From the time Vandy had their little run in the first half, tying the game 22-22, until the 6:00 mark of the second half, we outscored Vandy 56-28, to take a 78-50 lead. The UK team we saw in that stretch is the team we’ll see when it matters. And that was without our starting point guard. The rest of the game was just Cal tinkering, to find out who will be ready to join the regular rotation later in the season. Hopefully we’ll have more tinkering opportunities going forward. They can look a little discombobulated at times, but the value of that experience for those players — especially on the road — is immeasurable.
56-28
- Thread starter Blue63Madison
- Start date
Cal isn't going to play Hopkins and Collins in close games that matter down the stretch and in the post-season. We will have Mintz and Toppins and I pray to whatever higher power out there Sharpe...as our top 3 bench players to complete the nice 8 man rotation we will have.
I kind of think that Cal will continue to find pt for Collins and Hopkins because he wants them to return next year.
Sorry, OP.
Cal sucks, was outcoached and had to play his favorites.
That's the real reasons we witnessed what we did. /s
Not sure the /s was needed
Cal sucks, was outcoached and had to play his favorites.
That's the real reasons we witnessed what we did. /s
Not sure the /s was needed
There will be games where either Oscar, Brooks or Toppin get in foul trouble — maybe two of them at the same time. In that case, Hopkins and Collins will have to at least not hurt the team when they’re out there. They aren’t first rotation guys, but they are the next man up in case we get in those situations. The more experience they can get along the way, the better.
If Cal was any kind of coach we'd had Kofi Cockburn as the focal point of all Kentucky offense, and Oscar would have taken his weak act somewhere else, or -- much less likely -- would be playing mop-up minutes.
Imagine how much better the offense that produced that 56-28 run would look with Kofi parked down low as a black hole demanding the ball on every possession.
I tip my cap to the Rafters geniuses who pointed out so vociferously that Cal had flushed the season by not convincing Cockburn to sign.
Imagine how much better the offense that produced that 56-28 run would look with Kofi parked down low as a black hole demanding the ball on every possession.
I tip my cap to the Rafters geniuses who pointed out so vociferously that Cal had flushed the season by not convincing Cockburn to sign.
I agree with the exception if Oscar isn’t on the floor, Ware has to be the guy to come in not Collins. Ware atleast battles defensively and on the boards. Not much offense, but can set screens well. Either way, brings more to the table and hurts us less than Collins right now.
I honestly forgot about Ware. I think if we have to play Ware, Collins or Hopkins they need to play the correct positions...Hopkins trying to dribble at the 3 is cringe worthy.
I agree, but I left Ware out intentionally, just because I think Cal has come to the point where he knows what we’re going to get, and not get, from Ware. I don’t see that kid advancing his game much beyond what he is now, whereas Hopkins and Collins have a long ways to go before reaching their ceiling. I think that’s why Ware didn’t play last night.
I’m assuming (hoping) once Wheeler returns, and hopefully Sharpe soon too, Hopkins will only play the 4 spot. He has shown signs of being a good rebounder and adequate scorer, despite very few minutes played. Potential-wise, he’s the bench player I’m most excited about.
It’s real early. Just wait until Oscar is in foul trouble in a win or go home tournament game and we have to rely on Collins and/or Ware. Major drop off when Oscar isn’t on the floor. Our interior depth is damn near non existent.
Come tournament time, Cal will be playing eight, except if foul trouble gets really bad.
Oscar, Wheeler, Brooks, TyTy, Grady, Mintz and Toppin are 7 of the 8. The eighth is either Sharpe or the player that improves the most over the next two months. Toss up.
Oscar, Wheeler, Brooks, TyTy, Grady, Mintz and Toppin are 7 of the 8. The eighth is either Sharpe or the player that improves the most over the next two months. Toss up.
Yeah, I agree. He will need to find them spot minutes, but he CAN'T play them together.
Here's a thought I've been having regarding Oscar needing a breather. How about playing Toppin and Brooks at the 4-5? I think it would work against teams who don't have a bruising, scoring center. Actually, there are very few bruisers in the league this season, so it might work in most games.
I actually like what Ware does when Oscar isn't in the game. Yes, you give up a great rebounder and offensive weapon. We know this. However, we don't lose a battler. Big men are going up against a 6ft 9 230 pounder in there. You have to work for your rebounds against him and he's a decent screen setter. Basically, what I like is that while Oscar is on the bench you have Ware in there wearing down the other team's big man. Over 40 minutes of game you are going up against a couple of really strong dudes in those two. Yes, he's a minus on offense, but he does have this as a positive for himself. Some guys have lesser roles, but that doesn't mean they don't have any positives.
I mean Hopkins looks good when he's in there with the other starters. Why does Cal take out Washington when he put Collins & Hopkins the 1st time? Puts those 2 in there with no point guard with em.
I agree Oscar was the right choice this year and we were never going to get both. However, I still think there’s a chance Kofi or Oscar are here next year. Most draft projections have Oscar and Kofi either end of 2nd round or going undrafted.
Good points here. I loved how we responded to their 11-0 run in the first half also..."foot on neck, press and twist hard."