Love Cason Wallace but...

[BigBlueDiehard_rivals]

I noticed on one of his free throws today that his off hand stays extremely high on the ball as opposed to on the side.. Was a bit surprised that as a 6th year senior and someone who hasn't is known to not be the best shooter hasn't been told to try to adjust his form a bit. Or maybe that IS his adjusted form bc the other wasn't working well

That's why the rotation on Wheeler's shot is so poor / unusual ... it's almost a knuckle ball. That said, I do think both he and the team would benefit from him playing fewer minutes than he did last year. Give me 20-25 super-energized minutes a game of Wheeler flying around the court at PG and Wallace at PG for the rest of the time. There is such a contrast in their styles that it will make each of them more effective.

I do wish Wheeler would stop trying to prove that he's a good 3 point shooter. No problem with him taking one that is wide open (he needs to do that to make teams play him out there), but please no more threes from him off the dribble or on a fastbreak.

 

[Ron Mehico]

No one seems to have mentioned the fact that Wallace is ELITE defensively which Cal loves.

 

[DreadLox]

He was great for assists. For one game.

He averaged nearly 4 per game. Good for 9th in the conference.

There's a tough crowd and then there's UK fans.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Yeah, I guess I take them too seriously. I just hate it when people dog our players and won't listen to reason.

Wheeler is the only one left. If Brooks were still here he would be equally as dogged. No one likes either of them.

If Allen were still here those same people would be bitching about Thiero playing over him. The same people that are loving Thiero at present. You cannot talk basketball with people that have such an extreme bias just because of what state someone was born.

 

[DaDirtyLeb69]

What is he even trying to say with this tweet? lol NIL?

He is blaming the state for electing racists state officials “ his words not mine” and that because of that recruits won’t come here, and then he went on two say two NBA all stars told him directly they didn’t come here because Mitch McConnell is our state representative.

 

[kyjeff1]

Against inferior competition, or in an up and down game, yeah, Wheeler is better that Wallace, a freshman just starting out, but we will all see eventually that Wallace is going to shoot past Wheeler quickly.

The second we play a SP, or a UVA type team, Wallace will shoe everyone why he is the better pg.

 

[SparksCat]

I don’t equate layups as shooting. I’m glad he made all of his layups

Just concerned for when teams clog the middle and force us to shoot

 

[Gromcat_rivals]

You're gonna be sorely disappointed, I'd say. Wheeler will be in the game at crunch time unless he's injured or has fouled out.

And you’ll see that if Wheeler is the man in crunch time, we have no chance at a championship. He always looks good against unmanned teams. He still can’t shoot, and his decision making in key moments is suspect. For this team to win a title we need a very sound pg who can keep the defense honest. That’s not wheeler.

I like wheeler as a player and think he’s good for the team during the season. But if he’s who we’re relying on for a championship then it’s over before it starts.

 

[DreadLox]

I don’t equate layups as shooting. I’m glad he made all of his layups

Just concerned for when teams clog the middle and force us to shoot

Lay-ups aren't shooting? Are there little asterisks beside them on the score sheet?

 

[Gromcat_rivals]

I'm tired of arguing about this. Wheeler will start and will get the majority of minutes at point this season. Wallace will also start, at the 2, and he will switch to point when Wheeler needs a breather. I hope both players have great seasons.

See my 10 other posts for actual facts about Wheeler. I'm done arguing. The bias against Wheeler from some of you is not connected to facts, just opinions and personal preferences.

Save the personal preference nonsense. Just like you keep pushing “yOu jUsT hAtE cAl!!!” Nonsense. Some of us just want what’s best for this program and if we feel someone isn’t it then that’s that. If Calipari had been producing we wouldn’t be saying it. Of Wheeler was the answer to a title run in our eyes we’d want it.

Some of you are flat out delusional on these “you just don’t like them because! Yea because!” Nonsense. What does it even mean?

1. Calipari hasn’t won and has lost in embarrassing fashion. You can’t handle it and we discuss it. You’ve proven even if he loses you don’t care he’s your man. That’s a fact.

2. Many don’t think wheeler is the answer we need to cut down the final net. There’s PLENTY of reasons why, but again, you won’t even accept them as valid. That’s a fact.

I don’t know why you chose to go down this road but it’s really low rent. You have no answer for why Calipari has been a terrible coach, you like anything he does including overplaying wheeler and coddle any nonsense that comes along. I don’t think anyones told you this, but it’s not that we “just hate Calipari” or “just hate Wheeler”. It’s that “you just love Cal”. And so your confirmation bias is clouding everything and when you don’t have anything to stand on, you’re falling back on “well they must just hate”.

It’s so ridiculous it’s not worth a response but I’m doing it anyway.

 

[BigCat241]

He always looks good against unmanned teams.

Wheeler's best games last year were against Auburn, Duke, UT, and UNC.

 

[Gromcat_rivals]

Wheeler's best games last year were against Auburn, Duke, UT, and UNC.

I didn’t say he can’t play against good competition I said he usually looks great against unmanned teams. I don’t know why people cannot understand this. With Wheeler running the point especially in the tournament teams are going to sag off and clog the lane. Our offense is always stale and this kind of crap is the reason why. We never learn.

Wallace will have to grow into the point guard during the tournament if we want a title. You’re a Kansas fan that doesn’t want us to win the title. So yes you’ll be fine with wheeler.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

The offense is so much better with Wheeler running point. I know some can't stand the guy, but I'll take him on my team every day.

Wallace is gonna be very good, also. I love his size, his strength, his ability to finish above the rim, and the fact that you can't hurry him up. His game reminds me a bit of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He will carry a guy on his hip and still finish.

It always looks this way against lesser talent. Problem is when we face a zone or someone puts length on him to just trail and block his layups.

Like last year, for this team to win a title wheeler can't be the point guard. That sucks to say because I like him and he really plays hard; but it is what it is.

 

[BigCat241]

I didn’t say he can’t play against good competition I said he usually looks great against unmanned teams.

He played better against these elite teams so than he did against "unmanned" teams so im wondering why you didnt lead with that. Actually going back through his game log it seems that he doesnt really play too great against the lower quality type of teams.

 

[revcort]

He played better against these elite teams so than he did against "unmanned" teams so im wondering why you didnt lead with that. Actually going back through his game log it seems that he doesnt really play too great against the lower quality type of teams.

Because he has an agenda and has chosen to ignore Wheeler's positives, which is a shame, because Wheeler may well lead this team to a title this season.

 

[BigCat241]

Because he has an agenda and has chosen to ignore Wheeler's positives, which is a shame, because Wheeler may well lead this team to a title this season.

Its either that or he just remembers the games wrong I guess as the stats and the eye test tell a different story.

 

[Gromcat_rivals]

Because he has an agenda and has chosen to ignore Wheeler's positives, which is a shame, because Wheeler may well lead this team to a title this season.

Wheeler is a good player and I’m glad he’s part of the team. That doesn’t mean he’s the guy that’s going to cut down the final net. His deficiencies are too many. We’re going to see the same problems that plague us down the line if we’re utilizing him. One issue with wheeler is he’s never learned to assume his proper role, he does too much. We don’t need Wheeler to be “the guy” but he thinks he is the guy. For a guard that doesn’t shoot the outside shot well that’s going to hurt.

Wallace will have to have the ball in his hands during our tournament run (maybe we can win a tournament game for once).

This opinion isn’t anywhere near crazy. It’s obvious. Now the flip side to that is maybe he heats up, maybe defenses don’t exploit him as much. But as it stands I’d definitely want a guy like Wallace with the ball in his hands. And you can’t just read a stat sheet. Wheeler cost us big last season in hey possessions but you don’t want acknowledge that.

It seems to me that much of this comes down to your Calipari worship. You think Calipari is going with Wheeler and you want on the train. If you thought Calipari wasn’t going with wheeler you’d take that position. You just really love Calipari win or lose, it’s not about anything else. I think that much you’ve proven. As bad as Calipari has been you attack fans that don’t like losing and ignore everything wrong with what he’s done. Calipari could win 9 games and you’d support him. He could lose to a 15 seed and your support him. He could have zero tournament wins in 3+ years and you’d support him. He could be blown out to teams like Duke, Tennessee, Auburn and you’d support him him. He could go on a 7-8 year final four drought and you’d support him. He could turn Kentucky into Indiana and you’d support him.

So save all of this “oh well you just don’t like people” routine. We have reasons for these opinions, you don’t good reasons for yours.

 

[RunninRichie]

I still see Wheeler throwing passes out of bounds against st peters when i close my eyes.

 

[dckala2_rivals16641]

Wheeler should be 17 mpg, come in after the under 12 for 8 minutes.

 

[Gromcat_rivals]

I still see Wheeler throwing passes out of bounds against st peters when i close my eyes.

But you’re missing it. There’s stats of some crazy passes and he went 7-9 from the layup line.

yOu jUsT hAtE hIm aS a pErSoN!!!!!!

 

[BigCat241]

I still see Wheeler throwing passes out of bounds against st peters when i close my eyes.

Those with around 5 minutes left were kind of brutal. But I would argue Tyty, Mintz, and Grady not being able to guard anything with a pulse on the perimeter hurt us more in the long run in that game.

 

[revcort]

Wheeler is a good player and I’m glad he’s part of the team. That doesn’t mean he’s the guy that’s going to cut down the final net. His deficiencies are too many. We’re going to see the same problems that plague us down the line if we’re utilizing him. One issue with wheeler is he’s never learned to assume his proper role, he does too much. We don’t need Wheeler to be “the guy” but he thinks he is the guy. For a guard that doesn’t shoot the outside shot well that’s going to hurt.

Wallace will have to have the ball in his hands during our tournament run (maybe we can win a tournament game for once).

This opinion isn’t anywhere near crazy. It’s obvious. Now the flip side to that is maybe he heats up, maybe defenses don’t exploit him as much. But as it stands I’d definitely want a guy like Wallace with the ball in his hands. And you can’t just read a stat sheet. Wheeler cost us big last season in hey possessions but you don’t want acknowledge that.

It seems to me that much of this comes down to your Calipari worship. You think Calipari is going with Wheeler and you want on the train. If you thought Calipari wasn’t going with wheeler you’d take that position. You just really love Calipari win or lose, it’s not about anything else. I think that much you’ve proven. As bad as Calipari has been you attack fans that don’t like losing and ignore everything wrong with what he’s done. Calipari could win 9 games and you’d support him. He could lose to a 15 seed and your support him. He could have zero tournament wins in 3+ years and you’d support him. He could be blown out to teams like Duke, Tennessee, Auburn and you’d support him him. He could go on a 7-8 year final four drought and you’d support him. He could turn Kentucky into Indiana and you’d support him.

So save all of this “oh well you just don’t like people” routine. We have reasons for these opinions, you don’t good reasons for yours.

You're wrong. I've answered your foolishness ad nauseum. Every single player has strengths and weaknesses. Wheeler's strengths outweigh his weaknesses. You just apparently refuse to see it. It's your loss. When he proves you wrong in multiple games, PLEASE continue with your stubborn and obtuse take which ignores the stats.

 

[Gromcat_rivals]

You're wrong. I've answered your foolishness ad nauseum. Every single player has strengths and weaknesses. Wheeler's strengths outweigh his weaknesses. You just apparently refuse to see it. It's your loss. When he proves you wrong in multiple games, PLEASE continue with your stubborn and obtuse take which ignores the stats.

Im ignorant? You’re the guy that can’t accept there’s a reason people are hesitant with wheeler. You’re the guy that cannot accept there’s good reasons for people being against Calipari right now. You have so little to go on you’ve now resulted to “they just hate personally” which is beyond stupid. Like I said people have reasons for thinking Wheeler can’t be the go to, just like there’s plenty of reasons to think Calipari hasn’t done his job. It’s you that doesn’t have a reason for why you support the things you do and that’s why you’ve lowered yourself to this old tired line “yOu jUsT hAtE cAl!!”. Now we just “hAtE wHeElEr peRsOnAlLy”

Yes we all just hate to hate because of their accent or the way they wear their mouthpiece. It’s got nothing to do with results. It’s got nothing to do with wheeler making horrible decisions in key moments, playing out of control. Nothing to do with Calipari making us look like an Indiana style program.

If Wheeler does the job then he does. But I’ve got plenty of reasons to think it’s not gonna happen.

 

[Bluegrassking]

Wheeler's best games last year were against Auburn, Duke, UT, and UNC.

Those don't count because...reasons.

 

[SparksCat]

Loss, loss, loss, win

Yes, he’s the man we need.

 

[KYFOSSIL]

Wheeler's best games last year were against Auburn, Duke, UT, and UNC.

Dont give him any facts hes a narcissistic *** who loves the sound of his voice. If you dont agree with him you’re ignorant…thats pretty

Save the personal preference nonsense. Just like you keep pushing “yOu jUsT hAtE cAl!!!” Nonsense. Some of us just want what’s best for this program and if we feel someone isn’t it then that’s that. If Calipari had been producing we wouldn’t be saying it. Of Wheeler was the answer to a title run in our eyes we’d want it.

Some of you are flat out delusional on these “you just don’t like them because! Yea because!” Nonsense. What does it even mean?

1. Calipari hasn’t won and has lost in embarrassing fashion. You can’t handle it and we discuss it. You’ve proven even if he loses you don’t care he’s your man. That’s a fact.

2. Many don’t think wheeler is the answer we need to cut down the final net. There’s PLENTY of reasons why, but again, you won’t even accept them as valid. That’s a fact.

I don’t know why you chose to go down this road but it’s really low rent. You have no answer for why Calipari has been a terrible coach, you like anything he does including overplaying wheeler and coddle any nonsense that comes along. I don’t think anyones told you this, but it’s not that we “just hate Calipari” or “just hate Wheeler”. It’s that “you just love Cal”. And so your confirmation bias is clouding everything and when you don’t have anything to stand on, you’re falling back on “well they must just hate”.

Im ignorant? You’re the guy that can’t accept there’s a reason people are hesitant with wheeler. You’re the guy that cannot accept there’s good reasons for people being against Calipari right now. You have so little to go on you’ve now resulted to “they just hate personally” which is beyond stupid. Like I said people have reasons for thinking Wheeler can’t be the go to, just like there’s plenty of reasons to think Calipari hasn’t done his job. It’s you that doesn’t have a reason for why you support the things you do and that’s why you’ve lowered yourself to this old tired line “yOu jUsT hAtE cAl!!”. Now we just “hAtE wHeElEr peRsOnAlLy”

Yes we all just hate to hate because of their accent or the way they wear their mouthpiece. It’s got nothing to do with results. It’s got nothing to do with wheeler making horrible decisions in key moments, playing out of control. Nothing to do with Calipari making us look like an Indiana style program.

If Wheeler does the job then he does. But I’ve got plenty of reasons to think it’s not gonna happen.

You're wrong. I've answered your foolishness ad nauseum. Every single player has strengths and weaknesses. Wheeler's strengths outweigh his weaknesses. You just apparently refuse to see it. It's your loss. When he proves you wrong in multiple games, PLEASE continue with your stubborn and obtuse take which ignores the stats.

hes an interesting combination of being a narcissist, bipolar, no it all, and emotionally owned by Cal. He drug this sotedown as Morg and he does it again As “grom”. He constatly disrespects the team, coaches, and any fan who does not kow tow to him. This is a fresh season with a new team, a new attitude and new coaches added to the mix. Not sure why he‘s determined to shoot down anything positive about this up coming season. Ive been stupid by not putting him n ignore but Ill remedy that now.

 

[SparksCat]

While we are debating what will happen and who we need to cut down the nets, let’s get it on the record now too.

Do we need Brooks or not?

 

[kl40504_rivals]

Against inferior competition, or in an up and down game, yeah, Wheeler is better that Wallace, a freshman just starting out, but we will all see eventually that Wallace is going to shoot past Wheeler quickly.

The second we play a SP, or a UVA type team, Wallace will shoe everyone why he is the better pg.

Not happening.

 

[kl40504_rivals]

I still see Wheeler throwing passes out of bounds against st peters when i close my eyes.

Stay in last year forever. Enjoy.

 

[uk100]

The offense is so much better with Wheeler running point. I know some can't stand the guy, but I'll take him on my team every day.

Wallace is gonna be very good, also. I love his size, his strength, his ability to finish above the rim, and the fact that you can't hurry him up. His game reminds me a bit of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He will carry a guy on his hip and still finish.

seems like the only people who think he is a flawed point guard is some people in our fan base

 

[anon_ce2llurbpkli4]

Is the OP/MOD Wheeler’s agent or something?

 

[Aike]

Wheeler's best games last year were against Auburn, Duke, UT, and UNC.

I thought Wheeler didn’t play very well against Duke. Went back and looked and he went 6-15 and had 7 turnovers.

He also had 10 assists, so I guess that was good.

The way I remember that game is that Duke did a good job of taking away other options, and dared Wheeler to beat them. He tried and couldn’t.

This doesn’t make Wheeler a bad player. He isn’t. It’s just one of a few examples of why leaning on Wheeler to deliver in crunch time in a game that becomes a halfcourt affair is problematic.

Without looking, I’m guessing you’re right that he played well against UNC and in the blowout of UT. When we are able to play an up and down game, he is extremely effective.

I can’t quite figure out why this is so controversial. Most of us enjoy an up and down game, and understand that Wheeler is a good, maybe even great pg for that system.

We also understand that lots of Cal’s games become rock fights. Another discussion for another time, but it’s reality. Get in a halfcourt rock fight and Wheeler has a history of being less effective.

Maybe that will change this year with better playmakers around him? Maybe he will refine his shot? Or maybe none of the above and we flip to Wallace?

I know, I know. I’m a dolt.

 

[revcort]

Save the personal preference nonsense. Just like you keep pushing “yOu jUsT hAtE cAl!!!” Nonsense. Some of us just want what’s best for this program and if we feel someone isn’t it then that’s that. If Calipari had been producing we wouldn’t be saying it. Of Wheeler was the answer to a title run in our eyes we’d want it.

Some of you are flat out delusional on these “you just don’t like them because! Yea because!” Nonsense. What does it even mean?

1. Calipari hasn’t won and has lost in embarrassing fashion. You can’t handle it and we discuss it. You’ve proven even if he loses you don’t care he’s your man. That’s a fact.

2. Many don’t think wheeler is the answer we need to cut down the final net. There’s PLENTY of reasons why, but again, you won’t even accept them as valid. That’s a fact.

I don’t know why you chose to go down this road but it’s really low rent. You have no answer for why Calipari has been a terrible coach, you like anything he does including overplaying wheeler and coddle any nonsense that comes along. I don’t think anyones told you this, but it’s not that we “just hate Calipari” or “just hate Wheeler”. It’s that “you just love Cal”. And so your confirmation bias is clouding everything and when you don’t have anything to stand on, you’re falling back on “well they must just hate”.

It’s so ridiculous it’s not worth a response but I’m doing it anyway.

And that goes beyond arguing the topic and becomes personal attack.

 

[Bluefaithful]

Do what?

- Wheeler pushes it better for sure.....but again we're playing way undermanned team. So in open court, he's going to look fine.
- Get to college game with a grind in out half court and watch Wheeler bricking it up and teams sagging off him....then tell me what you want.
- Has Wheeler hit a 3pt shot in the 3 games so far? I've seen him hit the one pull up today....but the rest has been layup lines.

Crunch time lineup
PG - Wallace
SG - Reeves
SF - Livingston or Frederick
PG - Toppin
C - Oscar

I don't think it's even close that is the idea line up down the stretch

I can put you in the category of don’t know anything about basketball the rest of my life. No need to respond

 

[Bluefaithful]

Against inferior competition, or in an up and down game, yeah, Wheeler is better that Wallace, a freshman just starting out, but we will all see eventually that Wallace is going to shoot past Wheeler quickly.

The second we play a SP, or a UVA type team, Wallace will shoe everyone why he is the better pg.

Omg Jeff, get out of this, sure Wallace is a better draft pick, top 5 even but in no way or form is he a better pg ever in the history of man than Wheeler this year. Stick to math, Teacher Assistant.

 

[BigCat241]

I thought Wheeler didn’t play very well against Duke. Went back and looked and he went 6-15 and had 7 turnovers.

He also had 10 assists, so I guess that was good.

The way I remember that game is that Duke did a good job of taking away other options, and dared Wheeler to beat them. He tried and couldn’t.

This doesn’t make Wheeler a bad player. He isn’t. It’s just one of a few examples of why leaning on Wheeler to deliver in crunch time in a game that becomes a halfcourt affair is problematic.

Without looking, I’m guessing you’re right that he played well against UNC and in the blowout of UT. When we are able to play an up and down game, he is extremely effective.

I can’t quite figure out why this is so controversial. Most of us enjoy an up and down game, and understand that Wheeler is a good, maybe even great pg for that system.

We also understand that lots of Cal’s games become rock fights. Another discussion for another time, but it’s reality. Get in a halfcourt rock fight and Wheeler has a history of being less effective.

Maybe that will change this year with better playmakers around him? Maybe he will refine his shot? Or maybe none of the above and we flip to Wallace?

I know, I know. I’m a dolt.

Eh he played pretty well all things considering. 16 and 10 and 2/3 from 3. Did start to get picked on by Keels in the 2H due to his size but overall I would call it a pretty good game for him.

 

[revcort]

While we are debating what will happen and who we need to cut down the nets, let’s get it on the record now too.

Do we need Brooks or not?

I think Toppin was overtaking Brooks down the stretch last season. I think Brooks saw the writing on the wall and knew Toppin would likely take his starting job this season. I liked Brooks. He won the Kansas game for us, you can't take that away, but I think we'll be better from a consistency standpoint without him.

 

[revcort]

Is the OP/MOD Wheeler’s agent or something?

Nah, just offering a defense of him against those who willfully choose to ignore the fact that he has led the SEC in assists for 2 straight seasons and has led all major conference players in assists in the same time period. He also has led the 2nd highest assist rate in UK history last season. So yeah, benching a player like that for his senior year would be foolish.

 

[Stonewall12]

The offense is so much better with Wheeler running point. I know some can't stand the guy, but I'll take him on my team every day.

Wallace is gonna be very good, also. I love his size, his strength, his ability to finish above the rim, and the fact that you can't hurry him up. His game reminds me a bit of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He will carry a guy on his hip and still finish.

His game is nothing and I mean nothing like Shai. But typical

 

[revcort]

His game is nothing and I mean nothing like Shai. But typical

But typical what?
I said his game "reminds me" of Shai, in this way... he doesn't get hurried and he is strong enough to finish his play even with a guy on his hip. I didn't say he's a carbon copy of Shai.