not get there with this team, but he's certainly earned enough rope to see.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Briscoe was hurt

This doesn't get enough airplay. Briscoe plays 30 a game and goes for 11.5 ppg/ 5.6 reb./ 3.1 ast./ 1.5 stl. He gets hurt literally 10 minutes before the opening tip, and they still find a way to win.

Louisville had a week to prepare without Mathiang, a 20 minute per game guy averaging half as many points and the same rebounds as the Brooklyn guard.

Yet, Kentucky found a way.

- - - Updated - - -


Pitino flipped off the fans.

You expected more?

[Assembly Hall]

This doesn't get enough airplay. Briscoe plays 30 a game and goes for 11.5 ppg/ 5.6 reb./ 3.1 ast./ 1.5 stl. He gets hurt literally 10 minutes before the opening tip, and they still find a way to win.

That is a fair point.

[WVRed]

Poythress can be a beast.

Murray can be the best shooting guard in college basketball.

Briscoe can be a shut-down defender and driving monster.

Lee can be a double-double energy guy and shot blocking god.

Skal can shoot from 15 feet and swat balls away from the goal.

Willis can shoot from distance and play underneath as a Wiltjer clone with much more athleticism.

Unfortunately for the Cats, these haven't happened in the same game. In fact, it seems as if only two or three of them happen in the same game. (And, sometime, like the OSU game, only one of those happen.)

If they get it together at the right time, this team is going to be crazy good. And Calipari has a history of teams gelling at exactly the right time. Might not get there with this team, but he's certainly earned enough rope to see.

This team is exactly what I thought it would be.

As for Skal, interesting comments today by a scout. Cal has taken up for him, but I can't say I disagree with the scouting assessment.

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/nba-scout-praises-ulis-crushes-skal-optimisitc-for-murray/

I remember in 2012 watching the ESPN All Access and thinking how Cal was trying to change the demeanor of his new PG who had such a squeaky voice and no leadership skills, that player was Ryan Harrow.

I make that comparison to Skal because I think Cal is forcing him to play the post and have him follow in the steps of Cousins, Noel, Davis, and KAT. He's more of a power forward similar to Terrence Jones, Julius Randle, or Trey Lyles.

Cal has a tendency to try to force a round object into a square hole. I think this is one of those instances.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Cal has a tendency to try to force a round object into a square hole. I think this is one of those instances.

This is a ridiculous post.

The man's been in the Final Four with essentially all-new teams four of six years while the UK coach.

He adapts game plans to his personnel better than anyone in college basketball.

Right now, LaBassiere is lost. By March, it's a good bet he won't be.

[George Foster]

This is a ridiculous post.

The man's been in the Final Four with essentially all-new teams four of six years while the UK coach.

He adapts game plans to his personnel better than anyone in college basketball.

Right now, LaBassiere is lost. By March, it's a good bet he won't be.

Harrow was home sick and did not like the bright lights of UK...not all kids can handle it. He transferred to Georgia State (home) I believe, averaged like 20 points a game and lead them to the NCAA tournament if I'm not mistaken. He could play, Cal knew he could play. Cal was not trying to make Harrow do something he could not do. He could do it...just not under the TV lights.
Even Cal misses on some kids. I hope LaBassiere turns it around. He needs a lot of work. Cal was not the only one recruiting LaBassiere...EVERYONE was.

One thing I do know about Cal, he will not abandon LaBassiere. He will stick with him all 4 years if that is what it takes. Cal supports his boys. They all love him even after they leave. Boogie, Wall, Bledsioe, Patterson, Knight, etc are seen in Lexington all summer. They all attend his camps even after they become millionaires. If they thought Cal was about himself they would not be seen again at the University.

[cumberlandreds]

That was a good win Saturday. It will help UK out a lot when the NCAA seedings come out in March. I am very happy with a 10-2 record at this point. This is still a very young team that is not as talented as expected. They are going to lose quite a few on the road in the SEC. Probably be a lot like the 2011 team. Hopefully they can still gain confidence and continue to improve and have a great tournament run like in 2011 and 2014.

Skal just seems as lost as any player as Cal has had since he's been at UK. I'm not sure what Cal can do at this point than just keep working with him. He is going to have to limit his minutes like he did against UL. Then just hope he can improve and gain enough confidence to give this team something by the end of the year.

[Assembly Hall]

Right now, LaBassiere is lost. By March, it's a good bet he won't be.

I wouldnt be too sure about that.

[WVRed]

This is a ridiculous post.

The man's been in the Final Four with essentially all-new teams four of six years while the UK coach.

He adapts game plans to his personnel better than anyone in college basketball.

Right now, LaBassiere is lost. By March, it's a good bet he won't be.

I'm not so willing to make that wager.

I'm not selling Cal short either, but my point was if you watched the All Access that year that Cal gets a player like Harrow who is naturally soft spoken and tries to get him to be more assertive. I remember thinking to myself how I thought and even predicted on this board that Archie Goodwin would be running the point by the end of the season.

I think Skal has a much harder learning curve than any other center Cal has coached, in large part because he hasn't been playing basketball very long (if I read correctly). He could be a different player come March, or he could need another year. I'm thinking the latter right now.

[WVRed]

Even Cal misses on some kids. I hope LaBassiere turns it around. He needs a lot of work. Cal was not the only one recruiting LaBassiere...EVERYONE was.

I could be wrong, but his recruitment was essentially between UK and Memphis. His guardian situation scared a lot of teams off and Memphis thought he was a lock due to Hamilton. He was a top 3 recruit nationally, just not a lot of love from other schools.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I'm not selling Cal short either, but my point was if you watched the All Access that year that Cal gets a player like Harrow who is naturally soft spoken and tries to get him to be more assertive. I remember thinking to myself how I thought and even predicted on this board that Archie Goodwin would be running the point by the end of the season.

The Harrisons were naturally quiet. Ditto Brandon Knight.

Anthony Davis had a long way to go and had to learn how to play under the basket. Ditto Towns last year.

You said Cal has a history of forcing round objects into square holes. From where I sit, the man has managed to create 25 millionaires in far less time than any other coach in basketball history. Seemingly every recruit he's grabbed has been drafted or signed at least one NBA contract. Skal might be the first to be an utter failure.

I wouldn't bet on it.

[WVRed]

The Harrisons were naturally quiet. Ditto Brandon Knight.

Anthony Davis had a long way to go and had to learn how to play under the basket. Ditto Towns last year.

You said Cal has a history of forcing round objects into square holes. From where I sit, the man has managed to create 25 millionaires in far less time than any other coach in basketball history. Seemingly every recruit he's grabbed has been drafted or signed at least one NBA contract. Skal might be the first to be an utter failure.

I wouldn't bet on it.

I'm not saying he's an utter failure, just saying he might take longer to develop. The Harrison twins are a prime example, even staying an extra season.

I try to be as objective as possible when it comes to UK, including Cal. He's gotten the program back to where it used to be, but he's not without blemishes.

[Assembly Hall]

Skal might be the first to be an utter failure.



Poythress hasnt been as good as advertised either. I dont think anyone is going to say anything about Cal's recruits period. Sometimes they just dont work out, no matter what school you are talking about.

[WVRed]

Poythress hasnt been as good as advertised either. I dont think anyone is going to say anything about Cal's recruits period. Sometimes they just dont work out, no matter what school you are talking about.

Poythress, like Skal, was part of a weak overall class. Anthony Bennett being the no 1 overall pick that year says something.

I think this years class is like that, outside of Bennie Simmons, there really isn't an all star caliber player.

[Assembly Hall]

I think this years class is like that, outside of Bennie Simmons, there really isn't an all star caliber player.

Hmmmm......there is this big freshman at IU that UK could probably use!!!!!!!!! LOL

[Bourgeois Zee]

I try to be as objective as possible when it comes to UK, including Cal. He's gotten the program back to where it used to be, but he's not without blemishes.

He's not gotten the program back to where it used to be, he's enjoyed the greatest run in UK basketball history.

And sure, he's had blemishes. Acquiring and developing talent is not one of those blemishes. Nor is, as you claimed, trying to fit personnel into a preconceived notion of where they should go. In fact, those are likely his two biggest strengths.

[Assembly Hall]

He's not gotten the program back to where it used to be, he's enjoyed the greatest run in UK basketball history.

And sure, he's had blemishes. Acquiring and developing talent is not one of those blemishes. Nor is, as you claimed, trying to fit personnel into a preconceived notion of where they should go. In fact, those are likely his two biggest strengths.

Kyle Wiltjer?

[WVRed]

He's not gotten the program back to where it used to be, he's enjoyed the greatest run in UK basketball history.

And sure, he's had blemishes. Acquiring and developing talent is not one of those blemishes. Nor is, as you claimed, trying to fit personnel into a preconceived notion of where they should go. In fact, those are likely his two biggest strengths.

Greatest run?

It's been great but the mid 90s under Pitino and Tubby would rival it. Three trips to the championship coming out on top twice.

Not knocking Cal, but not worshipping the man either.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Not knocking Cal, but not worshipping the man either.

Is it "worshiping" Calipari if you point out that he's being compared to two coaching tenures as opposed to one?
Is it "worshiping" Calipari if you point out that he's rebuilt his team seven years in a row and, despite that, gone to the Final Four four times, the Elite Eight once, won the most regular season games in NCAA basketball history and complete season victories, and come the closest of anyone since 1979 to go unbeaten for an entire year?
Is it "worshiping" Calipari to recognize the impact of two number one overall NBA picks and six players drafted twice? Or that he's had 25 players drafted in five years?
Is it "worshiping" Calipari to note that he's made UK cool-- as referenced by his many pictures, tweets, and re-tweets from guys like Drake, LeBron, and Scottie Pippen?
Is it "worshiping" Calipari to link to an article wherein NBA Draft guru Chad Ford says, "If I had a kid who was a NBA level player, I would definitely send him to Calipari."? (http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/chad-ford-says-he-would-send-his-kid-to-play-for-calipari/) Or to ESPN analyst Ryen Russillo who said Calipari develops kids better than any coach in America?

Please.

Recognize greatness.

It doesn't come around often.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Kyle Wiltjer?

Left on his own before Calipari could develop him fully.

Still, Wiltjer gives Cal a lot of credit and remains an unabashed fan of Cal and UK.

[Assembly Hall]

Left on his own before Calipari could develop him fully.

Still, Wiltjer gives Cal a lot of credit and remains an unabashed fan of Cal and UK.

Looking at how he is doing, I would say he was completely developed. Sometimes they just get away.

[cumberlandreds]

Looking at how he is doing, I would say he was completely developed. Sometimes they just get away.

No, he didn't want to play defense the way Cal wanted. I doubt he would have played over anyone else in 2014 and 2015. Anyone who plays for Cal has to give good effort and play solid defense. Wiltjer never had any intention of doing that and quite rightly transferred. He's in the perfect situation at Gonzaga. He can shoot as much as wants and doesn't have to play a lick of defense.
I watched the Pan Am games this summer because Murray was on the Canadien team. Wiltjer was on that team too. He hardly got off the bench during the entire games. I think that spoke volumes to his level of effort he gives, especially on defense.

[Assembly Hall]

No, he didn't want to play defense the way Cal wanted. I doubt he would have played over anyone else in 2014 and 2015. Anyone who plays for Cal has to give good effort and play solid defense. Wiltjer never had any intention of doing that and quite rightly transferred. He's in the perfect situation at Gonzaga. He can shoot as much as wants and doesn't have to play a lick of defense.
I watched the Pan Am games this summer because Murray was on the Canadien team. Wiltjer was on that team too. He hardly got off the bench during the entire games. I think that spoke volumes to his level of effort he gives, especially on defense.

Well, all that aside, he is gonna be an All-American.

[cumberlandreds]

Well, all that aside, he is gonna be an All-American.

There is always a place for someone who can shoot the ball well. I certainly don't take that away from him. He's a great shooter. Chicks and writers dig the shooters. So they get the publicity and honors more than the well rounded player.

[Assembly Hall]

There is always a place for someone who can shoot the ball well. I certainly don't take that away from him. He's a great shooter. Chicks and writers dig the shooters. So they get the publicity and honors more than the well rounded player.

I understand all that, and I am not beating Wiltjer's drum nor am I saying Cal did anything wrong. The fact is a lot of players just dont work out at their original destinations. However how many transfers go on to be All-Americans? That list has to be short?

[cumberlandreds]

I understand all that, and I am not beating Wiltjer's drum nor am I saying Cal did anything wrong. The fact is a lot of players just dont work out at their original destinations. However how many transfers go on to be All-Americans? That list has to be short?

A long time ago Kyle Macy did. He transferred from Purdue to Kentucky. I'm sure that list is short though.

[WVRed]

Well, all that aside, he is gonna be an All-American.

Yep, and when he goes against a team that actually plays defense he will be destroyed. (Duke last year)

But Wiltjer does fit the round peg square hole analogy.