UK Basketball 2021-2022: Back on Track?

[WVRed]

New year new thread.

And another name to keep an eye on in the transfer portal:

https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-recruiting/next-cats-blog/article250779144.html

As it stands this is how I see next years team showing:

Guards:
TyTy Washington, Adam Miller, or Marcus Carr
Davion Mintz?
Nolan Hickman
CJ Fredrick
Kellan Grady

Wings:
Dontaie Allen
Jacob Toppin
Keion Brooks?
Bryce Hopkins
Daimion Collins

Bigs:
Oscar Tshiebwe
Lance Ware

There’s a lot of smoke right now that either Justus or Barbee could be leaving and Coach O (Orlando Antigua) could be coming back and bringing Adam Miller with him.

Will be an interesting week but I’m starting to feel more optimistic about next years team.

[Assembly Hall]

If Brooks does transfer to IU someone will have to leave the Hoosiers. We are full up.

[cumberlandreds]

Should be a better shooting team. Still a big changeover in players once again. Especially if Brooks and Mintz leave. It has just worn me out as a fan.

[WVRed]

Should be a better shooting team. Still a big changeover in players once again. Especially if Brooks and Mintz leave. It has just worn me out as a fan.

It has me as well but it isn’t just Kentucky, it’s the overall state of college basketball. Kentucky is being forced to adapt just like everyone else. It’s overglorified free agency.

A LOT of rumors on Twitter and KSR tonight. Kentucky is being rumored to add two assistant coaches (one Coach O) later this week and Tony Barbee is the front runner for the Central Michigan coaching job. Also reading Brad Calipari would be joining as a grad assistant.

Edit: Chin Coleman from Illinois is the other coach but he isn’t as likely as O. Iowa is already pissed at UK over CJ Fredrick, might as well add Illinois if Cal poaches two of their assistants.

[WVRed]

Joel Justus to Arizona St as top assistant.

Tony Barbee to Central Michigan as head coach.

[cumberlandreds]

Joel Justus to Arizona St as top assistant.

Tony Barbee to Central Michigan as head coach.

You had that. :thumbup: I was just coming on here to post that. Antigua is coming back according to KSR,IIRC.

[WVRed]

You had that. :thumbup: I was just coming on here to post that. Antigua is coming back according to KSR,IIRC.

If he does UK will have to pony up. Illinois is offering to make him the highest paid assistant in the country.

[WVRed]

More Twitter rumors:

BJ Boston and Terrence Clarke were in a car accident tonight and Clarke was killed.

Hoping this one isn’t true.

Edit: it is:

https://www.wkyt.com/2021/04/23/sources-uk-mens-basketball-player-terrence-clarke-dies-in-los-angeles/

I’m sick right now. Boston was in the car behind him. There were rumors he didn’t make it either but it looks like they were not true.

[adkindo]

Terrible story, but it does appear that Boston was not involved although witnessed the accident from the car behind Clarke.

[Assembly Hall]

My heart goes out to Big Blue Nation. Just tragic.

[WVRed]

Terrible story, but it does appear that Boston was not involved although witnessed the accident from the car behind Clarke.

I had been following Twitter to see what was going on with the UK staff changes and people were responding on Kentucky Sports Radio saying Clarke had passed away. I backed out and when I looked at the search Terrence Clarke was trending and this was long before any news outlet had picked up on it.

There was so much misinformation out there such as Boston was killed in the wreck to it happening in Lexington.

A surveillance video was released by CBS. I wouldn’t recommend watching it.

[WVRed]

I know this isn’t basketball but Kentucky girls volleyball won the National Championship last night. Looking at video from Lexington, you would have thought the basketball team had won.

Good for something positive to come out of this week.

[cumberlandreds]

I was shocked and saddened to hear about Clarke's death. I hardly saw him play this season since he was injured most of it. I'm sure he was a talented and a fine person with everything ahead of him. RIP Terrence Clarke.

[WVRed]

Nolan Hickman just decomitted.

Now we need two PGs. And rumors are he’s looking at Duke.

[Assembly Hall]

Adam Miller to LSU

[UKWhoDey]

It's been one wild offseason here in Lexington, that is for sure.

[WVRed]

It's been one wild offseason here in Lexington, that is for sure.

Long term I think it’s for the best. Short term this may sting for awhile but Justus and Cal had some major trust issues from what I’ve read.

Chin Coleman and Orlando Antigua are looking like the new coaches. Coach O gives Cal his ace recruiter back and I think Coleman has the potential to be Cals replacement if UK decides to go that route when Cal retires.

[WVRed]

CJ Fredrick commits. Big time sharpshooter.

Now just need a PG or 2.

[Assembly Hall]

CJ Fredrick commits. Big time sharpshooter.

Now just need a PG or 2.

Nice get for you guys on the offensive side. Keep in mind that the Hawkeyes didn't play defense. FWIW and it is JMO but this is the kind of kid Cal should be recruiting every year. A local kid that can play.

[WVRed]

Nice get for you guys on the offensive side. Keep in mind that the Hawkeyes didn't play defense. FWIW and it is JMO but this is the kind of kid Cal should be recruiting every year. A local kid that can play.

Looking back on it I wish Cal would have pursued Justin Powell harder.

Covid has changed recruiting in terms of FA but I think a lot of kids are going to eschew going to a blue blood and stay closer to home. Nolan Hickmans dad did an interview with KSR and in addition to both assistants who recruited him leaving he was also homesick from playing at a prep school in another state.

There’s been some talented local kids in the portal but Cal has always recruited nationally and he burned a lot of bridges in Memphis because of it. With covid still a factor it might be worth considering in the short term.

[cumberlandreds]

CJ Fredrick commits. Big time sharpshooter.

Now just need a PG or 2.


Looks like they got a PG.

https://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/what-tyty-washingtons-commitment-means-for-kentucky/

[KeefeCato]

Should be a top 10 team for the Cats with a legit shot at a final 4. Will be growing pains with all the new parts. But I don't see anything ever again like last season.
Side note I look for Coach K to retire at the end of the upcoming season. I am sure if he does he will announce it by at least selection Sunday time.
NCAA will then do everything in there power to see he cuts down the nets. Ala Wooden in 75.

[WVRed]

Should be a top 10 team for the Cats with a legit shot at a final 4. Will be growing pains with all the new parts. But I don't see anything ever again like last season.
Side note I look for Coach K to retire at the end of the upcoming season. I am sure if he does he will announce it by at least selection Sunday time.
NCAA will then do everything in there power to see he cuts down the nets. Ala Wooden in 75.

Getting TyTy Washington will go a long way and Sahvir Wheeler is expected to pick Kentucky later today. Wheeler is the SEC assist leader while Washington will be more in the mold of Brandon Knight/Immanuel Quickley.

I do think K retires soon but I see him (and Boeheim) having the same ending as Roy Williams. Dukes been hit by the transfer portal and really hasn’t added much to move the needle. They should make the tournament but will probably be knocked out by the second weekend. My opinion could change come the Champions Classic though.

[WVRed]

And Wheeler picks Kentucky. Barring Mintz and Brooks decisions the roster looks a lot clearer heading into next season.

PG: Sahvir Wheeler/Davion Mintz
SG: TyTy Washington/CJ Fredrick
SF: Kellan Grady/Dontaie Allen/Bryce Hopkins
PF: Keion Brooks Jr./Jacob Toppin
C: Oscar Tshiebwe/Daimion Collins/Lance Ware

[cumberlandreds]

And Wheeler picks Kentucky. Barring Mintz and Brooks decisions the roster looks a lot clearer heading into next season.

PG: Sahvir Wheeler/Davion Mintz
SG: TyTy Washington/CJ Fredrick
SF: Kellan Grady/Dontaie Allen/Bryce Hopkins
PF: Keion Brooks Jr./Jacob Toppin
C: Oscar Tshiebwe/Daimion Collins/Lance Ware

Just saw that Brooks is coming back. That helps....

[WVRed]

Just saw that Brooks is coming back. That helps....

Jackson is gone too. No surprise there.

[cumberlandreds]

I saw that UK will play at Kansas in the Big 12/SEC matchup on Jan 29th. Also didn't realize Kansas is only 4 behind in the all time win total now. I guess they gained quite a bit last season since UK only won 9 games.

[WVRed]

Mintz is coming back. This team is going to be stacked.

[RedTeamGo!]

Now that NIL laws are going to effect Kentucky players are getting nervous because it might result in them taking a pay cut

[WVRed]

Now that NIL laws are going to effect Kentucky players are getting nervous because it might result in them taking a pay cut

Tell that to Kofi Cockburn

[RedTeamGo!]

Tell that to Kofi Cockburn

I don’t know what that means, but I was joking

[WVRed]

I don’t know what that means, but I was joking

I know you were.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31745973/illinois-star-kofi-cockburn-enters-transfer-portal-sources-say

I told someone I know today who’s a WVU fan that Kentucky could end up pushing Oscar to the bench if they get Jalen Duren. This was before Cockburn entered the portal.

Kentucky hired two assistants from Illinois (Coach O and Chin Coleman) and they are presumed the heavy favorite if Cockburn pulls out of the draft.

[Assembly Hall]

I know you were.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31745973/illinois-star-kofi-cockburn-enters-transfer-portal-sources-say

I told someone I know today who’s a WVU fan that Kentucky could end up pushing Oscar to the bench if they get Jalen Duren. This was before Cockburn entered the portal.

Kentucky hired two assistants from Illinois (Coach O and Chin Coleman) and they are presumed the heavy favorite if Cockburn pulls out of the draft.

You guys should be careful of Cockburn, you could go blind. LOL

Jokes aside, Kofi is a beast. Be a huge get for UK.

[DocRed]

I was perplexed why people would be interested in British Basketball when I initially looked at the title of this thread....silly me.

[Assembly Hall]

I was perplexed why people would be interested in British Basketball when I initially looked at the title of this thread....silly me.


https://media.giphy.com/media/l2YWqU7ev0l5nfYTC/giphy.gif

[adkindo]

You guys should be careful of Cockburn, you could go blind. LOL

Jokes aside, Kofi is a beast. Be a huge get for UK.

It is interesting.....Kofi is a big advantage on both sides of the court in some matchups, while being a disadvantage in others. His game is basically his size and strength. It really depends on the players around him and the style that they would be optimal playing. Personally, if Oscar regains his motor from his Freshman season, I would much rather have him than Kofi because he is a far more versatile beast. They were in the same recruiting class, and Oscar was the higher ranked recruit.

[Assembly Hall]

It is interesting.....Kofi is a big advantage on both sides of the court in some matchups, while being a disadvantage in others. His game is basically his size and strength. It really depends on the players around him and the style that they would be optimal playing. Personally, if Oscar regains his motor from his Freshman season, I would much rather have him than Kofi because he is a far more versatile beast. They were in the same recruiting class, and Oscar was the higher ranked recruit.

If UK is looking for a true "5" then Kofi is the guy. He is a prototypical center that runs the floor well.

[WVRed]

It is interesting.....Kofi is a big advantage on both sides of the court in some matchups, while being a disadvantage in others. His game is basically his size and strength. It really depends on the players around him and the style that they would be optimal playing. Personally, if Oscar regains his motor from his Freshman season, I would much rather have him than Kofi because he is a far more versatile beast. They were in the same recruiting class, and Oscar was the higher ranked recruit.

They could play together but you run the risk of doing the same thing WVU ran into with Oscar and Culver in the middle which bogged down the offense.

If Cockburn (or Duren) comes the possibilities are endless. It’s basically the 2014-2015 team in terms of versatility. They can go big with Oscar and Cockburn or go with one and use Keion Brooks or Daimion Collins to stretch the floor.

Marcus Carr is also listing Kentucky but at this point it’s a hat on the table.

[Assembly Hall]

Seeing chatter out there that Kofi is deciding between Florida St. and Illinois. Yea I said it right. Florida St. and Illinois.

[WVRed]

Seeing chatter out there that Kofi is deciding between Florida St. and Illinois. Yea I said it right. Florida St. and Illinois.

Came out today that Kentucky was never a serious option. Coleman and Antigua basically pushed him to consider going back to Illinois.

[Assembly Hall]

Came out today that Kentucky was never a serious option. Coleman and Antigua basically pushed him to consider going back to Illinois.

WTF? Seriously?

[WVRed]

WTF? Seriously?

Kentucky won’t be the pick for Kofi Cockburn

https://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/kentucky-wont-be-the-pick-for-kofi-cockburn/

[Bourgeois Zee]

Came out today that Kentucky was never a serious option. Coleman and Antigua basically pushed him to consider going back to Illinois.

If so, that's magnanimous of Kentucky's coaches.

Honestly, I can't imagine it being true.

You take a guy like Cockburn if he's available, effect on others be darned.

I suspect he wasn't serious about UK or the Cats already have a silent commitment from Duren.

[WVRed]

If so, that's magnanimous of Kentucky's coaches.

Honestly, I can't imagine it being true.

You take a guy like Cockburn if he's available, effect on others be darned.

I suspect he wasn't serious about UK or the Cats already have a silent commitment from Duren.

I’m thinking the latter. Duren has more of a midrange game and is more versatile. Cockburn and Tshiebwe would have been battling for playing time under the rim.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I’m thinking the latter. Duren has more of a midrange game and is more versatile. Cockburn and Tshiebwe would have been battling for playing time under the rim.

If true, I'll hate that Calipari plays two no-range bigs together.

I much prefer the frenetic, five-out, shoot from everywhere, hard-core man to man, 94 feet of Hell style of play. Give me old school Nolan Richardson, please. Or Dick Motta. Or Cal at Memphis. Or Cal early in his Kentucky tenure.

[WVRed]

If true, I'll hate that Calipari plays two no-range bigs together.

I much prefer the frenetic, five-out, shoot from everywhere, hard-core man to man, 94 feet of Hell style of play. Give me old school Nolan Richardson, please. Or Dick Motta. Or Cal at Memphis. Or Cal early in his Kentucky tenure.

That would have been the case if Cockburn came.

Let’s assume UK gets Duren:

Guards: Sahvir Wheeler, TyTy Washington, CJ Fredrick, Davion Mintz, Kellan Grady

Forwards: Jacob Toppin, Dontaie Allen, Bryce Hopkins, Keion Brooks, Daimion Collins

Bigs: Oscar Tshiebwe, Lance Ware, Jalen Duren

The likely starting lineup:
PG-Wheeler
SG-Washington
SF-Grady
PF-Brooks
C-Tshiebwe/Duren

Need shooters:
PG-Washington
SG-Mintz
SF-Brady
PF-Fredrick
C-Brooks

Need size-
PG-Washington
SG-Grady
SF-Toppin
PF-Collins
C-Duren/Tshiebwe

This might be the most interchangeable roster since 2014-2015 and the most experience and depth since 1995-1996.

[WVRed]

Duren to Memphis. Going to be fun to watch Memphis if they land Bates too. Penny is likely coaching for his job this year after Wiseman blew up in his face and a lot of players hit the transfer portal.

Kentuckys roster is set. Can’t be worse than last year.

[WVRed]

Non conference full schedule to be released later today. Kentucky is playing High Point on December 31st. First game back at Rupp for Tubby Smith.

[cumberlandreds]

Non conference full schedule to be released later today. Kentucky is playing High Point on December 31st. First game back at Rupp for Tubby Smith.

Good to see that. I hope they raise a banner in the rafters for him. I harbor no bad feelings toward Tubby like some UK fans do. Overall he did well at UK. He just stayed a couple of years too long. He probably should have left after the 2005 season. He coached two of my favorite all time teams at UK, the 1998 championship team and the 2003 team that lost to Marquette in the regional finals. That team was really fun to watch. They just caught Dwayne Wade having a career day and Bogans being hurt was the nail in the coffin for that game.

[cumberlandreds]

Here's the rest of the non-conference schedule.


https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/kentucky-basketball-2021-22-non-conference-schedule/

[cumberlandreds]

Full schedule out now.


https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/Article/kentucky-basketball-schedule-2021-22-170565102/?utm_source=247Sports%2520Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=210909_131004_KentuckyWildcats&utm_content=Link&eid=2a5e24232c69a9cb33d517ee38debcf8854e4986cbdb32 adaf48b8d15a276120

[Bourgeois Zee]

Kentucky's recruiting has been ridiculous this season.

Shaedon Sharpe and Skyy Clark are committed. Cason Wallace is seemingly a Kentucky lean as a combo guard too. Derrick Lively is apparently a Kentucky lean as a center, and Chris Livingston is a Kentucky lean as a small forward as well.

That's the number one at C, SG, CG, and SF and the number two at PG. Woof.

I do wonder how that will fit with any who might return after this season.

CJ Fredrick, Jacob Toppin, Sahvir Wheeler, Dontaie Allen, Bryce Hopkins, Lance Ware, maybe Daimion Collins and Keion Brooks too.

Speaking of this season, it'll be fascinating to watch them play, if only to see if Calipari really does open up to modern basketball offensive sets. He's got the players to go with four-out sets (with Tshiebwe in the middle) primarily and a few five-out sets (if Collins is for real on his shot).

Another facet of this team might be how strong it is in the backcourt.

Grady, Wheeler, and Mintz are going to play. A lot. Ty Ty Washington is getting some serious love as well. Fredrick (when healthy-- if healthy) and Allen should, based on their ability to stretch defenses, see a whole bunch of minutes too.

That would seem to be six guys-- and three positions. (Grady and Allen at the SF position, Wheeler and Washington at the PG, Mintz and Frederick at the combo guard spot.)

Tshiebwe and Collins are underneath. Add Ware as a mop-up guy there if you'd like.

That leaves Brooks, Jacob Toppin, and Bryce Hopkins for the PF spot.

That would seem to be at least one too many.

How will that work out, Cat fans?

[WVRed]

Kentucky's recruiting has been ridiculous this season.

Shaedon Sharpe and Skyy Clark are committed. Cason Wallace is seemingly a Kentucky lean as a combo guard too. Derrick Lively is apparently a Kentucky lean as a center, and Chris Livingston is a Kentucky lean as a small forward as well.

That's the number one at C, SG, CG, and SF and the number two at PG. Woof.

I do wonder how that will fit with any who might return after this season.

CJ Fredrick, Jacob Toppin, Sahvir Wheeler, Dontaie Allen, Bryce Hopkins, Lance Ware, maybe Daimion Collins and Keion Brooks too.

Speaking of this season, it'll be fascinating to watch them play, if only to see if Calipari really does open up to modern basketball offensive sets. He's got the players to go with four-out sets (with Tshiebwe in the middle) primarily and a few five-out sets (if Collins is for real on his shot).

Another facet of this team might be how strong it is in the backcourt.

Grady, Wheeler, and Mintz are going to play. A lot. Ty Ty Washington is getting some serious love as well. Fredrick (when healthy-- if healthy) and Allen should, based on their ability to stretch defenses, see a whole bunch of minutes too.

That would seem to be six guys-- and three positions. (Grady and Allen at the SF position, Wheeler and Washington at the PG, Mintz and Frederick at the combo guard spot.)

Tshiebwe and Collins are underneath. Add Ware as a mop-up guy there if you'd like.

That leaves Brooks, Jacob Toppin, and Bryce Hopkins for the PF spot.

That would seem to be at least one too many.

How will that work out, Cat fans?

Livingston committed Wednesday night and Lively is making his decision Monday night. I’m thinking Cal likely told him to make his decision before Adem Bona did. If this is the case it’s a more proactive approach that hasn’t happened lately.

As far as returning players go, I don’t even want to take a stab at it. With NIL, reclassifications, and the transfer portal, it’s entirely possible next seasons roster will look significantly different than the roster we see this season.

Best case scenario I hope for is a final four type of run this season similar to 2014 where the team bands together with every incoming player next season to run it back like the 2015 season.

As for how the roster works out this upcoming season, I touched on that in an earlier post. Take out Duren and it’s still the same. This is the most interchangeable roster that I’ve seen at Kentucky in terms of depth, experience, and matchups.

[Bourgeois Zee]

As for how the roster works out this upcoming season, I touched on that in an earlier post. Take out Duren and it’s still the same. This is the most interchangeable roster that I’ve seen at Kentucky in terms of depth, experience, and matchups.

I like the shooting that's available and hope desperately that Calipari buys into the need for at least two shooters on the floor at the same time. Better to have three. (Modern basketball insists four.) If Sahvir Wheeler's in the game, he needs to be surrounded by shoot-first perimeter guys. Ditto Tshiebwe at center. (Those two shouldn't often see the floor together at any rate.)

I hope I'm wrong, but Cal's history is to eschew the shooter for the defender virtually every time. And guys like Collins, Brooks, and Toppin are capable defenders. Hopkins is a big kid who's shown toughness. That's mother's milk to Cal.

After Grady's minutes, I'm expecting him to shoehorn at least one of those PF into the SF slot for rebounding and defense, similarly to how he's done most of his time at Kentucky. That means Allen and Fredrick get squeezed. Heck, he may just ignore the three guard lineup completely, play Grady at SG instead, give SG minutes to Mintz, and play Wheeler with Washington at the point.

Sigh.

[WVRed]

I like the shooting that's available and hope desperately that Calipari buys into the need for at least two shooters on the floor at the same time. Better to have three. (Modern basketball insists four.) If Sahvir Wheeler's in the game, he needs to be surrounded by shoot-first perimeter guys. Ditto Tshiebwe at center. (Those two shouldn't often see the floor together at any rate.)

I hope I'm wrong, but Cal's history is to eschew the shooter for the defender virtually every time. And guys like Collins, Brooks, and Toppin are capable defenders. Hopkins is a big kid who's shown toughness. That's mother's milk to Cal.

After Grady's minutes, I'm expecting him to shoehorn at least one of those PF into the SF slot for rebounding and defense, similarly to how he's done most of his time at Kentucky. That means Allen and Fredrick get squeezed. Heck, he may just ignore the three guard lineup completely, play Grady at SG instead, give SG minutes to Mintz, and play Wheeler with Washington at the point.

Sigh.

Don’t know if you followed it or not but Cal has alluded to going to a four guard lineup.

https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/chris-livingston-perfect-fit-john-caliparis-guard-heavy-offense/

Until we see it in action though is a different story.

[WVRed]

Scuttle is Lively is going to pick Duke. Could change between now and then but the Crystal Ball is shifting.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Don’t know if you followed it or not but Cal has alluded to going to a four guard lineup.

https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/chris-livingston-perfect-fit-john-caliparis-guard-heavy-offense/

Until we see it in action though is a different story.

He's pledged to play faster too. And to shoot more threes. And to use the dribble-drive more often. And to press.

Cal says he's going to do a lot of things. Then he almost always falls back on what he knows.

[WVRed]

Lively to Duke. Scheyer is likely to finish with the no 1 recruiting class even if Kentucky finishes with Bona and Wallace.

[Assembly Hall]

Lively to Duke. Scheyer is likely to finish with the no 1 recruiting class even if Kentucky finishes with Bona and Wallace.

Its to the point where I "hate" Duke more than I do you guys!

[cumberlandreds]

Its to the point where I "hate" Duke more than I do you guys!

And that my friends is some extreme hate. ;)

[WVRed]

Its to the point where I "hate" Duke more than I do you guys!

Give credit where it’s due, they know how to close on recruits. Early Friday when Lively announced he was committing everyone including myself assumed it was going to be Kentucky. When leaks started coming out it was Duke and Cal was visiting Adem Bona it was pretty much a given he wasn’t coming to Kentucky.

The last recruit Kentucky beat Duke out for was Kevin Knox. Outside of that, anyone Duke wants they usually beat everybody out for on the recruiting trail.

What I’m worried about with Kentucky is that Cal and staff went after both so hard that now Bona essentially views himself and I’m sure other schools are painting him as a consolation prize.

I’m honestly amazed that Cal has struck out so much on bigs on the recruiting trail. Having Camby, Anthony Davis, KAT, and Bam to fall back on and lose Lively to Duke who hasn’t produced a NBA big on the level that Kentucky has. I don’t get it.

Just to run it back:

Mo Bamba
Bol Bol
James Wiseman
Vernon Carey
Jalen Duren
Dereck Lively

[WVRed]

I know it’s a scrimmage but Oscar got a 20/20.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I know it’s a scrimmage but Oscar got a 20/20.

Oscar Tshiebwe is a man, but he may well be a foul waiting to happen.

[WVRed]

Oscar Tshiebwe is a man, but he may well be a foul waiting to happen.

I know everyone is panicking because Kentucky lost out on Lively and are in a hole for Adem Bona (UCLA has gotten some crystal ball movement) but I don’t see Oscar being a one and done to where there’s a hole in the middle next year.

I think Oscar will have a similar career to Nick Richards. He will have it figured out later rather than sooner.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I know everyone is panicking because Kentucky lost out on Lively and are in a hole for Adem Bona (UCLA has gotten some crystal ball movement) but I don’t see Oscar being a one and done to where there’s a hole in the middle next year.

I think Oscar will have a similar career to Nick Richards. He will have it figured out later rather than sooner.

Interesting.

I'm not sure if Richards is a good comp, as Tshiebwe is a much bigger, stronger guy. He's going to be an elite rebounder (and likely already is). If he can glide similarly to Bam and guard 2 - 5, he'll be picked up in the lottery this season. The mid-range shot might be his key to be drafted in the top 10.

The guy who I think will end up being a two- or three-year player is Collins. He needs weight and strength training desperately. His frame will likely limit him to 10 - 15 mpg a game unless the opposing team has someone as skinny. (Unlikely.) I really like his willingness to shoot from three-point range-- and the fact that he's gone 3-4 in the limited minutes we've seen. It'd be really nice to have a real stretch five similar to Josh Harrelson around.

[WVRed]

Interesting.

I'm not sure if Richards is a good comp, as Tshiebwe is a much bigger, stronger guy. He's going to be an elite rebounder (and likely already is). If he can glide similarly to Bam and guard 2 - 5, he'll be picked up in the lottery this season. The mid-range shot might be his key to be drafted in the top 10.

The guy who I think will end up being a two- or three-year player is Collins. He needs weight and strength training desperately. His frame will likely limit him to 10 - 15 mpg a game unless the opposing team has someone as skinny. (Unlikely.) I really like his willingness to shoot from three-point range-- and the fact that he's gone 3-4 in the limited minutes we've seen. It'd be really nice to have a real stretch five similar to Josh Harrelson around.

I’ve followed Tshiebwe from watching WVU games (kinda my adopted second team from living here)

He’s raw and to your credit earlier will likely have to worry about fouling issues. He’s from the Congo and had the same host family as Sagaba Konate in high school which is how he ended up at WVU. Huggins tried using him and Derek Culver inside together and it bogged down the offense. Once Oscar left Huggins went to a smaller lineup that we have clamored for Cal to adopt and the flow improved.

He will be a better fit in Lexington and can man the middle in a scheme better suited to him and not have to share the inside (no offense to Lance Ware).

Collins strikes me as a transfer portal waiting to happen if he doesn’t contribute right away. Hope I’m wrong but that’s the college landscape we live in now.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Some notes on the scrimmage:

- Damion Collins has some ELITE athleticism. Super long, fast, and a surprisingly good shooter from three. Reminds me of a cross between AD and Skal. It'll be interesting to see how he develops over the course of the season, and whether Calipari lets him shoot from distance. (It'll probably help that he's not big enough to stay underneath the hoop.) In a typical season, he'd be the starter from jump street. This year? He might take a spot from Grady or Wheeler by January.

- Davion Mintz did not have his best game, but he's playing against two really, really good defenders. Both Wheeler and Washington are going to be tough to play against, especially as they pester the ball. (Mintz might too. He's got some dog in him too.) I really like Washington with the ball in his hands. Wheeler is Jeckyll and Hyde.

- Kellan Grady took a while to get warm, but he can pour in points in a hurry. That said, he looked like the third option on offense often. It'll be interesting to see how other teams respond to him. He's been a scorer used to having the ball in his hands. How will he respond on the wing? I suspect pretty well, as the season moves on.

- Calipari played his would-be wings (Brooks and Hopkins) together on the White team, and they struggled scoring against Dontaie Allen(!) and Damion Collins. Some of that is probably guard play. Some of it is role. Brooks looked much, much better on the Blue team. I like him as a four. Collins too. Toppin too. And Hopkins. That's four fours-- and that won't work. Something will have to give there.

- Tshiebwe is going to be in foul trouble all season. He's so strong that it's going to look like he's killing people. The over/under on number of minutes he plays against Duke in the first half is two.

- The second half Blue team are, IMO, going to be the starters: Wheeler, Washington, Brooks, Thsiebwe, and Grady. They clearly played well together. As mentioned earlier, Brooks, in particular, looked much better with better players around him. Wheeler looks really good next to Washington too. Grady as well.

- Sahvir Wheeler creates for others, but he's going to make some TO. It'll help, IMO, that there are so many options. He can play as hard as possible for a few minutes at a time, then come out, rest, and do it again. I'd have he and Mintz or Fredrick on a string-- one up, the other down-- consistently.

- TyTy Washington is the best shooter on the team-- unless Fredrick can come in and show him up. Super deep range, and he doesn't force anything. Just aggressive enough, IMO, on offense. Whichever team he was on was the better team for most of the night. That wasn't an accident.

- Toppin didn't play. I'm curious what position he'll be at when he comes back. I'm hoping Calipari uses him as the backup center. That'll be an important position, possibly. Hopkins might be able to handle bigs. So might Brooks (At least for a few minutes.) Collins-- if the other team has a stick for a center or in combination with Brooks or Hopkins-- might work as well. Ware showed some hustle, but got tired. I'd throw the kitchen sink at center when Tshiebwe gets an unfriendly whistle.

- Fredrick fits in more interestingly. He does some things that this team is going to need, I suspect. I'm guessing he'll play behind Grady as a third guard against teams that aren't super tall and as Wheeler's backup against teams that sag into a 2-3 zone.

- Stop me if you've heard this before-- Dontaie Allen showed flashes of being really good. He only got a little taste of playing with Washington, though. I'm guessing that makes Allen the 10th or 11th guy. I'm also guessing he'll transfer after the season or perhaps at the halfway point of the season. Too bad, too. If Cal just lets him play, he's a Bucket.

[UKWhoDey]

Looking forward to the season guys. We looked a lot more comfortable as a group than last years debacle did at any point.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I'm curious who'll start on Friday in their first exhibition tilt.

I'm guessing the rotation will be:

PG: Sahvir Wheeler/ Davion Mintz
SG: Ty Ty Washington/ CJ Fredrick
SG: Kellan Grady/ Bryce Hopkins/ Dontaie Allen
PF: Keion Brooks/ Damion Collins
C: Oscar Tshiebwe/ Jacob Toppin/ Lance Ware

I'm also guessing he's going to end up playing nine guys. That's a little out of his comfort zone. Calipari likes to play eight.

The question is who gets squeezed?

Tshiebwe's foul troubles will likely mean all five would-be bigs get some run-time.

The Blue team looked really good with Washington handling a lot of the PG duties. Does that mean they could use less Wheeler and more Mintz and Fredrick? That'd open up the floor, as everyone could shoot in a hypothetical four-out offense. If not Wheeler, possibly Fredrick-- though he's shown good handles, underrated athleticism, solid defense, and elite shooting while at Iowa. I'm thinking Calipari will need that shooting when teams pack the paint against a team with non-shooters Wheeler and Tshiebwe.

The keys to beating this team, IMO, are four-fold:

1. Get Tshiebwe in foul trouble.
He's going to be vital to the success of this team, I suspect. If he's allowed to roam free, he'll clean up misses even when you've defended your tail off. He can add five shooting percentage points to the team totals just by being on the floor and active. Too, his defense underneath will be fun to watch. On Calipari's best teams, the primary defender walls off opposing bigs, while help defenders head hunt for blocks. If I'm Calipari, I'm probably thinking (by March) that a Colling/ Tshiebwe pairing at PF and C will result in some easy put-backs, open threes, and stifling D. That can't happen, however, if the transfer from WVU is on the bench. Go right at him, and hope the whistles are going your way. Once he's out of the game, you've got much easier sledding.

2. Make Wheeler beat you from outside.
He's a fine floor general and should be a pest on the ball (especially against ball dominant PGs). He's also going to get a couple layups all by himself due to quickness. The best choice, then, is to drop off of him three or four steps. Slide under every pick and roll. Tony Allen his outside shot completely. Hope he takes the bait. I'm guessing he'll get hot one game this season from deep and carry Kentucky to a win pretty much all by himself. The rest of the time, he's going to be an Achilles' heel on the perimeter.

3. Get back and pack the paint.
Grady's s good shot. Fredrick too. Washington looks like he might be as well. Shade to those shooters, for sure. But don't let them beat you from the paint. Hope at least one of those guys can't find the bucket. Get back early-- that might mean you sacrifice some offensive rebounding from your wings and guards, but sacrifices have to be made. Gang rebound on the defensive side to make up for it.

4. Muscle up.
Washington's never played like this, and he's not exactly stacked. Collins is a string bean with three-inch circumference legs. Bang on them, get them tired, then take advantage. I'd try to do that to a lesser extent with Brooks, Grady, and Wheeler as well. Make the game a slog. Try the old Pitino strategy: Foul all the time, and dare the refs to call them all. Hand-checking Washington should keep him in front of you-- and easier to guide to help. Setting hard screens on Wheeler and Grady can wear them out too. The problem there, of course, is that Kentucky will have reinforcements coming in better than your own. So make it count.

[UKWhoDey]

I agree with your starting 5 prediction for Friday. I think Brooks gets the nod until someone like Collins passes him up. I dunno, I guess I tend to think since he's a junior he kind of is who he is....a la Azubuike or Poythress. But who's to say? He might have a coming out party this year and tear it up. I hope he does!

I really liked what I saw with Grady once he got comfortable. It took him a bit to get into the flow at BW but once he did, he looked pretty damn good. I think we're in for a real fun seasons boys. Go Big Blue!

[WVRed]

Cal has pretty much said Wheeler, TyTy, and Oscar have three starting spots locked up. The wings are up for grabs and I would think Keion would be one of them given the improvement we’ve heard about him and being a junior.

In recruiting news, Cal is getting a chance to make one final pitch to Adem Bona. He seems like a lock for UCLA at this point but I’m not betting against Cal since he’s taken the lead in Bonas recruitment.

[cumberlandreds]

I watched the BW game and liked what I saw. Washington looks really good. Good range from the outside. Also looks like they will have a good three point shooting team. You have to have that in todays game. Oscar ( I won't attempt to spell his name) looks like a beast inside. Like you all have aid that is likely to get him into foul trouble all season. The games he can stay away from that he should dominate. Grady looked good too as did just about everyone. Wheeler is quick as lightening and should be able to run the point very well. Having veterans helps a lot this time a year as Cal said. They know the routine and you don't have to teach that to them. As with all of Cal's teams it will come down to how they blend with each other. If they come together real well this should be a Final Four contender.

What is Frederick's injury? I was looking forward to seeing him play and his outside touch.

[WVRed]

Bona to announce Monday. Sounds like UCLAs at this point.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Five Notes After the First Exhibition Game, 10/29:

1. Ty Ty Washington is a Bucket.
Washington is very, very good with the ball, without the ball, as a spot-up shooter, as a driver, as a passer, and surprisingly adept as a one-on-one defender. He's going to be an All-American candidate and should be viewed as a co-favorite for SEC POTY. He doesn't get rattled or shook and already plays with pace. Not sure how good he'll be at the next level-- I suspect he's a cross between Quickley and Maxey. Regardless, when he's on the floor, the team is much more effective offensively. I really like Washington running off those flare screens and in the open court. He's a weapon both in offensive sets and the open court. That's really rare.

2. The offense still runs through the bigs.
That said, while there were lots of things to like about the offensive sets-- four-out and even a couple very effective five-out sets, 29 threes taken, a 37+% shooting percentage from deep-- it's still Cal coaching. Tshiebwe is going to get touches nearly every time downcourt while he's on the block. I'm not sure how effective that will end up being, as he doesn't strike me as the type of big who should be an offensive fulcrum. Might be a bit undersized (in terms of length) to play over opposing bigs and too loose with the ball to face up more than a couple times a game. Of course, he was a little dinged up, so perhaps Tshiebwe has more in the tank that he might show. His explosiveness was lacking a bit last night.

3. Another big is going to have to emerge.
Even if Tshiebwe is full strength and dominating, he's going to end up in foul trouble. He's too big, too strong, and too aggressive to stay "clean" (even if he's only doing what everyone else is doing). It's clear the Cats are going to need a backup who can give anywhere between 10 and 25 mpg each and every game. Last night, Ware showed early flashes of being an energy guy, then made a couple of questionable decisions leading to a second half funk wherein he was largely ineffective. Calipari tried Brooks as the big for a little bit, and that was a defensive disaster (though it positively hummed offensively). Collins was in there, but didn't have the greatest night, and Hopkins was pretty bad all night. Either of those two might develop, but I tend to doubt it. (I'd also like to see Dontaie Allen given a shot at the PF spot, if only because if they're going to be bad defensively anyway, they might as well be the best offensive team possible-- kind of a Duke Lite approach.)

I'm guessing that backup center spot is where Jacob Toppin earns his scholarship. He's long enough to do it and skilled enough to cause some serious mismatches. Good handle and a solid shot out to three-point range, he's better suited to a five-out offense than either horns or the four-out used much of last night. That said, Kentucky does have a five-out offense that looked really interesting-- and I'm guessing Brooks might enjoy playing on the block some as well. Defensively, Toppin's an active and long 6'9". I'm not sure if he can bang with big bodies, but he might be the best bet among the options. Cal is clearly begging for someone to be a defensive stopper. Toppin likely fits that bill, at least early.

4. Keion Brooks has found his range.
I love Brooks' development and willingness to shoot from the PF position in last night's exhibition. He was aggressive for nearly the entirety of the night on offense. 4 for 6 from deep is particularly fun to see for a guy who's spent most of his first two seasons planted under the basket or dribbling from the three-point line into defenders rather than letting it fly. 18 points in 21 mpg is some incredible production. So is 8 rebounds. Defensively, he's going to need work. It was his guy who went off for 29 points, largely on straight drives and post-ups. He also allowed smaller KWU guards to take him to the hoop largely with impunity. (From the midway point of the second half on, his D was atrocious, and Kentucky Wesleyan keyed on him.) Maybe he gets better with Tshiebwe, but I suspect interior defense (and shot-blocking) will be an issue all year.

5. The third guard spot should be wide open.
Wheeler is going to play a bunch of PG, but will be limited by size and the need to go as hard as possible. I expect him to get 28 - 30 mpg at most. Washington is likely to play just a bit more, if only because Kentucky will need his scoring punch. Davion Mintz will get 22 to 28 minutes, I suspect, backing up both Wheeler and Washington and playing with them as well. The issue with that lineup is that it's really small-- I'm not sure Calipari can bring himself to actually commit to it. Kellan Grady will get first shot at the third guard spot, but he's been adequate at best in both the Blue-White game and last night's exhibition. Offensively, he's got a pretty stroke, but it hasn't fallen.

That should leave the door open for third guard/ wing minutes.

Hopkins could play there. So could Collins. Both would make Calipari happy in terms of height and rebounding, but neither showed much in the way of stopping opposing players defensively. And that's been the way to beat the Cats for a decade now-- play small, shoot from deep, negate their height and length with your quickness and shooting. Cal said he wanted to get away from that. So let's assume he's committed to a three-guard lineup.

The next obvious option is Dontaie Allen, but he's not looked any better than Grady. (In fact, he's looked fairly bad in limited minutes.) That should lead to CJ Fredrick. He's 6'3", which is not ideal, but it's the same size as Mintz and Washington. More importantly, he's another dead-eye shooter-- perhaps the best in the nation. We haven't seen him play defensively at Kentucky, but last year in Iowa, he was their worst defender by a significant margin. He was nearly as bad the year before as well. Grady seems to be a better options defensively-- he's 6'5" and can fake it as a wing, especially in the SEC. But if he's not going to knock down shots, Mintz and Fredrick could well steal his minutes.

Speaking of Mintz, boy, he had a good game. Very aggressive offensively, he didn't quite get his range (1-5 from deep), but he drove the ball to the rim hard. He also made several good passes. Cal might well make Mintz a three-position backup, but I'm not sure that makes the team better. This is another spot to watch as the season progresses.

[WVRed]

Give credit where it’s due, they know how to close on recruits. Early Friday when Lively announced he was committing everyone including myself assumed it was going to be Kentucky. When leaks started coming out it was Duke and Cal was visiting Adem Bona it was pretty much a given he wasn’t coming to Kentucky.

The last recruit Kentucky beat Duke out for was Kevin Knox. Outside of that, anyone Duke wants they usually beat everybody out for on the recruiting trail.

What I’m worried about with Kentucky is that Cal and staff went after both so hard that now Bona essentially views himself and I’m sure other schools are painting him as a consolation prize.

I’m honestly amazed that Cal has struck out so much on bigs on the recruiting trail. Having Camby, Anthony Davis, KAT, and Bam to fall back on and lose Lively to Duke who hasn’t produced a NBA big on the level that Kentucky has. I don’t get it.

Just to run it back:

Mo Bamba
Bol Bol
James Wiseman
Vernon Carey
Jalen Duren
Dereck Lively

Bumping this up to add Adem Bona to the list of misses. Kid said he grew up dreaming of playing for Calipari and Cal hedges on Duren and Lively to where it pushes Bona away to UCLA who prioritized him from the start.

If they add a big it will be through the transfer portal or a reclassification.

[Bourgeois Zee]

If they add a big it will be through the transfer portal or a reclassification.

Guessing the former and not the latter (though stranger things have happened).

They might not need a big that desperately, however, as Tshiebwe isn't a lock to turn pro. Even if he does go pro, Lance Ware can be a decent producer in limited minutes. He, Daimion Collins, and Jacob Toppin could be a solid three-headed monster that provides shot-blocking, shooting, and some rebounding.

[WVRed]

Guessing the former and not the latter (though stranger things have happened).

They might not need a big that desperately, however, as Tshiebwe isn't a lock to turn pro. Even if he does go pro, Lance Ware can be a decent producer in limited minutes. He, Daimion Collins, and Jacob Toppin could be a solid three-headed monster that provides shot-blocking, shooting, and some rebounding.

Agree on Oscar. I think he is still raw in terms of talent and playing basketball. He’s a physical specimen like Konate was but if he ever flips the switch he will be a force inside.

I compared him to Nick Richards in terms of development. Could easily see Oscar being back next year. Only two even being mocked so far are TyTy and Collins and as of right now Collins isn’t even pegged to start.

[adkindo]

Agree on Oscar. I think he is still raw in terms of talent and playing basketball. He’s a physical specimen like Konate was but if he ever flips the switch he will be a force inside.

I compared him to Nick Richards in terms of development. Could easily see Oscar being back next year. Only two even being mocked so far are TyTy and Collins and as of right now Collins isn’t even pegged to start.

I heard Oscar looked pretty bad tonight.

[WVRed]

I heard Oscar looked pretty bad tonight.

4 points and 12 rebounds.

Bad part is, if he goes down due to fouls or injury, Kentucky has no depth to replace him. Daimion Collins is undersized and Lance Ware is a turnstile on defense.

[WVRed]

Through the first two games, Oscar has 40 rebounds.

I’m thinking a 20/20 game is in the future (nearly had it against Duke) as well as chasing the UK single season rebounding record.

Daimion Collins had a game last night. Took advantage of Toppin and Ware being out. Mintz and Grady balled out from deep.

Oh, and Louisville lost to Furman at home.

[UKFlounder]

It was just Robert Morris, but that is how Kentucky should look against such a team. That was fun to watch and some guys like Collins got minutes. They haven’t had many games like that in a few years, even against similaf opponents. That was good for my soul

[WVRed]

CJ Fredrick out for the year.

Doesn’t hurt much this year. He would be fighting for minutes with Kellan Grady, Davion Mintz, and Dontaie Allen. Hope for a speedy recovery and ready to contribute next year.

[cumberlandreds]

Through the first two games, Oscar has 40 rebounds.

I’m thinking a 20/20 game is in the future (nearly had it against Duke) as well as chasing the UK single season rebounding record.

Daimion Collins had a game last night. Took advantage of Toppin and Ware being out. Mintz and Grady balled out from deep.

Oh, and Louisville lost to Furman at home.

First time since 1975 that a UK player had two 20 rebound games. Mike Phillips was the last one. Oscar is a beast inside. As long as he can stay out of foul trouble he's going to e just fine.

Mt. St. Mary's is next. I literally live just down the road a few miles from this school. It is a very small school. Hard to believe they play D-1 basketball. UK has played them a couple of times in the past and beat them badly. I expect another blow out and continued improvement.

[cumberlandreds]

Oscar had a bad game last night. Only 16 rebounds. But he did have 24 points. So I would say keep him for now. :)

[goreds2]

UK vs Ohio University Friday night 7pm SEC network. Game is at Rupp. Not sure if OU will make a game of it or not.

[cumberlandreds]

UK vs Ohio University Friday night 7pm SEC network. Game is at Rupp. Not sure if OU will make a game of it or not.

I have been wondering if Ohio is any good or not? Sometimes these MAC teams can be really tough.

[WVRed]

I have been wondering if Ohio is any good or not? Sometimes these MAC teams can be really tough.

They got out to a hot start but Kentucky put them away in the second half.

Oscar missed most of the first half with foul trouble but still got 10 rebounds. TyTy had his best game so far.

Kentucky picked up a legacy recruit today in Reed Sheppard, son of Jeff and Stacy (Reed) Sheppard. Five star player but probably in the 20-25 range. Glad Cal kept him home.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Kentucky picked up a legacy recruit today in Reed Sheppard, son of Jeff and Stacy (Reed) Sheppard. Five star player but probably in the 20-25 range. Glad Cal kept him home.

That's the type of shooter that would end up at another school and absolutely destroy Kentucky. Barry Goheen, Scott Draud, and Chris Lofton are just three examples off the top of my head-- all Kentucky boys who could shoot the lights out, would have given their left arm to play at UK, but were overlooked. I'm hoping Sheppard finds some success.

[cumberlandreds]

They got out to a hot start but Kentucky put them away in the second half.

Oscar missed most of the first half with foul trouble but still got 10 rebounds. TyTy had his best game so far.

Kentucky picked up a legacy recruit today in Reed Sheppard, son of Jeff and Stacy (Reed) Sheppard. Five star player but probably in the 20-25 range. Glad Cal kept him home.

I was kind of surprised he picked UK. Usually sons of past good players don't want to play in the shadows of their dad. He has great gene lines not only with dad but mother too as she was a good player at UK also.

UK pulls away from Albany last night for a 25 point win. UK only had 8 scholly players because if injury and illness. Oscar got into foul trouble again but still had a double-double. North Florida is next. I'll be glad when they get more into their schedule and be able to see what this team is really made of. I'm sure they are getting bored playing these low mid majors.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I'll be glad when they get more into their schedule and be able to see what this team is really made of. I'm sure they are getting bored playing these low mid majors.

I suspect this grouping of games has been remarkably beneficial for Calipari and the coaching staff. He gets to see how new offensive and defensive sets work and how players play under the lights before throwing them to the conference or Power Five wolves.

That said, this schedule is just boring. That's probably on the AD. They need at least one (and IMO, three) home and homes with other big-time programs. I get why Calipari doesn't do it-- he's absolutely right that home and home games don't prepare his team for the NCAA at all. But that's a huge part of the whole experience.

[UKFlounder]

I think Cal has the control over scheduling, but I agree this isn’t a fun one. One more interesting home game to break up the tune up games would be nice, but Csl likes his neutral-site games



I suspect this grouping of games has been remarkably beneficial for Calipari and the coaching staff. He gets to see how new offensive and defensive sets work and how players play under the lights before throwing them to the conference or Power Five wolves.

That said, this schedule is just boring. That's probably on the AD. They need at least one (and IMO, three) home and homes with other big-time programs. I get why Calipari doesn't do it-- he's absolutely right that home and home games don't prepare his team for the NCAA at all. But that's a huge part of the whole experience.

[cumberlandreds]

I can see why Cal has so many "boring" games. When you have the player turnover every year that he does it takes a while to get them on track. If they played a brutal tough schedule they would get killed early on and that has happened some in the past. Still it would be nice to have a couple more interesting games. I always liked it when they went to Maui. But Cal doesn't like that so they don't go there any more.

[WVRed]

I suspect this grouping of games has been remarkably beneficial for Calipari and the coaching staff. He gets to see how new offensive and defensive sets work and how players play under the lights before throwing them to the conference or Power Five wolves.

That said, this schedule is just boring. That's probably on the AD. They need at least one (and IMO, three) home and homes with other big-time programs. I get why Calipari doesn't do it-- he's absolutely right that home and home games don't prepare his team for the NCAA at all. But that's a huge part of the whole experience.

They were supposed to go to Ann Arbor this year and Kentucky backed out.

[goreds2]

They were supposed to go to Ann Arbor this year and Kentucky backed out.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSURaKmGxG6zuKiByWgu3KG38TrIzvR9 FCwWw&usqp=CAU

[goreds2]

Game is on SEC Network. UK up by 14 at the half.

[WVRed]

Game is on SEC Network. UK up by 14 at the half.

Davion Mintz and Keion Brooks out.

Would really like to see this team completely healthy. I don’t remember a Kentucky team with the injury bug as much as this one. They did get Toppin and Ware back.

Oscar with 11 boards so far.

[UKFlounder]

Ugly first half but got better after they woke up snd did chow come good things. It’s about time they face a better opponent though.

[cumberlandreds]

Ugly first half but got better after they woke up snd did chow come good things. It’s about time they face a better opponent though.

Tougher opponent isn't happening tonight. Tony Barbee's band of Chippewa's from Central Michigan are coming to Lexington with a 1-4 record. They lost last week to Bellarmine. They also lost to Gonzaga by over 50 points and DePaul by over 30. Their only win was by one point over Eastern Illinois. So you would think this will be an easy one. Southern is the next game and then better teams show up in ND, Ohio State and Louisville.

[cumberlandreds]

UK rips Central Michigan as expected. They are now off a week until they play Southern on December 7th.

[cumberlandreds]

UK plays Southern tonight. Should be another wipe out. Southern is only 3-5 on the season. hey lost to Louisville by 12 points and to Nebraska by 23. Southern is coached by former UK player Sean Woods.

After tonight the schedule will finally pick up with Notre Dame, Ohio State and Louisville up next over the next three weeks.

[cumberlandreds]

Right now this just isn't a very good team. Typical Cal team of the last few years that can't shoot from the outside. Grady is learning that playing at Davidson is far different than at UK. I suspect all of the transfers are to a point. ND just ripped through UK's defense for a ton of easy shots. ND is probably a little better than their record but they aren't that good either. This will be bad loss when or if this team is in the running for an NCAA bid. Ohio State is far better and I expect a wipe out Saturday unless there is dramatic improvement. UL may be a loss too. I think the game is in Lexington so I suppose they have a punchers chance in that one. I'm afraid the really easy schedule after Duke hurt this team. They needed better competition. Cal's teams usually get better as the season goes along. This one had better or it will turn into a lot like last season in a hurry.

[goreds2]

UK vs Ohio State will be a fun game to watch in the goreds2 household. Mrs. goreds2’s daughter graduated from UK.

Game is This Saturday at 5:15pm on CBS.

[WVRed]

Right now this just isn't a very good team. Typical Cal team of the last few years that can't shoot from the outside. Grady is learning that playing at Davidson is far different than at UK. I suspect all of the transfers are to a point. ND just ripped through UK's defense for a ton of easy shots. ND is probably a little better than their record but they aren't that good either. This will be bad loss when or if this team is in the running for an NCAA bid. Ohio State is far better and I expect a wipe out Saturday unless there is dramatic improvement. UL may be a loss too. I think the game is in Lexington so I suppose they have a punchers chance in that one. I'm afraid the really easy schedule after Duke hurt this team. They needed better competition. Cal's teams usually get better as the season goes along. This one had better or it will turn into a lot like last season in a hurry.

The college (and NBA) game has changed in the last five years and Cal has failed to adapt. He’s changed his assistants but it’s the same dribble drive motion offense with no new wrinkles and teams have figured out how to stifle his teams.

Adikindo posted something in the other thread that made a lot of sense. In AAU shooters aren’t used to feeding the post which messes up their rhythm. This explains the struggling with three point shooting of Calipari teams.

I think we are toward the end of the Calipari era. Whether it’s this year or after he’s already at 12 years. Joe B made it 13, Tubby 10 and Pitino 8.

[WVRed]

UK is hosting a telethon tonight to raise money for the tornado victims.

I’d encourage anyone to listen to the KSR call in show on Saturday night. It was very eye opening with people calling about the devastation. Ryan Lemond ended the show in prayer for the state.

Chris Holtmann (a Nicholasville native) is donating $50,000 and Kirk Ferentz is challenging Iowa’s fans to help donate.

It’s amazing watching the country come together to help Kentucky rebuild.

[cumberlandreds]

The college (and NBA) game has changed in the last five years and Cal has failed to adapt. He’s changed his assistants but it’s the same dribble drive motion offense with no new wrinkles and teams have figured out how to stifle his teams.

Adikindo posted something in the other thread that made a lot of sense. In AAU shooters aren’t used to feeding the post which messes up their rhythm. This explains the struggling with three point shooting of Calipari teams.

I think we are toward the end of the Calipari era. Whether it’s this year or after he’s already at 12 years. Joe B made it 13, Tubby 10 and Pitino 8.

I think there is probably a certain amount of burnout for Cal. This is a tough job being the HC at UK. I have always said ten years is max. As you pointed out with past coaches the limit has probably come for Cal. I think if UK doesn't make the tourney or barely squeaks in Cal will walk away after this season. He may anyway as you said.

[WVRed]

Saturday’s game against Ohio State canceled due to COVID within Ohio States program.

[cumberlandreds]

UK is waiting on UCLA to opt out of their game with UNC. Which is likely. So they would get UNC and not much chance of winning that game either.

[cumberlandreds]

Matt Norlander has tweeted that it will be UK and UNC at 5:30 tomorrow on CBS.

[WVRed]

Didn’t get to see it (went and saw Spider-Man with my son) but I’m glad i was wrong.

UNC made the wrong choice for coach.

[cumberlandreds]

Didn’t get to see it (went and saw Spider-Man with my son) but I’m glad i was wrong.

UNC made the wrong choice for coach.

I haven't watched yet either. We watched a live stream performance of The Nutcracker that my Niece was in. I couldn't believe that score! I hope I'm wrong about this team and they come around. Saying that UNC must be horrible. Hard to understand why they hired Hubert Davis as HC. Surely there were better candidates out there.

[cumberlandreds]

UK/UL game is postponed because of COVID in the UL program. UK is looking for a replacement game for Wednesday or Thursday. Sounding like the UL game may not happen this year.

[WVRed]

UK/UL game is postponed because of COVID in the UL program. UK is looking for a replacement game for Wednesday or Thursday. Sounding like the UL game may not happen this year.

Won’t happen this year. Key word.

[cumberlandreds]

Looking like Bellarmine to replace UL.

https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/kentucky-bellarmine-finalizing-deal-to-play-this-week/

[cumberlandreds]

Here's a list of possible opponents. Most are better than Bellarmine but logistics is the big road block. Also there are 31 programs on COVID pause right now.



https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/kentucky-potential-replacement-opponents-louisville-postponement/

[WVRed]

Here's a list of possible opponents. Most are better than Bellarmine but logistics is the big road block. Also there are 31 programs on COVID pause right now.



https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/kentucky-potential-replacement-opponents-louisville-postponement/

Texas is out. They found someone.

The other problem is any marquee teams aren’t going to be likely to give up a home game.

They have reached out to Gonzaga but as you said, logistics.

Supposedly they have someone lined up and are going to announce it tonight on Cals call in show. My guess is Wisconsin. They had a cancellation for Thursday and it would be a revenge game for 2015 (kinda).

[WVRed]

Kentucky is playing Western Kentucky. Proceeds are going to the tornado relief.

Kinda feel like this is a game that needs to be played given the circumstances, and Western is very capable of pulling off the upset.

[cumberlandreds]

Kentucky is playing Western Kentucky. Proceeds are going to the tornado relief.

Kinda feel like this is a game that needs to be played given the circumstances, and Western is very capable of pulling off the upset.

This just seem like something that was just meant to be. I hope they can raise a ton of money to help out those people in western Kentucky.

For the game, it won't be an easy one for UK. Apparently WKU is pretty good and they had better not take them lightly. It's a better game for their resume too than Bellarmine would have been. I am assuming it will still be on ESPN at 6 pm tomorrow night.

[WVRed]

This just seem like something that was just meant to be. I hope they can raise a ton of money to help out those people in western Kentucky.

For the game, it won't be an easy one for UK. Apparently WKU is pretty good and they had better not take them lightly. It's a better game for their resume too than Bellarmine would have been. I am assuming it will still be on ESPN at 6 pm tomorrow night.

Cal and Scotty Davenport agreed to a home and home starting next year. I just wonder if he will be Louisville’s coach by then.

Also read that John Robic is no longer with the team. The post by his wife is rather curious as well.

[WVRed]

The way Kentucky played tonight, they would have beaten Louisville by 100.

Doubt we’ll ever see a player with 28 rebounds again in a UK uniform in our lifetimes. Oscar is a beast. The previous record for most rebounds in a game in Rupp was by Shaquille O’Neal.

[cumberlandreds]

Very nice win. I hope this is the UK for the rest of the season. Everything clicked last night. Oscar is a beast. Unbelievable the way he rebounds. Just relentless. No game for another week and they open up SEC play with Missouri

[cumberlandreds]

For the record UK has had 5 other players to get more than 28 rebounds in a game. Bob Burrow and Bill Spivey each had 34 in a game. Cotton Nash had 30 twice and Dan Issell had 29.


http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/Statistics/gamerebounds.html

[Bourgeois Zee]

Game Notes after WKU:

Oscar Tshiebwe is an All-American. His PER is 38.8 so far this season. Only Zion Williamson's is higher over the decade or so PER has been an official statistic. Keegan Murray is above that so far this season. Murray is also the universal POTY right now. But Tshiebwe is right there with him statistically. He leads the nation in rebounds per game, offensive and defensive to boot. He's 7th in field goal accuracy. He's 3rd in win shares, 7th in +/-. Those 28 rebounds he had against WKU were ridiculous. As he learns and plays more, he may well bump his averages up in league play. The SEC doesn't have dominant, massive bigs, and they love to shoot from deep. Tshiebwe may well better those 28 caroms later this season. It will be interesting to see where he's drafted and how well he will work within an NBA framework. I think his motor and acumen on the boards will almost assuredly mean he's a top 20 guy-- I see him as Isaiah Stewart with better board work and quicker feet. Ben Wallace with a 15-footer might also describe him. But he fouls a lot. Cal and the UK coaching staff have certainly developed him well. (Far better than Huggins, interestingly, who seemed to lose interest in him soon after finding another big.)

_________

Sahvir Wheeler is fascinating. He can, as seen against UNC, lead a team to a blowout victory. He can, as seen against Notre Dame, lead a team down the tubes. He's a Jeckyll and Hyde player with longer stretches of solid play than stinkers. That said, IMO, he needs to be the guy from WKU is Kentucky wants to be dominant. He willingly took a back seat to Grady and Washington offensively and simply made the smart pass. He had 8 assists in just over 20 minutes. That's fantastic. He also had four TOs. That's too many. He's averaging 3.2/ game. That's okay. If Kentucky wants to advance to meaningful games, he'll have to get those turnovers under control.

He's also going to see teams continue to sag off of him on offense, daring him to beat them from outside. If he doesn't take that bait, the Cats should be okay.

___________

The key for a dominant, Final Four Kentucky team isn't Tshiebwe. He's going to double-double against everybody. It's not Wheeler either (though he could well play them out of the Final Four on his own).

It's Washington and Grady.

They have to be willing, aggressive, accurate shooters if Kentucky harbors any chance at getting where Calipari's aiming (and UK fans expect). Grady was dominant against Western after being incredible against UNC. He took 10 shots, with 6-9 from three-point range the key. Against UNC, he was 5-7 from deep. The Davidson transfer has to shoot at least six a game for UK to dominate. Speaking of dominant, Washington was too, though in less flashier highlights. Washington's floater is outstanding, but his in-between game is elite. 2-5 from three is a bit light, but Grady was feeling it, and Washington had to take over much of the PG duties, as Wheeler was sidelined with foul trouble. I hate that mid-range shot for just about everyone except him.

________

Jacob Toppin was outstanding as well. He's been a highlight machine over the past two games and seems to be exactly what Calipari needs from that PF position. Toppin had six assists against the Toppers, largely because he's the flash guy in the middle of a 2-3 zone. Toppin looks outside to Grady/ wing shooters and inside to Tshiebwe first. That, IMO, makes the offense hum far better than Brooks, who gets it looking to make a move for himself-- or worse, shoot that off-balance 12-15 footer with only Oscar underneath against three defenders. Toppin is also the (far) better defender (though Brooks is solid). He reminds me of freshman season Kenny Walker a bit in build and game.

_________

As Toppin emerges, both Hopkins and Collins have taken back seats. Both guys have moved decidedly to the bench as Calipari shortens his rotation. That will do one of two things: either they realize how hard they'll have to work, double down and possibly come back next season ready to contribute, or, conversely, they get angry, pout, try to do too much, and end up transferring at the end of the semester/ season. Both young men strike me as clear-eyed about their futures. I assume Clark, Sharpe, and Wallace will play in the backcourt/ wing spots. Livingston is probably going to be a 'tweener as a wing/ PF. If they can bulk Collins up a bit, he can play C. That'd mean Hopkins is a PF/ wing along with Toppin as a PF/ C. CJ Frederick might also have a say as to what happens in the backcourt. They'll probably be smaller, but that team could fly. And shoot. (Collins' three-point shot is solid, and Toppin should be able to play from distance as he matures.)
_________

That current rotation is interesting and likely to stick, IMO. Wheeler, Washington, Grady, Brooks, and Tshiebwe as starters are a lock, at this point. Toppin is the first big off the bench. Last night, he spelled Tshiebwe (which I really like) and Brooks (who had a poor game). The backcourt backup is Davion Mintz (who's low-key struggled a bit over the last two blowouts). Lance Ware might get a few minutes based on his outstanding work against North Carolina, but he was hurt and didn't get in the WKU game.

And that's it.

Cal loves a short bench. Always has. Each of those guys are capable of scoring 20, and all are capable defenders. It's a solid seven.

I like this team.

[adkindo]

The way Kentucky played tonight, they would have beaten Louisville by 100.

Doubt we’ll ever see a player with 28 rebounds again in a UK uniform in our lifetimes. Oscar is a beast. The previous record for most rebounds in a game in Rupp was by Shaquille O’Neal.

Just want to point out when it became clear he was going to commit to WVU, ESPN and/or Rivals dropped him to a 4 Star and there was a lot of noise about him not deserving to be chosen for the McDonald's All American game (not on this board). This guy has a motor and instincts that will lead him to success at the highest levels of basketball.....it was clear in high school as it is now. He is the same guy that dominated James Wiseman on the AAU circuit as a Junior in high school......he is the same guy that was the best player on the court as a Freshman in Phog Allen amazing Kansas fans/supporters......it is just now that he is getting the credit.

I have always believed since Oscar grew up in the Congo, and was not really accustomed as much as others to the "tough love" from US fans/media, he responds best to positivity and encouragement......which is in line with basic human nature. He was a stud as a Freshman, but made some mistakes in the offseason preparing for his Sophomore season arriving out of shape and not ready to play......as the fans and media responded negatively, he did the same. Now that he is again dominating and getting praise, I think he will only continue to thrive. Do not try to get between the young man and a rebound!

[Bourgeois Zee]

This guy has a motor and instincts that will lead him to success at the highest levels of basketball.....it was clear in high school as it is now. He is the same guy that dominated James Wiseman on the AAU circuit as a Junior in high school......he is the same guy that was the best player on the court as a Freshman in Phog Allen amazing Kansas fans/supporters......it is just now that he is getting the credit.

While his motor is the same, his development has come leaps and bounds over the past few months.

He's comfortable out to 15 feet, defends far better with his feet, and is a willing passer. He showed moves against WKU that were next level-- and different than what he'd shown to that point at any time at UK or WVU.

[adkindo]

While his motor is the same, his development has come leaps and bounds over the past few months.

He's comfortable out to 15 feet, defends far better with his feet, and is a willing passer. He showed moves against WKU that were next level-- and different than what he'd shown to that point at any time at UK or WVU.

Oscar has always had a soft touch in the mid range.....did not get the opportunity to show it much at WVU. I have not watched much of his this season, but yes development will determine what level of player he can be now and at the next level.....I was just saying the motor and instincts have always been at a high enough level to ensure him a place at the next level. If he is enjoying himself, that motor just keeps going and going.....and going.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Oscar has always had a soft touch in the mid range.....did not get the opportunity to show it much at WVU.

If he's always had that shot, his unwillingness to showcase it at WVU is on Huggins and staff. As soft as that shot is, he should have been in an offense that focused on his ability. Especially in the conference they're in. (Where star centers who are as big and strong as Tshiebwe are rare-- and can do no wrong.) If Tshiebwe hasn't developed offensively, the Mountaineers picked the wrong horse last season, plain and simple, when Huggins decided to showcase Derek Culver.


I have not watched much of his this season, but yes development will determine what level of player he can be now and at the next level.....I was just saying the motor and instincts have always been at a high enough level to ensure him a place at the next level. If he is enjoying himself, that motor just keeps going and going.....and going.

Agreed about Tshiebwe's motor and instincts. It's been a constant while at Kentucky. It was his biggest plus in high school, IIRC. Right now, he's a rebound machine who can hit that 15-foot elbow jumper. I'm unsure of whether his work ethic and footwork (both superior at Kentucky) will result in being a starting center or whether his height, reach, and athleticism issues will result in being just a backup. Most likely, unless he can expand his game to include the three-point shot, Tshiebwe's going to be a second-division starter or an elite second-unit backup. Regardless, he's going to be an NBA guy.

[WVRed]

Just want to point out when it became clear he was going to commit to WVU, ESPN and/or Rivals dropped him to a 4 Star and there was a lot of noise about him not deserving to be chosen for the McDonald's All American game (not on this board). This guy has a motor and instincts that will lead him to success at the highest levels of basketball.....it was clear in high school as it is now. He is the same guy that dominated James Wiseman on the AAU circuit as a Junior in high school......he is the same guy that was the best player on the court as a Freshman in Phog Allen amazing Kansas fans/supporters......it is just now that he is getting the credit.

I have always believed since Oscar grew up in the Congo, and was not really accustomed as much as others to the "tough love" from US fans/media, he responds best to positivity and encouragement......which is in line with basic human nature. He was a stud as a Freshman, but made some mistakes in the offseason preparing for his Sophomore season arriving out of shape and not ready to play......as the fans and media responded negatively, he did the same. Now that he is again dominating and getting praise, I think he will only continue to thrive. Do not try to get between the young man and a rebound!

I’m starting to believe this more and more.

That said, John Calipari is a more positive coach while Bob Huggins is, well, not so positive.

Huggins has caught a lot of flack even from some WVU fans for not getting the most out of Oscar especially when seeing what he’s doing in Lexington. I do wish the war of words between both of them would stop though. Huggins is coming off as the jilted lover and Oscar making the accusations about Huggins is taking away from a special season where he is loved so far in Lexington.

[cumberlandreds]

Kentucky rolls over Missouri 83-56. Oscar T with an off game with 13 points and only 20 rebounds. :) Actually he missed a bunch of easy shots or he would have had 20 or more points. Brooks was just one rebound off a double-double. Good start to conference play. Tubby's High Pointers are next at noon on New Years Eve. HP played Michigan State tough game yesterday. They lead at the half and the game was tied with just under 9 minutes to play. This game may be a little tougher than expected. We will see.

Next week UK gets into conference play full force. A date at LSU is first up and will be a tough game.

[WVRed]

Pretty emotional day at Rupp. Tubbys name retired to the rafters and then Kentucky blows Tubbys team out.

Kellan Grady with 7 3s. He and TyTy are coming into their own. Next up LSU in Baton Rogue.

Cal made noise in the post game press conference by saying Gonzaga would be the first team called if there is a cancellation followed by Michigan State. Doesn’t look like Louisville is getting made up.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Pretty emotional day at Rupp. Tubbys name retired to the rafters and then Kentucky blows Tubbys team out.

Kellan Grady with 7 3s. He and TyTy are coming into their own. Next up LSU in Baton Rogue.

Cal made noise in the post game press conference by saying Gonzaga would be the first team called if there is a cancellation followed by Michigan State. Doesn’t look like Louisville is getting made up.

We'll see how Grady and Washington play in big-time road environments. LSU has historically been a house of horrors for Kentucky.

I'm not shocked Louisville doesn't want to make up the game against UK. They're struggling with Covid and finding a recipe for winning.

[cumberlandreds]

UK wasn't very nice to their old coach. A resounding win. That shooting performance by Grady reminded me of when Tayshaun Prince went off on UNC about 20 years. I love watching great shooting like that especially when its a UK player.

We will see how much they have come along now as a trip to Baton Rouge is next. Always a tough place to play and LSU is usually a good team.

[Bourgeois Zee]

We will see how much they have come along now as a trip to Baton Rouge is next. Always a tough place to play and LSU is usually a good team.

What's interesting about UK is that they don't need everyone to be dominant in order to dominate an opponent.

They need two guys to be dominant, and everyone else to be adequate.

The key to Kentucky's recent surge is outside shooting. Grady and Washington have shot nearly 60% from three since the Notre Dame loss. That type of shooting warps entire defenses. Defenders shade to the shooter, allowing the middle to open for Wheeler drives, Brooks/ Toppin drives, and Tshiebwe's posts.

Typically, the more shooters Calipari has, the better his teams are. (This is one reason why I cannot for the life of me understand why he wouldn't recruit shooters. Surely, he knows this.) With two elite shooters, his teams are most often Final Four/ Elite Eight teams. Grady and Washington look like they're as good as anyone at Kentucky (as a pair) since perhaps Doron Lamb and Darius Miller. (And arguably, they're better than that.)

So how do teams beat this iteration of the Cats?

I'd triangle-and-two the living snot out of them. That'd mean Tshiebwe would have his way on the boards-- if they're missing shots, he might rack up 30 rebounds-- but it'd keep Washington and Grady from beating you. Calipari would respond, I suspect, with Brooks/ Toppin at the elbow and (if they're really struggling to find the rhythm offensively) Mintz replacing Wheeler.

More and more, I think Davion Mintz might be the key to this team making a real run at Calipari's second national championship. They need a third shooter. Wheeler isn't ever going to be that guy. Allen is too far into his own mind to get there (and too weak defensively to do much when he's ready). Brooks is a 15-footer guy at this point. Toppin is less so. Tshiebwe belongs under the basket. Frederick would have been the platonic ideal of that third shooter. (I do wonder if he could help by the end of the season...) Perhaps Sharpe, the nation's top recruit, might be that guy.

[cumberlandreds]

Wheelers injury &Washington's cramps along with bad foul shooting cost them tonight. Still had a shot to pull it out if not for a bad pass by Oscar T. Toppin looked great. Hopefully a coming out party for him.

[cumberlandreds]

Over the weekend UK rolled past Georgia in no surprise. UGA is terrible and Crean doesn't seem to be able to get it going down there. UK was without Wheeler but Washing stepping in and broke a UK record with 17 assists. The old record was by John Wall with 16. Also BTW Oscar T. had 29 points and 17 rebounds. Not bad.

A trip to Vandy is next tomorrow night at 7pm on ESPN. Even though Vandy usually isn't that good this always seems to be a real close game at that odd arena.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Calipari, post-game comments, should concern all of us.

His starting lineup, sans Wheeler: Tshiebwe at center, Toppin and Brooks as bookend power forwards, Grady and Washington at the guard spots. His first man off the bench on the wing? Nope, not Mintz. Not Allen. Another PF, in Hopkins.

Unsurprisingly, Kentucky struggled to score, while Georgia's wings found great success breaking down both Toppin and Brooks for open deep looks on the way to a nearly 50% accuracy from deep. By the end of the first half, Kentucky led by three. Against the same Georgia squad that was beaten by Carson Newman. In the second half, UK pulled away by, you guessed it, implementing a Mintz, Grady, Washington lineup with Brooks and Tshiebwe.

So Cal, in his post-game presser, says that he likes the way the big lineup looks. Though, he admitted, they didn't defend or shoot or pass or even rebound as well as the smaller lineup, he likes the way they look.

Hopefully, Wheeler will be back so that we don't see any more of that tall lineup.

Were I the coach, Wheeler would be my change-of-pace PG off the bench. I'd give the ball to Washington full time at this point in the season, with Mintz and Grady on his wings. I'd love to see Calipari embrace Allen as a PF shooter (a la Derek Willis), but that will never happen. A four-out offense around Tshiebwe would be lethal. Instead, the Cats trot out a front line that was last effective in the early 90s.

[cumberlandreds]

Don't worry about halftime scores. I have watched UK basketball for 50 years and it seems they always mess around with the poor teams in the 1st half and in the end blow them out. Also I think in the end Cal with go with Wheeler, Washington, Oscar T, Brooks and Grady as starters with Mintz, Toppin and Hopkins first off the bench. Collins will get some time when all of the bigs are foul trouble. As long as Allen is such a poor defender he will never play much. Especially this season since they do have some 3 point shooters. Cal just won't play you if you don't defend and if he has other options. He didn't last year so Allen got more time. This team will be fine. They have the talent and depth for a Final Four run. They just need to stay together, avoid injuries and get the right match ups in the NCAA's.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Don't worry about halftime scores.

It's not the halftime scores-- it's Cal's penchant for playing big non-shooters next to each other in a lineup.

Kentucky has struggled the past few seasons because they can't shoot.

Cal can't double down on big guys and expect to win. The way the game is played now won't allow that.

[cumberlandreds]

UK runs past Vandy 78-66. The first 35 minutes of the game was terrific. They totally dominated Vandy. If not for Pippen, Vandy would have had a hard time scoring anything. The last five minutes were abysmal. Vandy outscored them 16-0 as UK just quit trying it seemed. Hopefully they will learn from that and play games out to the finish no matter the score. Oscar T. had another big game 30 points and 13 rebounds. Brooks and Mintz also had good games. Wheeler is still out but Washington had been just terrific at pg. He seems to be getting better and better with each game.
Schedule really toughens up now. Tennessee comes to Rupp Saturday and then road games to Tex A&M and Auburn. The game Saturday is at 1 pm on ESPN.

[Tuff Nut]

Not that it matters, but wasn't it a 17-0 run by Candy to end the game?...Cats were up by 29, and won by 12. They sure couldn't buy a hoop the last 5 minutes

[cumberlandreds]

Not that it matters, but wasn't it a 17-0 run by Candy to end the game?...Cats were up by 29, and won by 12. They sure couldn't buy a hoop the last 5 minutes

It may have been. But it sure was an ugly 5 minutes. You could tell Cal was really agitated doing the post game interview on ESPN. Just make it more easy for him to get their attention in practice.

[UKFlounder]

Rest In Peace, Coach Joe B. Hall

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/33070946/joe-b-hall-won-national-titles-kentucky-player-coach-dies-93

17981

[Tuff Nut]

HO-LEE-........ WOW. One of the best ambassadors for UK, a beloved coach. RIP JoeB.

[dabvu2498]

I traded in my UK fandom when I went to a rival SEC school, but Joe B will always be the first coach I can remember looking up to. My dad still has an autographed picture of Joe B hanging right with the family photos. We will miss you, coach.

[Sea Ray]

Wow. A good long life. I can still remember vividly as we chanted "sit Joe B sit!" in a game Tennessee was winning in Knoxville vs the Twin Towers. Joe B called a timeout with about 5 secs left and we had a comfortable lead. We booed at first but then we realized that this just gave us more time to celebrate. It was a mid week game but we still partied into the night after that one

[Bourgeois Zee]

I met Joe Hall on several occasions.

Nice guy.

[WVRed]

Kentucky playing a game that would make Joe B proud right now.

Loudest I’ve heard Rupp in a LONG time. As of right now Kentucky is 32/41 from the field (79%)

[Sea Ray]

I guess Tennessee sucks in basketball this year. When does college baseball start???

[WVRed]

I guess Tennessee sucks in basketball this year. When does college baseball start???

They ran into a buzzsaw. I don’t think any team could have beat Kentucky this afternoon.

This team is capable of cutting down the nets. Just curious to see if they show up at even 3/4 of this the rest of the season.

[cumberlandreds]

A resounding win to say the least. Joe B would have been proud of that effort. Washington & Wheeler with big games as just about everyone had a good game. This team can score and they are fun to watch. If they play enough defense they will go a long way.

[cumberlandreds]

Joe B Hall was the coach during my formative years as a UK fan. I do remember Rupp in his last couple of seasons. Rupp missed a lot of games then and Joe B would be the acting HC in his absence. Hall always had the understanding he would take over after Rupp. I always have felt Hall succeeded a legend better than anyone in college basketball and maybe in sports. He kept the tradition going and IMO elevated it by committing to recruit blacks as well as hiring a black assistant in Leonard Hamilton. Just for that he should be highly commended. Hall was a native Kentuckian and he knew what basketball meant for most in that state. So he took being the coach almost personal. He always had tremendous pressure on him. Many still wanted Rupp as coach and would never give him a break because of his succession from Rupp. He had no more pressure than the 1978 season. Most felt if he didn't win it all that season he would be fired. He probably would have been. But he pushed that team the entire season and kept them focused and they did take home the title. There is a documentary about that season on the SEC Network called Win or Else. It is very good and gives you a sense of the pressure one everyone at that time. I will also say the gutsiest move by a coach in the history of sports was made Coach Hall in that 1978 tournament. They were down to Fla State by 7 at halftime of the first round game. They had played a very lackluster first half and Hall was livid. So he bench three starters, Given, Robey and Claytor. The first two were All Americans. His three subs did the job and got UK back to playing good. They quickly overcame the lead and Hall put his starters back in and it was all UK after that. If that hadn't have worked out there is no doubt Joe B would have been fired.

RIP Joe B Hall. Thank you for keeping the UK tradition alive not just for my generation but for many more generations to come.

[cumberlandreds]

UK guts out a tough win in College Station last night, 64=58. I haven't watched the game yet but from reading about it, it was a typical tough grind it out game. UK only shot 36% and only made 4 threes. Also had 17 turnovers but found a way to win. A team has to learn to win games like that if they expect a long run in March. Hopefully that's a good sign.

Next up is a date with number 2 Auburn on the plains of Alabama. Another tough road test against a very good team. The game is Saturday at 1 pm on CBS.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Former Alabama WR Javon Baker commits to Kentucky.

That's a massive get after Wan'Dale went pro.

He might be Robinson's equal in terms of athleticism.

That WR corps is seriously stacked-- with Baker and VA Tech WR (and 3rd Team All-ACC) Tayvion Robinson as starters plus a bunch of young talent to cycle through, I'm guessing the Cats will end up going to a more three receiver sets.

[Tuff Nut]

Former Alabama WR Javon Baker commits to Kentucky.

That's a massive get after Wan'Dale went pro.

He might be Robinson's equal in terms of athleticism.

That WR corps is seriously stacked-- with Baker and VA Tech WR (and 3rd Team All-ACC) Tayvion Robinson as starters plus a bunch of young talent to cycle through, I'm guessing the Cats will end up going to a more three receiver sets.

UH....Wrong Thread,maybe?

[Bourgeois Zee]

UH....Wrong Thread,maybe?

My bad... Football.

[WVRed]

UK guts out a tough win in College Station last night, 64=58. I haven't watched the game yet but from reading about it, it was a typical tough grind it out game. UK only shot 36% and only made 4 threes. Also had 17 turnovers but found a way to win. A team has to learn to win games like that if they expect a long run in March. Hopefully that's a good sign.

Next up is a date with number 2 Auburn on the plains of Alabama. Another tough road test against a very good team. The game is Saturday at 1 pm on CBS.

Why does it sound like every time Bruce Pearl talks about Kentucky it sounds like he’s angling to come here when Cal retires?

[WVRed]

First TyTy now Wheeler again.

If you can’t beat this team you might as well hurt them.

This would be the perfect time to bring out the top 5 NBA Draft pick that Cal is perfectly content letting ride the bench.

[goreds2]

With Auburn beating UK today, they (Auburn) should probably be ranked number 1. It will be the first time ever for them.

[cumberlandreds]

UK probably lost what chance they had to win when Washington went out. Still they had chances and didn't capitalize. Auburn may be the best team in the country. They look awfully good and will now probably win the SEC.

UK is back in action Wednesday against a good Miss State team at Rupp. Then a road trip to Kansas, Saturday. Oh boy......

[Bourgeois Zee]

UK probably lost what chance they had to win when Washington went out. Still they had chances and didn't capitalize. Auburn may be the best team in the country. They look awfully good and will now probably win the SEC.

UK is back in action Wednesday against a good Miss State team at Rupp. Then a road trip to Kansas, Saturday. Oh boy......

I'm unconcerned about true road games-- or home games for that matter.

I am concerned about health (but recognize there's little you can do about it). It's great that Kentucky was able to hang with the number one team in the country after having lost their best guard for 30 minutes and their best PG, ballhandler, and defensive menace for half the game. But ultimately, they didn't win.

With a friendlier whistle (10 foul shots to 29) and a healthier backcourt, the Cats win that game. That likely happens on a neutral court.

I will say I agree with Calipari on the danger of open-court picks. Not sure what can be done about it, though.

[WVRed]

I'm unconcerned about true road games-- or home games for that matter.

I am concerned about health (but recognize there's little you can do about it). It's great that Kentucky was able to hang with the number one team in the country after having lost their best guard for 30 minutes and their best PG, ballhandler, and defensive menace for half the game. But ultimately, they didn't win.

With a friendlier whistle (10 foul shots to 29) and a healthier backcourt, the Cats win that game. That likely happens on a neutral court.

I will say I agree with Calipari on the danger of open-court picks. Not sure what can be done about it, though.

If Oscar calls out screens, none of this happens.

He’s great and is a POY candidate for a reason but it’s a glaring flaw to his game.

It bears repeating Kentucky has a top 5 NBA draft talent that Cal is perfectly happy letting ride the bench and not play when TyTy or Wheeler went down. If Sharpe leaves at the end of the year using Kentucky’s resources and not even playing a minute this season Cal is going to get a lot of heat from fans and the media for it.

[Bourgeois Zee]

If Oscar calls out screens, none of this happens.

He called out this one, but got drowned out by the racous crowd.

Which is kind of my point. Something needs to be done to protect defenders in that situation.

[cumberlandreds]

I'm not sure Sharpe would be ready after only being at UK for a couple of weeks. But Cal had probably better play him soon because it looks highly unlikely he will be back next season.

[cumberlandreds]

UK nearly blows this game and needs OT to win. Washington was out with an ankle sprain so that didn't help. I haven't watched this game yet so I don't know what exactly happened other than they must have let up down the stretch and Miss State nearly pulled it out. They still need to learn to close out games or they won't last long in post season. On to Kansas this Saturday. They need Washington back to have any shot at the Phog. The game is part of the SEC/Big 12 series. It will be on ESPN at 6 pm and the ESPN Game Day bunch will be there.

[UKFlounder]

Toppin sat for much of the game with a leg injury and even Oscar went to the bench for a few minutes with a boo-boo.

At the end of the first half, Mintz had 3 fouls and Wheeler 2, leaving Grady to play PG. Grady’s 3-pt shooting was off until the OT and Mintz’ wad off all-game.

MSU had a guy having a career game. He kept them in it.

It was pretty ugly



UK nearly blows this game and needs OT to win. Washington was out with an ankle sprain so that didn't help. I haven't watched this game yet so I don't know what exactly happened other than they must have let up down the stretch and Miss State nearly pulled it out. They still need to learn to close out games or they won't last long in post season. On to Kansas this Saturday. They need Washington back to have any shot at the Phog. The game is part of the SEC/Big 12 series. It will be on ESPN at 6 pm and the ESPN Game Day bunch will be there.

[Bourgeois Zee]

UK is a .500 team without Ty Ty Washington.

That kid can play.

Tshiebwe went 20/20 last night.

[cumberlandreds]

They are better than a .500 team without Washington but probably no better than a NCAA bubble team. Hopefully he will be back soon. It sounded like his ankle injury wasn't all that bad.

[WVRed]

Good possibility Kentucky could be without Collins, Toppin, and Washington tomorrow against Kansas.

[cumberlandreds]

Good possibility Kentucky could be without Collins, Toppin, and Washington tomorrow against Kansas.

If Washington and Toppin don't play then it will be a brutal evening in Lawrence, Kansas.

[WVRed]

If Washington and Toppin don't play then it will be a brutal evening in Lawrence, Kansas.

According to KSR Washington is going to attempt to play.

Toppin and Collins are COVID related I think. Coach O was out too.

[goreds2]

UK up by 20 at halftime.

[WVRed]

UK up by 20 at halftime.

Keion Brooks with a career game.

[cumberlandreds]

Wow! What a performance! Total domination from start to finish. Brooks with a career game with 27 points. Oscar T. was great too. Another doble-double for him. You really couldn't as for much more out of this game. Play like this and we got a Final Four team. This win should help them immensely in the seeds comes NCAA tourney time. With a really strong finish to the regular season a one or two seed isn't out of the question.

I thought Jay Bilas had a good comparison of Oscar T with Moses Malone. Malone was most relentless rebounder I have ever seen. There were games it seemed like he got every board. Oscar is in that class. Only time will tell if he is truly that good.

[UKFlounder]

It certainly was brutal :D


If Washington and Toppin don't play then it will be a brutal evening in Lawrence, Kansas.

[cumberlandreds]

It certainly was brutal :D

They played so it was brutal for Kansas.😀

[Bourgeois Zee]

They played so it was brutal for Kansas.😀

The key for Kentucky seems to be health.

With a healthy Wheeler, they win at LSU.

With a healthy Washington, they win at Auburn (convincingly).

Still some issues, IMO, with shooting, but they've got nice tools.

[WVRed]

The key for Kentucky seems to be health.

With a healthy Wheeler, they win at LSU.

With a healthy Washington, they win at Auburn (convincingly).

Still some issues, IMO, with shooting, but they've got nice tools.

TyTy wasn’t even a factor last night and it was a blowout.

I want to buy into this team but there is so much inconsistency. As great as they looked last night they could very well go to Tuscaloosa next Saturday and lose.

[goreds2]

TyTy wasn’t even a factor last night and it was a blowout.

I want to buy into this team but there is so much inconsistency. As great as they looked last night they could very well go to Tuscaloosa next Saturday and lose.


I loved Cal’s comments at halftime. He said, we play better on the road and I am not sure why. Then he says, maybe it's the coaching.
He has to be the best halftime coach interview there is.

[UKFlounder]

His shooting was not good, but the rest of his game was fine - 5 assists, only 1 turnover, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and he’s a good defender.



TyTy wasn’t even a factor last night and it was a blowout.

I want to buy into this team but there is so much inconsistency. As great as they looked last night they could very well go to Tuscaloosa next Saturday and lose.

[Bourgeois Zee]

His shooting was not good, but the rest of his game was fine - 5 assists, only 1 turnover, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and he’s a good defender.

Right.

He's a ball handler and a legitimate distributor and much better defender than the other alternatives (Mintz and Allen).

The eight Calipari has settled on-- Washington, Wheeler, Grady, Brooks, and Tshiebwe starting, plus Ware, Toppin, and Mintz as backups-- are interchangeable and have enough talents to create mismatches just about everywhere-- if they're healthy.

There's just enough shooting to keep teams honest.

[WVRed]

UK jumped up to 5 in the AP poll.

[goreds2]

Sorry a little off topic. Mrs. goreds2 is a Kentucky fan and I am Ohio State. We recently picked up these metal signs with the stands at an indoor flea market. They wanted $50 for both and we got them for $40.

18025

[cumberlandreds]

UK wins an ugly, ugly game last night against Vandy. I believe I read 58 fouls were called, both coaches received technicals and there four reviews. Needless to say the officials dominated this game. I know it was a long, boring game to watch. Mintz and Brooks had good games. Mintz with a career high 21 points and Brooks getting 20. But everyone looked off for good reason when you aren't allowed to get into a flow. But it was win and now move on to Alabama Saturday evening. This will be tough one as they usually are in Bama. I'm sure it will be another white or red out or something like that. But UK has done well lately on the road. The game is Saturday night at 8 pm on ESPN.

[goreds2]

UK wins an ugly, ugly game last night against Vandy. I believe I read 58 fouls were called, both coaches received technicals and there four reviews. Needless to say the officials dominated this game. I know it was a long, boring game to watch. Mintz and Brooks had good games. Mintz with a career high 21 points and Brooks getting 20. But everyone looked off for good reason when you aren't allowed to get into a flow. But it was win and now move on to Alabama Saturday evening. This will be tough one as they usually are in Bama. I'm sure it will be another white or red out or something like that. But UK has done well lately on the road. The game is Saturday night at 8 pm on ESPN.Better to win ugly than lose pretty.

[UKFlounder]

The county Tuscaloosa is in just legalized alcohol sales in Coleman Coliseum, right as Kentucky was coming to town, so it might be “blackout” of sorts



UK wins an ugly, ugly game last night against Vandy. I believe I read 58 fouls were called, both coaches received technicals and there four reviews. Needless to say the officials dominated this game. I know it was a long, boring game to watch. Mintz and Brooks had good games. Mintz with a career high 21 points and Brooks getting 20. But everyone looked off for good reason when you aren't allowed to get into a flow. But it was win and now move on to Alabama Saturday evening. This will be tough one as they usually are in Bama. I'm sure it will be another white or red out or something like that. But UK has done well lately on the road. The game is Saturday night at 8 pm on ESPN.

[goreds2]

Nice road win by UK last night. Next game is FEB 8 (TUE) 7 P.M. est. ESPN.

[cumberlandreds]

UK with a good road win last night. Held Bama to 28% from the field and a season low points of 55. Collins came of the bench and had a really good game. Oscar T struggled some but still had 15 rebounds and TyTy had another good game. Next up is a date with South Carolina on Tuesday night at 7pm on ESPN. The Gamecocks were hammered at home yesterday by the Voles of Tennessee.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Oscar T struggled some but still had 15 rebounds and TyTy had another good game.

The SEC is doing the same thing it did with Shaq, DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Charles Barkley, Corliss Williamson, and other big men as it is with Tshiebwe. Opposing teams can hack, push, and slap at him with impunity. And, if an opposing player is blocked him out, it's a sure over-the-back call even if the ball caroms to him. In the ACC, they tend to protect their bigger stars a bit. Ditto the other Power 5 conferences.

The powers-that-be assume that turning a blind eye to these fouls and allowing aggressive play on their stars will result in closer games and more upsets. While that may be right, it hampers the style of play so severely that you either get rock fights like this game or 60 fouls called similar to the Vandy game last week. Too, SEC squads don't end up with great conference records, which costs them seeding and teams in the tournament. On top of that, SEC teams must re-learn what a foul might be in the tournament versus what's a foul in conference.

(The Big 10 went through this about a decade ago. They've larely come out the other side with a much more exciting brand of basketball-- and stronger resumes and higher seeds for their best teams.) It's a wrong-headed decision by SEC officials if they're thinking nationally rather than locally. Worse, it's been wrong for years, and they don't seem to understand that they should change it.

[cumberlandreds]

Cal isn't going to play Sharpe this season. I sort of doubt we will ever see him in a game at UK.

[WVRed]

Cal isn't going to play Sharpe this season. I sort of doubt we will ever see him in a game at UK.

I’m kinda conflicted with this.

The team is playing great right now. Why bring Sharpe in and ruin the chemistry and take minutes away from someone who is going to contribute more than scoring.

That said, if he does leave, it’s like Quinn Ewers at Ohio State. Sharpe is getting major bank in NIL money in Lexington, use of UKs practice facilities, and there is a very distinct possibility he will never suit up and give anything back to the university.

If that happens and with the dancing Cal has done on this very issue UK fans are going to be pissed me rightfully so. The question is are you mad at Cal or Sharpe when that time comes?

[Bourgeois Zee]

I’m kinda conflicted with this.

The team is playing great right now. Why bring Sharpe in and ruin the chemistry and take minutes away from someone who is going to contribute more than scoring.

That said, if he does leave, it’s like Quinn Ewers at Ohio State. Sharpe is getting major bank in NIL money in Lexington, use of UKs practice facilities, and there is a very distinct possibility he will never suit up and give anything back to the university.

If that happens and with the dancing Cal has done on this very issue UK fans are going to be pissed me rightfully so. The question is are you mad at Cal or Sharpe when that time comes?

Would we be angry at a freshman engineering student who creates a widget, then bolts before his second semester?

How about a kid who invents (and sells) a social media platform?

Or perhaps a theater kid who gets a huge break to star in a movie?

Of course we wouldn't be angry. Even if they used school resources and personnel to make it happen.

Sharpe has a chance to be a special talent and a top five pick. It'd be silly of him to stick around with millions on the table.

[cumberlandreds]

Probably more mad at Cal. I know there is always a chance of messing up chemistry but this guy isn't going to be here long. Might as well try to work him in at times. Its not like he is going to burn a red shirt year. Sharpe's using the system to his advantage. The system has flaws but you can't blame him for that.

[UKFlounder]

I’ve read speculation that Cal wanted to play him, but his family wanted him to sit out, either to mature a bit more or to avoid hurting his draft status by -kstingg half-a-season. I’m not sure anybody in the public knows for sure

[WVRed]

I’ve read speculation that Cal wanted to play him, but his family wanted him to sit out, either to mature a bit more or to avoid hurting his draft status by -kstingg half-a-season. I’m not sure anybody in the public knows for sure

I find this hard to believe because I can’t imagine a family dictating to Cal how not to use their kid.

In this situation, Cal pulls his scholarship and while I’m sure there’s a media debate for 3-4 days it ultimately kills Sharpes draft stock.

The chemistry on this team is good right now and Kentucky is playing for a 1 seed. Why mess it up?

[UKFlounder]

When Sharpe enrolled they said the plan was for him not to play this year but to train, practice and then play next year. This decision is consistent with what was said at that time, though next year is uncertain.

Cal wont pull the scholarship because this was the desk all along and if he did thst, future recruits would notice. He preaches players first and needs to make sure he practices what he preaches. Even when players transfer out or leave early when they shouldn’t he always publicly supports their choices



I find this hard to believe because I can’t imagine a family dictating to Cal how not to use their kid.

In this situation, Cal pulls his scholarship and while I’m sure there’s a media debate for 3-4 days it ultimately kills Sharpes draft stock.

The chemistry on this team is good right now and Kentucky is playing for a 1 seed. Why mess it up?

[WVRed]

When Sharpe enrolled they said the plan was for him not to play this year but to train, practice and then play next year. This decision is consistent with what was said at that time, though next year is uncertain.

Cal wont pull the scholarship because this was the desk all along and if he did thst, future recruits would notice. He preaches players first and needs to make sure he practices what he preaches. Even when players transfer out or leave early when they shouldn’t he always publicly supports their choices

That was the plan until it was announced he was indeed eligible for the draft. Kinda similar to Hamidou Diallo but he ended up staying at Kentucky for a year.

I said Cal pulling a scholarship if the parents overstepped. I don’t think that’s the case though.

[UKFlounder]

Good point



That was the plan until it was announced he was indeed eligible for the draft. Kinda similar to Hamidou Diallo but he ended up staying at Kentucky for a year.

I said Cal pulling a scholarship if the parents overstepped. I don’t think that’s the case though.

[goreds2]

Game is now on ESPN. About 10 minutes remaining. Looking good right now on the road.

[cumberlandreds]

UK gets another road win in Columbia, South Carolina last night 86=76. It seemed everyone contributed last night. Brooks with another big game, Oscar T had a ho hum double double after sitting out most of the first half with foul trouble. With Auburn losing last night UK climbs to within one game of the SEC lead. Also saw that Lunardi has moved UK to a one seed in his NCAA projections. One thing that has cropped up is that UK has been outrebounded the last three games. Last night USC dominated the offensive boards and that kept them in the game. They have got wake up on the boards or that will surely get them beat in March. Finally get back home this Saturday against Florida. Game time is 4 pm and will be on ESPN.

https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/ksrs-top-takeaways-from-kentuckys-86-76-road-win-at-south-carolina/

[Bourgeois Zee]

With Brooks taking a leap, this team is tough to beat. Five guys on the floor who can get you 25+ and dominate the game in other ways.

Toppin, Ware, and Mintz as a bench is solid as well.

That's seven guys who could well be starters nearly anywhere else in the country and a big who can get you a triple double (if you include fouls) in 36 minutes.

[cumberlandreds]

Yes the bench is proving to be really good. Lately someone different has been a big contributor. Last night Toppin was off to a great start before injuring his ankle. That doesn't appear to be too serious, BTW. In recent games Mintz and even Damon Collins had big performances. Ware has been pretty steady too giving a few good minutes backing up Oscar T. All of that bodes well for a deep run in March.

[goreds2]

UK gets another road win in Columbia, South Carolina last night 86=76. It seemed everyone contributed last night. Brooks with another big game, Oscar T had a ho hum double double after sitting out most of the first half with foul trouble. With Auburn losing last night UK climbs to within one game of the SEC lead. Also saw that Lunardi has moved UK to a one seed in his NCAA projections. One thing that has cropped up is that UK has been outrebounded the last three games. Last night USC dominated the offensive boards and that kept them in the game. They have got wake up on the boards or that will surely get them beat in March. Finally get back home this Saturday against Florida. Game time is 2 pm and will be on ESPN.

https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/ksrs-top-takeaways-from-kentuckys-86-76-road-win-at-south-carolina/

Yes, it was a nice win. Looks like the game is on 4pm est. on ESPN. ( not 2pm :) )

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/schedule/_/id/96/kentucky-wildcats

[cumberlandreds]

Yes, it was a nice win. Looks like the game is on 4pm est. on ESPN. ( not 2pm :) )

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/schedule/_/id/96/kentucky-wildcats

Yep that's right. I knew that. I have no idea why I put 2 pm. :confused: Thanks for catching that.

[WVRed]

In terms of experience and depth, this is the best Kentucky team since the 95-96 team and Cals best team since the 2014-2015 Wisconsin team.

[cumberlandreds]

In terms of experience and depth, this is the best Kentucky team since the 95-96 team and Cals best team since the 2014-2015 Wisconsin team.

I was thinking last night that this team gets out and runs very similar to the 96 through 98 teams. That has a lot to do with experience.

[goreds2]

Nice win by UK today. Still early but looking to get that number 1 seed in the Big Dance.

[cumberlandreds]

Big win over Florida 78-57. Oscar T with 27 points and 19 rebounds. Not bad. Good three point shooting and just good overall game by everyone. I thought Ware gave them a lot of good minutes. Washington injured his lower leg in 2nd half but from early reports it doesn't sound serious. On to Knox Vegas Tuesday night. This will be a far different game than the one in Lexington. I'm sure they will have an Orange out or something like that with everyone whipped into a frenzy. The game is Tuesday night at 9 pm on ESPN.

[WVRed]

Big win over Florida 78-57. Oscar T with 27 points and 19 rebounds. Not bad. Good three point shooting and just good overall game by everyone. I thought Ware gave them a lot of good minutes. Washington injured his lower leg in 2nd half but from early reports it doesn't sound serious. On to Knox Vegas Tuesday night. This will be a far different game than the one in Lexington. I'm sure they will have an Orange out or something like that with everyone whipped into a frenzy. The game is Tuesday night at 9 pm on ESPN.

I’m almost betting on an upset Tuesday night depending on if TyTy is there or not.

[cumberlandreds]

I’m almost betting on an upset Tuesday night depending on if TyTy is there or not.

I wouldn't doubt it. Knoxville has always been a house of horrors for UK no matter if it has been Stokely or Thompson-Boling. If Washington doesn't play then its more of a certainty.

[Bourgeois Zee]

I’m almost betting on an upset Tuesday night depending on if TyTy is there or not.

I don't think it'd be an upset if Kentucky's playing without a full squad.

Both Washington and Toppin are quality players-- according to KenPom, UT should win that game anyway.

[cumberlandreds]

UK moves up to number 4 in this weeks AP rankings. Lets hope they can hold that with a tough week ahead.

[OldFashionedRed]

This whole Calipari / Sharpe saga.... Calipari is obsessed with the number of lottery picks he can get into the NBA. He knew all along the kid wasn't going to play. He says the plan was for Sharpe to not play this year, but he's just trying to disguise the fact that he has NEVER let a lottery pick come back another season, not at UK anyway. The kid never intended on playing here. Calipari waited until he received word that Sharpe was eligible for the 2022 NBA draft, and it leaking out that he was eligible, before admitting it. The kid only warms up with the team to try and downplay the fact that he's using the University of Kentucky for name recognition. Calipari desperately does not want to end the season on a bad note and deal with the flak for sitting an NBA lottery pick on the bench who would have made a difference. Remember when Calipari said he would never be held hostage again by his bench? Remember when he said the biggest moment in UK hoops was NBA draft night?

[OldFashionedRed]

Probably more mad at Cal. I know there is always a chance of messing up chemistry but this guy isn't going to be here long. Might as well try to work him in at times. Its not like he is going to burn a red shirt year. Sharpe's using the system to his advantage. The system has flaws but you can't blame him for that.

He's definitely using the system, just like Diallo tried to.

[OldFashionedRed]

UK has finally been scouted effectively.

- run Wheeler into hard screens
- sag off Wheeler in mid-court
- Grady will jog down the court and run to a corner where he holds his hand up in the air begging for the ball
- Oscar won't attempt to block a dunk, and can't rebound if you doube-team him with two bigs
- Brooks can't shoot and will step a foot inside the three point line before jacking one up.

Calipari is simply unable to teach a half-court offense. That was very much highlighted tonight. The team is full of yet more players that would excel on blacktop in one-on-one. And he won't put in the one player who is going to be drafted in June.

[cumberlandreds]

I haven't watched the game and probably won't but I'm not surprised by the outcome. Tennessee goes all out every year for this game in Knoxville and if UK isn't up to the challenge then this is what happens. This probably kills any chance of winning the SEC and maybe a high seed in the NCAA's. Oh well onto to the next game which is Alabama at Rupp. The game is Saturday at 1 PM on CBS.

[Sea Ray]

They ran into a buzzsaw. I don’t think any team could have beat Kentucky this afternoon.

This team is capable of cutting down the nets. Just curious to see if they show up at even 3/4 of this the rest of the season.

Glad to see Tennessee doesn't suck as bad as it looked a month ago. I didn't see an 8-0 SEC run from this team. Barnes' teams usually peak early

[Bourgeois Zee]

UK has finally been scouted effectively.

- run Wheeler into hard screens
- sag off Wheeler in mid-court
- Grady will jog down the court and run to a corner where he holds his hand up in the air begging for the ball
- Oscar won't attempt to block a dunk, and can't rebound if you doube-team him with two bigs
- Brooks can't shoot and will step a foot inside the three point line before jacking one up.


Some of this is true.

Lots of it is not.

Kentucky had a bad game. It happens.

[cumberlandreds]

^ You are right, no need to burn the house down. Especially with UK's history in Knoxville. They will bounce back and make good run in the NCAA's.

[WVRed]

Some of this is true.

Lots of it is not.

Kentucky had a bad game. It happens.

The one thing that’s not true is Oscar being double teamed. He struggles with length and the Alabama big and Kessler are the only two who have given him problems.

I wasn’t expecting them to win. Tennessee was favored and playing well. Only other game that concerns me the rest of the way is in Fayetteville against the Hogs. If they win out they should be no worse than a 2 seed.

[Bourgeois Zee]

The one thing that’s not true is Oscar being double teamed.

More than that.

Grady doesn't jog down the court-- he sprints. Kentucky's speed is a weapon. Grady is among the best in the country at putting pressure on a team by sprinting to his spot ready to shoot. Sometimes, they don't go down. Shrug. It happens.

And Brooks is a great mid-range shooter. He's hitting more than 50% of his two-point shots, with nearly half of them from 10 - 18 feet. That's elite-level mid-range shooting. He isn't a three-point shooter, unfortunately. (Would he have added that to his arsenal, he'd be an All-American. Alas, he has not.)

I will agree that the SEC has figured out that ball-screens 50 feet from the hoop are effective against Wheeler. But Notre Dame figured out sagging off Wheeler was the plan-- then it didn't work (at all) when Wheeler attacked the hoop anyway. Kentucky became a premium (as in top-five) offensive team in the country after Notre Dame-- and the rest of UK's opposing teams-- figured that out, so I'd argue that's not been a great strategy, all told.

Kentucky's offensive issues are exacerbated when TyTy Washington doesn't play well. He did not play well against Tennessee. They get worse when Davion Mintz does play well. Mintz also struggled. They are doubly worse when Grady isn't hitting his shots either. That was the result against Tennessee as well. If your three best shooters combine to shoot 7 - 23 overall, you're not going to win too many games.

[cumberlandreds]

Tubby Smith has stepped down as HC at High Point. He had contracted COVID for the 2nd time and has decided to retire. His son, GG has taken over. Congrats to Tubby on a fine career. The pinnacle was his national championship at UK in 1998.


https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/tubby-smith-steps-down-at-high-point-eyes-retirement-kentucky-basketball/

[UKFlounder]

Beating Alabama at home may not sound impressive, but with the starting backcourt out and the Tide’s hot start, that was a really, really good dwin

[cumberlandreds]

Yes a very good win without the starting back court. Cal is saying Wheeler and Washington may be out another week. I hope not but you got to get them well for the post season. Big games today from Grady and Oscar T. Cal mainly played the starters the whole game with just a few minutes from the bench. Next game is Wednesday at home against LSU.

[goreds2]

Karl-Anthony Towns Wins 2022 NBA 3-Point Contest.

[goreds2]

TyTy Washington and Sahvir Wheeler miss practice on Monday

Both guards are uncertain to play this week.


On Wednesday, Kentucky will host LSU in hopes of getting revenge on the Tigers after their narrow win in Baton Rouge, a game that saw Wheeler and Washington miss parts of the game due to injury. Then on Saturday, the Cats face one of their toughest tests of the season when they take on the No. 18 Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. That’s the game the Wildcats really need both of Washington and Wheeler back to feel good about their chances of winning in that environment.

Unfortunately, Washington and Wheeler were both unable to practice Monday, according to head coach John Calipari.

https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/2/21/22944958/tyty-washington-sahvir-wheeler-injury-news-uk-basketball-lsu-tigers-arkansas

[cumberlandreds]

No starting guards, no problem for UK as they win their 2nd straight game without Washington and Wheeler. I haven't watched the game yet but it seems like another big game from Oscar T and Hopkins gave them a big lift off the bench. With others stepping up this has to help them come tourney time. They will need those two back for Arkansas and hopefully they will be. Going to be tough game down in Fayetteville regardless. They play Saturday at 2 pm on CBS.

[UKFlounder]

Ugly first half, horrible final couple of minutes if the game, but enough good in the 2nd half to get the win. Nice heart, poise (mostly) and grit.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Ugly first half, horrible final couple of minutes if the game, but enough good in the 2nd half to get the win. Nice heart, poise (mostly) and grit.

They need Wheeler and Washington.

They will not win against Arkansas if both are still out.

That doesn't seem to matter to Calipari right now, though.

[WVRed]

They need Wheeler and Washington.

They will not win against Arkansas if both are still out.

That doesn't seem to matter to Calipari right now, though.

Both played and they still lost.

I have no idea what to think even though it was at Arkansas. This team can beat anybody and lose to anybody at the same time.

[UKFlounder]

Lack of talent in the backcourt. Likely to lose next week st Florida then in SEC tourney, get a 3 maybe 4 seed and out on 1st weekend of the tourney.

Yuck

[Sea Ray]

Take it from a Vols fan, Arkansas is awfully tough to beat at Fayetteville

[WVRed]

Lack of talent in the backcourt. Likely to lose next week st Florida then in SEC tourney, get a 3 maybe 4 seed and out on 1st weekend of the tourney.

Yuck

The talent is there when it’s healthy. Washington and Wheeler were back but incredibly rusty.

[cumberlandreds]

I was out doing other things yesterday and haven't watched this game yet and may not. The one thing that stood out reading about it was that Grady only got three shots. That's really unacceptable. Your best shooter has to get more than three shots. That's on Cal. He has run some set plays or something to get him the ball in a position shoot. Also UK made only four three's. It's very difficult to win making only 4 of those. IMO you have to make 6 or more in a game to give yourself a good chance at winning. Getting Grady more shots would have done that.
Anyway it was going to be tough to win in Fayetteville. It always is. Back in the 90's when Arkansas and UK both had it really going, UK usually lost to Arkansas during the regular season and then beat them in the SEC tournament. I hope that will be the same this year.
This week UK wraps u p the home schedule against Ole Miss and then goes on the road to Florida to finish the regular season. Can't believe another season is almost history.

[cumberlandreds]

Kentucky wins against Ole Miss last night in sort of an uneven performance. Offense was there but the defense wasn't. That allowed Ole Miss to hang around the entire game. Do that in the tournament and you will go home. This team just doesn't have a killer instinct. They almost always let down at end of games. That will get you sent home early. On the good side UK goes undefeated at home and for the 6th time under Cal. The final regular season game is at Florida on Saturday at 2 pm on CBS.

[goreds2]

Could just be me but any reason why Rupp Arena fans are a little quieter than the rest of the SEC arenas? I have never been there for a game. Only been there for step daughters UK graduation.

[bm1475]

I'm not really a basketball fan, but I imagine it's because the crowd has seen so much winning, it's a little difficult to really "wow" them. Patriots crowds got to be like that, as well.

[UKFlounder]

The crowds are loud for big moments and big games, such as the Alabama and LSU games when Kentucky fell behind early and wad struggling but the more “ordinary” games don’t excite people much and current scheduling does not bring many big games to Rupp. This year, for instance, the one big out of conference home game was to be Louisville but it was cancelled due to COVID. In SEC play, the conference scheduled Kentucky at both Auburn and Arkansas, but neither one came to Lexington. Teams like Ole Miss, Vandy and the tune-up pre-conference games don’t excite people.

[Sea Ray]

Kentucky just has to get healthy and then they can beat anyone

[cumberlandreds]

The crowds are loud for big moments and big games, such as the Alabama and LSU games when Kentucky fell behind early and wad struggling but the more “ordinary” games don’t excite people much and current scheduling does not bring many big games to Rupp. This year, for instance, the one big out of conference home game was to be Louisville but it was cancelled due to COVID. In SEC play, the conference scheduled Kentucky at both Auburn and Arkansas, but neither one came to Lexington. Teams like Ole Miss, Vandy and the tune-up pre-conference games don’t excite people.

I'll also add the big money donors sit down in the lower arena and are there just to be seen. They do allow some students behind one of the goals but for most part its the wine and cheese crowd and they don't like to be bothered with cheering.

[WVRed]

Could just be me but any reason why Rupp Arena fans are a little quieter than the rest of the SEC arenas? I have never been there for a game. Only been there for step daughters UK graduation.

Because the blue hairs (no pun intended) sit in the stands as opposed to a luxury suite.

Rupp is literally the arena where fans can start cheering and an older person tells them to be quiet.

I’ve always said the real UK fans are the ones who spend a weeks vacation in Nashville during the SEC Tournament or March Madness.

[WVRed]

Oscar with another POY performance as Kentucky cruises against Florida.

With Tennessee beating Arkansas Kentucky has the 3 seed in the SEC Tournament next week in Tampa.

Will know the matchups later tonight.

[cumberlandreds]

Oscar with another POY performance as Kentucky cruises against Florida.

With Tennessee beating Arkansas Kentucky has the 3 seed in the SEC Tournament next week in Tampa.

Will know the matchups later tonight.

Oscar has probably had the best single season I have seen a UK player have. Wow! 25 double doubles is remarkable. Dan Issel has UK's record at 26. I would say that will be broken.

Really bad time for UK to have for the SEC tourney. The late game on Friday is tough because you have a quick turn around on Saturday. IMO that's the worst draw you can get. We will see how tough these guys are now.

[UKFlounder]

The women’s team just had an incredible comeback upset over #1 South Carolina to win the SEC tournament for the first time since 1982.

Incredible win.

[WVRed]

The women’s team just had an incredible comeback upset over #1 South Carolina to win the SEC tournament for the first time since 1982.

Incredible win.

Not to mention knocking off Tennessee and LSU along the way. Unbelievable.

Skyy Clark decommitted today. With Wheeler likely coming back and Cason Wallace coming in probably a smart decision.

[Sea Ray]

Not looking forward to playing you guys on Saturday. I think you're the favorite to win the SEC Tournament if you're healthy by then which you should be

[cumberlandreds]

Here's the SEC tournament bracket. Kentucky plays the late game Friday against either Vandy, UGA or Alabama. All of the tournament games are on the SEC Network or ESPN. Going to be tough because of being in the late game bracket. Quick turnaround on games if they win. We will see how tough they are now.

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2022-03-05/2022-sec-tournament-bracket-schedule-game-times-mens-basketball

[cumberlandreds]

The women’s team just had an incredible comeback upset over #1 South Carolina to win the SEC tournament for the first time since 1982.

Incredible win.

I saw the ending of the game. I usually never watch a women's game but got drawn to this because I knew UK was having a good run in the tourney. In the time I watched I don't think South Carolina scored. Great win for the Lady Cats and hopefully some of that will rub off on the men's team.

[OldFashionedRed]

Skyy Clarke just de-committed for UK. He's a pretty good player.

[Sea Ray]

Here's the SEC tournament bracket. Kentucky plays the late game Friday against either Vandy, UGA or Alabama. All of the tournament games are on the SEC Network or ESPN. Going to be tough because of being in the late game bracket. Quick turnaround on games if they win. We will see how tough they are now.

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2022-03-05/2022-sec-tournament-bracket-schedule-game-times-mens-basketball

A best those game times are estimates and bad ones at that. Does anyone really think game 2 will tip off 2 hrs after game one? No way

[Bourgeois Zee]

Skyy Clarke just de-committed for UK. He's a pretty good player.

I suspect he saw the lack of playing time on the wall and wants to be a one-year guy.

IMO, that means Wheeler's a lock to come back, Cason Wallace will play some combo guard. CJ Fredrick, hurt all season, will plug into Kellan Grady's spot on the wing as a shooter and veteran. Chris Livingston will play a wing as well, along with Brooks and Toppin. (Though Toppin may end up playing center in a five-out formation.)

Calipari will ilkely go the transfer route again, looking for a big and perhaps another PG.

[cumberlandreds]

A best those game times are estimates and bad ones at that. Does anyone really think game 2 will tip off 2 hrs after game one? No way

Oh yea at best the game will be 8:30 but more like 9 pm. Then going back to play at about 4:40 the next day is tough. Not to mention a 1 pm start on Sunday if you make that far. I wonder how many team have won the tournament playing that late game on Friday? My bet would be very few.