Cal on Sharpe (insert eye roll gif)

[UKCATS8]

What do people want him to say?

We just added the number 1 recruit in America, and yes he is going to play.

 

[ConnorFromPossumTrot]

Are you aware Cal has lost 19 games in the last year and a half?

How many of them came last year though?

 

[K_TIME]

You can only go so far with a 5’8 PG that can’t shoot, IMHO.

Also, we are weak at the 4, IMHO. Brooks is decent shooting, but can’t guard a lamp post. Toppin brings energy, but is limited offensively (unless he plays like he did in the first half against LSU). Hopkins and Collins are not ready for prime time.

But the kicker is that we don’t have enough shooters. Washington and Grady are the only guys that can stretch a defense consistently. I think Mintz will get back on track, but with Wheeler running the show, we can only get two of the three on the floor at a time. That just doesn’t cut it against intelligent coaches. Put chasers on Washington and Wheeler and pack it in and make Wheeler shoot jumpers. Even with Sharpe, you are still only putting two shooters on the floor at a time, because he plays the same spots as Washington, Grady, and Mintz.

We should be fine against most teams, but once we hit the Sweet Sixteen and have to play an elite team (1 or 2 seed) with a great coach, we probably get sent home. I hope I am wrong, but I don’t see this as a dominant 2012, 2015, 2017 type team. It’s more like a 2016 or 2018 type team. Sweet Sixteen level team with a shot at going deeper if the stars align.

Fair points.

- But you can't ignore the best rebounding big man in UK modern history. Oscar is an amazing threat who won't be on the 2022 team. And to date, we're going to replace him with either Collins/Ware or some mystery transfer that has not materialized yet.

- I'm with you on Wheeler's warts will eventually become more of a problem vs. his unanny ability to rack up assists. But Skyy Clark is no sure thing either next year as a true FR running the show IMO.

- Do you think Wallace will be better than Grady as a shooter or even overall players? I do not see it.

- Livingston might be the only upgrade from this year to next year's team along with Sharpe.

I just think with Cal's model...you win now every year and slow playing Sharpe is not the right idea to me.

 

[bucsrule8872]

that is what I can't understand either
next year's class is basically all guards
so who is going to block a shot or get a rebound, especially if Oscar leaves
Even if Brooks comes back, he has proven over 3 years that he can't get the job done

Sophomore Collins protects the rim. He’ll add some strength this summer. Remember, he never lifted weights until he arrived on campus. He adds 20 lbs. by November and he’ll be a difference maker on the defensive end.

And Cal is going to play four perimeter players next year. Livingston was brought in to play the 4. Also, I completely forgot that Toppin is probably coming back as a Senior. He’ll play a sixth man role.

We are infusing our team with four 5-star guys next season. We’ll definitely miss Tshiebwe, though. But next season looks more athletic across the board. More like a classic Cal team.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Fair points.

- But you can't ignore the best rebounding big man in UK modern history. Oscar is an amazing threat who won't be on the 2022 team. And to date, we're going to replace him with either Collins/Ware or some mystery transfer that has not materialized yet.

- I'm with you on Wheeler's warts will eventually become more of a problem vs. his unanny ability to rack up assists. But Skyy Clark is no sure thing either next year as a true FR running the show IMO.

- Do you think Wallace will be better than Grady as a shooter or even overall players? I do not see it.

- Livingston might be the only upgrade from this year to next year's team along with Sharpe.

I just think with Cal's model...you win now every year and slow playing Sharpe is not the right idea to me.

I just don’t want to rush him in and play him before he is ready and it kills his confidence. Basketball is a psychological sport and a player’s mentality means as much as his skill.

And I wonder if we are expecting too much from this kid. Everyone would love to see him come in and dominate from the start, but that’s asking a lot in January.

And before Wheeler went down, we were looking pretty good with the guards we have. If Wheeler doesn’t get hurt, I bet we win fairly easily. Heck, we were the better team until Washington cramped up.

I just don’t know if Sharpe is ready to be a difference maker this year, but he could be a superstar in 9-10 months.

But in the end, I don’t make the decisions. I just hope Cal/Sharpe make the best decision, whether it’s play or not.

 

[anon_ce2llurbpkli4]

How many of them came last year though?

You mean last year, the same year every team had to deal with the same issues? Herein lies the problem. Some of you don’t see the downward tremd and it’s happening right in fromt of your eyes. You eant to make exciuses. You don’t want to believe we’re 22-23 in the last 6 seasons vs ranked teams. You don’t want to believe we havent been t a Final Four in 7 years. You don’t want to believe that Kansas is about to overtake is in ALL TIME WINS.

 

[EliteBlue]

It’s not like we have a monster team full of stars to beat out. If he can shoot a little bit and not turn it over, give him some run.

That’s what’s mind blowing. Like the best way to get him ready for this year to next year is to give him 5-10 min a game starting now.

If he starts producing then make it 10-15 etc.

There is no reason to not get him some live reps when we consistently expect freshman to come in and be great after a month and that’s been your philosophy as a coach.

Let him use this first month to work through kinks the same way TyTy did. Best case he has minimal adjustment to the step up in competition and is a star. Worst case he gets 5-10 min of live reps a game and experience for next year.

 

[ConnorFromPossumTrot]

You mean last year, the same year every team had to deal with the same issues? Herein lies the problem. Some of you don’t see the downward tremd and it’s happening right in fromt of your eyes. You eant to make exciuses. You don’t want to believe we’re 22-23 in the last 6 seasons vs ranked teams. You don’t want to believe we havent been t a Final Four in 7 years. You don’t want to believe that Kansas is about to overtake is in ALL TIME WINS.

I knew you would dodge that. This year we have 3 losses, 2 being to ranked teams. 2 years ago we had 6 losses all season and were among the better teams by the end. We beat teams ranked #1, #3, #15 and #18.

The year before that we were 30-7 with wins against #1 UT, #9 KU, #9 UNC, #11 Houston, #14 Auburn, #19 Wofford and #22 Miss st.

So it's just laughable to act like we are in some bad stretch based on last year. And no, not everyone was impacted the same. Lol, that's cute though. If you paid any attention you would know different states, different conferences and different schools all had different guidelines to follow. Older teams had a huge advanatage in that they had built chemistry in prior seasons that younger teams weren't often able to build last year. The NCAA felt it was such an anomaly they gave every player another year.

But you live in your faux misery all you like!

 

[ck-2]

That’s crazy to think, Cal needs to have five 5 star players starting.
Two ended up being #1 and #2 picks in the draft.
One being a generational talent.

To win his lone national championship.

And an nba lockout.

 

[Wildcats1st]

When Cal won the title, he started five 5-Star players. I kind of hope Cal/Sharpe sticks to the plan and he leads a team starting five 5-stars back to the Final Four and possibly number 9.

G Clark
G Wallace
G Sharpe
F Livingston
F Collins

Fredrick, Allen, Hopkins, and Ware off the bench. Add a couple of solid transfers (a big and a guard) and we have a contender.

I just don’t see this team right now being a true contender. Even with Sharpe.

We look like a Sweet Sixteen team to me. We will likely power past a 13-14 seed and then probably escape the second round before getting beat by a 1 or 2 seed in the Sweet Sixteen. We might get hot and get to a Final Four, but we would need a lot help.

Cbb is different now and 4 freshman and a super thin center ain’t making any March runs. I don’t care who the players are. Cal WILL have to bring in a couple big body post players and at least another guard or 3. Also Collins IMO is not gonna be back. But bottom line is if he’s our big we waste all the talent and lose early in the ncaa t

This year we are a first weekend knock out team. Can’t beat a decent team. Haven’t beat a tourney team yet and we are wildly inconsistent.

 

[WallMash]

You jak-wads are like hysterical children. What Cal said was completely reasonable given that— you play Sharpe now you say to every cat who worked their butt off since August that it doesn't matter how hard you bought in and worked, some newbie can slide in and take your place. That's a bad message for team together-ness. However if what happened last game where two starting guards go down later this season, you're not saying absolutely no. And even the players would want him to step in. What Cal said was the only reasonable answer he could say.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

I'll say it again.

Cal PLAYED Dontaie Allen the other night. In a game that MATTERED.

Allen is absolutely clueless on the court right now. Does nothing for the team and hasn't made a shot in months. Literally.

He can say what he wants but ever playing Dontaie Allen and not Sharpe means there is more going on here than "playing the best player with the primary interest being winning games for Kentucky."

It’s gonna take Sharpe a couple weeks to get in game shape and used to playing with the team, I don’t care how good he is, you can’t start right now and dominate. I agree he should play but give him about 2 weeks of practice first.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

The kid for Tennessee a few years ago played like within a week. And he wasn’t even really that good. Sharpe is supposedly the top ranked player in the class. Cals system is far from rocket science. He doesn’t even bother with inbounds plays or any other type defense but man to man. I think the kid can pick it up. This kind of stuff is why people are tired of Cal. All the drama and feeding people BS wore people down.

That Tennessee team wasn’t even that good.

 

[calismyhero]

And that my friends is John Calipari in a nutshell. Because we all know, being at Kentucky is ALL about draft picks and NOTHING about titles. As if we haven’t seen enough proof of that already. He won’t even allow the players that give us a better chance to win (see Brandon Boston) to play so we can win a game much less a title.

 

[UKwizard]

Sharpe who?

 

[bookerfan66]

You jak-wads are like hysterical children. What Cal said was completely reasonable given that— you play Sharpe now you say to every cat who worked their butt off since August that it doesn't matter how hard you bought in and worked, some newbie can slide in and take your place. That's a bad message for team together-ness. However if what happened last game where two starting guards go down later this season, you're not saying absolutely no. And even the players would want him to step in. What Cal said was the only reasonable answer he could say.

********.If someone is better and outplays you then you deserve to ride the bench.Instead of worrying about taking people's hearts you play the best people to help you win.

 

[ConnorFromPossumTrot]

********.If someone is better and outplays you then you deserve to ride the bench.Instead of worrying about taking people's hearts you play the best people to help you win.

So what if Sharpe isn't the best?

 

[HerrosHeroes]

I think too many people are pining too many hopes on someone who's supposed to be in HS.

Reality is if he's as good as advertised he'd be on the court ASAP. Which means the reality is he has stuff to work on and le a rn to be able to contribute. Which is totally fine and how it should be. But if you're the kind of talent that can get us to the Final Four then you're ready to go out of the gate.

Folks need to get some perspective and temper expectations

This isnt your avg HS player. Top recruit with off the chart measurements.

 

[bookerfan66]

So what if Sharpe isn't the best?

Then you stick him back on the bench.No way to know unless you give him a chance.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

********.If someone is better and outplays you then you deserve to ride the bench.Instead of worrying about taking people's hearts you play the best people to help you win.

Agree 100%

 

[ConnorFromPossumTrot]

Then you stick him back on the bench.No way to know unless you give him a chance.

Lol, Well sure there is. The coaches see these players everyday in practice and know their capabilities. They can tell who should be playing and who shouldn't.

 

[jessieshorts8]

Lol, Well sure there is. The coaches see these players everyday in practice and know their capabilities. They can tell who should be playing and who shouldn't.

I would like you to meet Devin Askew.

 

[ck-2]

I would like you to meet Devin Askew.

And Khalil Whitney.

 

[K_TIME]

You jak-wads are like hysterical children. What Cal said was completely reasonable given that— you play Sharpe now you say to every cat who worked their butt off since August that it doesn't matter how hard you bought in and worked, some newbie can slide in and take your place. That's a bad message for team together-ness. However if what happened last game where two starting guards go down later this season, you're not saying absolutely no. And even the players would want him to step in. What Cal said was the only reasonable answer he could say.

Have we not said a similar thing for years when guys like Askew, Boston, Clarke, Wenyen (early on his Fr year), Whitney, etc...play over other kids no matter how many mistakes they make.

Just play the best dude and it is what it is in the end. We need to win and make a run at title. Not coddle people who've had opportunity to beat Duke, Notre Dame, LSU...and have not gotten in done.

 

[Jamal Mercer]

Lol, Well sure there is. The coaches see these players everyday in practice and know their capabilities. They can tell who should be playing and who shouldn't.

Connor from Rowdy knows his

 

[JwUKFan11]

He only has to be able to show some paperwork that says he completed the necessary coursework for graduation before the start of the NBA regular season. And that isn't hard to fudge even if he didn't have it done by then.

Here’s the thing about that. Yes I guess technically that is correct but every single person Cal included knows that if that were to happen he will lose every fan out there. You might find 3 that would be on his side. So I guess that is a possibility but I would put the chances as very low. This place will cause Rivals servers to crash if that were to happen.

 

[bbnkat02]

We just added the number 1 recruit in America, and yes he is going to play.

And now every defense knows he’s going to play for sure. Keep them guessing, until he plays. Especially for a game like Au or KU.

 

[anon_ce2llurbpkli4]

I knew you would dodge that. This year we have 3 losses, 2 being to ranked teams. 2 years ago we had 6 losses all season and were among the better teams by the end. We beat teams ranked #1, #3, #15 and #18.

The year before that we were 30-7 with wins against #1 UT, #9 KU, #9 UNC, #11 Houston, #14 Auburn, #19 Wofford and #22 Miss st.

So it's just laughable to act like we are in some bad stretch based on last year. And no, not everyone was impacted the same. Lol, that's cute though. If you paid any attention you would know different states, different conferences and different schools all had different guidelines to follow. Older teams had a huge advanatage in that they had built chemistry in prior seasons that younger teams weren't often able to build last year. The NCAA felt it was such an anomaly they gave every player another year.

But you live in your faux misery all you like!

Excuses are for losers. You’re full of them.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

And that my friends is John Calipari in a nutshell. Because we all know, being at Kentucky is ALL about draft picks and NOTHING about titles. As if we haven’t seen enough proof of that already. He won’t even allow the players that give us a better chance to win (see Brandon Boston) to play so we can win a game much less a title.

Crazy we won 3 titles and 8 Final Fours the prior 50 years before Cal arrived. Other than a stretch from 93-98 when UK won 2 titles and 4 Final Fours and a stretch from 09-2015 with 1 title and 4 Final Fours, there are 50+ years since 1958 when we 1 title and 4 Final Fours total. Ouch.

I guess those other coaches were concerned about other things too...because other than Pitino's short run and Cal's short run and Tubby's latch on to Pitino one year...it hasn't been a lot of high level success since the magical run of 48-58. I am not sure if people on here just choose to ignore the history or are not aware of it.

 

[ConnorFromPossumTrot]

Here’s the thing about that. Yes I guess technically that is correct but every single person Cal included knows that if that were to happen he will lose every fan out there. You might find 3 that would be on his side. So I guess that is a possibility but I would put the chances as very low. This place will cause Rivals servers to crash if that were to happen.

The worst thing that would happen is some morons would ***** and swear off anything UK basketball or Cal for a few days and then inevitably be right back when the season kicks off because they are essentially addicts. It will be the same as it was with the kneeling. Those people that swore they were done are still watching.

 

[ConnorFromPossumTrot]

I would like you to meet Devin Askew.

And Khalil Whitney.

Why did both leave again?

 

[Catfan2226]

Cal loves to talk ********.Most of the time you just have to believe the opposite of what he says.
Sharpe is considered the best incoming recruit from the class of 2022.If he is the best that class has to offer then there is absolutely no reason he shouldnt be in game shape right now.
I dont think he plays at all this season but I very well could be wrong and really hope I am but I also know we have seen this scenario play out before as well.

 

[anon_ce2llurbpkli4]

You jak-wads are like hysterical children. What Cal said was completely reasonable given that— you play Sharpe now you say to every cat who worked their butt off since August that it doesn't matter how hard you bought in and worked, some newbie can slide in and take your place. That's a bad message for team together-ness. However if what happened last game where two starting guards go down later this season, you're not saying absolutely no. And even the players would want him to step in. What Cal said was the only reasonable answer he could say.

This is straight from the horse’s mouth.

 

[bbanks81]

When Cal won the title, he started five 5-Star players. I kind of hope Cal/Sharpe sticks to the plan and he leads a team starting five 5-stars back to the Final Four and possibly number 9.

G Clark
G Wallace
G Sharpe
F Livingston
F Collins

Fredrick, Allen, Hopkins, and Ware off the bench. Add a couple of solid transfers (a big and a guard) and we have a contender.

I just don’t see this team right now being a true contender. Even with Sharpe.

We look like a Sweet Sixteen team to me. We will likely power past a 13-14 seed and then probably escape the second round before getting beat by a 1 or 2 seed in the Sweet Sixteen. We might get hot and get to a Final Four, but we would need a lot help.

You think Brooks and Wheeler are going pro??? Wheeler isn’t going anywhere, and Brooks may just leave to go play overseas

 

[Bluefaithful]

You jak-wads are like hysterical children. What Cal said was completely reasonable given that— you play Sharpe now you say to every cat who worked their butt off since August that it doesn't matter how hard you bought in and worked, some newbie can slide in and take your place. That's a bad message for team together-ness. However if what happened last game where two starting guards go down later this season, you're not saying absolutely no. And even the players would want him to step in. What Cal said was the only reasonable answer he could say.

This is absolutely the correct answer.

No one will read it though because because most are big Ole cry babies who didn't get enough milk as a baby.

 

[bnewt]

Sophomore Collins protects the rim. He’ll add some strength this summer. Remember, he never lifted weights until he arrived on campus. He adds 20 lbs. by November and he’ll be a difference maker on the defensive end.

And Cal is going to play four perimeter players next year. Livingston was brought in to play the 4. Also, I completely forgot that Toppin is probably coming back as a Senior. He’ll play a sixth man role.

We are infusing our team with four 5-star guys next season. We’ll definitely miss Tshiebwe, though. But next season looks more athletic across the board. More like a classic Cal team.

if the past proves anything, then Collins won't be back regardless of being ready or not

 

[ck-2]

Why did both leave again?

Who evaluated them in practice everyday? Especially Whitney who kept Quickley out of the starting lineup.

 

[gwjenning]

Why are we not a contender with Sharpe?

The fact that he can’t step on the court against Vandy.
Maybe he’s closer to number 1 recruit Skal than number 1 recruit Wall.

 

[ck-2]

Lol, Well sure there is. The coaches see these players everyday in practice and know their capabilities. They can tell who should be playing and who shouldn't.

Meet Khalil Whitney vs Immanuel Quickley.
Thank God Whitney left.

 

[bnewt]

You jak-wads are like hysterical children. What Cal said was completely reasonable given that— you play Sharpe now you say to every cat who worked their butt off since August that it doesn't matter how hard you bought in and worked, some newbie can slide in and take your place. That's a bad message for team together-ness. However if what happened last game where two starting guards go down later this season, you're not saying absolutely no. And even the players would want him to step in. What Cal said was the only reasonable answer he could say.

but you forgot Cal's own words.................THE BEST PLAYERS PLAY
so if Sharpe is as good as his rep, then he should be playing regardless of when he arrived
the object of the game is to WIN