Honestly, I’m not really an optimist, but…

NoJuice

Sophomore
May 27, 2026
219
181
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We've had NBA guards since Pope has been here. And y'all really want to act like we've upgraded this year with Diallo and Wilkins?

I'm pretty sure some media member just said how bad Zoom was which made the guy in the draft look worse or something similar to that. Y'all know what I'm talking about because I read it on here... Whole thread on it.

And then Wilkins was thought of as a bench peice when he committed because we assumed Pope had bigger targets but no. Here we are saying Wilkins is about to burst out into a superstar.

I hope they dominate. I just gotta be realistic with my fandom...I hope I hit the lottery also ..
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
46,301
84,532
113
……I think this roster may be better than most aholes think. I believe Diallo
can beat his man off the dribble and get in the lane. Upgrade. Wilkins is going to be a huge difference maker. Kam Williams can really play. I expect Moreno to improve. I believe McBride will be a key player. Morton can play. Kepnang can rebound and protect the rim. Obviously Milan will be the star. The million dollar question is Hawthorne. Who knows?

Spell check just doesn’t like Diallo.
As long as Wilkins is closer to the UConn version of himself and Kam Williams improves we should be fine. I think around top 15ish right now would be my guess if Moreno makes the leap we hope. He is going to be huge for our ceiling.
 

NoJuice

Sophomore
May 27, 2026
219
181
43
Wow we got the pessimist Running, BB let me touch your feet 4 ever, Andy Bearshear, all being pretty negative on the team. 2 of the 3 would rather us be horrible and have Pope get fired, than Kentucky do well. They were used to Cal and his easy cupcake seasons, easier sec and winning games because of the fact he recruited good freshmen.
I'd rather UK do well...no matter how or who is the coach. Currently we just got a 9th seed in the SEC tournament. Realist...not a pessimist
 

KyKevin

All-Conference
Dec 28, 2021
1,876
2,841
113
I gotta disagree on the Butler part. I'd take him over most point guards the last twenty years not named John wall fox and any other obvious superstar we had




Damn
I almost liked you in this juice, before seeing it was you, but I couldn't, even if I feel the same 😂
 
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Runt#1969

All-American
Dec 13, 2010
21,263
8,824
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So far this all just feels like a latter day Tubby team. I still loved watching those dudes, but it just wasn't good enough.
I swear I had that thought earlier today, for some odd reason. To read you saying it, yeah. It does. I still loved watching those guys too. But it wasn't good enough, in the end.

Maybe though, they are capable to do and be MUCH better than anyone thinks. There's a lot of variables with players that are basic unknown quantities :

N'Diaye and Hawthorn ... maybe they will be shockingly good, I'd settle to be key role players.... and the rest can perform collectively at the highest level together? They have experience, maybe they can truly become a special team, And at Kentucky, making a Final Four is special.

Who knows, we will see.
 
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The Nightman2

All-Conference
Nov 30, 2019
1,105
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At least when I'm (trolling) ..Im fully aware that I'm trolling and posting not for anybody to like it.

I try real hard to keep it UK. Y'all can disagree with my UK opinions all you want..but if y'all want to keep getting off topic and attacking me I don't mind posting some more gay porn and racial slurs..it's really up to y'all.

I assume y'all like it if y'all choose to attack me knowing how I'll respond..if you don't enjoy it(which I'm starting to not believe) then just keep it UK. It's real simple
There's a million ways to troll man. You dont have to go that route
 

NoJuice

Sophomore
May 27, 2026
219
181
43
^Please do not feed this troll anymore^

It doesn't matter how cleverly or thoroughly you burn him he gets off on it.
I've never been burned. That might be why you think I get off on it because I'm not a old poosy like you. I realize this is the Internet. So instead of focusing on your favorite troll and acting like I want attention....just post about UK...and I'll fade away because you won't see anything but Kentucky posts.
 

MichaelGray

All-Conference
Jan 13, 2026
1,054
1,555
113
I gotta disagree on the Butler part. I'd take him over most point guards the last twenty years not named John wall fox and any other obvious superstar we had
I liked Butler, he wasn't that great at getting to the rim is my point though, damn shame him & Robinson got hurt.
 
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NoJuice

Sophomore
May 27, 2026
219
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I liked Butler, he wasn't that great at getting to the rim is my point though, damn shame him & Robinson got hurt.
Maybe I'm remembering wrong but I thought he was strong going to the rim and finishing before his injury. I thought shooting was his weak point.

Ball handling defense and attacking the rim were his strengths but I could be wrong or just like him so much that I'm biased.
 
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PhattyJ

Senior
Jun 24, 2015
279
645
93
Wait- you’re not much of an optimist?? Dude you’ve been slobbering Pope all season. To the point I thought you were trolling.

This team could do well. They could also have a season like last years. Depends on who gets injured and who doesn’t.

the absolute worst possible thing they could do is lose 12 games and make the sweet 16. That would keep pope safe for another offseason of mostly misses and then another middling season.

I hope they do well and pope finds his groove. Those that push the narrative that people don’t want to see pope win are idiotic. Of course we do. I’d love for him to be our version of K or Izzo… just most don’t see that happening.
 

FitchandMurray29

All-American
Dec 11, 2021
2,745
5,803
61
It’s never a good season with 10 loses.
I can see that point. But I think folks(not you) just aren’t completely used to the schedule we play right now.

Last year before the NCAAT(so full schedule plus SECT) we played 14 ranked opponents.

During Cal’s glory years(from 09-17) we averaged just over 6 ranked games a year with never any seasons having more than 8.

The Ulis Murray team in particular that went 27-9, played 21 SEC games(they won the championship over A&M that year). Of those 21, only 1 was against a ranked team at the time…that 21st game against A&M in the final.

Just a different beast today. But if the program is where we want it, we should still be single digit losses. The cushion isn’t great in doing it though
 

NoJuice

Sophomore
May 27, 2026
219
181
43
Wait- you’re not much of an optimist?? Dude you’ve been slobbering Pope all season. To the point I thought you were trolling.

This team could do well. They could also have a season like last years. Depends on who gets injured and who doesn’t.

the absolute worst possible thing they could do is lose 12 games and make the sweet 16. That would keep pope safe for another offseason of mostly misses and then another middling season.

I hope they do well and pope finds his groove. Those that push the narrative that people don’t want to see pope win are idiotic. Of course we do. I’d love for him to be our version of K or Izzo… just most don’t see that happening.
exactly. Can want Pope to succeed all day. But he gives us a 14 loss season with a round of 32 blowout. Don't matter how much we want Pope to succeed.
 

NoJuice

Sophomore
May 27, 2026
219
181
43
I can see that point. But I think folks(not you) just aren’t completely used to the schedule we play right now.

Last year before the NCAAT(so full schedule plus SECT) we played 14 ranked opponents.

During Cal’s glory years(from 09-17) we averaged just over 6 ranked games a year with never any seasons having more than 8.

The Ulis Murray team in particular that went 27-9, played 21 SEC games(they won the championship over A&M that year). Of those 21, only 1 was against a ranked team at the time…that 21st game against A&M in the final.

Just a different beast today. But if the program is where we want it, we should still be single digit losses. The cushion isn’t great in doing it though
Florida just went 16-2. I'm tired of the it's ok for us to be mediocre because the SEC is tougher now narrative.

Not aimed at you. I agree with most of what you said.
 
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MichaelGray

All-Conference
Jan 13, 2026
1,054
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Maybe I'm remembering wrong but I thought he was strong going to the rim and finishing before his injury. I thought shooting was his weak point.

Ball handling defense and attacking the rim were his strengths but I could be wrong or just like him so much that I'm biased.
If he got around his defender then yes he was strong going to the rim, he didn't beat his defender that often. Yes, ball handling & defense were his strengths, shooting wasn't. However, he came in shooting 31% from 3 & left shooting around 36%. I'll always remember him going 6 for 6 from 3 against UofL in Rupp though.
 

true-blue1

Heisman
May 15, 2007
12,666
11,060
93
I can see that point. But I think folks(not you) just aren’t completely used to the schedule we play right now.

Last year before the NCAAT(so full schedule plus SECT) we played 14 ranked opponents.

During Cal’s glory years(from 09-17) we averaged just over 6 ranked games a year with never any seasons having more than 8.

The Ulis Murray team in particular that went 27-9, played 21 SEC games(they won the championship over A&M that year). Of those 21, only 1 was against a ranked team at the time…that 21st game against A&M in the final.

Just a different beast today. But if the program is where we want it, we should still be single digit losses. The cushion isn’t great in doing it though
Great point. We need to stay ahead of the curve and recruit better. Games are won by the players.
 
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MichaelGray

All-Conference
Jan 13, 2026
1,054
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Florida just went 16-2. I'm tired of the it's ok for us to be mediocre because the SEC is tougher now narrative.

Not aimed at you. I agree with most of what you said.
**** Florida & their little weirdo coach, I think we got something for them this year, I can see a battle like the game we won against them in Rupp 2 years ago 106-100.
 

NoJuice

Sophomore
May 27, 2026
219
181
43
If he got around his defender then yes he was strong going to the rim, he didn't beat his defender that often. Yes, ball handling & defense were his strengths, shooting wasn't. However, he came in shooting 31% from 3 & left shooting around 36%. I'll always remember him going 6 for 6 from 3 against UofL in Rupp though.
I was going to say that Louisville game w
Made the shooting thing seem wrong. That game about made him a UK legend. especially if the season ended a little different.
 
Jul 17, 2025
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10 losses would be a great season considering the schedule. As long as they get to an Elite 8 or Final Four. Who knows?
People need to get over the ten loss thing, the strength of schedule does a lot of work that didn't happen inn days of yore.

We probably have a solid case for a 1 seed with 7 losses.
 
Last edited:
Jul 6, 2025
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I gotta disagree on the Butler part. I'd take him over most point guards the last twenty years not named John wall fox and any other obvious superstar we had

The top 6-7 guys that roster were really talented. It just didn't get the respect because it came on the heels of Cal talent.

A healthy Carr would've been the best player on last year and this year's squad. Butler was great. Brea was a more talented milan. Williams was a 7'1" freak who played pg half the season.
 

NoJuice

Sophomore
May 27, 2026
219
181
43
The top 6-7 guys that roster were really talented. It just didn't get the respect because it came on the heels of Cal talent.

A healthy Carr would've been the best player on last year and this year's squad. Butler was great. Brea was a more talented milan. Williams was a 7'1" freak who played pg half the season.
Totally agree. But also to another point you made about Brea being a more talented Mom...which I also agree with..I was getting bashed yesterday in the thread where people were saying Mom is better than Brea by a country mile. I strongly disagreed.

I would take Brea over Mom every day of the week. He has good three point percentages I get that. Historically great percentages...what else? Brea can do it all including shooting lights out from deep.
 

NoJuice

Sophomore
May 27, 2026
219
181
43
^^***Beware of the troll bait above***^^
He posts crap he does not even believe just to elicit a response. A truly sad individual.
You must not read. Had good conversations with several ppl last night. You're the only one so offended by my Andy avatar that you can't see straight. How bout you stop trying so hard buster.

Just talk some UK every now and then.


Edit: you said you blocked me but continuesly reply to everything I say and feel you have to tell everyone that's on here as much as me and you who I am like they are two year olds...it's weird and disrespectful to them acting like they don't have common sense ...

I'm sure they have the same ignore button like you or have the ability to blow me off...or have the ability to see I really just want to talk UK ball...

I'm sorry I am a (known troll) and still when I start a thread it gets more traffic then your troll police self. Maybe that should tell you something about yourself.. you call me a troll 24/7 and attach yourself to me thinking somebody is going to praise you for saying the same thing daily. At least switch it up a little.

I'm going to get you a badge that says troll police just send me a address so I can get it to you. Thanks Paul. Now let's talk UK if you're capable
 
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TheApostleSaulSmith

All-Conference
Mar 30, 2026
1,165
2,585
103
……I think this roster may be better than most aholes think. I believe Diallo
can beat his man off the dribble and get in the lane. Upgrade. Wilkins is going to be a huge difference maker. Kam Williams can really play. I expect Moreno to improve. I believe McBride will be a key player. Morton can play. Kepnang can rebound and protect the rim. Obviously Milan will be the star. The million dollar question is Hawthorne. Who knows?

Spell check just doesn’t like Diallo.
Yeah but Pope has to coach them though …
 
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Jul 6, 2025
2,364
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Totally agree. But also to another point you made about Brea being a more talented Mom...which I also agree with..I was getting bashed yesterday in the thread where people were saying Mom is better than Brea by a country mile. I strongly disagreed.

I would take Brea over Mom every day of the week. He has good three point percentages I get that. Historically great percentages...what else? Brea can do it all including shooting lights out from deep.

Brea was as tall, also a sniper, had a tight handle, and good athleticism. His defense was questionable but not as bad as people made out.

We were fine on defense that year until Butler went down. After that, it was turnstyle defense at the pg which just wrecked everything.
 
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Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
42,321
64,400
113
This. I think we'll be fine on O. The other two areas are looking pretty poor. I think this is probably a variation of Pope's first squad. The difference is that squad had butler and Williams who were both big defensive guys.

People keep sleeping on the talent of that first squad. Its the best team he's had so far.
Defense is a question for sure. Why would you conclude rebounding will be a problem?
 

Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
42,321
64,400
113
I come here to talk UK ball. I actually keep it UK. Y'all are the ones who don't like my opinion then take the topic off UK ball. Every single time. I always stay on subject then reply to y'all after y'all take yalls personal feelings out on me and try to make a UK forum about you.

I'm not a troll. I'm a UK fan. And if y'all are able to keep it UK that's where it will stay. The real trolls are some of the most loved on here. Mods are the real trolls and ones posting on multiple accounts.

I stand on what I say so I'm going to post from one account at a time. Your gonna know it's (BlueBlood96Cat)
You have really turned up the “y’all” recently. Made it a drinking game and now I have to nap.
 
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-BBH-

All-American
Mar 13, 2004
10,616
7,116
73
10-12 losses. I predicted 15 before Milan.
If we lose another 10+ games and struggle to make the weekend of the SEC-tournament, let alone advance in the one that matters…Pope will be gone this time next year.

Having said that, I’m quietly optimistic that they can be better than that. The talking heads need to see more from pope before they put much stock in a roster he puts together and that’s 💯 understandable.