Bigger improvement: Richards or PJ?

[jrpross_rivals]

PJ’s freshman to sophomore transformation was night and day. But I think Nick’s improvement has been even bigger. PJ ended up a 3rd team AA but he at least looked decent as a freshman. Nick, on the other hand, was nearly a total non-factor for his first 2 years. He’s now putting up over 14 points, 8 rebounds & 2.5 blocks a game, potentially looking at all SEC honors.

What say you? Who improved more?

 

[wk1001]

Close. But I gotta go with Nick. The jump he made after his 1st 2 yrs is amazing. PJ showed glimpsed and had some huge games as a freshman, but Nick is a totally different player with this new found confidence

 

[revcort]

Yep if we're comparing PJ from freshman to sophomore and Nick from sophomore to junior, I gotta give the nod to Nick. PJ was pretty good as a freshman and he made a big impact on the team, especially late in the season. So, his improvement wasn't as dramatic.

 

[ukwazoo]

Nick, because he's improved in every facet and both sides of the ball.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Richards is just such a large human being.
PJ is 6’7 and Nick 6’11.

Plus Nick has those long arms and huge hands and has great leaping ability.

Nick is going to be a hand full from now on.

 

[Poetax]

I’ll wait and see how well Nick shoots free throws in the NCAA tournament.

 

[RacerX.ksr]

I like Junior Nick Richards. He's becoming good at basketballing.

 

[jdoub11]

PJ was/is better but bigger improvement? 100% Nick

 

[ConRay9]

I’ll say Richards. He is playing his way into All-American status. That is one of the biggest turnarounds I’ve ever seen in a players’ career.

 

[ganner918_rivals60369]

Nick, because Freshman PJ was much better than sophomore Nick.

 

[Bluesnky]

Richards. PJ’s improvement was basically a straight line projection from where he was at the end of his freshman season. This season from Nick came out of nowhere.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Nick. PJ improved dramatically too, don’t get me wrong. Speaking of, is there any player in the country, outside of maybe Azubuike, that can matchup with Nick come tourney time? Would have to think they’re very few and far between if so.

IF we can keep Nick on the floor and we can limit turnovers we should have a legit shot at this thing. He’s a matchup nightmare. We have three very good guards, obviously. I know Maxey didn’t play very well tonight (I think he forced a lot because he was playing back in his home state - JMO). Doesn’t change the fact we probably have the best trio of guards in the country.

 

[RKulmer]

Not that close imo. Nick.

 

[MegaBlue05]

Nick.

PJ sharpened his already solid skills, improved his long range jumper, and became a consistent player that we saw glimpses of as a freshman.

Freshman and sophomore Nick used to be a complete liability and many, myself included, questioned his playing time. Now, he’s playing as well as any big man in the country and is doing it consistently, averaging 17 and 9 since the Louisville game. Kudos to the staff for helping develop Nick. More kudos to Nick for putting in the work.

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

PJ was pretty dam good as a Freshman and our go-to guy so I have to say, Nick. PJ went from good to great. Nick went from WTF to great. A lot of people had given up on Nick. I knew he hadn't played BB that long. I think he started when he was 14. But even I had started to think it might not happen. He is dominating. On the road, against top teams, it doesn't matter anymore. He is the most consistent player we have. I think he is the SEC player of the year.

 

[arenk]

PJ was/is better but bigger improvement? 100% Nick

His FT shooting in the NCAAT was atrocious both years and but for it, we probably make the FF both years. He had what 5 TO's in last year's loss at Auburn too? I know Hagans played poorly as well, but to not improve dramatically after going something like 9 for 21 vs KS is hard to explain when he shot around 40% from 3-P range. I'll take Nick every day of the week.

 

[Paulyv94]

Nick. PJ improved dramatically too, don’t get me wrong. Speaking of, is there any player in the country, outside of maybe Azubuike, that can matchup with Nick come tourney time? Would have to think they’re very few and far between if so.

IF we can keep Nick on the floor and we can limit turnovers we should have a legit shot at this thing. He’s a matchup nightmare. We have three very good guards, obviously. I know Maxey didn’t play very well tonight (I think he forced a lot because he was playing back in his home state - JMO). Doesn’t change the fact we probably have the best trio of guards in the country.

Idk man, this team just FEELS Special. I mean, I am not sure who can stop Nick when the light is on. Dude is playing like a lottery pick in my mind, not sure what the NBA Scouts are thinking. Most improvement of a player I have ever seen.

Look at our losses. Ohio state we lost by like six. We played horrible in this game

Evansville: Team totally overlooked them, somehow. Plus we couldn't make a three at the beginning of the year.

Utah: Refs SCREWED us on the overturned blocking call. Maxey should have hit two free throws to tie it up.

SC: Poor officiating and even poorer defense by the cats.

All in all, we have been in every game so far this season. Theres not a team I look at and go "Damn I don't think we can beat them". Not one.

I'm smelling a FF from this team!

 

[fatguy87]

Per minute production, it's easily PJ. Richards has always been productive while on the court. He just couldn't stay on due to fouls and other kinds of silliness that gave him the quick hook.

Overall production, it's Richards because, as stated previously, he couldn't stay on the court.

 

[Phil McKracken]

This is clearly Richards. Unplayable to can’t win without him.

Better comparison would be Richards or Harrellson??

 

[Bluegrassking]

This is clearly Richards. Unplayable to can’t win without him.

Better comparison would be Richards or Harrellson??

That was the question I was about to pose.

Jorts is the turnaround that I was thinking of. PJ was always good overall.

 

[kentuckykowboy8_rivals]

Nick’s rise really reminds me of WCS’s rise. They play very dif games, but both waited patiently and kept improving. WCS saw more consistent growth. Richards just explodes this year. Both end up improving similar amounts though.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Nick.

PJ sharpened his already solid skills, improved his long range jumper, and became a consistent player that we saw glimpses of as a freshman.

Freshman and sophomore Nick used to be a complete liability and many, myself included, questioned his playing time. Now, he’s playing as well as any big man in the country and is doing it consistently, averaging 17 and 9 since the Louisville game. Kudos to the staff for helping develop Nick. More kudos to Nick for putting in the work.

Closer to 17 and 10 since UL.

 

[Fgpoe03]

I hate to enlighten everyone in this thread but Nick has been playing us. He didn't want to go to the NBA until, his girlfriend graduated. Now she is about to finish and he turned it on. I just wish he understood, he could've played like this all three years. He could've just told the NBA to sit and spin, until he was ready.

Of course, I'm kidding I think it's Nick. Everyone gave the reasons already, we saw flashes of PJ. Nick I still had a little hope for (it was getting hard) I still thought we needed some frontcourt depth, even if he played well. I am amazed at his transformation, this season.

This team made me giddy last night, some of the transition plays I saw were amazing. Cal was coaching his tail off ( including the three at the end of the half, which we needed) and these guys are looking good. We are finally seeing what this team is capable of: passing, defense, shooting from about everywhere, speed, I mean we are in great shape. I have always thought this team could win it and we may have a couple in a row coming guys. We are just gonna get better but watching the speed in our transition game and knowing where their teammate will be, it's happening.

If I have to pick one negative thing, it's putting teams away. I think we will get better at it (there was some terrible calls at the end) but we need to finish them (Mortal Kombat voice). I hate watching those big leads disappear and I hope they focus on it. We have a nice rotation and we will be right there as a potential title contender.

 

[Runt#1969]

It's an interesting contrast, because both have seemingly done it for their games in back to back seasons for UK, so it's only natural for BBN to compare the two. But Nick has made a slightly bigger leap, because it usually comes later for big guys (remember WCS?) and both NR and PJ have made the UK teams "their own."

I do think the players look toward Nick as a team leader, but they're all capable and have confidence in themselves, no matter the situation. They have a way to go yet, but this UK team is really coming on strong.

Go Big Blue!

 

[kl40504_rivals]

I’ll wait and see how well Nick shoots free throws in the NCAA tournament.

Another comment from Mr. Positive.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

It just blowa my mind. Hes probaly saved us from about half a dozen losses now and none of us ever guessed hed become this much of a factor.

Enjoy him guy, cause he's for sure gone.. and i dont think we've had a big man this good since KAT.

 

[caneintally]

NIck and it ain't close . PJ was a great freshman . He just then became a top 5 player in his 2nd year . Nick wasn't a top 100 player his first 2 years . Now he is the best center in college . The best big is Obi Toppin but he is a PF .

 

[caneintally]

It just blowa my mind. Hes probaly saved us from about half a dozen losses now and none of us ever guessed hed become this much of a factor.

Enjoy him guy, cause he's for sure gone.. and i dont think we've had a big man this good since KAT.

I would like to pat myself on the back as I said in the middle of his freshman season he would be a top 15 pick one day ( and got blasted and made fun on HOB for saying so ) . To be fair I thought that would be after his sophomore season but I knew he could do this as the raw tools he possessed were always staggering . His height with his speed , reach , shooting touch was always evident he just didn't know how to play the game and more importantly he wasn't confident .

 

[Poetax]

Another comment from Mr. Positive.

Sorry k, was trying to be funny. I usually get accused of being a sunshine pumper, lol.