TAKE AWAYS FROM MADNESS

[WallMash]

Our cheerleaders are really good
Mintz flat out dusted every freshman in 3pt contest. Hard not to start him. Also he has some hops.
Sarrs looks like he played two years of pro ball compared to rest of our bigs. He's a man.
Everybody says Boston is the real deal, but on the two times I've seen him (last night and Pro night) he looks like a cheetah that's purring and resting and not hunting, but hope to see the hunter come out when it gets real.
Clarke and Mintz are the best camera interviews.
Go Cats!

 

[drew_ukfan_rivals]

I saw too many slip ups from the cheerleading squad tbh. New staff tho so let her recruit and get the right people for her system.

 

[akaukswoosh]

Our cheerleaders are really good
Mintz flat out dusted every freshman in 3pt contest. Hard not to start him. Also he has some hops.
Sarrs looks like he played two years of pro ball compared to rest of our bigs. He's a man.
Everybody says Boston is the real deal, but on the two times I've seen him (last night and Pro night) he looks like a cheetah that's purring and resting and not hunting, but hope to see the hunter come out when it gets real.
Clarke and Mintz are the best camera interviews.
Go Cats!

I didn't even know who Mintz was, never watched Creighton, but Bruiser Flint said in an interview he was a shooter. He wasn't exaggerating. Great find by the staff.

 

[FltDoc]

actually, thought Brooks looked great in the 3-pt shooting contest...

 

[Blueblood410]

The dreams of a Jackson/Collins front court in 2021-2022 are starting to become slim to none.

 

[fisherscat]

Hard to tell anything, really, from BBM. Perimeter shooting looks shaky But we will see. I suspect first two games will be rather ugly.
Not sure I see a roster/team that can compete with Gonzaga, Nova, etc. But again way too early.

 

[kyjeff1]

I saw too many slip ups from the cheerleading squad tbh. New staff tho so let her recruit and get the right people for her system.

Yeah, it looked like they were just going through the motions. Their syncronizations were off at times and there were a couple of them that fell off their mounts early.
But I've seen them up close, they are incredible athletes, they don’t look it on camera, but up close, they are well built.

 

[kyjeff1]

I don't see how you keep Mintz off the floor tbh. I think he's our best pg and our best perimeter shooter and I bet he is our best perimeter defender right now. Experience matters.

Also, Jackson and Sarr, ummmm, yeah, there won't be a better 1-2 punch in the paint. Jackson is Loooooooong and Sarr is incredibly skilled and experienced.

Mintz
Clarke
Boston
Jackson
Sarr

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Was looking for this type of thread, to specifically praise Mintz. He probably stood out to me the most. I know BJ and Clarke are gonna be great.. but I think Mints and Sarr are gonna be what keeps us going in the early games.

Jacksons size and athleticism probably was the 2nd thing that stood out. I know we need to see him playing an actual game, but I think he could wind up in the lottery next year. I really do.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I don't see how you keep Mintz off the floor tbh. I think he's our best pg and our best perimeter shooter and I bet he is per best perimeter defender right now. Experience matters.

Also, Jackson and Sarr, ummmm, yeah, there won't be a better 1-2 punch in the paint. Jackson is Loooooooong and Sarr is incredibly skilled and experienced.

Mintz
Clarke
Boston
Jackson
Sarr

Yep, you saw exactly what I saw. Great post.

 

[Col. Angus]

I saw the same things everybody else saw.

 

[WallMash]

I don't see how you keep Mintz off the floor tbh. I think he's our best pg and our best perimeter shooter and I bet he is our best perimeter defender right now. Experience matters.

Also, Jackson and Sarr, ummmm, yeah, there won't be a better 1-2 punch in the paint. Jackson is Loooooooong and Sarr is incredibly skilled and experienced.

Mintz
Clarke
Boston
Jackson
Sarr

YEp, that's my starting 5 too.

 

[westerncat]

Yep, you saw exactly what I saw. Great post.

i think Cal will start Askew in the beginning just to get him some experience but Mintz looks really good.

 

[EliteBlue]

Yeah, it looked like they were just going through the motions. Their syncronizations were off at times and there were a couple of them that fell off their mounts early.
But I've seen them up close, they are incredible athletes, they don’t look it on camera, but up close, they are well built.

I’d seen a few of the 2008-2010 squad up close, Like real close....and you are correct sir. Phenomenal athletes. Extremely well built and fit.

as far as cheerleading goes though, really hope the new hire works out and there isn’t a drop off.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I don't see how you keep Mintz off the floor tbh. I think he's our best pg and our best perimeter shooter and I bet he is our best perimeter defender right now. Experience matters.

Also, Jackson and Sarr, ummmm, yeah, there won't be a better 1-2 punch in the paint. Jackson is Loooooooong and Sarr is incredibly skilled and experienced.

Mintz
Clarke
Boston
Jackson
Sarr

I like that five. Three superstar potential Freshmen sandwiched between two really good Seniors. Great combo of talent and experience.

Also, probably our best defensive lineup. And you guys know how Cal feels about defense.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Askew will be the early-season question mark.

Mintz could come back next year with the additional year rule, right?

Not sure he'd want to, but it would groovy to have a 5th-year guard who can combine with Hickman and Skyy Clark and maybe Sallis (or Hardy) in the backcourt.

 

[kyjeff1]

I’d seen a few of the 2008-2010 squad up close, Like real close....and you are correct sir. Phenomenal athletes. Extremely well built and fit.

as far as cheerleading goes though, really hope the new hire works out and there isn’t a drop off.

I played in a volleyball tournament the day of the 2017 UNC v UK NCAAT game. It was in the facility that the cheer team practices in.
I was looking for a restroom, so I started walking through the building and happened to walk past an open door, looked in, it was an auditorium and the cheer team was in there. My goodness, the chicks are hot and very well built, but the dudes, they were jacked. Seriously chiseled. I walked by that open door 3 or 4 times in disbelief.
No, I'm not gay.


Not that there's anything wrong with that.

 

[kyjeff1]

Askew will be the early-season question mark.

Mintz could come back next year with the additional year rule, right?

Not sure he'd want to, but it would groovy to have a 5th-year guard who can combine with Hickman and Skyy Clark and maybe Sallis (or Hardy) in the backcourt.

Watching Askew, I get the feeling he's a more laid back player that might not have the quickness yet to do the things Cal needs his pg's to do.
During the 3 point contest, he kinda plodded through it and had a slower release to him. It’s going to take some time for him to catch up to a guy like Mintz, which is to be expected, he's supposed to still be in HS.
The guys doing the broadcast all agreed that Askew would be the starting pg to start the season, maybe they didn't realize that Mintz is competing for that spot too. It seemed quite obvious to me that Mintz is well ahead of Askew at this point.

 

[kyjeff1]

I like that five. Three superstar potential Freshmen sandwiched between two really good Seniors. Great combo of talent and experience.

Also, probably our best defensive lineup. And you guys know how Cal feels about defense.

Yeah, it’s incredible to me honestly. I mean, Cal lost 90% of his team and somehow ended up with a team that will have two highly talented and experienced players in the starting lineup (if Mintz starts).
The more I see of Mintz, the more excited I get. We all know about Sarr, Boston and Clarke, but Mintz is a heck of a talent.
The way he shoots, I hope he gets some time at the 2.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

I like that starting 5 as well. Only thing is, does Brooks really come off the bench? Hard to imagine him not starting. Don’t get me wrong, I think Jackson is the better player, especially defensively. It’s just seemed like a foregone conclusion that Brooks would start this season.

EDIT: Mintz really looked good. I’ve been saying all offseason that he’s gonna be a valuable asset for us. Reminds me of Gerald Fitch, minus the rebounding ability.

 

[MasonCoBlue]

Askew is not a one and done...me thinks we all know that. He has tons of upside though. Bringing Mintz in not only helps this group of guards...the mentoring will prove invaluable. Brilliant move by the staff.

 

[zerubbable]

I was Very surprised when Jimmy Joe Dykes (whom I am a big fan of) thought Askew starts over Mintz.

This was after Mintz scorched the nets on pro day and at madness.

Thoughts? I dont see it

 

[kyjeff1]

I was Very surprised when Jimmy Joe Dykes (whom I am a big fan of) thought Askew starts over Mintz.

This was after Mintz scorched the nets on pro day and at madness.

Thoughts? I dont see it

Not only that, but Mintz looked really good running up and down the floor. He gad several lob dunks. How many point guards do that? Not many.

 

[Blue Bigfoot]

Our cheerleaders are really good
Mintz flat out dusted every freshman in 3pt contest. Hard not to start him. Also he has some hops.
Sarrs looks like he played two years of pro ball compared to rest of our bigs. He's a man.
Everybody says Boston is the real deal, but on the two times I've seen him (last night and Pro night) he looks like a cheetah that's purring and resting and not hunting, but hope to see the hunter come out when it gets real.
Clarke and Mintz are the best camera interviews.
Go Cats!

 

[tmuck]

My Take Away: It Sucked!

 

[know1]

How many are going pro after last night?

 

[bucsrule8872]

It’s so hard to get anything out of a practice/showcase type setting.

Still, it just seems like Mintz exudes confidence.

If Askew starts over a fifth year Senior, he will have earned it.

Either way, I feel like we are in good shape at PG.

 

[uky8unc5]

I saw a Ton of undeveloped Talent and Coach Cal smiling.

Talent + Cal + 3 1/2 Months = Happy Days Ahead

 

[yoshukai]

I’d seen a few of the 2008-2010 squad up close, Like real close....and you are correct sir. Phenomenal athletes. Extremely well built and fit.

as far as cheerleading goes though, really hope the new hire works out and there isn’t a drop off.

I’m going to miss seeing them down at lake Cumberland though .

 

[maysvilleky]

I saw a Ton of undeveloped Talent and Coach Cal smiling.

Talent + Cal + 3 1/2 Months = Happy Days Ahead

Let’s hope we get the full 3+ months of BB.

 

[ORCAT]

Askew will be the early-season question mark.

Mintz could come back next year with the additional year rule, right?

Not sure he'd want to, but it would groovy to have a 5th-year guard who can combine with Hickman and Skyy Clark and maybe Sallis (or Hardy) in the backcourt.

I have no definite answer to your Mintz question but - does the extra year apply to Grad transfers? I would think not, but maybe someone knows the specific ruling better than I?

 

[Rangermike]

Askew reminds me of Teague he’s not a great pro prospect just not athletic enough he needs to be a knock shooter at pro level. He’s a great passer where he will help is setting guys up.

Mintz is a better shooter than expected and more athletic he may come off the bench just because he’s more of an ideal 6th man because he’s a better fit at SG than askew so you can bring him in at either spot. He might be our 6th best player that’s crazy. He was a starter at Creighton but the reason he’s underrated is he’s coming off injury. I bet if he was healthy he would have been on of the top transfer options in the nation.

As far as 3pt shooting Mintz might be our only great shooter but there’s no one in our 7 man main rotation you can leave open. Even our big men can hit open 3s. So maybe not the top shooters I expected but no terrible ones hopefully.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

I like that starting 5 as well. Only thing is, does Brooks really come off the bench? Hard to imagine him not starting. Don’t get me wrong, I think Jackson is the better player, especially defensively. It’s just seemed like a foregone conclusion that Brooks would start this season.

EDIT: Mintz really looked good. I’ve been saying all offseason that he’s gonna be a valuable asset for us. Reminds me of Gerald Fitch, minus the rebounding ability.

I legit forgot it was madness tonight. I hope I can find a replay.

 

[GonzoCat90]

I don't think you can take anything from what we saw last night. You already knew Jackson is a freak athlete and that Sarr and Mintz are more developed than the 18 year olds.

 

[kl40504_rivals]

Our cheerleaders are really good
Mintz flat out dusted every freshman in 3pt contest. Hard not to start him. Also he has some hops.
Sarrs looks like he played two years of pro ball compared to rest of our bigs. He's a man.
Everybody says Boston is the real deal, but on the two times I've seen him (last night and Pro night) he looks like a cheetah that's purring and resting and not hunting, but hope to see the hunter come out when it gets real.
Clarke and Mintz are the best camera interviews.
Go Cats!

Our players wear UK uniforms.

 

[bigbris2008]

Here is what I gathered.
This team is full of talent and athleticism
Mintz was a hell of a pickup by Cal
We are going to go 8 to 9 deep
Starting lineup problems are good problems
We may struggle early on with teams packing the paint
Our front court will be elite all year (good luck scoring inside)
If they buy in our defense will be top 3 in the country
If they buy in our rebounding will be top 3 in the country.

Overall I see a squad that is LOADED with potential. They could and probably will struggle for a month or two with turnovers and shooting. Our defense and rebounding combined with the leadership and steadiness of Sarr/Mintz will keep us floating early. This is a team that has the potential to be the best team since 15, but also could wind up more on the level of last year's team if things don't fall into place nicely. I love the attitude and fun with which these guys play with and carry themselves with. I can't wait for it to get started, we are in for one hell of a year.

P.S.
I'm jumping on the Jackson train. That kid is primed to have an amazing impact and if he puts it all together could easily find himself in the top 10 of the draft. I know its kinda weird to say a guy like him is being underrated given his 5 star status, but no way he's not top 10 in the 2020 class. He is gonna be the biggest overachiever in this class(in the country), mark it down.

 

[RunninRichie]

Our players wear UK uniforms.

no way

 

[megablue]

If Sarr and Jackson can rim-protect without fouling, we will be a very good team. Teams with smaller guards will get to the lane on drives, as per usual. I just hope we do not have a team where Sarr or Jackson often have 2 fouls after 8 minutes and have to sit out the rest of the first half. More zone defense may be required this year to keep Sarr and Jackson on the floor.

 

[kyjeff1]

SEC officiating will see to it that our bigs are in foul trouble early and often. I don’t know why they call games the way they do, but it's aggravating at times.
Maybe it pays off come NCAAT time, but I bet they have cost UK a seed line or two the last few years.

 

[KyFaninNC]

If Sarr and Jackson can rim-protect without fouling, we will be a very good team. Teams with smaller guards will get to the lane on drives, as per usual. I just hope we do not have a team where Sarr or Jackson often have 2 fouls after 8 minutes and have to sit out the rest of the first half. More zone defense may be required this year to keep Sarr and Jackson on the floor.

Just stop that foolish switching out front and getting our bigs on a smaller, faster guard, the fouls come from this switching and mis-matches making our guys get out of position.