Being reported elsewhere...

[sosoblue]

Now if we get Reeves back, this thing gets real.

I like what I'm seeing for sure. Could be a Monster team if Wagner is as good as advertise. I haven't seen Reed Sheppard yet but if he can knock down some threes at least 25% or more than Fredrick watch out! Fredrick was absolutely crap in the second half of the season.

 

[Bkocats]

The real question isn’t whether the incoming class can hide Oscar’s flaws
It’s whether they can overcome Calipari’s

 

[littlecreek]

Oscar and Reeves plus a stretch 4 and this all of a sudden looks like 2015 depth.

The same coach though.

 

[Wildcats1st]

Correct, but we're talking about teams that didn’t meet expectations relative to the talent Cal had.

What you have to look at, is the teams that have been winning titles and getting to final 4's. When you see what those teams did to win, you see that they spread the floor with good shooters at all positions.

Even UConn's big man, who was a post player, stepped out and hit two 3's in the title game.

Spreading the court with effective outside shooting is what is winning games in today’s game.

Having a great defense is a big help too.

If you own the paint it’s hard to lose. teams have to rip threes to stay in the game. Sanogo before this season was 0% from 3. Him and Oscar are very similar and I could oscar developing an outside shot but back to my original point. Cal does not let his bigs play the way you guys think works. Cal just can’t coach that way. So what has been successful for cal bc you’re right those underachieving teams were weak at the 4. So let’s see I may be off a bit from memory but
2010 team had cousins and ppat. Two legit bigs. Ppat no better an outside shooter going into that season no better than any current big and Oscar could develop like sanogo. I mean hes money from the top of the key

2011 Harrellson and tj. Jones was no stretch 4 but Harrellson could stretch it a bit but the big prize was 2012 with TJ and AD neither of which played a stretch position.

We can look at all of Cals teams and his worst are teams with the stretch 4. Toppin for instance last year he partially to blame for Oscar’s defensive woes. Toppin gets beat 2 on 1 with Oscar. What can he do other than foul out?

We can look at his teams, we can look at modern cbb and you can see clearly that cal teams have to play with 2 bigs and neither need to be an outside threat. 2015 towns and wcs. Towns could have been that stretch type player but cal wouldn’t allow it. I mean same with ad. So I would rather have legit bigs with cal as coach. You never look at the game and say “this is where it’s going” and try to force that. You have to innovate. Because a team won a title with a certain style last year doesn’t mean that’s happening next year. I don’t want anymore 6’8”, thin suspect shooters at the 4 or in our front court. Cal can’t coach that style.

Good coaches dictate the game and innovate. They don’t look at other teams and emulate. Pitino. The full court press and the 3 pointer. I think of cal can build a team that has the best interior defense in the country which he should, that’s how we win. Like I say if we lock down the front court then teams HAVE to hit threes to beat us. Hit 3s against a team that will put a ton of ball pressure.the worst seasons in our history have been cal trying to ram that stretch 4 in there. Don’t do what ever one else is doing. This is when you use your talent to dictate how the games are played.

 

[kyjeff1]

He needs to make a decision now though one way or the other.

I don't think he does though and I'd bet money Cal is the one pushing him to go through the process.

I'm not sure why so many people think Oscar is holding UK hostage (not implying you are saying that), he’s not doing that, he’s doing what Cal encourages all his players to do, because we're an NBA first program.

Cal knows Oscar isn’t getting drafted, so the wait doesn’t matter, unless there is a threat of Oscar transferring, or going overseas.

 

[docholiday51]

The issue there is, Cal is the one telling Oscar to go have fun going through the process. He can’t turn around and now tell him we can't wait for him and are moving on.

None of us knows all the details of what each player is told though, for all we know, Cal and Oscar hage an understanding, or a plan in place. They both know Oscar isn’t getting drafted, so it would be odd if they don’t have a deal to return worked out.

Everything is a huge secret under Cal, but then we are told we're ******** because we speculate.

Cal hasn't seen him or anyone else since the season ended. It is futile to speculate on who goes or who stays because 90% of the time it makes no sense. Oscar's case is a bit different since he will try to make a logical and well thought out decision(if Cal doesn't somehow screw it up)

Sad when a fan has more faith in a player than the head coach to make the best decision for the program.

 

[jack8291]

IMO, Cal was ready to move-on from Oscar. So he did that to force Oscar's hand and stick to going for his NBA dream.
But it would be a PR nightmare for Oscar to publicly say I'm returning, and Cal to then say "not so fast, I didn't say you could".

It was probably pretty mutual at first , then reality set in with the money …and how much more Oscar would likely make @ UK . I doubt either side was set in stone about not coming back . It might even end up a situation where Oscar is open to whatever role UK wants , just because of the money he’d make versus G-league or overseas. If that’s the case , it’s a hand well played by UK

 

[DaDirtyLeb69]

If we’re being honest neither one of Oscar or Dickinson fits what next years team needs. Next years team needs a rim running shot blocker, who isn’t parked on the block and a stretch four so Wagner dillingham and Edwards can have driving lanes, now Oscar coming back would be great but the fit for him and Dickinson o next years roster doesn’t seem like a good one, obviously if either one wants to come you take them and make it work

 

[Cowtown Cat]

I like what I'm seeing for sure. Could be a Monster team if Wagner is as good as advertise. I haven't seen Reed Sheppard yet but if he can knock down some threes at least 25% or more than Fredrick watch out! Fredrick was absolutely crap in the second half of the season.

Reed has a basketball IQ well beyond his years. One of those guys that makes the right read and play and the extra pass. IQ and intangibles are off the charts.

 

[sosoblue]

Reed has a basketball IQ well beyond his years. One of those guys that makes the right read and play and the extra pass. IQ and intangibles are off the charts.

Can't wait to see him play. I hope he has the confidence and play like his Dad. I'm rooting for this kid to have an excellent year.

 

[Ryan Lemonds Hair]

Reeves is a non factor. He can't defend, he can't pass, he can't handle the ball. We have enough of that for 3 seasons. It's time for him to move on. Unless he's happy being a cigar guy?

Oscar coming back, if true, is huge.

 

[JwUKFan11]

Yeah I don’t think so. I think oscar will tell the staff rather quickley. I think they already know and someone let it slip personally. Does that mean he pulls out of the draft tomorrow? He probably wants feedback but I don’t see oscar holding the program hostage if there are players who want to come. I doubt oscar is unsure and confused at this point. There’s also been reports that he will have a decision by Friday. He’s probably told them what he intends to do but for Oscar to improve his game he’s gonna need to go through the process.

When Friday comes and go's will you admit that you are wrong and he is causing us to not be able to recruit a center from the portal? I'm almost positive he isn't going to have a decision soon and it's hurting UK.

 

[senonesy]

Geoff vs Kyle Tucker then let’s go

No way Tucker is going to definitively say it’s not true if he doesn’t know something. It may happen at some point, but I think I will go with Kyle on this one and believe that Oscar hasn’t told the staff of his intentions as of yet.

 

[Lukeslaw]

The real question isn’t whether the incoming class can hide Oscar’s flaws
It’s whether they can overcome Calipari’s

Ding ding ding we have the winner.

As is usually the case you're absolutely correct!

 

[catzfanjim]

Reeves is a non factor. He can't defend, he can't pass, he can't handle the ball. We have enough of that for 3 seasons. It's time for him to move on. Unless he's happy being a cigar guy?

Oscar coming back, if true, is huge.

If Reeves is our cigar guy we must have a great team. That kid had a bad game against Kansas State but he can ball and would take him back in a heartbeat.

 

[Soupbean]

Is he going to learn how to play defense on a pick and roll this summer? I'll hang up and listen.

Play more matchup zone and that takes care of itself.

 

[DaDirtyLeb69]

No way Tucker is going to definitively say it’s not true if he doesn’t know something. It may happen at some point, but I think I will go with Kyle on this one and believe that Oscar hasn’t told the staff of his intentions as of yet.

Agree, Oscar may come back, but he is definitely going to take his time with the process. It put Kentucky is a tough spot, do you wait out his decision and miss out on replacements, or do you give him a deadline by the end of this week and find replacements if he isn’t ready to make a decision

 

[nssdigitalchumps]

From a business perspective it never did make sense... he's not an NBA player. He could make peanuts in the G League or another couple million at Kentucky? Duh.

The more interesting question is why did CCC make Oscar's announcement for him when he has literally NEVER done that before?

God told Oscar to let Cal tell.

 

[Kingslayer07]

Tucker has already predicted Oscar will probably come back.

 

[Woodsmoke]

That is totally laughable. As 90% of the people that watched this team will attest Oscar's defense was lacking.

Yeah, in the most athletic conference in college basketball, they’re just gonna throw Oscar a bone and put him on the All Defensive Team without merit. Ohhhkayyyy.

 

[MegaBlue05]

I would be OK with it if Cal wasn’t our coach. Because Cal will insist on forcing the ball to Oscar and having Oscar play M2M. Oscar is a severe defensive liability.

 

[wildcatdon]

Can't wait to see him play. I hope he has the confidence and play like his Dad. I'm rooting for this kid to have an excellent year.

He will play like that if CCC gives him the chance.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

God told Oscar to let Cal tell.

is very bad to steal Jobu's rum

 

[Rockfly78]

The issue there is, Cal is the one telling Oscar to go have fun going through the process. He can’t turn around and now tell him we can't wait for him and are moving on.

None of us knows all the details of what each player is told though, for all we know, Cal and Oscar hage an understanding, or a plan in place. They both know Oscar isn’t getting drafted, so it would be odd if they don’t have a deal to return worked out.

Everything is a huge secret under Cal, but then we are told we're ******** because we speculate.

"go enjoy the process" doesn't have the same meaning now that it once did now that NIL is in play. Oscar has already enjoyed the draft process for 2 off seasons. Now it's more about what he can get and where he can get it and for how long. He was a 1 year window to make the NIL money and whatever he would make going pro will be there next year and even 2 years from now. I agree with you and I think those two know what the next move is.

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

Yeah, in the most athletic conference in college basketball, they’re just gonna throw Oscar a bone and put him on the All Defensive Team without merit. Ohhhkayyyy.

His rebounding is what put him on the all defense team....the defensive rebound, which ends the defensive possession. It wasn't his ability to stay in front of his man or play help D that put him on the list

 

[senonesy]

I would be OK with it if Cal wasn’t our coach. Because Cal will insist on forcing the ball to Oscar and having Oscar play M2M. Oscar is a severe defensive liability.

The amount of offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds softens the blow tremendously on Oscar’s lack of pick and roll defense or lack of shot blocking. The amount of second chance points UK gets and lack of second chance points opponents get due to Oscar is as good as being a great on ball defender IMO.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Before injuries, the “Benny lineup” was the most efficient in college bball.

That’s taking into account both defense and offense.

That’s with Tshiebwe.

And the 22 team was arguably the best team in the country until injuries hit.

That’s with Tshiebwe.

If the Freshmen are as good as advertised, we should be pretty good…

With Tshiebwe.

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

Before injuries, the “Benny lineup” was the most efficient in college bball.

That’s taking into account both defense and offense.

That’s with Tshiebwe.

And the 22 team was arguably the best team in the country until injuries hit.

That’s with Tshiebwe.

If the Freshmen are as good as advertised, we should be pretty good…

With Tshiebwe.

Please don't let facts and data get in the way of opinions.

 

[track42]

According to Jack Pilgrim Oscar isn't even close to making a decision and has NBA tryouts.

 

[Generic_Username]

He's a really good player, but I feel like this sets you guys back another year.

He's very good on the boards, he battles extremely hard, but he takes way too many low efficiency jumpers and his defense is really bad in space.

His points per shot on jumpers was 0.69...that's really, really low...and on pretty high volume: 128 shots. In essence, he takes 4 jumpers a game and he makes on average just over 1 of them. For frame of reference for y'all, Toppin was 0.80...which is pretty damn good for a PF on high volume: 234 shots...someone like Dickinson is 1.03.

Not sure how you'll build the roster around him and Bradshaw (who I feel like could go #1 in 2024) or how you force your CGs who want to drive the lane to run 50% post-up drills for Oscar...but y'all will definitely be good again.

Just feels like a team full of pieces without cohesion...honestly a lot what Arkansas felt like last year.

 

[bookerfan66]

Pilgrim said Oscar won't give them a straight answer so they will take who commits first.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I’m okay with Tshiebwe back. I don’t blame him for the past two seasons,

But…

I do understand where some people are coming from who might want to move on from Tshiebwe.

He just doesn’t fit the mold of the ideal “Calipari Center.”

Cal’s best teams have had an elite level shot blocking rim protector on them.

Without that key ingredient, Cal struggles.

Can we make a deep run without a stereotypical “Calipari Center?”

Maybe, but it’s going to take Cal changing his M.O. a bit. That’s something he has struggled with lately.

 

[jessieshorts8]

Pilgrim said Oscar won't give them a straight answer so they will take who commits first.

That's the right decision IMO.

 

[tls]

Will Oscar be happy with a reduced role on offense? We can’t go to him the same way we did the last two years to be a contender. He’s going to have to score off putbacks and be fine with that.

Have never sensed that Oscar was all about Oscar.

 

[tls]

In 21 wins, Reeves shot 48 percent from the field and 47 percent from 3-point range, and he averaged 15.8 points. Did you even watch any games?

Apparently you don’t get it. Reeves was not a 5 star and not an NBA prospect. Those types don’t belong at UK.

 

[ruppcat]

That Oscar has told staff he is coming back. Don't shoot the messenger but it indicates this was on another forum and posted by a very credible source.

IF he does come back, I hope he's in the gym working on jump shots.

 

[JwUKFan11]

IF he does come back, I hope he's in the gym working on jump shots.

Offense isn’t the problem with Oscar.

 

[kyjeff1]

He's a really good player, but I feel like this sets you guys back another year.

He's very good on the boards, he battles extremely hard, but he takes way too many low efficiency jumpers and his defense is really bad in space.

His points per shot on jumpers was 0.69...that's really, really low...and on pretty high volume: 128 shots. In essence, he takes 4 jumpers a game and he makes on average just over 1 of them. For frame of reference for y'all, Toppin was 0.80...which is pretty damn good for a PF on high volume: 234 shots...someone like Dickinson is 1.03.

Not sure how you'll build the roster around him and Bradshaw (who I feel like could go #1 in 2024) or how you force your CGs who want to drive the lane to run 50% post-up drills for Oscar...but y'all will definitely be good again.

Just feels like a team full of pieces without cohesion...honestly a lot what Arkansas felt like last year.

You think Oscar is taking those low efficiency jumpers via his own decision making? Nope, those are the shots Cal wants him and everyone else taking. That’s not on Oscar, that’s on Cal.

Nevertheless, even if he missed 10 of those a game, he usually gets the dang rebounds and when you figure in his ppg and rpg averages, he’s a + player.

UK has issues, but Oscar is far from the reason why UK only has 1 tournament win the last 2 years. He stepped up, our guards didn’t.

 

[christophero]

Can Oscar play power forward? Surround the 2 bigs with 3 guards. Have Oscar work on his 10 footer all summer.

 

[Verbal Kint II]

When people defend Cal’s awful offense they site offensive efficiency numbers. Our offensive efficiency numbers are good due to one reason only, offensive rebounds. Oscar single handedly saves that too.