Tucker update re Baylor

[HagginHall1999]

Probably the likely list, but I have a love affair with Randle. By far my favorite UK player under Calipari and - I think most dominant.

Given more thought, I’d have 12, then 10, then a tie between 15, 11, and 14 depending on whether I’m picking for a tournament or another way. My real point is just that we tend to overrate the POTENTIAL of the 2015 team (to be more accurate). I don’t think they win a title if given 5 chances. The issues with them as a “tournament team” were highly glossed over.

Well that is truly the issue with most Calipari teams. We rarely get to see the best version of the player even at college level forgetting the NBA. I'm with you on Randle. Probably the most underrated player of Cal era.

So many of the '15 team had guys that just got infinitely better a year or two later in NBA.

Booker, Towns, Lyles are examples. He'll look at AD and shooting three's now. Can you imagine a Wall, AD, Monk, Murray, Booker as Juniors in college...good god.

 

[Gromcat_rivals]

Well that is truly the issue with most Calipari teams. We rarely get to see the best version of the player even at college level forgetting the NBA. I'm with you on Randle. Probably the most underrated player of Cal era.

So many of the '15 team had guys that just got infinitely better a year or two later in NBA.

Booker, Towns, Lyles are examples. He'll look at AD and shooting three's now. Can you imagine a Wall, AD, Monk, Murray, Booker as Juniors in college...good god.

True. And you certainly can’t get them back when you’re ripping up transcripts and your system is designed to promise that spot to an oncoming freshman every. Single. Damn. Time.

Had Calipari even had a 15% return rate from his dominant freshman over 12 years he would have already had his second ring. I think it was doable.

People dream of the 15 team finishing and of course I get that and wanted it. But to me the 2014 slip up was truly, if there’s only one, the title that got away. I’d probably say 2010 next. Very close.

 

[BradleyCrawford08_rivals]

There is a quick way to read any and all articles on the Athletic without ever paying. I've been doing it off and on.

Simply open the link to any article you want to read, then do not scroll down. Quickly hit Ctrl A (selects all) then Ctrl C (copy) (not simultaneously, but one then the other). Move to a Word document and then hit Ctrl V (paste). Voila - the entire article is there for your reading pleasure (or displeasure, depending on your mood). This instruction is for a Microsoft PC/laptop, but I predict it would be similar for a Mac, just different key combinations (wife has a Mac but I never have tried it there).

If you scroll at all on an Athletic article, it will immediately pop up with the subscription required notice - blocking the entire content.

 

[BBallin23]

Does anyone know if he’s still testing the draft? I wonder how much the NBA is competition to college.

 

[TheDude73]

Just tested my thing on ESPN+ articles. Even though ESPN throws up a splash subscription screen over the article, doing my steps still gives you the entire article when pasted into a Word document. You have to sort through some crap, but the text of the article is still there.

 

[HagginHall1999]

True. And you certainly can’t get them back when you’re ripping up transcripts and your system is designed to promise that spot to an oncoming freshman every. Single. Damn. Time.

Had Calipari even had a 15% return rate from his dominant freshman over 12 years he would have already had his second ring. I think it was doable.

People dream of the 15 team finishing and of course I get that and wanted it. But to me the 2014 slip up was truly, if there’s only one, the title that got away. I’d probably say 2010 next. Very close.

Agree...'14 for sure. I'd then go '15, '10, '17

That '17 team...man I was stoked for that tourney. Thought we had it with them.

 

[yoshukai]

There is a quick way to read any and all articles on the Athletic without ever paying. I've been doing it off and on.

Simply open the link to any article you want to read, then do not scroll down. Quickly hit Ctrl A (selects all) then Ctrl C (copy) (not simultaneously, but one then the other). Move to a Word document and then hit Ctrl V (paste). Voila - the entire article is there for your reading pleasure (or displeasure, depending on your mood). This instruction is for a Microsoft PC/laptop, but I predict it would be similar for a Mac, just different key combinations (wife has a Mac but I never have tried it there).

If you scroll at all on an Athletic article, it will immediately pop up with the subscription required notice - blocking the entire content.

What the hell are you, some kinda computer genius?

 

[o_turkeywildturkey]

Wallace could start at point with Wheeler his backup.

That’s definitely not going to happen.

 

[bookerfan66]

That’s definitely not going to happen.

It very well could happen.

 

[Kerwinwaltonsafro]

That’s definitely not going to happen.

Agreed. Wheeler is the starting PG as long as he's healthy enough to play, and even if he's kind of banged up he's still the starting PG.

 

[W1LDCAT22]

Sounds like you didnt read his scouting report ,he is crafty and can create offense, is word for word ,what it says ,now I understand why you think he is a spot up shooter,but he is way more then that ,he also is a great rebounder ,for a guard /SF and got good size, and great IQ....everyone in the country is on this kid that tells you what they think of him.

I did not read his "scouting report," but did watch some of his games and many of his highlights. I like to see things for myself rather than reading what a scout thinks. I would take a gander for myself if I were you.

I do think he has a high basketball IQ and can be a dependable defender, but lacks the speed and athleticism to be a shot creater for himself and others that we were highly lacking.

 

[ArtLaibsGhost_rivals]

Wallace could start at point with Wheeler his backup.

Wallace is NOT a point guard

 

[bookerfan66]

Wallace is NOT a point guard

He played point guard in high school.

 

[kl40504_rivals]

Calipari has never preferred a long bench. He’s always preferred a short rotation consisting of, well, 6 guys actually. 2015 was an anomaly and Calipari didn’t want to do it. That’s why he shortened his rotation in the tournament. He was never going to run the platoon late.

It’s why I say 2015 was actually a pretty overrated Calipari team. A tournament rotation of the twins, WCS, and Lyles playing out of position is not close to one of the best teams he’s had here. I don’t even have it top 4.

I don’t see the point in counting most of the bench because in the tournament it’s 5 on 5 and our 5 wasn’t great. That team was doomed to fail.

I roll eyes every time I see someone compare it to 2012. When they would compare it to 96 my whole body would roll.

Not

 

[ArtLaibsGhost_rivals]

Wallace, BS, Reeves, and OT would be legit with any of the 3 options at PF. Brooks and Ware out. BJ and Wheeler off the bench.

Wheeler is not coming off the bench , didn't you hear Cal the other nightWheeler is his guy he will start. Baylor comes here he will start as well as will Reeves, add Wallace and Oscar and you have your starting lineup. Frederick, Livingston and Toppin off the bench for an 8 man rotation.

 

[ArtLaibsGhost_rivals]

He played point guard in high school.

He will not do it much at UK, hide and watch

 

[Chaisey]

I did not read his "scouting report," but did watch some of his games and many of his highlights. I like to see things for myself rather than reading what a scout thinks. I would take a gander for myself if I were you.

I do think he has a high basketball IQ and can be a dependable defender, but lacks the speed and athleticism to be a shot creater for himself and others that we were highly lacking.

I watched him in action as well as heard some scouts ,he has a nice step back and he is elusive with his first step ,also very crafty with the ball,he kinda gets his shot off at will,and with our roster having a cpl of guys OSCAR ,CASON and Reeves who can all get shots pretty easily. He will be a sneaky good scorer .

 

[jjsomer]

Wallace is NOT a point guard

We don't need point guards...we just need shooters. Or so I've read from quite a few here.

 

[howercat]

We don't need point guards...we just need shooters. Or so I've read from quite a few here.

We don't need shooters, we need makers.

 

[jjsomer]

I watched him in action as well as heard some scouts ,he has a nice step back and he is elusive with his first step ,also very crafty with the ball,he kinda gets his shot off at will,and with our roster having a cpl of guys OSCAR ,CASON and Reeves who can all get shots pretty easily. He will be a sneaky good scorer .

Why is he not in the NBA? If he is a great shooter, elusive first step to create his shot, can defend at a high level, tremendous court vision...it seems he is a lotto pick. Of course, the highlights you get to see of him are against Omaha and St Mary of the Woods...so there is that.

I'm not knocking him at all. I watched him in the tournament against Providence. He is an exciting player because he can hit shots from anywhere on the floor. I don't see quickness in anything he does. He is probably a fringe second round pick in the draft.

 

[Oboro3_rivals101424]

He will not do it much at UK, hide and watch

I guess you considered Tyler Herro not a point guard either...oh wait, he plays point guard in the NBA. As far as Wallace who averaged over 6 assists a game in high school and who brought the ball up playing point in the all-star games, it sure looks like he can play the point guard position.

"Calipari has now brought in 14 five-star point guards since taking over at Kentucky in 2009. He landed a five-star at the position in all but two recruiting classes during that span, and also landed two five-star point guards in 2018.

That track record stood out to Wallace.

"I want to play in the NBA someday. Coach Cal's résumé speaks for itself and for having guys in the league," Wallace said. "I spoke with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and he enjoyed his experience. He said it would be hard but it would be worth it. Coach Cal sees me as a guard who can play anywhere on the floor.

"For such a high-profile coach he is a very genuine person. Very down to earth. There were no promises, no sugarcoating and no fluff when he talked."


A 6-foot-3 prospect from Richardson High School (Texas), Wallace is ranked No. 9 overall in the ESPN 100 and the No. 2 point guard in the class. In 13 games with the Pro Skills grassroots program on the Nike EYBL circuit in July, he averaged 14.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists, shooting 54.4% from inside the arc and 35.2% from 3-point range.

 

[Chaisey]

Why is he not in the NBA? If he is a great shooter, elusive first step to create his shot, can defend at a high level, tremendous court vision...it seems he is a lotto pick. Of course, the highlights you get to see of him are against Omaha and St Mary of the Woods...so there is that.

I'm not knocking him at all. I watched him in the tournament against Providence. He is an exciting player because he can hit shots from anywhere on the floor. I don't see quickness in anything he does. He is probably a fringe second round pick in the draft.

Crafty and lacks great defense ,your not knocking him after you knock him? The guy produced very well against high level competition.....why isn't he in the nba uhh why isn't all great college players in the nba ?

 

[bucsrule8872]

Wheeler is not coming off the bench , didn't you hear Cal the other nightWheeler is his guy he will start. Baylor comes here he will start as well as will Reeves, add Wallace and Oscar and you have your starting lineup. Frederick, Livingston and Toppin off the bench for an 8 man rotation.

Livingston likely starts at the 3 or 4. If we get Scheierman, Livingston moves to the 4. If not, it’s probably Livingston and Toppin at the 3 and 4. I think Reeves will be a great reserve, but probably not an every game starter.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

Lot of people underselling 2015 in here. Team had the number 1 and number 2 roster on the same team. Some guys played slightly out of position, but that wasn’t why Winsy beat us.

Winsy beat us when we were up by 9 or so with barely any time left because Cal told them to stall. So we did. And we stalled so hard we committed three straight shot clock violations and Cal went away from the platoon. I’ve never seen a team or coach choke harder.

The only UK team I’ve been alive for (can’t really remember them) that could beat 15 in talent was 96. 2012 put it all together at then end and played beautifully. They might be able to do it, but they essentially played 6-7 guys while 15 was platoon subbing every 10 minutes or so.

 

[westerncat]

Livingston likely starts at the 3 or 4. If we get Scheierman, Livingston moves to the 4. If not, it’s probably Livingston and Toppin at the 3 and 4. I think Reeves will be a great reserve, but probably not an every game starter.

Livingston is not starting over Toppin !

 

[W1LDCAT22]

Livingston is not starting over Toppin !

Livingston likely starts at the 3 or 4. If we get Scheierman, Livingston moves to the 4. If not, it’s probably Livingston and Toppin at the 3 and 4. I think Reeves will be a great reserve, but probably not an every game starter.

It seems that after there was warranted panic about the depth of our roster for next season, we suddenly have a log-jam at the 3 and 4 spots. This is all without the decision of Brooks and the probability of adding another recruit.

This is a good problem to have, as iron sharpens iron. But unfortunately, this will result in guys getting upset at not getting the minutes that they believe that they deserve. This will most likely result in these same kids transferring from Kentucky or bolting to the NBA prematurely.

But for shites and giggles, here is how I believe the rotation will look like. Keep in mind, this is without any other kids coming, also leaving Brooks out as he has yet to make a decision and it is looking more and more like he will be the odd man out.

PG - Wheeler / Wallace / Reeves
SG - Wallace / CJ / Reeves
SF - Reeves / Livingston / CJ
PF - Livingston / Toppin / Collins
C - Tshiebwe / Collins / Ware

 

[bucsrule8872]

Livingston is not starting over Toppin !

Maybe. I try to never speak in absolutes.

But I think Livingston starts either at the 3 or 4 depending on who we have to go with him.

If the roster stays as is, with Toppin coming back, IMHO:

G Wheeler
G Wallace
F Livingston
F Toppin
F Tshiebwe

If we add Scheierman, then Toppin goes to the bench and Livingston slides to the 4.

Just my opinion, though.

 

[westerncat]

Maybe. I try to never speak in absolutes.

But I think Livingston starts either at the 3 or 4 depending on who we have to go with him.

If the roster stays as is, with Toppin coming back, IMHO:

G Wheeler
G Wallace
F Livingston
F Toppin
F Tshiebwe

If we add Scheierman, then Toppin goes to the bench and Livingston slides to the 4.

Just my opinion, though.

I just don't see Livingston starting over Toppin who has 2 years experience playing at UK. I can see Livingston playing the 3 and maybe starting there but not at the 4.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

I see we have the he has high basketball IQ people in this thread. Lol so cliche.

 

[BMo643]

I will be stunned if Livingston starts at the 3 and certainly not the 4. I think he’s gonna be a curious case to watch this season. Toppin will start at the 4 and Reeves or another transfer will start at the 3. I think Toppin will be UKs 3rd best player by the end of the year behind O and Wallace. I can see Livingston having a similar season playing time stats wise as Collins did this year.

 

[Bungalow Bill]

Oscar is starting next year. Our roster isn't complete yet and we really won't know what the new guys can do until the Bahamas trip at the earliest. Wheeler probably starts but it's not etched in stone. Everything else is a guess IMO.

 

[Sparkaces]

I will be stunned if Livingston starts at the 3 and certainly not the 4. I think he’s gonna be a curious case to watch this season. Toppin will start at the 4 and Reeves or another transfer will start at the 3. I think Toppin will be UKs 3rd best player by the end of the year behind O and Wallace. I can see Livingston having a similar season playing time stats wise as Collins did this year.

Livingston will either start or get starters minutes, the only reason Collins didn’t was he was literally the rawest 5* of the Cal era. You realize Cal started “the dragon” over Quickley right?

 

[DreadLox]

Why is he not in the NBA? If he is a great shooter, elusive first step to create his shot, can defend at a high level, tremendous court vision...it seems he is a lotto pick. Of course, the highlights you get to see of him are against Omaha and St Mary of the Woods...so there is that.

I'm not knocking him at all. I watched him in the tournament against Providence. He is an exciting player because he can hit shots from anywhere on the floor. I don't see quickness in anything he does. He is probably a fringe second round pick in the draft.

A 2nd round pick in the draft is a damn good player. Picking up a 2nd round draft pick from the transfer portal is a coach's wet dream. (Getting an Oscar Tshiebwe is 5 incalculably rare.)

I imagine judging quickness is what takes so long for coaches to decide about recruits. I have no idea if Reeves or Schiereman are quick enough for the SEC, and I doubt that anyone knows. They dominated the players they were matched against. So, that's good. Then if you're a coach, you watch them a lot and then make an informed guess.

 

[DreadLox]

Livingston will either start or get starters minutes, the only reason Collins didn’t was he was literally the rawest 5* of the Cal era. You realize Cal started “the dragon” over Quickley right?

Livingston has a college-ready body. Collins didn't. Collins's legs look like De'Aaron Fox's.

 

[Untouchables22]

I will be stunned if Livingston starts at the 3 and certainly not the 4. I think he’s gonna be a curious case to watch this season. Toppin will start at the 4 and Reeves or another transfer will start at the 3. I think Toppin will be UKs 3rd best player by the end of the year behind O and Wallace. I can see Livingston having a similar season playing time stats wise as Collins did this year.

Respectfully disagree….Toppin can’t shoot and it appears Cal FINALLY has gotten the memo that Wheeler and Oscar HAVE to be surrounded by shooters or the offense won’t work. Think Livingston starts at PF but the great thing is we will see how it all plays out!

 

[bucsrule8872]

I just don't see Livingston starting over Toppin who has 2 years experience playing at UK. I can see Livingston playing the 3 and maybe starting there but not at the 4.

Talent trumps experience. Especially to Cal.

MKG (elite talent) over Darius Miller (2 year starter).

Now before you say Livingston’s no MKG, remember Toppin’s no Darius Miller either.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Skal played 15mpg and had a few DNPs. Whitney played 13mpg. Of course both got more opportunity than they deserved so I know Livingston will too but the pressure is on and if we have depth and he kills spacing around Oscar he might not play more than 15 or so.

It’s possible but not likely, unless he shows that he’s weak like Skal(which I doubt because he has a college ready body) or he has zero basketball skills such as dribbling like Whitney. The fact that they played that few minutes is very telling of how bad they were when they played.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Well that is truly the issue with most Calipari teams. We rarely get to see the best version of the player even at college level forgetting the NBA. I'm with you on Randle. Probably the most underrated player of Cal era.

So many of the '15 team had guys that just got infinitely better a year or two later in NBA.

Booker, Towns, Lyles are examples. He'll look at AD and shooting three's now. Can you imagine a Wall, AD, Monk, Murray, Booker as Juniors in college...good god.

I know! It would be so sickening(in the best possible way!) I agree Randle, Teague, Jones, Lamb, Harrison Twins are like the all-time Calipari Underrated team.

 

[bookerfan66]

Kyle Tucker is backtracking now but he seemed to let it slip it's Kansas.

 

[westerncat]

Talent trumps experience. Especially to Cal.

MKG (elite talent) over Darius Miller (2 year starter).

Now before you say Livingston’s no MKG, remember Toppin’s no Darius Miller either.

Guess we will just have to wait and see. We both may be wrong.