All seniors from last year now eligible

[Im The Village Idiot]

BS
So you don't think guys like Mitchell or Saunders would help Kentucky, just because they are a late addition?


I would love to have Butler back another year, with Saunders, and MM.

Damn
I could even think #9 was a real possibility

If we added Kohler, I'd legitimately think we can win the title.

Mitchell doesn't fit what we are trying to do. He's an amazing talent but he simply cannot shoot and our spacing would be awful. If we didn't have Malachi, I'd say bring in Mark Mitchell to play small ball 5 like Missouri did with him a lot. That won't be the case at Kentucky --- best to let him go elsewhere.

Saunders --- would absolutely love to have him. With him, I think you have the best offense in the country, but it doesn't correct defense/rebound concerns.

Kohler is 100% the play --- he would be your 5-out trigger, he's an outstanding rebounder, he's your low post scorer, he can hit the three and space the floor, he's physical and defends. Pay whatever you have to.

 

[KyKevin]

If we added Kohler, I'd legitimately think we can win the title.

Mitchell doesn't fit what we are trying to do. He's an amazing talent but he simply cannot shoot and our spacing would be awful. If we didn't have Malachi, I'd say bring in Mark Mitchell to play small ball 5 like Missouri did with him a lot. That won't be the case at Kentucky --- best to let him go elsewhere.

Saunders --- would absolutely love to have him. With him, I think you have the best offense in the country, but it doesn't correct defense/rebound concerns.

Kohler is 100% the play --- pay whatever you have to.

I wouldn't pass on any of them, but I feel like Kohler, will be playing for Izzo, he doesn't have much turnover on his team, they love him. And so do I, he is the man. I don't see Saunders leaving BYU either.
But Mitchell maybe.

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

I wouldn't pass on any of them, but I feel like Kohler, will be playing for Izzo, he doesn't have much turnover on his team, they love him. And so do I, he is the man. I don't see Saunders leaving BYU either.
But Mitchell maybe.

Someone put out a report yesterday that Kohler is likely to find a new team and that he won't be returning to Michigan State. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[Runt#1969]

With the roster as it is currently constructed, I've felt all along that the 4 spot was this team's biggest question mark. McBride and N'Djiaye (either one) next to :

Momcilovic
Moreno
Diallo
Wilkins

... it is obvious to me that we would really need McBride to step up his game immediately in several areas to get us to that next level. Ousmane is a complete unknown, so we have to feel less confident that he is the answer, no? Both *could* start alongside the other 4, and one could prove he belongs (or even both, which would be great)

But the defensive and rebounding questions would have to be answered, and how exactly would they fit in offensively, and how effective would either be ? Both are unproven commodities in this context.

I don't like the idea of having Ousmane jack up 3's excessively, when we have other guys that are proven and better on the perimeter, with his size, I would want him threatening down low and banging bodies defensively and rebounding. I like McBride and his physicality better from a rebounding and defensive angle, but would he provide enough low post scoring & efficient offensive punch to be the answer for this roster?

Enter Kohler. He gets my nod of approval. No questions on rebounding or on the offensive and defensive end. Make a solid offer that makes it impossible to return to Michigan State and Izzo. We can put together a pitch and package and close it out.

I would go so far as to say he fits extremely well in the most important category this team needs for next year : Chemistry. He fits what we need on this team. I'm as zeroed in on him as I was with Big Chill for this team. I think he can make all the difference. He might just be that important of a pickup.

He looks like an ideal ADD on every level. We don't need a guy that is going to score tons, but he is a solid post option and is an offensive threat teams can't ignore... We need to shore up the rebounding and defensive side of the equation. That's the knock on this roster. Getting a guy like Kohler would make me feel much more confident moving forward.

One last thought : Now look at McBride and N'djaiye (sp!! I'm gonna struggle all year with him! LOL) That's a nice combination of players to have at the 4 and gives Pope some options with combinations of players to see what works and doesn't.

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

I wouldn't pass on any of them, but I feel like Kohler, will be playing for Izzo, he doesn't have much turnover on his team, they love him. And so do I, he is the man. I don't see Saunders leaving BYU either.
But Mitchell maybe.

One of Jack Pilgrim's sources did, in fact, say that Kohler is not expected to be back at Michigan State. I confirmed that's what was reported. This came out after that tweet saying a return to East Lansing was on the table.

That said, BYU are favorites to this point. Kohler is LDS and a Utah native.

 

[DirtyHarry]

And you will spend your time being ignorantly confident in what’s been going on with the basketball program the past 26 or so months?

No. I'd rather spend my time actually understanding what's in front of us than living in the past, recycling the same complaints on a message board with every post. Pope has assembled some genuine talent this year, and there's real depth on the roster. Rubes like you miss the nuances of the game. You think you grasp it, but you're not even close. You conveniently ignore the injuries at key positions that gutted Pope's first two teams. Keep pushing the negativity if you want—it just broadcasts how miserable you actually are.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Money has to be mentioned. Otherwise you living a pipe dream thinking yea they just love Kentucky and want to come.

No, YOU mentioned nothing about money. Just said there’s no room and then tried to back it up with hurt feeling of guys “ that came here to play.” Neither one of us know the budgets or asking prices, so you and I discussing money is irrelevant. Also something you never brought up initially. If your stance is now that it can’t be done because of money, my simple answer would be neither of us know that to be true.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I wouldn't pass on any of them, but I feel like Kohler, will be playing for Izzo, he doesn't have much turnover on his team, they love him. And so do I, he is the man. I don't see Saunders leaving BYU either.
But Mitchell maybe.

Mitchell is BY FAR the likeliest of those three to be playing somewhere other than his previous school.

 

[ScWildcat3]

No, YOU mentioned nothing about money. Just said there’s no room and then tried to back it up with hurt feeling of guys “ that came here to play.” Neither one of us know the budgets or asking prices, so you and I discussing money is irrelevant. Also something you never brought up initially. If your stance is now that it can’t be done because of money, my simple answer would be neither of us know that to be true.

There is no room for Mitchell and the role he wants. He’s a ball dominant 4 who is not very effective without it. We have 2 ball dominant guards. Could we throw him out there yes but would it drastically make us better idk. Just because he’s really talented doesn’t mean he makes you better as a team. Telling zoom and Wilkins to go stand outside so Mitchell can go 1 on 1 isn’t the move. Now if this was last year absolutely he would’ve fit perfect because we lacked play making.

 

[ScWildcat3]

Mitchell is BY FAR the likeliest of those three to be playing somewhere other than his previous school.

Kohler might go byu. It’s home and he’s Mormon I believe.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

No. I'd rather spend my time actually understanding what's in front of us than living in the past, recycling the same complaints on a message board with every post. Pope has assembled some genuine talent this year, and there's real depth on the roster. Rubes like you miss the nuances of the game. You think you grasp it, but you're not even close. You conveniently ignore the injuries at key positions that gutted Pope's first two teams. Keep pushing the negativity if you want—it just broadcasts how miserable you actually are.

People thought he assembled some genuine talent last year. Rubes like me called BS. How’d that turn out? I’m skeptical until the dude actually proves he can build a top tier roster and then actually coach it…Btw, I’m not talking about the past. I truly believe a lot of people have overvalued some dude from Furman, JMU, rando Euro team, a couple of guys from a bad Washington team, a bit piece from a REALLY bad Wazzu team, a dude that could barely get in the lineup last season that’s coming off two surgeries, and another dude that has “gained 30 lbs” that couldn’t get on the court last year either. All of THAT has me skeptical. If they all punch up, sweet. We will be in a great spot. If they all flounder and flop around, we might be .500. If some do and some don’t, imma guess we will have somewhere between 10 and 14 losses. Stop me if you’ve read that book.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

There is no room for Mitchell and the role he wants. He’s a ball dominant 4 who is not very effective without it. We have 2 ball dominant guards. Could we throw him out there yes but would it drastically make us better idk. Just because he’s really talented doesn’t mean he makes you better as a team. Telling zoom and Wilkins to go stand outside so Mitchell can go 1 on 1 isn’t the move. Now if this was last year absolutely he would’ve fit perfect because we lacked play making.

Mitchell played that way out of need for Gates and what he had/wanted to do. Mitchell’s an animal on the baseline. He doesn’t HAVE to be singled up on island to be effective. He WAS singled up on an island at Mizzou because Mizzou needed him to be for Mizzou to be successful. Big difference.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Kohler might go byu. It’s home and he’s Mormon I believe.

I’ll believe it when I see it. Leverage is a huge thing. He just needs Izzy and MSU to believe he’s going to BYU to get a bigger payday.

 

[ScWildcat3]

Mitchell played that way out of need for Gates and what he had/wanted to do. Mitchell’s an animal on the baseline. He doesn’t HAVE to be singled up on island to be effective. He WAS singled up on an island at Mizzou because Mizzou needed him to be for Mizzou to be successful. Big difference.

That’s his game and always has been. He’s a bully ball forward. Nothing wrong with it just don’t fit our needs. I love him as a player and if he fit I’d love him but he don’t. He’s a guy who will give you everything he has and you can count on. He’s not coming and we haven’t even tried so I’m not worried anyways. Someone like Kohler fits what we need way more. Also if you think Wilkins isn’t up to Kentucky standards just because he came from furman you will be surprised how good he is when you watch him this year then. Dudes a star. I wanted him soon as he entered. Got to see him several times live last year and he’s a star.

 

[ScWildcat3]

I’ll believe it when I see it. Leverage is a huge thing. He just needs Izzy and MSU to believe he’s going to BYU to get a bigger payday.

Didn’t say it was guaranteed just that it’s home. And a huge need for him with all the minutes he could want. Also think msu has 15 players right now.

 

[DirtyHarry]

People thought he assembled some genuine talent last year. Rubes like me called BS. How’d that turn out? I’m skeptical until the dude actually proves he can build a top tier roster and then actually coach it…Btw, I’m not talking about the past. I truly believe a lot of people have overvalued some dude from Furman, JMU, rando Euro team, a couple of guys from a bad Washington team, a bit piece from a REALLY bad Wazzu team, a dude that could barely get in the lineup last season that’s coming off two surgeries, and another dude that has “gained 30 lbs” that couldn’t get on the court last year either. All of THAT has me skeptical. If they all punch up, sweet. We will be in a great spot. If they all flounder and flop around, we might be .500. If some do and some don’t, imma guess we will have somewhere between 10 and 14 losses. Stop me if you’ve read that book.

Once again, you wax negative. You have no idea how these players you degrade will play under a new system.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

That’s his game and always has been. He’s a bully ball forward. Nothing wrong with it just don’t fit our needs. I love him as a player and if he fit I’d love him but he don’t. He’s a guy who will give you everything he has and you can count on. He’s not coming and we haven’t even tried so I’m not worried anyways. Someone like Kohler fits what we need way more. Also if you think Wilkins isn’t up to Kentucky standards just because he came from furman you will be surprised how good he is when you watch him this year then. Dudes a star. I wanted him soon as he entered. Got to see him several times live last year and he’s a star.

I get what you’re saying on Mitchell, just disagree if you think that’s how he has to play. That’s how Gates and Mizzou HAD to have him play. But I get it, all moot because of no interest.

Hey man, I get it. You think Wilkins is a stud. I think Wilkins has skill and is rail freaking thin. I think he massively struggled in 1/4-1/3 of his league games against crappy teams. He’s PROBABLY somewhere in the middle of where you and I have him. And if that’s the best this team has, we are cooked. This has always been my concern with Pope. Just good enough to keep his job. Wilkins being your best player probably fits that bill.

I get the counter punch is Mom. He ain’t your best player. He’s a dude that will hopefully live off of Zoom and Wilkins getting downhill. They better be able to do that. I have my doubts.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Once again, you wax negative. You have no idea how these players you degrade will play under a new system.

I’m degrading them by mentioning them in the context of their former school? Interesting take. You’re correct, I don’t know. However, previous seasons in lesser leagues and some that have played at higher levels with lesser numbers sure gives me a decent starting point to make at the very least an educated guess. Them coming to play for an extremely average coach in an extremely average system doesn’t move my needle much. If it does yours, cool. Cling to that hope! Honestly I wish I could.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Didn’t say it was guaranteed just that it’s home. And a huge need for him with all the minutes he could want. Also think msu has 15 players right now.

I get that. FTR, not sure how they can give all these dudes another year and not open roster limits.

 

[ScWildcat3]

I get what you’re saying on Mitchell, just disagree if you think that’s how he has to play. That’s how Gates and Mizzou HAD to have him play. But I get it, all moot because of no interest.

Hey man, I get it. You think Wilkins is a stud. I think Wilkins has skill and is rail freaking thin. I think he massively struggled in 1/4-1/3 of his league games against crappy teams. He’s PROBABLY somewhere in the middle of where you and I have him. And if that’s the best this team has, we are cooked. This has always been my concern with Pope. Just good enough to keep his job. Wilkins being your best player probably fits that bill.

I get the counter punch is Mom. He ain’t your best player. He’s a dude that will hopefully live off of Zoom and Wilkins getting downhill. They better be able to do that. I have my doubts.

Plenty of thin basketball players that dominate. Oats wanted him bad so did Hurley. That’s all I need to verify what I think he is. Dillingham was was smaller and he didn’t seem to have any problems. He’s 6’5-6’6. That negates a lot of being too thin. Also quick as they come.

 

[ScWildcat3]

I get that. FTR, not sure how they can give all these dudes another year and not open roster limits.

That’s what it seems people are waiting on for clarification as well. NCAA is appealing it and I really hope it gets overturned.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Plenty of thin basketball players that dominate. Oats wanted him bad so did Hurley. That’s all I need to verify what I think he is. Dillingham was was smaller and he didn’t seem to have any problems. He’s 6’5-6’6. That negates a lot of being too thin. Also quick as they come.

Why did he struggle in so many of those league games?

 

[ScWildcat3]

Why did he struggle in so many of those league games?

Because he was the team. He was handed the team and told to go make every play and be the man. He went for the homerun play a lot. He’s not a natural 1. He should thrive next to zoom as the off ball guy making secondary plays. He still averaged probably what 20 and 5 in conference

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

That’s what it seems people are waiting on for clarification as well. NCAA is appealing it and I really hope it gets overturned.

You have to think it will.

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

Why did he struggle in so many of those league games?

So you base a player off his worst games against the worst teams but not his best game against the best teams? That seems selective

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Because he was the team. He was handed the team and told to go make every play and be the man. He went for the homerun play a lot. He’s not a natural 1. He should thrive next to zoom as the off ball guy making secondary plays.

We shall see. Mid to late Jan rolls around and he’s killing and the team is actually good, at me and I’ll eat the crow. Currently for every reason you think he’s gonna be great, I can give you a reason that I think he’ll just be okay on an okay team.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

So you base a player off his worst games against the worst teams but not his best game against the best teams? That seems selective

You wanna base him off one game? That seems selective.

 

[ScWildcat3]

We shall see. Mid to late Jan rolls around and he’s killing and the team is actually good, at me and I’ll eat the crow. Currently for every reason you think he’s gonna be great, I can give you a reason that I think he’ll just be okay on an okay team.

20 and 5 in conference as a freshman idc what conference isn’t struggling necessarily

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

20 and 5 in conference as a freshman idc what conference isn’t struggling necessarily

He had a number of games against lower conference opponents that weren’t very good. That’s a concern. A dude that’s gonna be a stud on a good team in the SEC better average those numbers in the 24th rated conference. Hell, he could wind up being great. Or he very well could be above his head. Or somewhere in the middle. I’m just not prepared to say he’s gonna be a stud based on numbers at Furman and one game vs UConn where he hit some shots.

 

[Smeegs]

I get that. FTR, not sure how they can give all these dudes another year and not open roster limits.

But the NCAA does not want to “give all these dudes another year”, instead it’s something a judge is forcing them to do. So why should they make it easier to do something they don’t want to happen anyways?

The NCAA might just play hardball and deal with this by refusing to expand the 15 player limit. That way a lot of these dudes won’t be able to come back simply because there won’t be enough roster spots available for them all.

 

[ScWildcat3]

He had a number of games against lower conference opponents that weren’t very good. That’s a concern. A dude that’s gonna be a stud on a good team in the SEC better average those numbers in the 24th rated conference. Hell, he could wind up being great. Or he very well could be above his head. Or somewhere in the middle. I’m just not prepared to say he’s gonna be a stud based on numbers at Furman and one game vs UConn where he hit some shots.

Just like his catch and shoot 3’s was around 40%. But he just had to do so much he didn’t get to shoot a lot of those like he should with zoom and Milan around him. Those kind of things are not noticed by people who only look at final stat lines trying to say a kid isn’t good enough.

 

[KyKevin]

Kohler might go byu. It’s home and he’s Mormon I believe.

That would be much more likely then Kentucky, but that would surprise me, he has been to loyal to Izzo. I think there are some still out there 'Few' but some, loyal to there coach. And I think Kohler is one of those few.

 

[ScWildcat3]

That would be much more likely then Kentucky, but that would surprise me, he has been to loyal to Izzo. I think there are some still out there 'Few' but some, loyal to there coach. And I think Kohler is one of those few.

It depends on the roster rules. They have 15 guys right now.

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

It depends on the roster rules. They have 15 guys right now.

Ok this is really good news

 

[DirtyHarry]

So you base a player off his worst games against the worst teams but not his best game against the best teams? That seems selective

Tell em TDG2

 

[UKgrad22]

 

[KyKevin]

It depends on the roster rules. They have 15 guys right now.

I'm sure Izzo will find a way, when he chews a.ss people listen, and respect him, as they should.

Isnt the rule for scholarships? Hell were in the pros now

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

Probably will be this guy

 

[ScWildcat3]

Probably will be this guy

I’d take him as backup 5

 

[KyKevin]

Probably will be this guy

6'11" 250 lb, averaged almost 3 assist a game, I like a passing big man. Richmond about always has a respectable team, he's probably a great backup, or better