Travis Branham crystal ball Kentucky

Lameguy

Sophomore
Mar 20, 2026
125
198
43
Would be a great get and put us into a higher ranking for this season, but, he still has coaching tactics to change, particularly his substitution patterns.
Good players need to get into a rhythm, pulling them out because he thinks they're fatigued, needs to stop.
I really like the team he is assembling, so hopefully he manages the talent better than he did last year.
I think the substitution patterns last year might of had more to do with the dysfunctional team than them being fatigued, I don’t really think he would call out the individual players. I swear a couple on last years team enjoying being behind because then they would get to shoot every trip down the floor. I think Jelly even called out how some were selfish on the team. He didn’t say who but MoD, DA, OO, BG, JJ all fit the bill. JQ was either was pissed about and quit, probably felt he should if being taking all those shots
 

UKCowboys

All-American
Oct 14, 2019
4,487
8,172
113
Not trying to be down on anyone but, it’s a crystal ball 😂. Might be a good idea to save your energy if/when he commits
Not really. I like the fact that Pope has a roster that is solid and has a chance to be a top 12-15 team and he is still going after a kid that would be one of our best players walking in and maybe disrupt the apple cart, but who cares? I think he learned a valuable lesson last season that you can never have too much talent
 

Maddmatt87

Sophomore
Mar 31, 2025
63
119
32
I think the substitution patterns last year might of had more to do with the dysfunctional team than them being fatigued, I don’t really think he would call out the individual players. I swear a couple on last years team enjoying being behind because then they would get to shoot every trip down the floor. I think Jelly even called out how some were selfish on the team. He didn’t say who but MoD, DA, OO, BG, JJ all fit the bill. JQ was either was pissed about and quit, probably felt he should if being taking all those shots

That’s been my theory as well. There were a couple that if you paid attention, would not pass to each other. They would kick it to someone doubled up on instead of the open guy. And I can’t tell you how often I saw Noah wide open on the wing and wouldn’t get a pass to save his life
 

JPFisher

Heisman
Jul 24, 2013
6,821
13,228
113
You will see Mason Williams play a decent amount this year and I think it will be a good thing.
Maybe, but with Kam, Hawthorne, and maybe this new Euro kid, I just don't see Wilkins NOT being the PG when Zoom isn't in. I believe Morton and Mason could play at the 1, but I don't think them getting significant minutes bodes well for this team. Kam and Hawthorne are in a crowded room and have the shot and length to play the 2.

I know our expectation is for Wilkins to play the 2, but I think we need him at the 1 quite a bit so we have our best on the floor as often as possible.
 

JPFisher

Heisman
Jul 24, 2013
6,821
13,228
113
I will be surprised if Morton is not a regular contributor and think Mason may also be in that conversation.
I can see it. I do think Wilkins gets significant minutes at the 1 as well as the 2 so we can get Kam and B. Hawthorne some time at SG. That's the only way I can see them getting a satisfactory amount of minutes with McBride and Uzi at the 4 and Milan at the three. Milan should be on the floor as much as possible – he's a minutes vacuum, IMO.
 

Lameguy

Sophomore
Mar 20, 2026
125
198
43
That’s been my theory as well. There were a couple that if you paid attention, would not pass to each other. They would kick it to someone doubled up on instead of the open guy. And I can’t tell you how often I saw Noah wide open on the wing and wouldn’t get a pass to save his life
Noah’s slum made absolutely no sense, he probably put so much pressure on hisself due to the fact that he wasn’t going to get another look
 
  • Love
Reactions: Cowtown Cat

Buckwheat Otay Is Dead

All-Conference
May 30, 2008
783
1,062
93
I’d be excited about this but I think it’d be the Hawthorne things. He’d only be 17.
This kid will start. This kid wants to play the two. With this kid at the two and 3
Would be a huge talent addition.

From this link, my statistical takeaways:

Not the best 3 point shooter. Insane rebounding production from a wing which could be big for this roster. Also seems like a high stocks(particularly steals) guy.
Hes being recruited to be a 2-3 because he can play both.
 

darkshadesofblue

All-Conference
Aug 18, 2015
3,675
4,228
103
Not really. I like the fact that Pope has a roster that is solid and has a chance to be a top 12-15 team and he is still going after a kid that would be one of our best players walking in and maybe disrupt the apple cart, but who cares? I think he learned a valuable lesson last season that you can never have too much talent
I admit, I had my frustration with Pope over the last several months. There’s obviously no denying he’s stepped up his game last few weeks and I eat crow for what I said. That being said we’ve all seen how quickly things can change, it’s not a shot at Pope either way. Is this kid close to making a decision or is this just a basic prediction? Whatever happens, I obviously like where we are now compared to a month ago
 
Apr 14, 2019
339
969
83
This kid will start. This kid wants to play the two. With this kid at the two and 3

Hes being recruited to be a 2-3 because he can play both.
As usual, people on here are making players into what they are not. I’m sure he plays and has some impact, but he is a 17 year old that is still developing. Don’t confuse potential with college impact is all I’m saying.
 

Noledynasty2490

All-American
Jul 31, 2022
4,426
8,064
113
Lol, this kid is coming to play THIS YEAR and people are crazy to think otherwise. Wilkins may just have to be 6th man.
 

Noledynasty2490

The Battles's End Collective Member

The Battle's End enables FSU athletes to maximize the value of their NIL. Click Here to Sign Up

  • Like
Reactions: Cowtown Cat

Mike-D

Heisman
Jul 14, 2001
50,414
75,492
113
We are sure counting a lot of chickens before they hatch. The Popeaganda campaign continues. We will see.

Recruiting is the lifeblood. That's where it starts, IMO.

But to those acting like this guarantees success and everyone else is now dumb for questioning Pope after 26 losses in 2 seasons. Uh, sure.

Having said all of that, this would be huge.
 

ftp000

All-American
Mar 26, 2009
6,561
6,502
113
Not really. I like the fact that Pope has a roster that is solid and has a chance to be a top 12-15 team and he is still going after a kid that would be one of our best players walking in and maybe disrupt the apple cart, but who cares? I think he learned a valuable lesson last season that you can never have too much talent
If this team is able to run a true Pope offense, run and gun, and shoot 30+ threes, guys will be happy to have a backup. Redundancy is what has been missing. Pope's offense being run with top tier players will be lethal.
Hopefully they can defend too. There should always be fresh legs at every position. Fresh legs are key to solid defense.
 

Noledynasty2490

All-American
Jul 31, 2022
4,426
8,064
113
No way. Wilkins is too good and a starter from the get go.
We will see. It's a good problem to have
 

Noledynasty2490

The Battles's End Collective Member

The Battle's End enables FSU athletes to maximize the value of their NIL. Click Here to Sign Up

Beltieboy1

Redshirt
Mar 1, 2025
7
9
3
Happy The Goldbergs GIF by TV Land
 

Buckwheat Otay Is Dead

All-Conference
May 30, 2008
783
1,062
93
As usual, people on here are making players into what they are not. I’m sure he plays and has some impact, but he is a 17 year old that is still developing. Don’t confuse potential with college impact is all I’m saying.
I understand what you’re saying but remember, 17 or not he’s playing against grown men now. He can finish at the rim now against these guys now. He’s a special player.
 

UKWildcats1987

Heisman
Sep 9, 2021
20,059
35,341
113
So this years roster budget is gonna be more than lasts if the above is true. With the talent we will have, time to win something that matters.

This guy would be a huge get and id definitely say make UK to elite 8, shot at final four category. And once u get there anything can happen.