If the story is true the team was split on getting another big seems it would be the same with him.If Cal wouldn't even bother talking to Kofi and is letting the team decide who he recruits.
So are we still recruiting Jalen?
- Thread starter jessieshorts8
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UK was watching him a few days ago so I assume they are. That said, I've never believed Duren would wind up here.
Well, if Kofi is out of the way, that signals an opening for Duren. And if Cal truly never reached out to Kofi, that *may* mean he was already focusing on Duren.
Kofi is the more proven player, and the safer bet. But Duren fits better. I won't turn either down, but I'm more than happy to roll with what we have. What I wanted was another wing who can create his own shot, and those aren't available.
Kofi is the more proven player, and the safer bet. But Duren fits better. I won't turn either down, but I'm more than happy to roll with what we have. What I wanted was another wing who can create his own shot, and those aren't available.
I have zero faith Cal can beat out Memphis for him.Never thought I would say that.
and you know Anfernee will try some shady ****.
They're two different players with different skills, of course they are still all in on Duren, he can fit in several spots on the floor, not just the 5 like Kofi.
I am not sure Orlando can beat out Penny’s dirty business is what you should say.
Does he have a relative we could hire?
Why not? Wiseman wasn’t proof to you or did you not follow that closely? Can’t get everyone.
Cal's not been getting the best of the best for awhile now.I hope the new staff changes things so we will see.
Except Penny has been caught doing that ****.
I think we gotta decide which story we believe on the Kofi thing.
I think it's also worth considering that two potential AA centers just look at our roster and realize there's not enough minutes or shots for them.
I think it's also worth considering that two potential AA centers just look at our roster and realize there's not enough minutes or shots for them.
Cal needs to hire his damn dad for 1 year, and make him the assistant to the assistant to the regional manager, or something. Whatever it takes LOL
Kentucky never stopped recruiting Jalen Duren and he's been top priority. Many still feel it's UK vs G-League for him.
Are these people who would actually know?
Because the narrative here has been that we're in third or fourth place, for whatever "place" matters in recruiting.
Hell, paying players is legal now. Don't need to worry about big bags of cash when Jalen can sell an autographed photo to a booster for $1 million
And Lil penny will break rules and push it on Larry Brown
Yes they know he's never stopped being recruited or being a high priority and feel as confident as anyone else does, just don't broadcast it.
In addition if anyone saw Andrew Slater's tweet about UK leaking the Kofi stuff to speak to Duren's camp and it's not a lock with him hinting to watch for Miami (DJ Irving tie obviously) you also don't mind hearing that a guy that tied in with info views them in position that they need not think they are a lock. That isn't saying they are out and not considered which confirms what friend has heard.
Can't get rattled by info/rumors in big stakes recruiting. All in or don't bother getting involved. Kentucky has done a fantastic job recruiting Duren and my favorite part has been how they've not talked about anything to let the weird "let me be first to report so fans think I'm great" media to spill anything about his visit or recruitment. I am NOT referring to anyone on CatsIllustrated either. Travis Graf SAT on Kofi things for months. He did his job when others were talking it up and how they got it is what needs to be dealt with.
As always @ralphdaltonfan, you have the best info on this board. Thanks for sharing! Great insight.
The all-insider "expect a commitment to UK" team:
C - Kofi Cockburn
F -Jaden McDaniels
F - Jaylen Brown
G - Scottie Lewis
G - Trae Young
Honorable mention: "UK/Duke will split on Reddish/Barrett - each will get one of those guys."
2nd honorable mention: "It's down to UK or Clemson for Zion."
C - Kofi Cockburn
F -Jaden McDaniels
F - Jaylen Brown
G - Scottie Lewis
G - Trae Young
Honorable mention: "UK/Duke will split on Reddish/Barrett - each will get one of those guys."
2nd honorable mention: "It's down to UK or Clemson for Zion."
I saw the Slater tweet and wondered if that wasn't an intentional message to Duren even if it isn't exactly true.
I guess my question is how the hell all that chatter gets going in the first place. Info was all over the place on Kofi and it all contradicts.
Back to Duren, sure seems like we're hearing every possibility. It's been pro for sure, then college for sure but Miami, then Kentucky felt like he might commit on the visit, then we were definitely adding Kofi and Duren was going to Memphis, and now it's back to Miami leading for him. But you're hearing G League or UK?
Slater is an excellent source for information if you go by recruiting experts and Social Media. He knows people but he's often been incorrect with some UK recruiting because of who he doesn't talk with-but with Team Final guys-he'd know what he's hearing.
As for Kofi news, I don't know. As I've always told you, my friend doesn't have great info when it comes to CBB transfers and I respect the hell out of Travis Graf because he'd been told something apparently month or so ago about Cockburn being in play for UK and sat on the info--but someone decided to leak it out there for whatever reason and now the "experts" come out of LF who have nothing but taking guesses on social media. Kyle Tucker is the biggest joke I've seen. Guy literally was talking out his *** and now found out some truth today. lol He still thinks Justus is staying and no way will he be replaced or Antigua return.
Pro obviously should be considered. I understand it and as much as it sucks for UK or any CBB fan to see guys skip it I get it. Miami has DJ Irving who was not only tied with Team Final but coached him at Roman Catholic HS before he left for Montverde.
Where did anyone say they felt Kentucky would get a commitment on the visit? Who said that? A media source or some fan account or internet "media" account which starts 90% of the issues for both coaches and fans.
Memphis loves to talk. Their staff is big on that. Hardaway felt so great and confident about Duren that after the visit he immediately interviewed with the Orlando Magic. That is factual information too. Memphis added Larry Brown who btw is Calipari's mentor and is as close to Cal as anyone--so people who fire shots at Brown need to also understand that aspect but then turnaround and laugh at the thought that Hardaway needed to get a real coach to help him because of his letdown of a beginning to his coaching career after a lot of hype. The guy from Suns is a well respected guy but the NBA "angle" is talk/recruiting hype--not like Kentucky needs to broadcast their player development like Memphis/Penny.
It's recruiting so anything can happen but friend was happy that 2 other programs weren't mentioned or get in for a visit in Duren's final listing of options. UCLA and Villanova were sniffing around Michigan would've factored in stronger if he stayed in '22. He's felt that if Duren plays CBB it will be Kentucky for some time. I just hope he's correct.
Duren is a PF/C. He can play the 4 or 5.
Cockburn is a pure Center. He plays the 5 only.
Cal must believe that Tshiebwe is a 5 only as well.
So, it’s all about fit.
Duren and Tshiebwe fit together.
Cockburn and Tshiebwe do not.
I think that pretty much sums it all up.
Cockburn is a pure Center. He plays the 5 only.
Cal must believe that Tshiebwe is a 5 only as well.
So, it’s all about fit.
Duren and Tshiebwe fit together.
Cockburn and Tshiebwe do not.
I think that pretty much sums it all up.
You may only be referring to high school recruits, but I count transfers as part of the recruiting. And when I look at it from that perspective, I would argue that Grady is better right now - in fact, much better -than any high school 2G recruit Calipari could have brought in regardless of ranking.
You can also add that Duren's shown he can play with another big who is a legit Lottery Pick when he leaves CBB in 7'2 Dereck Lively. That won't be a problem for him if he's on the court with another frontcourt guy. HIs passing is the most underrated aspect of his game-he can play high post and pass and he's a weapon against zone defenses because of it. He's closest thing I've seen to Amare Stoudemire coming out of HS in terms of man physique at 6'10 and chiseled 245/250 lbs.
Seems like the Duren and Hardy sagas are following similar paths. UK hard on both. Staff felt they made some real in-roads on Hardy and thought they might pull it out. Same with Duren. Hopefully they don’t end the same. Fear it might. Would absolutely love to add Duren to this team - such a perfect fit with what we have and what we need. I would have loved Kofi as well. But if we have a real shot at Duren, it’s worth pushing off interest on Kofi to let it play out. You must take that risk - and seems Cal and company think the same. Maybe they feel little better about the Duren sweepstakes than they did Hardy.
You may be right about Hardy. He looked really good for a high school 2G in the videos I watched. But I would still rather have Grady for next season. Whatever Hardy eventually becomes in a couple of years is not relevant to UK's wins and losses next season.
I think high school rankings and draft position predictions are often more about future potential than what a guy will do in his one year of college AND how he will impact the winning potential of his college team. But occasionally a college freshman is among the best at his position, so I know it's possible - I just don't think it's likely often enough to pick a high school kid over a proven player like Grady (who I believe was also pretty well ranked coming out of high school).
Yes but I think we are screwed. All signs point to Memphis. I really can’t believe that after a nine and 16 season that was absolutely horrendous Coach Cal would not at least explore or try to get Kofi.
If Kentucky misses out on both we will look back around November or December when Oscar has four fouls at the beginning of the second half wishing we had a back up for the 5.
Collins is just to thin to be an anchor down low
The Amare comp is a spooky one because I believe he was all set to play for Cal before turning pro too.
Even back then we saw Cal be willing to recruit guys until the very end. We're seeing it from schools like Michigan and Memphis now. Think that's a combination of figuring its worth the risk, knowing you've have guys who are connected and can let you know when it's time to bail, and simply an approach toward player empowerment.
Even back then we saw Cal be willing to recruit guys until the very end. We're seeing it from schools like Michigan and Memphis now. Think that's a combination of figuring its worth the risk, knowing you've have guys who are connected and can let you know when it's time to bail, and simply an approach toward player empowerment.
I like the enthusiasm but Hardy is considerably better than Grady, though I wouldn’t put anyone else from this class ahead of Grady.
Yes, Hardy is exponentially better than Grady. It's not even close.
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