Brooks staying or going ?

[JST390-2]

However, a return might not be so likely.

Last offseason, there were whispers that Brooks was looking to transfer, but he ultimately decided to stay in Lexington for a third season

Ben Roberts of the Herald-Leader noted that, “It seems like — at this stage in his career, and after emerging as a starter for one of the nation’s premier programs — Brooks wouldn’t leave UK for another school.”
Instead, it would more than likely be Brooks leaving to get his professional career started despite not being listed on ESPN’s top 100 prospect for the NBA Draft.

After the loss on Thursday, Brooks’ comments seemed more like a reflection on his college career.

“My tenure here has been a little funky and difficult — a little different — but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said. “Coming here, I’ve learned a lot. Beyond being a basketball player. Coach Cal has done a great job of shaping me into a better man. And that being said, I don’t regret anything that I’ve been through as long as I’ve been here.”

https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/3/21/22986605/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-keion-brooks-news

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Think he’s gone.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Think he’s gone.

Gone where BWO? With the wind?
He almost has to come back and get better in soooo many different areas.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Professional career?

In something other than basketball... [roll]

 

[AGEE11]

He maybe ready to head overseas to play for money. Same end results if he leaves now or comes back.

Unless NIL is more than overseas for another year, it makes no difference if he stays or goes on his wallet

 

[Wunky]

Gone where BWO? With the wind?
He almost has to come back and get better in soooo many different areas.

Lsst year was the year to do that. Didn’t happen.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Every player has a ceiling. I think Brooks is near his. Brooks is what he is.
And I don't think he is a bad player, he's decent. Probably more UK 7th-man quality though. And while it is debatable whether Toppin, or maybe even Hopkins or Collins are better than Brooks. I do think they all 3 have more upside, and Toppin is a SR too. So while I am not one of those who doesn't like Brooks, I would like to see another player given the chance to shine at the 4 spot.

I think Toppin may be close to his ceiling as well (freak athlete with less but some skill). Hopkins can get in better shape, and better learn good from bad shots, but he seems to have an 'edge' that I like. And Collins NEEDS to get stronger! What was he 190 this year? If we can get him to 210-220, then his athleticism can cover the added lack of bulk. He also needs to learn good shot from bad. But I really think Collins breaks out next year, keeping Toppin as a reserve. And I say that even though Toppin is one of my fav's on the team. And we have Livingston coming in too. Although he and Hopkins could play some 3.

 

[bluecat78]

However, a return might not be so likely.

Last offseason, there were whispers that Brooks was looking to transfer, but he ultimately decided to stay in Lexington for a third season

Ben Roberts of the Herald-Leader noted that, “It seems like — at this stage in his career, and after emerging as a starter for one of the nation’s premier programs — Brooks wouldn’t leave UK for another school.”
Instead, it would more than likely be Brooks leaving to get his professional career started despite not being listed on ESPN’s top 100 prospect for the NBA Draft.

After the loss on Thursday, Brooks’ comments seemed more like a reflection on his college career.

“My tenure here has been a little funky and difficult — a little different — but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said. “Coming here, I’ve learned a lot. Beyond being a basketball player. Coach Cal has done a great job of shaping me into a better man. And that being said, I don’t regret anything that I’ve been through as long as I’ve been here.”

https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/3/21/22986605/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-keion-brooks-news

Ho gone. Most likely to IU to play with his buddy.

 

[BlueThunderstruck]

Brooks will never sniff the NBA.

 

[ManOfManyNames]

Lol, I remember when people used to say similar about Nick Richards, then he became a lot of people's favorite player his last year. You guys are a riot!

 

[BlueBomb]

I anticipate every damn one of them to leave until I see different. Hell, even the water boys might enter the portal. They're probably tired of C-Cube yelling at them constantly, "WE NEED WATER!"

 

[SemperFiCat]

Why would he leave?? He's already guaranteed min on the UK stage.

 

[AllBall]

Gone where BWO? With the wind?
He almost has to come back and get better in soooo many different areas.

Brooks is who he is and will only improve marginally. He may play with more confidence but his overall skill set won't be much different if he returns.

 

[jessieshorts8]

I hope he leaves because Cal will start him no matter what.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

I think he will transfer somewhere else and play. I could be wrong, but that is my guess.

 

[bigsmoothie]

UK doesn’t deserve him. Fans ***** about kids leaving after one year. Well he stayed and still gets killed.

 

[Rafterman]

Brooks has shown moments of being a very good player. He should probably have a shorter leash but he has a contributing place on this team for sure. The discussion needs to be more about how Cal uses him.

 

[RoyKent]

UK doesn’t deserve him. Fans ***** about kids leaving after one year. Well he stayed and still gets killed.

(some) UK fans want players who play like one and dones but who stay for multiple years.

 

[Shaudylo]

I think he will transfer somewhere else and play. I could be wrong, but that is my guess.

If he does that’s pretty wild since he plays a lot here .

Id guess the pro route over the transfer portal .

 

[FitchandMurray29]

Many fans don’t like him personally for things that have happened here so that definitely doesn’t help his case to stay. Simply put he’s a tweener bench player but we had to start someone at the 4 spot. I think he’s a good kid but that would be in both parties best interests to go in separate ways. A senior former high school all American will have his pick on where to transfer and set up any professional career. We get the starting 4 spot to sell to someone else. Win win imo.

 

[Trinity45]

However, a return might not be so likely.

Last offseason, there were whispers that Brooks was looking to transfer, but he ultimately decided to stay in Lexington for a third season

Ben Roberts of the Herald-Leader noted that, “It seems like — at this stage in his career, and after emerging as a starter for one of the nation’s premier programs — Brooks wouldn’t leave UK for another school.”
Instead, it would more than likely be Brooks leaving to get his professional career started despite not being listed on ESPN’s top 100 prospect for the NBA Draft.

After the loss on Thursday, Brooks’ comments seemed more like a reflection on his college career.

“My tenure here has been a little funky and difficult — a little different — but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said. “Coming here, I’ve learned a lot. Beyond being a basketball player. Coach Cal has done a great job of shaping me into a better man. And that being said, I don’t regret anything that I’ve been through as long as I’ve been here.”

https://www.aseaofblue.com/2022/3/21/22986605/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-keion-brooks-news

Sounds like he is gone, but will have to wait and see for sure.

 

[KentuckyStout]

If you want to be at Kentucky then great, let's get back to work.

It would be great if every player that doesn't want to be here, GTFO as soon as the final horn sounded against St. Peters. No stupid autograph tour, just gooooooooooooooooooo (as your coach would say).

These 2-3 months at the end of every season watching as our team is gutted absolutely suck, and they are a feature of the John Calipari Era.

Can anyone tell me why it's breaking news the Collins is staying for his sophomore year? Should things like that actually be newsworthy? Nope...but here we are.

 

[jessieshorts8]

(some) UK fans want players who play like one and dones but who stay for multiple years.

He's a nice bench player but not a starter.

 

[Catclaw1]

He would make a great 4 year player at UPike

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Can't see him transferring now.. Brooks definitely was knocking on the door of "figuring it all out", which should keep him with starter minutes next season and an even bigger role. Plus, seems like one of Cal's guys who is going to get his minutes regardless.

As for the pros, it would have to be overseas.. I'm not sold yet on NIL being a factor for most guys, because I still think NBA money (and the NBA itself) is much better than some autograph deals... HOWEVER, if it's a player who doesn't have NBA ability at the moment, then NIL will be a huge factor in winning out over a few hundred grand, playing overseas.

 

[bigsmoothie]

He's a nice bench player but not a starter.

We disagree. Sincerely, Kansas.

 

[jessieshorts8]

We disagree. Sincerely, Kansas.

That's the thing.He had that one great game and that was it.Did nothing the rest of the season except argue with Cal.

 

[Seth_C]

It’s okay, guys. I’m sure Sharpe will stick around to lead us to a championship alongside…let me check my notes…Brennan Canada? No doubt they can get it done!

lol

 

[Seth_C]

Can't see him transferring now.. Brooks definitely was knocking on the door of "figuring it all out", which should keep him with starter minutes next season and an even bigger role. Plus, seems like one of Cal's guys who is going to get his minutes regardless.

As for the pros, it would have to be overseas.. I'm not sold yet on NIL being a factor for most guys, because I still think NBA money (and the NBA itself) is much better than some autograph deals... HOWEVER, if it's a player who doesn't have NBA ability at the moment, then NIL will be a huge factor in winning out over a few hundred grand, playing overseas.

Was that a big door? Maybe a really long hallway on the other side? I mean Cal will give him all the minutes he wants, no doubt, but knocking on the door to what? Being a consistent role player?

 

[bookerfan66]

If people can't see Brooks isn't good enough to be a starter at UK i don't know what to tell them.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

That's the thing.He had that one great game and that was it.Did nothing the rest of the season except argue with Cal.

Pretty sure he literally had 20 the next game...but yeah, he was too inconsistent. That said, the guy (and Wheeler) got way more hate than the rest of them that were inconsistent for whatever reason.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Was that a big door? Maybe a really long hallway on the other side? I mean Cal will give him all the minutes he wants, no doubt, but knocking on the door to what? Being a consistent role player?

Yes. I mean, look at how much better he did at times this year than years past. ANd then look at the type of transformation Nick Richards had after a few seasons. I'm not saying it will happen.. but that's not really the point. Brooks finally flashed some real potential, and that will likely keep him here. If you're him, why leave now?

 

[UKWildcats1987]

If people can see Brooks isn't good enough to be a starter at UK i don't know what to tell them.

We have had plenty of players over the years that were not good enough to start here in all eras (Calipari, Coach G, Tubby, Pitino, Sutton, etc). Brooks is fine as long as it is made clear he is the 5th starter and in there to rebound, play D, and dunk/layups/putbacks and shoot the occasional 15 feet and in jumper he is pretty efficient at.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

If you want to be at Kentucky then great, let's get back to work.

It would be great if every player that doesn't want to be here, GTFO as soon as the final horn sounded against St. Peters. No stupid autograph tour, just gooooooooooooooooooo (as your coach would say).

These 2-3 months at the end of every season watching as our team is gutted absolutely suck, and they are a feature of the John Calipari Era.

Can anyone tell me why it's breaking news the Collins is staying for his sophomore year? Should things like that actually be newsworthy? Nope...but here we are.

It’s breaking news now because of the transfer portal and the tons of players transferring around the country. Not just at Kentucky, but if you don’t get many opportunities or PT it’s almost expected today to transfer.
5 years ago these decisions and announcements were ridiculous as we wondered about them leaving for the draft regardless of their draft status. Now until a player announces he’s coming back it’s almost easier to just assume he’s gone in some shape or fashion. Free agency is very real now in college sports.

 

[bballcat4]

Brooks has had the worst UK experience of anyone I can remember in my lifetime.

1) Yr 1 - Good team ... season ended mid-tourn because of Covid.
2) Yr 2 - Historically bad team.
3) Yr 3 - Helped bring joy back to Mudville, but ended with historically bad tourn loss.

Some blame him for being common denominator of last 2 years, but that is extremely narrow minded. Guard play killed us in SEC/NCAA tourn. Everyone wants experienced players who are part of program for 4 years. He’s the poster child for returning players.

Mid range game excelled this year. Come back and improve his 3 pt shot and he can play many years over seas and may get shot with NBA.

Hope he runs through the hoop next year on Sr Day and he experiences a deep tourn run.

 

[KentuckyStout]

We disagree. Sincerely, Kansas.

Starters need to play well more than 2-3 games per year.

It also helps if they actually understand the game of basketball and have at least some concept of leadership.

 

[bookerfan66]

We have had plenty of players over the years that were not good enough to start here in all eras (Calipari, Coach G, Tubby, Pitino, Sutton, etc). Brooks is fine as long as it is made clear he is the 5th starter and in there to rebound, play D, and dunk/layups/putbacks and shoot the occasional 15 feet and in jumper he is pretty efficient at.

But that's never going to happen.Brooks clearly thinks he is better than he actually is and Cal lets him get away with it.How many times were we down and the last shot went to Brooks?That should never happen.

 

[bassworship]

I'm all for keeping players but I almost want him to transfer as I believe the guys behind him have way more potential.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Also, it's pretty clear Cal is going to play him his minutes. It's other guys I'm worried about, like Hopkins or Collins (who is now back), as their roles are a bit more murky. But Brooks is basically looking at 25mpg or more. He'd have to be extraordinarily bad, AND have those guys make big strides, for him to lose that.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

But that's never going to happen.Brooks clearly thinks he is better than he actually is and Cal lets him get away with it.How many times were we down and the last shot went to Brooks?That should never happen.

That goes back to a post I made in another thread of no one else having balls attached on our team other than Oscar, Brooks & Wheeler. Tyty, Grady and/or Mintz (whatever combo is in) should be the ones taking these shots but they never tried to demand the ball.