Cal Blaming Oscar Postgame..

RalphDaltonFan

Heisman
Apr 3, 2002
60,185
41,605
113
You seem to be in the know on several fronts and maybe you can answer this several media members insinuate there's a huge rift in the locker room but nobody will expound on it. Could you please explain it? How did this team go from the Bahamas to this team who hates each other? If you can't I fully understand! Thanks!
I'd have to specifically ask about a locker room rift. Most of the stuff I've been told is more about basketball frustrations which happens with teams that are falling short of expectations.

Bahamas answer is easy--everyone got to play and they were showing their abilities. Ugonna wasn't on the trip so that's one less mouth to feed in that area. Fredrick's mins were monitored, Oscar was focused on making $, Ware didn't play but 1 game, so a lot of run for guys and freedom to play how they wanted against inferior competition.
 

CatPatrick13

All-Conference
Sep 17, 2015
3,219
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Georgia's center ate Oscar up whenever Oscar had to guard him one-on-one in the post. Oscar's horrible defense has been the biggest problem with the team all year. Opposing coaches and players have made it clear that they have targeted him because of his defense.
yeah their 5 position was their leading scorer.. oh wait.... did the dude that had about 20 in the first half play center?... I am confused.
 

PoBilly

All-Conference
Mar 18, 2012
2,784
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You know one thing i have been thinking about is the players playing. I remember teams where Reggie Hanson was the best we had. Heck we did not win a ton but we still played very hard and got better through the year. This team is just as bad 5 months later. That is coaching 100%. He chooses to not coach to his players abilities. He chooses not to change his ways. He chooses to yell and scream go. He chooses to run our program into the ground. There are still tons of UK fans that choose to love him for it. I will not. Like i continue to say, I will no longer watch a minute of live action as long as he is the coach. If we go 40 and 0 next year averaging 110 points a game and only giving up 30 points a game I will not watch. I cannot support that man at all.
 

nickhorvathsuxazz

All-American
Jul 21, 2015
5,777
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F**k Cow! The heat needs to be cranked up on his non coaching ***. What about all those out of TO plays.

Reporters need to show some sack and question all his blunders.
What a clownshow could be made if someone were to edit into a 15" video every offensive play ever run by UK, under Cal, coming out of a time-out.

And if they wanted to get nasty with it, juxtapose it against Rick or Tubby in the same scenario.
 

RalphDaltonFan

Heisman
Apr 3, 2002
60,185
41,605
113
Did cal actually use the term studs? I thought the poster was being facetious
He kept referencing them as he then would say "But give Georgia credit...." followed by 2 to 3 more references of Wheeler and CJ being out.

It was interesting how he commented on Thiero's minutes. Wanted to play him 10 to 12 for game and mentioned how he played 15 in opening Half and had no idea how they were down only 10 as "we had no PG". Again, this is a long term difference of opinion but there's no rule in the sport that demands a guy sits entire Half with 2 fouls-you can reinsert him into the game.

Seeing the graphic on ticker that it's first time since '89 and '90 that UGA had beaten Kentucky back to back games at home was eye opening. Dare I be referencing the Alec Kessler era?

My issue is with so many mid talent role players who take the court and act like the front of the jersey entitles them to perform well and win. It takes work. Cal seems broken that he can't motivate certain guys on this team. Really went in on Toppin without mentioning him by name because word is if anything goes wrong Toppin will be on self pity island for at least 2 weeks.
 

ukwildcat2004

Heisman
Jan 12, 2003
5,186
12,454
113
I'd have to specifically ask about a locker room rift. Most of the stuff I've been told is more about basketball frustrations which happens with teams that are falling short of expectations.

Bahamas answer is easy--everyone got to play and they were showing their abilities. Ugonna wasn't on the trip so that's one less mouth to feed in that area. Fredrick's mins were monitored, Oscar was focused on making $, Ware didn't play but 1 game, so a lot of run for guys and freedom to play how they wanted against inferior competition.

Makes sense about the Bahamas. Just can't believe we went from that to NIT appearance. Sad really. I think that it falls on cals shoulders but I also feel that the players shouldn't have to be motivated for yesterday's game. If you can't get up for that that is just puzzling to me.

I wish we new the locker room dynamics going on. It's obvious there's a rift. I just wish we knew so there is an explanation for this abominable season yet again. Do we fans have a right to know? Not at all. But I wish we knew so some of this had an explanation.
 

BBUK_anon

Hall of Famer
May 26, 2005
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He kept referencing them as he then would say "But give Georgia credit...." followed by 2 to 3 more references of Wheeler and CJ being out.

It was interesting how he commented on Thiero's minutes. Wanted to play him 10 to 12 for game and mentioned how he played 15 in opening Half and had no idea how they were down only 10 as "we had no PG". Again, this is a long term difference of opinion but there's no rule in the sport that demands a guy sits entire Half with 2 fouls-you can reinsert him into the game.

Seeing the graphic on ticker that it's first time since '89 and '90 that UGA had beaten Kentucky back to back games at home was eye opening. Dare I be referencing the Alec Kessler era?

My issue is with so many mid talent role players who take the court and act like the front of the jersey entitles them to perform well and win. It takes work. Cal seems broken that he can't motivate certain guys on this team. Really went in on Toppin without mentioning him by name because word is if anything goes wrong Toppin will be on self pity island for at least 2 weeks.
:rolleyes: (Only posted because, if as stated that is not acceptable to anyone and all should be held accountable immediately.) Used to be a thing called leadership. I guess that is a moot subject... (I guess "leadership" now, observes, reviews, and gains consensus, and then.... watches the events some more to be sure they aren't making a mistake before acting. (In sports now though..... the season's gone...)
 
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RalphDaltonFan

Heisman
Apr 3, 2002
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Makes sense about the Bahamas. Just can't believe we went from that to NIT appearance. Sad really. I think that it falls on cals shoulders but I also feel that the players shouldn't have to be motivated for yesterday's game. If you can't get up for that that is just puzzling to me.

I wish we new the locker room dynamics going on. It's obvious there's a rift. I just wish we knew so there is an explanation for this abominable season yet again. Do we fans have a right to know? Not at all. But I wish we knew so some of this had an explanation.
I'd reject the NIT if I were Kentucky. If you had a program that was young, building, etc...then play in it. This group can't get motivated for a must win game with season goals still possible, why would they even give a crap about NIT? Hell most of them would miss the game due to paper cut.

I've mentioned that Oscar's been seen as a pain in the *** to teammates most of the year. We've all seen the odd treatment of Lance Ware by Jacob Toppin earlier in the year on the court. Ware's been delegated to Hoodie Up Bench Mob role lately. Ugonna's closer to getting benched in layup line warmups than seeing a second on the court.

Another thing I tire of seeing lately with Cal's teams. They are horribly conditioned. Wheeler has gotten heavier during the year for 2nd yr in a row. Thiero looks heavier. Oscar was out of shape and it caused that injury carrying too much extra weight from banquet circuit and being home for a Month. Wallace/Livingston are in shape, CJ is in great shape but he's always injured so doesn't matter, he'd miss a game if he fell on a bed of pillows and balloons. Toppin is in good shape physically but mentally is fragile. Ware got stronger but we've mentioned him already.

Do they run at practice? Do they still lift at all? It sure seems like same issues are plaguing them.
 

Cowtown Cat

Heisman
Aug 23, 2015
24,190
54,986
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I'd reject the NIT if I were Kentucky. If you had a program that was young, building, etc...then play in it. This group can't get motivated for a must win game with season goals still possible, why would they even give a crap about NIT? Hell most of them would miss the game due to paper cut.

I've mentioned that Oscar's been seen as a pain in the *** to teammates most of the year. We've all seen the odd treatment of Lance Ware by Jacob Toppin earlier in the year on the court. Ware's been delegated to Hoodie Up Bench Mob role lately. Ugonna's closer to getting benched in layup line warmups than seeing a second on the court.

Another thing I tire of seeing lately with Cal's teams. They are horribly conditioned. Wheeler has gotten heavier during the year for 2nd yr in a row. Thiero looks heavier. Oscar was out of shape and it caused that injury carrying too much extra weight from banquet circuit and being home for a Month. Wallace/Livingston are in shape, CJ is in great shape but he's always injured so doesn't matter, he'd miss a game if he fell on a bed of pillows and balloons. Toppin is in good shape physically but mentally is fragile. Ware got stronger but we've mentioned him already.

Do they run at practice? Do they still lift at all? It sure seems like same issues are plaguing them.
Man, what in the world do we do at practice, is what I wanna know?! This is the weakest basic fundamental UK team I can ever remember. Even during Tubby/BCG. We still can’t defend, and especially can’t defend the P&R. I think they’re incapable of defending in man at this point. Only hope for this team defensively is a permanent zone. Been saying that all year basically.
 

ukwildcat2004

Heisman
Jan 12, 2003
5,186
12,454
113
I'd reject the NIT if I were Kentucky. If you had a program that was young, building, etc...then play in it. This group can't get motivated for a must win game with season goals still possible, why would they even give a crap about NIT? Hell most of them would miss the game due to paper cut.

I've mentioned that Oscar's been seen as a pain in the *** to teammates most of the year. We've all seen the odd treatment of Lance Ware by Jacob Toppin earlier in the year on the court. Ware's been delegated to Hoodie Up Bench Mob role lately. Ugonna's closer to getting benched in layup line warmups than seeing a second on the court.

Another thing I tire of seeing lately with Cal's teams. They are horribly conditioned. Wheeler has gotten heavier during the year for 2nd yr in a row. Thiero looks heavier. Oscar was out of shape and it caused that injury carrying too much extra weight from banquet circuit and being home for a Month. Wallace/Livingston are in shape, CJ is in great shape but he's always injured so doesn't matter, he'd miss a game if he fell on a bed of pillows and balloons. Toppin is in good shape physically but mentally is fragile. Ware got stronger but we've mentioned him already.

Do they run at practice? Do they still lift at all? It sure seems like same issues are plaguing them.

You are 1000% correct. If you can't get motivated to play Georgia to get into the tournament then NIT will do nothing for them. Personally I'm not interested in another Robert Morris fiasco. You get into the tournament anything is possible. (Not likely but still). I'm not saying Wheeler and CJ weren't hurt and in pain (I understand i was a high school benchwarmer) but my rib would have to be sticking through the skin or my ankle barely hanging on to keep me off the court yesterday. Like where has the Kobe mentality gone? I'm just honestly baffled. And the Oscar situation is just weird. Last year they loved him but now they don't? Why the change? Again just baffled by the turn of events.
 

Woodrow24

Heisman
Dec 21, 2015
6,505
15,699
78
It's interesting. Most of you are ranting and raving about Cal "throwing Oscar under the bus". Do you know who "threw Oscar under the bus" after the game? Oscar did. He admitted that he made mistakes on defense and missed assignments. He said that the players need to do a better job of following instructions from the coaches.
Oscar is a grown man. He can handle constructive criticism from his coach.
After seeing you just started this account in November it’s pretty obvious you’re a troll. All you do is talk bad about fans. Since you probably do that on a rival fan board I guess it’s a habit for you. Keep pretending to like Calipari when our program loses ball games. SMH.
 
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phyrekat

All-Conference
Feb 5, 2003
21,481
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Oscar's defense was horrible all game long. He doesn't even put his hands up when he tries to defend in the post. I don't know what Cal was talking about in terms of missing plays. If plays were missed, then he has the right to point that out.
It's not necessary to attack Cal's character after every loss. If you want to be mad at him, you should be mad about the roster he constructed. There simply are too many players on the team who are not Kentucky caliber players.
Do you ever get tired of white-knighting poor ol' Cal?
 

Chitown Terry

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Nov 20, 2022
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After seeing you just started this account in November it’s pretty obvious you’re a troll. All you do is talk bad about fans. Since you probably do that on a rival fan board I guess it’s a habit for you. Keep pretending to like Calipari when our program loses ball games. SMH.
I have the right to disagree with you and others who hate the coach's guts. I don't understand why many of you guys cannot understand the fact that many UK fans simply don't agree with you. I don't even mention the fans that much. I defend Cal who is a great coach in my opinion.
I believe that man is stubborn as hell to a degree. I really believe he is anxious to prove fans like you wrong. The more you criticize him, the longer he will stay.
 
Jan 24, 2023
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I have the right to disagree with you and others who hate the coach's guts. I don't understand why many of you guys cannot understand the fact that many UK fans simply don't agree with you. I don't even mention the fans that much. I defend Cal who is a great coach in my opinion.
I believe that man is stubborn as hell to a degree. I really believe he is anxious to prove fans like you wrong. The more you criticize him, the longer he will stay.
OK Brad
 
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willievic

All-American
Aug 28, 2005
6,167
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before NIL.
NIL or not, you don't embarrass a player in front of the public. Do your *** chewing in private, then if the player is not doing what you want him to, bench him. These players aren't dumb, but Cal keeps blaming them for the losses. I watch Cal, jump up and down like a monkey on the sideline, and scream and holler at the players. Think about it, could you concentrate on the game when the coach is acting like that, and you're the one he is screaming at? You do your coaching in practice, and tweaking it in the Time outs. If the player isn't doing what you want, take him out and calmly explain what he is doing wrong, and send him back in. If he continues to screw up, bench him.
 
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Woodrow24

Heisman
Dec 21, 2015
6,505
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I have the right to disagree with you and others who hate the coach's guts. I don't understand why many of you guys cannot understand the fact that many UK fans simply don't agree with you. I don't even mention the fans that much. I defend Cal who is a great coach in my opinion.
I believe that man is stubborn as hell to a degree. I really believe he is anxious to prove fans like you wrong. The more you criticize him, the longer he will stay.
Well, why can’t you understand the fact that Cal isn’t doing a good job currently? You’re always crying about the fans so don’t give me that bs. Go troll somewhere else
 

bnewt

Heisman
May 29, 2001
8,853
11,022
113
He kept referencing them as he then would say "But give Georgia credit...." followed by 2 to 3 more references of Wheeler and CJ being out.

It was interesting how he commented on Thiero's minutes. Wanted to play him 10 to 12 for game and mentioned how he played 15 in opening Half and had no idea how they were down only 10 as "we had no PG". Again, this is a long term difference of opinion but there's no rule in the sport that demands a guy sits entire Half with 2 fouls-you can reinsert him into the game.

Seeing the graphic on ticker that it's first time since '89 and '90 that UGA had beaten Kentucky back to back games at home was eye opening. Dare I be referencing the Alec Kessler era?

My issue is with so many mid talent role players who take the court and act like the front of the jersey entitles them to perform well and win. It takes work. Cal seems broken that he can't motivate certain guys on this team. Really went in on Toppin without mentioning him by name because word is if anything goes wrong Toppin will be on self pity island for at least 2 weeks.
who cares about Toppin, he has shown his talent or lack thereof
there were numerous available players better than Toppin & Wheeler in the portal, but none were even given a look. The Davis kid that is setting all of the scoring records at Detroit Mercy or where ever is a perfect example
This kid would have helped tremendously, yet this clown chose to stick with Wheeler, a guy that can't throw a rock in the ocean.
ccc NEVER changes he scheme to fit the talent, what little there is, nor does he ever change defense.
Watch some of the other games on tv, just about every coach makes adjustments and changes during the game.
ccc is incapable of doing that.

If ccc was coaching the Chiefs last night, they would not have scored in the 2nd half. Instead that have coaches that made changes and won the game. That is what real coaches do.
 
Jul 26, 2003
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I would say that Cal is fed up with OT worrying about fouling out and not throwing his weight around. We need his physicality to lock horns with bigs that are killing us inside. We need him to get them in foul trouble, because we have a seven footer to fill in if he does get in foul trouble. OT playing soft, you see where we are at him playing that way.
 
May 31, 2018
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There simply are too many players on the team who are not Kentucky caliber players.
I am just curious what exactly is a KY caliber player? Is it pure talent? If so would Richie Farmer, Sean Woods, John Pelphrey, Scott Padgett or Nazr Mohammed would probably not be KY caliber players and never played here. Some of the guys we have on this team have just as much if not more talent than those guys. So what is the difference?
 

Chitown Terry

Senior
Nov 20, 2022
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I am just curious what exactly is a KY caliber player? Is it pure talent? If so would Richie Farmer, Sean Woods, John Pelphrey, Scott Padgett or Nazr Mohammed would probably not be KY caliber players and never played here. Some of the guys we have on this team have just as much if not more talent than those guys. So what is the difference?
I am talking about a guy like Toppin. I like him but he is only an average player. He can't shoot very well. He is not really big enough to be a 4. He is not very physical and he often tries to avoid contact.
He also seems to be very insecure and he lacks confidence. Wheeler has the confidence you need to play for Kentucky. He simply is too short. A lot of point guards on other SEC teams can score on him very easily. He is not a Kentucky caliber starting point guard.Reed Travis was also not Kentucky material. He just wasn't good enough.
 
Jul 26, 2003
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Have seen half as talented of teams under Pitino perform better. He did it with tremendously tough defense. Something that he demanded that took maximum effort from every player. Something that Cal does not enforce. And with that kind of all out defense the offense fed off that. An attacking style instead of on your heels style just trying to stop drives. All about how much the coach demands.
 

jc2010

All-Conference
May 13, 2008
4,593
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I am talking about a guy like Toppin. I like him but he is only an average player. He can't shoot very well. He is not really big enough to be a 4. He is not very physical and he often tries to avoid contact.
He also seems to be very insecure and he lacks confidence. Wheeler has the confidence you need to play for Kentucky. He simply is too short. A lot of point guards on other SEC teams can score on him very easily. He is not a Kentucky caliber starting point guard.Reed Travis was also not Kentucky material. He just wasn't good enough.
And we are not getting Ky caliber coaching