JQ "This will likely be my last year of college"

UKGrad24

All-American
Apr 2, 2024
2,848
6,874
100
Yes but the question is, can Pope actually use him? Or does his camp don't trust Pope?

I think Pope will bring in a new doctor and re-recruit JQ. And that doctor will explain there is no swelling and he’ll play and Pope will win his first title.
 
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NociHTTP

Heisman
Mar 8, 2023
12,181
19,113
113
That should be a rule if you don't play at least half the team games your pay is prorated
The pay should be prorated for any game not played, unless there is a bonafide reason (ie, proof of injury, family emergency). Otherwise you'll get guys gaming the system, playing early on and then resting up for the draft.
 

Bluesbrother

All-American
May 23, 2002
4,603
6,534
113
We are UK it should be beneath us to take risks like this
The UK you refer to is the UK of yesteryear. Blessed to lived and watch it all, post Rupp. Today is different. Young fans don't have a clue what UK once was. If corrections aren't soon made with firm resolve, this program may never be again what it once was. Clown in the AD seat and a clown in the UKMBB seat. Follow the damn money.
 

The Nightman2

All-Conference
Nov 30, 2019
995
1,130
93
It's too long ago to matter but either way like so many others he just wasn't good enough and was in it for the bag
He's had a long NBA career so he was good enough, but he started having foot issues in high school . That's plagued him since. And every good player is in it for $$$. Their dream is to get to the NBA.... It's not playing for the Cats. Hasn't been for a long time
 
Jul 30, 2024
5,798
11,074
113
Why so mad lol. Nobody thought he'd be back here for years 2
Coz we mad, baby. We get mad over players going to the NBA. We get mad if our players aren’t on mock drafts. We get mad if our coach looks unhinged. We get mad if our coach is too docile. We get mad if the coach talks to the press. We get mad if the coach doesn’t talk to the press. We get mad if the coach doesn’t play the freshman. We get mad if the coach plays the freshman. We get mad, baby.
 

AllBall

All-American
May 5, 2015
4,404
5,622
93
You could tell when he was in the games he was lost in the zoom action offense, he didn't know what to do. I think his dad even commented about him not being used right. The only thing Pope got out of him for that 2 million was help in beating his old coach.
He should've been learning the offense from the sidelines. Zero reason to not have some semblance of your role and what's expected.

Honestly, shows poor foresight and preparation on the staff and JQ. You should be excited, absorbing everything you can, and processing how to execute when the time arrives.
 
Feb 21, 2026
364
411
63
Big difference between the old days and getting paid for your Name,Image and Likeness. BIG difference.
It's just an excuse for boosters to openly give them money. Because most of these guys aren't recognizable enough to make money off their name image and likeness
 

Henogee1975

All-American
Jan 31, 2017
4,325
8,343
87
Pope has done a lot of frustrating stuff, but I think he and his staff truly thought that JQ would play after the first of the year.

This is a case of his daddy and his hangers on controlling him. They decided after the Alabama game that it was too risky for him to hurt his draft stock and shut him down.

I had reconstructive knee surgery 33 years ago and my knee is swollen right now.
 

Bugs092056

All-Conference
Sep 20, 2022
937
1,718
93
Pope has done a lot of frustrating stuff, but I think he and his staff truly thought that JQ would play after the first of the year.

This is a case of his daddy and his hangers on controlling him. They decided after the Alabama game that it was too risky for him to hurt his draft stock and shut him down.

I had reconstructive knee surgery 33 years ago and my knee is swollen right now.
So its possible Pope would have paid you millions to come aboard
 

ifer1116

Sophomore
Aug 22, 2025
73
170
33
I don't know much about NIL, but these deals seem to be completely one sided in favor of the players. Are there any binding expectations on the players at all? I just get the feeling that if a player wants to sit out, that he can just decide to do it, for any reason whatsoever. I understand that it's not technically the schools paying the players, maybe that's the issue. But the school definitely assists (along with JMI) with them getting deals. I'd feel a lot better as a fan if I knew there were contractual obligations to play if it's at all possible and doctors have cleared them.
 

MdWIldcat55

Heisman
Dec 9, 2007
21,275
84,874
113
He should have signed with North Carolina. At least he'd have his PhD to fall back on...

As for Pope throwing him off the team; I know that would satisfy some keyboard warriors. But if you've ever played on a team, you understand the dynamic, and how foolish that would be for morale. He's probably got close friends on the team. And whether they believe he's really hurt or not, they don't want to see one of their "brothers" treated with what they'd view as a lack of respect. It's not hurting any thing to let the charade that he's part of the team play out.
 
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nipsnip

Redshirt
Mar 17, 2026
19
20
3
Bye and don't let the door hit you on the way out. JQ is not going to have the draft night experience as he expected. Not only knee concerns but his offensive game is non existent othen than dunking. Should be shooting free throws during hus free time.
I think his dad is making a huge mistake. This is going to be a loaded draft. Especially with big men. He might slide all the way to the second round. Crazier things have happened. He'd be better off to tell his dad he's coming back to UK to work on his offensive skills. But no, his dad is anxious to get more money.