This seems odd to me. who "roasted" you for saying NR was working his way into the first round? We've been saying that since the Michigan State game when he showed out.
Nick Richards, Who Predicted This?
- Thread starter revcort
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Great points, especially the one about his hands. He had stone hands his first two years, but he rarely fumbles balls away now.
But when he snatched that bounce pass from Maxey and stuck it, I came out of my chair. No way that just happened. It did. That is hard to do, especially for a 7 footer. He was running full tilt and while the pass was on point, it was still a very impressive play by Nick.
It's a shame EJ isn't there yet, we would have a dominant front court to match our top notch back court, but EJ is a year away.
I think some of us have been hoping but if anyone says they saw it coming... I have read a ton of posts saying, Nick is what he is.I may have missed it but I have not read 1 post saying EJ's time is coming. Again I am hoping he is our Nick next season
I've been saying EJ's time is coming all season. It just won't be this year. If he sticks it out and comes back for his Junior year, he'll be a first round pick, but I don't think he gets there this year.
It won't be because Cal didn’t give him enough court time, that's for damn sure. Cal starts him and Cal puts him in when we need a tough lineup on the floor, even though he is the farthest from "tough" we have on the team.
He needs to man up and not be afraid of contact.
Next year is EJ's year and I'm fine with it. I love seeing Juniors and seniors on UK's roster, it builds a stable roster that helps the young guys navigate through tough road and tournament games.
Always been supportive of Nick and was hoping we would see something big from him this year when he announced he was coming back. But, have to admit that I was dubious when I heard the early reports that he wasn't looking any different from last year and still making the same mistakes as before. Then he got it going as the season got under way and now looks like the beast we all hoped he would become. And, I think this is just the beginning, he should be unstoppable in the post come March. Should go high in the first round and maybe even lottery. Good example for future bigs of what can happen if you come to Kentucky.
What's weird is people were saying in August that he looked like the exact same player as last year and that EJ had made a leap.
Nick may not have really made a leap, so much as he's just now finishing all the simple plays he just couldn't seem to get his first two seasons. I agree that it's confidence, but it's also clear that he's got a soft shooting touch, and you can he's been working on that face up game behind the scenes. He's clearly put a lot of effort into his conditioning as well. It's very pleasing as a fan to see these guys progress as upperclassmen. I hope EJ comes back and puts it together like Nick has before jumping.
Nick may not have really made a leap, so much as he's just now finishing all the simple plays he just couldn't seem to get his first two seasons. I agree that it's confidence, but it's also clear that he's got a soft shooting touch, and you can he's been working on that face up game behind the scenes. He's clearly put a lot of effort into his conditioning as well. It's very pleasing as a fan to see these guys progress as upperclassmen. I hope EJ comes back and puts it together like Nick has before jumping.
My hand isn’t raised. I was hoping he could turn into “not a liability.” Maybe 22 mpg 6.5 pts 6.5 rebounds.
My favorite part is now in consecutive seasons we’ve had guys overwhelmingly show the benefits of returning and not rushing out the door.
My favorite part is now in consecutive seasons we’ve had guys overwhelmingly show the benefits of returning and not rushing out the door.
The comments about EJ's year is next year...
1. I sure do hope EJ comes back to UK....he just isn't even close to a viable pro player which is fine with me.
2. But here is my disagreement with EJ is where Nick was last year....man I'm not seeing that.
- Nick even at his worst times last year...was always a very solid shot blocker. At times a physical guy would knock Nick around and negate some of his shot blocking but guards that tried to wander in the lane...Nick was very good at throwing shots off. EJ just isn't as long and as quick/explosive talent wise as Nick has been in this regard.
- Nick has always had good touch. He has been a solid FT shooter and had a nice baby hook at times last year. EJ is shooting below 50% FT and wasn't very good last year. EJ just has never hit a high percentage of face up jumpers and his 3pt stroke has not been good for 2 years now.
Nick has just added a much better motor and his hands have way improved along with probable muscle and strength which is what we see. I know EJ will improve iwth more time at UK but I'm not sure I see a pick/pop stretch 4, a plus shot blocker on defense or a dump it to him on the blocks and let him score it. I see more of an energy PF, plus rebounder, garbage man which is a handy player to have.
1. I sure do hope EJ comes back to UK....he just isn't even close to a viable pro player which is fine with me.
2. But here is my disagreement with EJ is where Nick was last year....man I'm not seeing that.
- Nick even at his worst times last year...was always a very solid shot blocker. At times a physical guy would knock Nick around and negate some of his shot blocking but guards that tried to wander in the lane...Nick was very good at throwing shots off. EJ just isn't as long and as quick/explosive talent wise as Nick has been in this regard.
- Nick has always had good touch. He has been a solid FT shooter and had a nice baby hook at times last year. EJ is shooting below 50% FT and wasn't very good last year. EJ just has never hit a high percentage of face up jumpers and his 3pt stroke has not been good for 2 years now.
Nick has just added a much better motor and his hands have way improved along with probable muscle and strength which is what we see. I know EJ will improve iwth more time at UK but I'm not sure I see a pick/pop stretch 4, a plus shot blocker on defense or a dump it to him on the blocks and let him score it. I see more of an energy PF, plus rebounder, garbage man which is a handy player to have.
I made comparisons to Willie as a Sophomore.
Sky's the limit for Big Nick.
https://kentucky.forums.rivals.com/threads/soph-wcs-vs-soph-nick-richards.290061/
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Nick Richards is the perfect example of Cal recruiting a multi-year player. It has taken him two years to develop to the player he is now. The problem is, the same people that complain about the one and done players, and that Cal should have more players who stay 2/3 years, were the ones arguing that Nick was a wasted scholly, couldn't play, would never get drafted, etc.
I sorta did. I said it wouldn't surprise me at all if he had a breakout season like a lot of bigs have done over the years as juniors. I also said I think it's stupid how people are writing him off.
You may have missed it, but there are many fans who saw it coming. Not every fan bails impulsively on a UK player just because he needs time to develop. Richards has a lot going for him. Size, athleticism, quickness. The only problem was that he grew up in Jamaica and started playing basketball late. But Richards plays for a coach who knows how to develop big men.
I've always thought it was just a confidence thing for Nick. Hopefully he keeps up this level of play!
Now if we could just get EJ to playing with more confidence!
Now if we could just get EJ to playing with more confidence!
I have always been in the "Nick will continue to improve and give us good minutes" camp, and I have never given up on his development. I thought he'd come into this season and be a serviceable player. The 7 and 4 he gave us against Michigan State was very valuable, but nothing where you say, that guy is one of the KEY cogs in the wheel. But man oh man, he has become just that! And I love it.
Funny story, my uncle has given Nick so much grief in our conversations over the past couple years, and I'd keep saying they can't all be amazing as freshman. Give him time, and he'll be a real contributer. I even gave him a poster of Nick as a gag gift for Christmas. Got a big laugh. We went to the Mizzou game together, and FINALLY, after Nick had 17 and 7 in the first half... My uncle says to me at halftime, "OK, OK, Nick has definitely improved."
Funny story, my uncle has given Nick so much grief in our conversations over the past couple years, and I'd keep saying they can't all be amazing as freshman. Give him time, and he'll be a real contributer. I even gave him a poster of Nick as a gag gift for Christmas. Got a big laugh. We went to the Mizzou game together, and FINALLY, after Nick had 17 and 7 in the first half... My uncle says to me at halftime, "OK, OK, Nick has definitely improved."
I felt Nick would be better this season. But not as good as he has been.
It takes more time for some guys to get it.
This is why people can't give up on EJ or Whitney or for that matter Brooks and Juzang.
I for one hope all return next season.
It takes more time for some guys to get it.
This is why people can't give up on EJ or Whitney or for that matter Brooks and Juzang.
I for one hope all return next season.
Most have...but a few, maybe pseudo UK fans, still repeatedly trash Nick and other players..
He has made a huge stride in his development. I have been super disappointed in him. The biggest I'm seeing with him now is the confidence he is showing. He has finally learned not to bring the ball down when he gets it. I think since that little thing clicked he realized he could dominate.
Honestly I can see him coming back. He is very raw still and he can grow so much more before moving on. I'd say the chance of him coming back is low just because we are Kentucky but there are tons of reasons for him to return.
Honestly I can see him coming back. He is very raw still and he can grow so much more before moving on. I'd say the chance of him coming back is low just because we are Kentucky but there are tons of reasons for him to return.
It all started with just plain ole hustle too. Something or somebody triggered him to just start being more active and watch things happen. He used to watch every rebound from behind someone like "oh well it didnt bounce to me" and now he's sprinting around people to get to the rim. Same for lose balls, cutting the ball when buys are stuck, or just diving to the rim on drives.
His size and athletic abilty alone make him dangerous if he just reacts like he's been doing instead of watching it happen around him. And now that he's doing that it opens up more upside with the confidence he's developing within.
He has a bright future.
His size and athletic abilty alone make him dangerous if he just reacts like he's been doing instead of watching it happen around him. And now that he's doing that it opens up more upside with the confidence he's developing within.
He has a bright future.
People used to make fun of me his freshman year when I said before he leaves here he will be a 1st round lock and it turns out I was right. People just need to understand players ( this year Whitney Juzang and Brooks) all development at different rates . The great bigs we have had the last 5 seasons we Bam , PJ and Richards . Bam was ready to leave after 1 season PJ after 2 and Nick after 3. But all 3 are leaving UK greats and guys who will take thier teams deep in March I bet.
https://kentucky.forums.rivals.com/...ts-from-weight-training-in-off-season.304822/
Yea because most of these fans expect kids who avg double figures to give up money to come back for there entertainment. Yea I wish guys like Herro and Keldon would return but I don't get mad and put down Cal and the players if they don't. If these fans want more 3 and 4 year players they are going to have to accept a couple years of mediocrity.
He will be gone! His GF graduates and he’s definitely playing his way into the first round!
Agree. I think Cal is trying to get a mix of the top kids who will be gone after one year, and some kids who are ranked in the 30's that may be here for 2-3 years. The problem is, as we can see with SGA, and Herro, it is not an exact science, and some of these kids are going to move on before Cal expected.
Then, you have kids like Whitney, who are projected to be gone after one year, ranked in the top 10, and their game just doesn't work yet, in the NBA. Those guys need another year or two. Then, some of our fans talk about how disappointed they are in them, when they just need another year or two. Works both ways.
I thought he was the difference in the U6 game when he came back w 4 fouls. That was impressive.
Learning to play with a sense of urgency on every play is what brought all this on. Has always had a nice skill level now wanting to block every shot, get rebounds and taking ball to basket hard is fun to watch.
I gave you a like for being the one of the only few posters on RR that didnt think he was a first rounder and admitting it, according to this thread.....
I was in the same boat, before the season started I was hoping he would perform up to what people said he would need to be but I wasnt sure he could. I never thought he would turn into the player he is turning into and I'm really happy for him that his efforts are paying off.
I don't mind admitting being almost stunned by his recent improvements. The play you mention was impossible for him, as just a few weeks ago he was still, repeatedly struggling to catch inlet passes.
I always felt that Nick was always too over-excited, in that he expanded his hands much more than necessary, without realizing, and the ball hit against the underside of his knuckles and bounced away before he could ever get fingers on the leather.
But maybe like a lot of young people, he has suddenly hit a new physical maturity, particularly with stamina, and is more relaxed, softened his hands, less excited, the game has slowed down in his mind and he has picked it up . . . who the heck knows? Whatever it is, it has quickly become this season's joy to watch.
This is the stuff that makes players truly memorable to the UK program. Nick is going to have some more big games. The UGA game was actually quite amazing. It was Nick's free throws in overtime that finally got the Louisville win for us. I'm happy for him and damn happy to have been wrong about him. I hope it continues.
Well the trend is certainly on your side so it's much more likely that he leaves. I just dont see it as a certainty. His skill set is a bit diminished in the league and he is raw. He has shown the ability to grow so he could come back a become a much better pro prospect.
He is, without a doubt, the most important person on this team.