CJ Fredrick is a Cat

[carolinacat]

Calipari has said many times if a player can't defend he won't play (..."I can't hide you"....)

I'm glad Fredrick will be on the team but I'll believe it when I see it in terms of CJ getting anything other than token minutes. BTW, Fredrick's defensive ratings are worst than Allen's.

We'll see.

Yep, let's see what happens the first time he gets beat off the dribble.

 

[stuway]

When you go 9-16 you get bashed. He‘lol be Ight

The above post of mine is for you too unrealistic whiner.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Fredrick was Iowa's best perimeter defender and he's a really good player. To me he was the key player for their program the past 2 yrs. When he didn't play, they lost games. When he was on the court, they were at their best. Said this before the discussion of him being a transfer came into play--dating back to last offseason when Iowa's team was brought up.

This is a very good pickup.

 

[SmedMoley]

"They had a reason" ?? You mean you, cause you're one of them, the whiners. We had a bad year, waaaaah. Cal gets a pass for bringing our program back from the dead and giving us #8 and a great decade run. Those of you that can't see that are the ones who have unrealistic expectations amd give our fan base a bad name. Facts

What facts? Your facts? 9-16 is a fact. People, wait until we actually win a game before talking about crow, and other such foolishness.

 

[School boy]

Not bad. Still need a wing and pg but some ok news. If we can get the ball handler pg that plays well we can become a Top 15 team.

 

[SmedMoley]

The above post of mine is for you too unrealistic whiner.

I think you're the whiner.

 

[LEDGENDARY]

all that matters is how our program looks and right now it looks pretty bad. We had the worst season in history. Cal will wear that the rest of his days at UK.

You’re too fixated on ghost fans people you don’t know instead of our program. That tells us all we need to know about your uk basketball priorities. I think people who make posts like this slamming more than half the fan base are the ones who look really dumb.

Somebody had to have the worst season before Cal, right? Without looking it up, do you know which team and coach that was?

I have been a UK fan almost 40 years and I had no idea. I would say the same goes for most. It will be an afterthought for most after the next good season.

 

[SmedMoley]

Very happy to welcome Fredrick to the BBN. Solid pickup with experience and ability. All desperately needed.
Looking forward to see who the PG and backup are going to be. FYI, I think Grady played some PG for Davidson so, keep that in mind.
Cal is making some very good moves to turn this thing around....upgrading assistants, more emphasis on shooting and experience. BUT, we also need to see some changes in his system. Move toward a NBA-style offense and maybe more importantly....patience on the court with guys. That means not pulling guys out immediately because they make a few mistakes on defense. IMO nothing kills a kid's confidence quicker than a short rope or long stays in the coaches doghouse.

Excellent post.

 

[Untouchables22]

Fredrick was Iowa's best perimeter defender and he's a really good player. To me he was the key player for their program the past 2 yrs. When he didn't play, they lost games. When he was on the court, they were at their best. Said this before the discussion of him being a transfer came into play--dating back to last offseason when Iowa's team was brought up.

This is a very good pickup.

To be fair Iowa was an entire team of piss poor defenders. There game against Oregon in the NCAA tournament was one of the worst defensive performances in the last 10 years of the sport. I imagine Frederick can become another Corey Kispert....which is okay most nights but Kispert got exposed against Baylor defensively so some nights it’s not good enough.

 

[BassProCat]

What difference does it make who else was in the mix as long as he ended up at UK?

Not who was in the mix...it was we wasnt a lock like some made it to be...That okay with you bud?

 

[BassProCat]

 

[DudahUK]

Solid get as long as we add the PGs we need. This gives us 8 so we still need 3 more at least. 2 of those need to be PGs. One of my favs is Wright who is testing the waters like Carr and you know a decent amount of these good PGs will have to withdraw from the draft because they ain't getting drafted.

However, with Carr, he will have to get a wavier as Sarr did. Therefore a top PG might come real late so we need to go ahead and land the other one ASAP since we need 2. Ideally, TyTy picks us and then we add a vet at the end. Get brooks and Mintz back and go with 12 would be nice. But we need at least 11 and at least 2 PGs.

Why would he need a waiver?

 

[Catfanlou_rivals54997]

Solid get as long as we add the PGs we need. This gives us 8 so we still need 3 more at least. 2 of those need to be PGs. One of my favs is Wright who is testing the waters like Carr and you know a decent amount of these good PGs will have to withdraw from the draft because they ain't getting drafted.

However, with Carr, he will have to get a wavier as Sarr did. Therefore a top PG might come real late so we need to go ahead and land the other one ASAP since we need 2. Ideally, TyTy picks us and then we add a vet at the end. Get brooks and Mintz back and go with 12 would be nice. But we need at least 11 and at least 2 PGs.

And Jackson for 13 and number nine

 

[DudahUK]

Cal said he was a good defender and guarded the best guard most of the time based on the tape he watched. Iowa fans have said he was a great defender until he got injured (and he played injured most of the season). I am not saying you are wrong, I haven’t watched him play enough to make my own judgement, just repeating what Cal and Iowa fans have said.

Don’t waste your time with that dude.

Been done since February or so? Tampering be damned. Thats OK if he don't want to be a Hawkeye let him go. But he sure screwed Iowa over. Fran was counting on him and was blindsided by CJ. Speaks of his character.

lol. Yeah, we’re tampering and paying for CJ but not breaking any rules for Hardy. UK stole your player just like we stole the entire coaching staff from Illinois. Big dawgs(Cats) eat, whenever and from whom ever, they want. Get used to it.

 

[king of cali]

Not who was in the mix...it was we wasnt a lock like some made it to be...That okay with you bud?

Once again, who gives a crap if he was a “lock” or not? All that matters is that he will be playing for UK next season, bud.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

To be fair Iowa was an entire team of piss poor defenders. There game against Oregon in the NCAA tournament was one of the worst defensive performances in the last 10 years of the sport. I imagine Frederick can become another Corey Kispert....which is okay most nights but Kispert got exposed against Baylor defensively so some nights it’s not good enough.

Fredrick's biggest issue has been injuries to leg/foot. When he didn't play Iowa lost. When he played, they were at their best. Is he going to be a lockdown DeAndre Liggins defensive player? No. But in the same manner that so many have discussed Davion Mintz into a combo of Dame Lillard/Gary Payton all of the sudden on the worst team in UK history---Fredrick can't help who played with him on Iowa's team in terms of defensive as well. He'll be good enough to put on the court.

Antigua/Coleman spoke very highly of him from facing Iowa both with him and without him. What eventually got Gonzaga was not having shot blocking to protect the rim behind their guards--which they've addressed with Holmgren. UK will have Tshiebwe and Collins--so that should help. But he's experienced, fared well in Big 10 when healthy (biggest concern is keeping him healthy) and he will be better then some expect. If he's Kispert, think UK would take that 100 out of 100 times.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Why would he need a waiver?

I am on record not wanting anything to do with Marcus Carr, but he wouldn't require a waiver at all. I'm just going to be hopeful that TyTy Washington makes this all a moot point.

 

[STL_Cat]

no but defense will be an issue and Cal will have to embrace the zone with Fredrick or get eaten alive

I mean, Cal himself commented that after watching tape on Fredrick that he was impressed with his defense. Said it stood out to him that Fredrick often guarded the opponent’s best player. So I don’t know about all that.

 

[BassProCat]

Once again, who gives a crap if he was a “lock” or not? All that matters is that he will be playing for UK next season, bud.

It matters cuz we’ve let players slip away before whether it be money, negative recruiting or lack of effort on staffs part just glad we was able to seal thr deal.

You making my “interesting“ comment into way more than it should be.

 

[wccat]

I am on record not wanting anything to do with Marcus Carr, but he wouldn't require a waiver at all. I'm just going to be hopeful that TyTy Washington makes this all a moot point.

Any specifics on why you don't want Carr if you can elaborate?

 

[rwbloomjr]

I don't know what Calipari has said specifically. Over a decade I assume he's said a lot of quotes - maybe some even contradictory with others. But if a player can't defend he absolutely shouldn't play - unless you're trying to point shave. I don't think UK, or probably any other big time program, takes or plays players they think "can't defend." Now they may have to teach some of the players to be better defenders. And some players may not have the best motors or concentration. But any non-walk-on player at a program like UK probably has the capacity to be an adequate defender if the desire and drive are there.

I think Fredrick and Allen can be successful defenders but, "I can't hide you" is about Cal's man to man defense. There are other defenses that can be played to get shooters on the court but Cal freaks out as soon as the "zone" gives up one basket. Fredrick, Allen, and others are good enough to help win games but Cal won't play a type of defense to allow those guys to succeed at UK. So they sit, and fans grumble.

We'll see...

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Any specifics on why you don't want Carr if you can elaborate?

I think he plays for himself and doesn't make game easier or better for teammates. Not alone in this line of thinking either. Everyone sees plug/play with stats. Like Sarr last year---but someone has to have numbers even on awful teams. There is a difference in winning and losing basketball and Carr has a lot of losing traits--which isn't what I prefer in a PG. Each to their own.

 

[seccats04]

Glad to see Cal follow through with what he said he was gonna do and that is bring in more shooters. We got a good'en.

 

[DudahUK]

I am on record not wanting anything to do with Marcus Carr, but he wouldn't require a waiver at all. I'm just going to be hopeful that TyTy Washington makes this all a moot point.

That’s what I was thinking. Wtf would he need a waiver when literally, nobody else does?

 

[DudahUK]

I think he plays for himself and doesn't make game easier or better for teammates. Not alone in this line of thinking either. Everyone sees plug/play with stats. Like Sarr last year---but someone has to have numbers even on awful teams. There is a difference in winning and losing basketball and Carr has a lot of losing traits--which isn't what I prefer in a PG. Each to their own.

I take your word for it for sure. Both Minnesota right?

 

[Wildcats1st]

Somebody had to have the worst season before Cal, right? Without looking it up, do you know which team and coach that was?

I have been a UK fan almost 40 years and I had no idea. I would say the same goes for most. It will be an afterthought for most after the next good season.

Eddie Sutton’s last season was the first losing season in 60 some odd years. I don’t know if that’s a record or not in any sport but how many teams/programs/franchises do that? I know that was the worst season since the 20s until this season and it took the ncaa bringing us down for that to happen. I think most fans know about our history and know that period in UK basketball was bad. I don’t know a UK fan who doesn’t know this

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

That’s what I was thinking. Wtf would he need a waiver when literally, nobody else does?

He transferred from Pitt to Minnesota. Stayed there and believe he's graduated too. So he would either get Covid Waiver or Grad Transfer clearance. This isn't issue with him-it's just that focus is on Pro Ball at this time and was last year too.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

I take your word for it for sure. Both Minnesota right?

I won't put Pitt on him--but he sure didn't help things there.

Minnesota....they needed leadership and he was out to make sure he made All Conference. He's got ability, but when you are at a place like Kentucky, you've got to be able to make game about more then yourself and easier for teammates. Can't go rogue.

 

[G-PIP]

I think Fredrick and Allen can be successful defenders but, "I can't hide you" is about Cal's man to man defense. There are other defenses that can be played to get shooters on the court but Cal freaks out as soon as the "zone" gives up one basket. Fredrick, Allen, and others are good enough to help win games but Cal won't play a type of defense to allow those guys to succeed at UK. So they sit, and fans grumble.

We'll see...

If they make the team's chances of winning better and create more points than they give up, Calipari won't be holding them back. I'm confident Allen and Fredrick are good enough and both will play. I expect Allen to start at SF, because I think he's going to make a leap in his confidence level. But, if he doesn't, then I'm very sure that I was wrong and he's just not good enough to play over the guy Calipari starts.

 

[LEDGENDARY]

Eddie Sutton’s last season was the first losing season in 60 some odd years. I don’t know if that’s a record or not in any sport but how many teams/programs/franchises do that? I know that was the worst season since the 20s until this season and it took the ncaa bringing us down for that to happen. I think most fans know about our history and know that period in UK basketball was bad. I don’t know a UK fan who doesn’t know this

Lol, We all know the sutton period, particularly the end, was pretty bad, but that is a completely different premise from your initial argument of the Cal "wearing" the worst season record. Is it honestly that serious if no one even knows who had that title before Cal. Success makes people forget failure pretty quick.

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

Well that’s good. It’s interesting.Will a HoF coach who claims a national title be able to field a team?

 

[stuway]

I think you're the whiner.

Lol read my posts, I didn't whine.. Ok, maybe I whined about you. That's only because 90% of your posts are whining about our coach. Sack up bub sometimes life sucks, don't ***** about it all the time, no one wants to hear it man.We had a bad year, get over it, its a game.

 

[mhroe1984]

Great news! Welcome home CJ!

 

[plaxico80]

As an IU fan, thanks for taking this dude out of the B1G!

Props!

 

[rwbloomjr]

Fredrick's biggest issue has been injuries to leg/foot. When he didn't play Iowa lost. When he played, they were at their best. Is he going to be a lockdown DeAndre Liggins defensive player? No. But in the same manner that so many have discussed Davion Mintz into a combo of Dame Lillard/Gary Payton all of the sudden on the worst team in UK history---Fredrick can't help who played with him on Iowa's team in terms of defensive as well. He'll be good enough to put on the court.

Antigua/Coleman spoke very highly of him from facing Iowa both with him and without him. What eventually got Gonzaga was not having shot blocking to protect the rim behind their guards--which they've addressed with Holmgren. UK will have Tshiebwe and Collins--so that should help. But he's experienced, fared well in Big 10 when healthy (biggest concern is keeping him healthy) and he will be better then some expect. If he's Kispert, think UK would take that 100 out of 100 times.

Cal talking Cal speak in regards to Fredrick's defense? Per the analytics, Allen was 6 pts per 100 possessions better than CJ. CJ's defensive rating is 111 pts/100pos as an injured soph and 110 as a healthy freshman.

Allen's rating was 104 as a rs-Freshman and Cal said his defense was a problem. If that's a problem, what's 111 going to be?

On the other hand, Fredrick was +20 better per 100 possessions than Allen on offense. I hope Cal figures out how to get him on the floor, but history says he won't.

 

[Cats192]

He shoots it with the same motion every time. Looks incredibly smooth and effortless. He should take a big step up this year and be really good for us.

 

[Los Gatos]

Solid get as long as we add the PGs we need. This gives us 8 so we still need 3 more at least. 2 of those need to be PGs. One of my favs is Wright who is testing the waters like Carr and you know a decent amount of these good PGs will have to withdraw from the draft because they ain't getting drafted.

However, with Carr, he will have to get a wavier as Sarr did. Therefore a top PG might come real late so we need to go ahead and land the other one ASAP since we need 2. Ideally, TyTy picks us and then we add a vet at the end. Get brooks and Mintz back and go with 12 would be nice. But we need at least 11 and at least 2 PGs.

Been off the board for several days, just noticed your comment re Carr and a waiver. Is this based on his earlier transfer?

 

[Crawfords Corner]

Bottom line is you can nitpick any player's game. Fredrick is no different. Fact of the matter for UK is that we struggled mightily as a team to shoot the ball from everywhere on the court except the free throw line as a whole. CJ is an instant improvement on that. So if he shoots the ball here like he did there then you are going to live with his defense. He's made 83 shots from 3 in his two years. He also, btw, shot 49.4% from 2 last year as well. That would have put him 3rd on the team inside the arc behind Jackson and Brooks.


Also, if we are talking about plantar fasciitis and he gets clear of that you'll probably see a different player on defense. I don't know if any of you have had it, but it's effing awful. When that damn thing starts barking you are in agony. It most definitely would have an affect on anyone's ability to play defense(basketball as whole really). It's painful enough just trying to walk with it let alone making cuts while jogging or springting.

 

[Wunky]

Wait till TY TY and Alvardo commit. Ive been saying it for weeks. The Cal bashers are gonna look really stupid. I mean they already do. Cal got 2 new great assistants who recruit like beasts. Now he is getting our roster set to be very competitive next year and a much improved shooting team. He has addressed every complaint the bashers have thrown out. Well except the screaming. Ive never understood that anyway, never seen a coach who doesn't scream lol

Why don’t we wait and see the product on the court before making any judgments? I like the moves Cal has made so far this offseason... but I also thought last years team was going to be monstrous. And it was dog crap.

 

[JHannibalSmith]

@SmedMoley, I quoted your post but accidentally deleted it when I edited mine so I tagged you so it would be obvious who I’m responding to. If anything, all these moves validate everything ppl were complaining about & proves them right. Lol. By addressing the exact issues that fans have been pointing out, he acknowledges that those issues are indeed real & ppl were correct in their assessments. And, that’s all most of the unhappy fans asked for anyway. I’m not happy at all with the state of the program but have said all along that I don’t want Cal fired yet & that he deserves time to fix things.

But, most ppl were seemingly more upset with the overall direction of the program (1 & done) & not necessarily the one horrific season. And, ever since he brought in Grady & the OA rumors started to surface most ppl have given him the benefit of the doubt. But, ppl will go to extraordinary lengths in the name of fan shaming, logic be damned.