Kyle Tucker- "Increasingly Likely that Oscar Returns"

[Tampa_cat54_rivals112262]

Some people need to dial it down a bit on Onyenso.

I like his potential next season as a backup, but making him the starting 5 man?

This is a kid that couldn’t beat Ware out for the backup role.

Now in one off-season, he is going to become a starter?

Not saying it won’t happen, but let’s think about it a little bit and curb our expectations a bit.

He is a good reserve option, IMHO, but I am not that excited about him as a starter.

At the very least we need another 5 man (besides Ware) to split time with Onyenso.

100%.

I just rewatched all of his shot attempts from this past season on Synergy Sports.

He has some raw ability, and his shot blocking is obviously going to be a big asset, but the kid is not ready to be the starting 5 man for a national championship team. He just isn't.

 

[Tampa_cat54_rivals112262]

Bradshaw isn’t a true rim protector either.

I mean he had 155 blocks the last 2 HS seasons for one of the best HS basketball teams in America, that is pretty great.

Also finished Top-5 on the EYBL circuit in blocks, and I just browsed several different draft and scouting analysis on Bradshaw and they ALL mentioned his shot blocking.

Is he Anthony Davis? No. But he is absolutely a rim protector in his own right.

 

[kyjeff1]

Love Oscar but he’s proven two years in a row we can’t win the SEC or go deep in March with him in the middle. It’s time for a change imo. His poor defense kills us.

It comes down to guard play. UK could have won the SEC this year. If they were good enough to win at UT and at Arkansas, seriously undermanned in both of those games, they should have won the league.

They beat aTm, swept UT and split with Arkansas, but those losses to Arkansas at home, South carolina at home, Vandy at home and UGA, did us in. Those games should not have been losses. You can't lose to uSC, UGA and Vandy if you are good enough to win in Knoxville and Fayetteville.

Seems like a total lack of preperation and motivation too often lately.

Oscar is not the problem, sure, he has flaws, but his rebounding alone makes up for his mistakes and probably mistakes made by others too.

Our guards need to be better. College ball is won in the backcourt. You can't roll Wheeler out there for 30+ mpg and expect to win the SEC.

 

[kyjeff1]

Bradshaw isn't the shot blocker Onyenso is. It's not even close actually. Ugonna is 100x the shot blocker/rim protector. Bradshaw is good, but this isn't AD/Nerlens level rim protection. Onyenso is an elite rim protector.

Seemed like he was a good weak side shot blocker, but he struggled to guard his own man. He got taken to school by every big man he tried to guard.

If Cal didn’t take him out of that Gonzaga game, Timme would have scored 50 on him.

 

[Tampa_cat54_rivals112262]

It comes down to guard play. UK could have won the SEC this year. If they were good enough to win at UT and at Arkansas, seriously undermanned in both of those games, they should have won the league.

They beat aTm, swept UT and split with Arkansas, but those losses to Arkansas at home, South carolina at home, Vandy at home and UGA, did us in. Those games should not have been losses. You can't lose to uSC, UGA and Vandy if you are good enough to win in Knoxville and Fayetteville.

Seems like a total lack of preperation and motivation too often lately.

Oscar is not the problem, sure, he has flaws, but his rebounding alone makes up for his mistakes and probably mistakes made by others too.

Our guards need to be better. College ball is won in the backcourt. You can't roll Wheeler out there for 30+ mpg and expect to win the SEC.

I agree that it was partially preparation and motivation, but I think even more so it came down to matchups.

And that is 100% on Cal and the staff.

We had a team that was constructed in such a way that we just struggled MIGHTILY with teams that were built a certain way, and Vandy, UGA, etc. were prime examples of that.

We just didn't have roster construction that had the talent or versatility to win against teams that played a certain way, and it cost us in a major, major way.

That is what the staff cannot allow to have happen again.

 

[BBNWildcat]

Do we actually have so called fans that don’t want an a 2 time all American rebounding monster to return? Really?

I met a guy the other day. Swore he was a Cats fan. Thought Oscar should go. Wore orange. Go figure.

That’s a lie.

 

[kyjeff1]

No inside info at all and pure guess but....could onyenso and Oscar be tied together via nil in a much different way. Aren't they both prevented from making nil money due to the dumb immigration thing? If so, UK used the Bahamas trip to get around it for presumably both of them.

Could the issue be UK's lack of current offshore game? Maybe if we got one scheduled, giving both guys the nil window they need, they will both be coming back. And if we don't...they will go somehow that will.

Just a thought

Apparently UK is playing summer ball in Canada this summer, so Ugo and Oscar can legally earn NIL when they cross the border.

 

[kyjeff1]

I agree that it was partially preparation and motivation, but I think even more so it came down to matchups.

And that is 100% on Cal and the staff.

We had a team that was constructed in such a way that we just struggled MIGHTILY with teams that were built a certain way, and Vandy, UGA, etc. were prime examples of that.

We just didn't have roster construction that had the talent or versatility to win against teams that played a certain way, and it cost us in a major, major way.

That is what the staff cannot allow to have happen again.

The guys Cal has brought in the last few years to run point has me scratching my head. Hagans (twice), Askew and Wheeler (twice). How Cal thought those were UK caliber point guards is beyond me.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Apparently UK is playing summer ball in Canada this summer, so Ugo and Oscar can legally earn NIL when they cross the border.

I'd highly doubt both are Wildcats. If and I keep hearing Oscar's gone--if he returned, the $ won't be where it was for him in the past. Not even close. Other mouths to feed and some promises have been made. Not a situation you want to start off the offseason with--pissing people off financially.

 

[kyjeff1]

The one thing about Oscar is Cal can’t afford to allow him to transfer somewhere else and either 1.) kick our *** in a matchup or 2.) have a 1st team AA type season somewhere else. That would be an absolute killer on Cal by the fanbase/media and rightfully so.

It would be a killer, but it really doesn't matter. Cal just hides from the fanbase and with his buyout, he could literally leave Oscar out in the desert to walk home and he would still never lose his job.

He doesn't seem to care about his reputation either, so it just doesn't seem to matter.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

The guys Cal has brought in the last few years to run point has me scratching my head. Hagans (twice), Askew and Wheeler (twice). How Cal thought those were UK caliber point guards is beyond me.

Well said.

 

[Sportspm]

But he has never once played with any sort of reliable shot blocker next to him (Brooks and Toppin were just as abysmal at protecting the rim).

Bradshaw changes that.

And let’s see what happens if they try to block out Oscar with 2 or 3 guys with Bradshaw or an improved Ugo in there

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

It’s called a zone defense! Don’t believe wenwill
See it though.

I’d like to see us use Pitinos kinda hybrid Zone/ man to man defense he ran at UofL.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Seemed like he was a good weak side shot blocker, but he struggled to guard his own man. He got taken to school by every big man he tried to guard.

If Cal didn’t take him out of that Gonzaga game, Timme would have scored 50 on him.

Gonzaga and Timme were a horrible matchup for Kentucky last year period. But Timme was too much for him at the time, yes. But he should've gotten minutes over Ware. I'm not saying he should've benched Oscar last year-but Ugonna can't get the Ware minutes? Give me a 6'11 shot blocker who did some nice things over the LW "Experience".

He did a nice job with Dickinson in the Michigan game. Was it dominant? No but he held his own and didn't give up easy hoops each trip. The guy reclassified and just came to States late '21 and enrolled in Putnam Prep. Antigua did a great job getting him to come to Kentucky early when others were trying to do the same thing and some wanted him staying in '23 class. If you look at Ugonna as a '23 class member-you got Best offensive Big (Bradshaw) and Best Defensive Big in '23, Top wing in Edwards. 3 Elite guards. Now is the class not the best ever? Sure. Not the NBA talent you see in some-but they are filled with elite college capable players.

I like the potential of the team-but they need to fill this roster out with some pieces we've discussed and I'd target shooting as #1 priority-but if you can get an all around player like that Knecht guy--that's a HUGE add.

Then you are looking for a young guy who is fine with developmental year like Toppin originally was when transferring or an older player who will be happy being a Nate Sestina at Kentucky as a stretch 4.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Isn’t there one issue we’ve all ignored.
Isn’t it still the case that Oscar can’t earn NIL on US soil since here on a student VISA? So if he did play college ball next year, wouldn’t it make sense that he did for a team planning an out-of-the-US trip?
And I don’t think UK has that this summer or fall.
Actually wouldn’t it be the same for Onyenso?

 

[kyjeff1]

Gonzaga and Timme were a horrible matchup for Kentucky last year period. But Timme was too much for him at the time, yes. But he should've gotten minutes over Ware. I'm not saying he should've benched Oscar last year-but Ugonna can't get the Ware minutes? Give me a 6'11 shot blocker who did some nice things over the LW "Experience".

He did a nice job with Dickinson in the Michigan game. Was it dominant? No but he held his own and didn't give up easy hoops each trip. The guy reclassified and just came to States late '21 and enrolled in Putnam Prep. Antigua did a great job getting him to come to Kentucky early when others were trying to do the same thing and some wanted him staying in '23 class. If you look at Ugonna as a '23 class member-you got Best offensive Big (Bradshaw) and Best Defensive Big in '23, Top wing in Edwards. 3 Elite guards. Now is the class not the best ever? Sure. Not the NBA talent you see in some-but they are filled with elite college capable players.

I like the potential of the team-but they need to fill this roster out with some pieces we've discussed and I'd target shooting as #1 priority-but if you can get an all around player like that Knecht guy--that's a HUGE add.

Then you are looking for a young guy who is fine with developmental year like Toppin originally was when transferring or an older player who will be happy being a Nate Sestina at Kentucky as a stretch 4.

I agree with all of this.

I have NO idea why Ugo was buried so deep on the bench. Lance Ware should never be getting in the game ahead of Ugo. That just makes no sense, but most of the things Cal does these days, make no sense.

Along those lines, it just doesn't seem to me like winning titles is a goal that even makes Cal's top 5, so getting a guy like Knecht, seems like a long shot to me. That is a move you would see a coach make that wants to build a title winning team.

 

[kybassfan]

That’s a lie.

That was you?

 

[kyjeff1]

Isn’t there one issue we’ve all ignored.
Isn’t it still the case that Oscar can’t earn NIL on US soil since here on a student VISA? So if he did play college ball next year, wouldn’t it make sense that he did for a team planning an out-of-the-US trip?
And I don’t think UK has that this summer or fall.
Actually wouldn’t it be the same for Onyenso?

UK is playing in Canada this summer according to Cal.

 

[Tampa_cat54_rivals112262]

Isn’t there one issue we’ve all ignored.
Isn’t it still the case that Oscar can’t earn NIL on US soil since here on a student VISA? So if he did play college ball next year, wouldn’t it make sense that he did for a team planning an out-of-the-US trip?
And I don’t think UK has that this summer or fall.
Actually wouldn’t it be the same for Onyenso?

UK will be playing in Canada in July.

BUT (and this is a serious question)- couldn't Oscar just take a week or two this summer to go to Canada or the Bahamas or anywhere and do a bunch of NIL obligations and then come back?

Fly down there with TJ Beisner (director of NIL or UK MBB), stay for a week, knock out a bunch of stuff, and then come back?

Is there a rule that says he can only do NIL things internationally if he is there for a UK sponsored event? I'd be surprised if that was a rule.

 

[kybassfan]

I have one actually LOL, but yeah with Livingston Kentucky isn’t getting in a bidding war, and he doesn’t want to play the four which is his best chance in college to succeed

Yeah, I see your point but these are kids. They can and will move for 5 grand. Its a mercenary attitude.

 

[BBBLazing]

Maybe that's why we havent really hit the portal really hard on big guys (besides a zoom call with Dickerson). Maybe Cal believes Oscar will return.

Dickinson

 

[Catfanlou_rivals54997]

This whole thing is pretty simple . Ugonna takes 12 minutes of Oscars time and 12 minutes of Brashaws time . They each play s fresh 28 and Uggona 24 . Each is there for the others if one is in foul trouble.
Unfortunately, Wares heart needs to b broken . that’s just the only way it works .

 

[BBBLazing]

This whole thing is pretty simple . Ugonna takes 12 minutes of Oscars time and 12 minutes of Brashaws time . They each play s fresh 28 and Uggona 24 . Each is there for the others if one is in foul trouble.
Unfortunately, Wares heart needs to b broken . that’s just the only way it works .

To say Ugonna can play 12 minutes at the 4 next year after what I saw this year is extremely optimistic. Cal seems to think he has the ability to improve drastically this offseason, and I hope he does if he comes back, but he needs to. He wasn't ready to play this year. Which is understandable given his age and experience.

 

[AFKY_Blue_RedsBengals]

I'd be ecstatic to have Oscar back another year!!!

 

[School boy]

You know the people that follow college basketball and may hate Kentucky Wildcats hope and pray Oscar doesn't return. If he does with these skilled players coming in it's over. This would be like the twins and WCS saying they are returning. This will get Cal back in the swing of things. This is truly want the program needs. It's gonna feel like 2009-2015 here again if Oscar comes back.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

Seems like a total lack of preperation and motivation too often lately.

Well we know now Cal does not prepare. He doesn't scout or watch film. His strategy is play my way and hope that's enough to win.

 

[ScottGreene22]

On KSR sounds like it’s Oscar or Ugonna, I vote Oscar.

Hopefully both

 

[oakhillcatman]

Just the same as you have heard. Onyenso's treated like he's Tai Wynyard around here and that's kind of odd. He's going to be a very good player and shot blocking wise, he'd be among best in country. For a team where the ball is going to be shot by a lot of guys....that's not a bad fit. But I think they are looking for a stretch 4 and a wing. in addition IF they keep Ugonna. Remember Collins is likely gone to a school closer to home so you have to replace him too.

Any ideas on a stretch 4

 

[K_TIME]

If I had to pick between Oscar and Ugonna I'm picking Ugo. I've seen what we will be with Oscar and I'm ready for something different. Kinda like with Cal.

Good night Irene

That is the equavelent of saying between Jamal Murray and jermal baker I’d pick baker as we fell short with Murray and it must be him that is the problem

I feel dumber from having read this thread

 

[AllBall]

Most of that is coaching IMO, we switch way to much and only go under screens. That’s why we get burned on 3’s late in the clock all the time too.

Just hedge the ball screens and don't allow your center to extend beyond the 3 point line.

 

[AllBall]

Any ideas on a stretch 4

Use Bradshaw or go smaller with Edwards and Dalton Knecht on the court at the same time.
UK needs to start dictating matchups rather than just responding to our opponents. Make them make adjustments bc we sure as heck don't do it often enough.

 

[anon1751545683]

Well we know now Cal does not prepare. He doesn't scout or watch film. His strategy is play my way and hope that's enough to win.

Who is "we"? The 50 or so Cal haters that post to each other all day everyday? Cal and the team does prepare. Every player and coach talks about watching film. Cal is a believer, as are most good coaches, that you concentrate on what you do and not what others do.
'
The truth doesn't fit the narrative so you will just keep spouting nonsense. How about actually getting out there? Go to a game. Better yet, go to a UK practice. It's hard to do in Lexington, but in the Bahamas they let in for practice almost anytime we wanted. Same in London.

Maybe actually be a fan of the school you pretend to be a fan of and learn something? Novel concept here, I know.

People stall talking about Oscar's NIL money. That was all handled last fall. Again, it doesn't fit the narrative of the tiny minority that think they speak for the majority.

Like you, speaking "we".

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Yeah, I see your point but these are kids. They can and will move for 5 grand. Its a mercenary attitude.

Most of us will change jobs in our field for an extra 5k a year or a 5k sign on bonus. So I get it from the players stand point.

 

[BBNWildcat]

That was you?

1. Kentucky fans don’t wear orange.

2. People don‘t go around swearing they’re fans of a team.

3. you’re a proven pathological liar.

 

[senonesy]

Hopefully both

David Sisk from Rivals on Tom Leach just said he thinks Ugo is a done deal already to come back to UK. And that Oscar is a very very strong lean to come back to UK. He thinks they are both here and Bradshaw will play the stretch 4.

 

[jimmybuffet123]

Tucker also said Wheeler would return this season so I would take what he says with a grain a salt…same as Jones

Exactly, noone has good sources during cal’s reign. At least since Justice left

 

[Lodenbuik]

UK is playing in Canada this summer according to Cal.

It's a U23 event. So doubtful Oscar can participate in the games.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

David Sisk from Rivals on Tom Leach just said he thinks Ugo is a done deal already to come back to UK. And that Oscar is a very very strong lean to come back to UK. He thinks they are both here and Bradshaw will play the stretch 4.

Fascinated to see how this develops. There definitely seems to be strong opinions on whether he’s leaving. The side that appears to have had solid intel all year that he was going to bolt and a side that seems to suggest new things are happening making it more likely he returns.

To not focus on the Oscar part, let me just say I don’t love Bradshaw playing huge minutes at the 4 defensively. He moves good for a 7 footer, yes, but imo has nowhere near the lateral quickness to match up with some 4s and big guards that he’ll be tasked with if that’s the case.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

You know the people that follow college basketball and may hate Kentucky Wildcats hope and pray Oscar doesn't return. If he does with these skilled players coming in it's over. This would be like the twins and WCS saying they are returning. This will get Cal back in the swing of things. This is truly want the program needs. It's gonna feel like 2009-2015 here again if Oscar comes back.

As long as Oscar accepts a reduced role. He can't/won't be the focal point this season.

Next domino will be Collins. Can't imagine him seeing much pt. Hate to lose athletic depth right when he's finally able to spot contribute.

Then there is ware. I'm sure he's a good guy but.... surely this is enough that finally he won't see significant minutes. He shouldn't have last year but whatever

 

[JwUKFan11]

Good night Irene

That is the equavelent of saying between Jamal Murray and jermal baker I’d pick baker as we fell short with Murray and it must be him that is the problem

I feel dumber from having read this thread

Not the same at all when you factor in what will be around the 5 position next year. I would rather have the guy that can be a defensive force, has pretty good offensive skills, but isn't a world class rebounder. Oscar has been great but IF picking thats how I'm choosing.