Open Practice Today

[*Fox2Monk*]

The ball travels a long way from his catch. Tends to drop and then arc it to his pocket. There’s a lot of movement. It’s like the polar opposite of Noah. Watch Trent catch. It’s damned near in his pocket immediately on every catch. He uses his body to build the height of his pocket. Now if he could just make a damned shot. I’m convinced Trent’s problems are the same reason I could make a damned 3-6’ putt for par when it mattered. 6” space between the ears. Hawthorne has bigger issues, but TBF, I can’t imagine him being super high on the list of dudes we want hoisting 3s.

That’s what I mean, exactly.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

What you say about the value of a quick high release is true but I don't personally think any real judgement about his ability to release it quick enough should be derived from watching him shoot one wide open three in practice. You could of course be correct but I wouldn't be concerned just yet based off of this.

I’m not really concerned about it just something I noticed in those clips. His gaining weight and strength is probably the biggest factor in his playing time this year and success in the future. Hopefully like Tayshaun it won’t matter that much.

 

[ScWildcat3]

Kohler would be the starting 4, and I agree that Big Frank will be the backup 5, but I think Kohler plays backup minutes at 5 come tournament time when the rotation shrinks. He is the better player. Would love to have him

Yes I agree. That was what I was getting at. He’s a 4 and security blanket for the backup and spot 5 mins.

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

I’m not really concerned about it just something I noticed in those clips. His gaining weight and strength is probably the biggest factor in his playing time this year and success in the future. Hopefully like Tayshaun it won’t matter that much.

I see what you’re saying but that’s just part of “gathering” the ball. Just make wide open looks. If he could hit the type shots MM takes, he wouldn’t have sat last year. Again, just hit the open looks, those are the type he’ll be taking.

90+% of college players only shoot open threes. Very few can just catch and rise and fire(Gus Johnson) over defenders. Consistently anyway.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

That’s a huge if though. I’d like Kohler as insurance and he can play 4

Totally agree. I think Mitchell provides a bit of the same. But yeah, if Franck is on the shelf I’d sure rather have Kohler or Mitchell to spot some 5 minutes over Potter. Potter playing any minutes that matter just can’t be a good thing.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Kohler would be the starting 4, and I agree that Big Frank will be the backup 5, but I think Kohler plays backup minutes at 5 come tournament time when the rotation shrinks. He is the better player. Would love to have him

I think it depends a little on who is out there with him. Kohler isn’t a rim protector at all. Say N’Diaye proves to be long and athletic and capable of playing and protecting the rim a bit…I can see it. But a Kohler/McBride combo would just get hammered in the lane. But I TOTALLY agree, having Kohler (or even Mitchell) give you some flexibility in the rotation. Never a bad thing.

 

[Beatle Bum]

Nothing beats a little stand up comedy on a Thursday afternoon lol

It’s like a bad knock knock joke that some low IQ tyke thinks is worth repeating over and over and over. I don’t think that guy ever offers much of substance. Just takes baby slaps at the team and players.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I see what you’re saying but that’s just part of “gathering” the ball. Just make wide open looks. If he could hit the type shots MM takes, he wouldn’t have sat last year. Again, just hit the open looks, those are the type he’ll be taking.

90+% of college players only shoot open threes. Very few can just catch and rise and fire(Gus Johnson) over defenders. Consistently anyway.

Agreed…but time to gather determines just how “open” you are. His shots are much less open by the time he gets it released. Closeouts come fast. But yeah, not many dudes catching off a downscreen and catching and shooting.

Bonus point for Gus reference. Nothing better than Gus on the mic in a close first or second round NCAAT game. You sent me down a 20 minute rabbit hole. Lol I hate that he’s no longer with CBS.

 

[ScWildcat3]

Totally agree. I think Mitchell provides a bit of the same. But yeah, if Franck is on the shelf I’d sure rather have Kohler or Mitchell to spot some 5 minutes over Potter. Potter playing any minutes that matter just can’t be a good thing.

Another problem is Mitchell signed an exhibit 10 and Kohler didn’t.

 

[Beatle Bum]

I don’t plan to read the opinions of the trial courts and I have no experience with anti trust law, but it seems the judge thinks that a decision to change the rules of eligibility after your eligibility expired under the old rules did you harm, but does not think the expiration of a portal entry rule prior to the change in the eligibility rule does you harm. You could not have known the eligibility rule would be changed but you still should have entered the portal??? Okay.

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

Another problem is Mitchell signed an exhibit 10 and Kohler didn’t.

I thought I saw kohler did sign a 10 day

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

I don’t plan to read the opinions of the trial courts and I have no experience with anti trust law, but it seems the judge thinks that a decision to change the rules of eligibility after your eligibility expired under the old rules did you harm, but does not think the expiration of a portal entry rule prior to the change in the eligibility rule does you harm. You could not have known the eligibility rule would be changed but you still should have entered the portal??? Okay.

Which understood would mean like Keyshawn hall only?

I think some higher court needs to just hurry up and rule on this and like clarify transfer portal stuff

 

[ScWildcat3]

I thought I saw kohler did sign a 10 day

He agreed to one but didn’t sign it.

 

[UKgrad22]

My understanding (probably the same as all of you) is that the Colorado judge that ruled a blanket 5th year for 2022 grads (HS) only gave eligibility, not the ability to transfer. Therefore players would have had to have entered the portal prior to it closing in April/May (can’t remember which). Hall entered and should have no issues, Kohler would have to gain transfer clearance and prove he didn’t sign the 10-day. Mitchell will fight the uphill battle because he did sign an exhibit 10 and didn’t enter portal. A lot can change (and hopefully will), but as of now Hall is the only one of the 3 that can immediately transfer with no issues.

 

[ScWildcat3]

My understanding (probably the same as all of you) is that the Colorado judge that ruled a blanket 5th year for 2022 grads (HS) only gave eligibility, not the ability to transfer. Therefore players would have had to have entered the portal prior to it closing in April/May (can’t remember which). Hall entered and should have no issues, Kohler would have to gain transfer clearance and prove he didn’t sign the 10-day. Mitchell will fight the uphill battle because he did sign an exhibit 10 and didn’t enter portal. A lot can change (and hopefully will), but as of now Hall is the only one of the 3 that can immediately transfer with no issues.

They either all will be eligible or none. NCAA hasn’t won any of these injunctions really

 

[The Ganner]

I don’t understand why this team’s weaknesses are considered to be rebounding and defense. This is a big roster, we should be terrorizing the rim and offensive players.

It's the forwards. Momcilovic is a poor defender and rebounder for his size/position. McBride was also a pretty mediocre rebounder for a 4, and not known as a plus defender. Kam is an alright defender, not-great rebounder. Hawthorne is an unknown. N'Diaye was a solid rebounder in Europe and has the length and athleticism to be a good defender, but one of the biggest criticisms of him is instincts/decision making/positioning.

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

Was responding to someone that said Kohler would also be the backup 5. He won’t if Franck is healthy.

Now please return to your blind sheep name calling routine. It’s where you’re at your best.

You entire schtick is based on repeating something that is not true. Makes sense though since the truth makes a fool out of you at all times. This is just another example of your propensity to behave in a disingenuous manner.

 

[BBNinSCar]

It's the forwards. Momcilovic is a poor defender and rebounder for his size/position. McBride was also a pretty mediocre rebounder for a 4, and not known as a plus defender. Kam is an alright defender, not-great rebounder. Hawthorne is an unknown. N'Diaye was a solid rebounder in Europe and has the length and athleticism to be a good defender, but one of the biggest criticisms of him is instincts/decision making/positioning.

Maybe we can rebound and defend better than expected. This is a big, athletic team.

 

[The Ganner]

Maybe we can rebound and defend better than expected. This is a big, athletic team.

True, and that helps but defense and rebounding have a whole lot to do with instinct and effort

 

[UKCowboys]

True, and that helps but defense and rebounding have a whole lot to do with instinct and effort

Right, but can you really say you've sat down and watched hours of individual and team defensive work by Zion, Wilkins, Momcilovic, McBride, Hawthorne, Kepnang, N'Diaye and Williams, none of whom played a minute for us last season? How can you make a judgement about what a team can't do before you have ever seen them play?

 

[wildcatdon]

Just don’t have many proven rebounders. Also don’t have a proven down low defensive type guy. N’Diaye is long but can he defend?

You wont know till you see them play. You are just speculating.

 

[ScWildcat3]

You wont know till you see them play. You are just speculating.

Going off of what they have previously done. That’s how you project forward.

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

Right, but can you really say you've sat down and watched hours of individual and team defensive work by Zion, Wilkins, Momcilovic, McBride, Hawthorne, Kepnang, N'Diaye and Williams, none of whom played a minute for us last season? How can you make a judgement about what a team can't do before you have ever seen them play?

Because there are advanced metrics, personnel grades and insiders who have provided full scouting reports on these guys. You seem to take umbrage if someone has a negative projection on the team but you have no problem providing prognostications if they are glowing:

No question about it. We are a dark horse now IMO. Kohler would make our starting 5 as good as anyone in the nation(including Florida) and we would be a solid 10 deep

This is you saying Kentucky’s starting 5 is as good as anyone in the country. I get your general point here and I somewhat agree (still not better than Florida’s IMO). My question for you is this: How would you know it’s as good as anyone in the country? Have you extensively watched film for every starting 5 in the country or are you doing like the rest of us and relying on several factors to make that proclamation?

Rules for thee, not for me?

 

[UKCowboys]

Because there are advanced metrics, personnel grades and insiders who have provided full scouting reports on these guys. You seem to take umbrage if someone has a negative projection on the team but you have no problem providing prognostications if they are glowing:




This is you saying Kentucky’s starting 5 is as good as anyone in the country. I get your general point here and I somewhat agree (still not better than Florida’s IMO). My question for you is this: How would you know it’s as good as anyone in the country? Have you extensively watched film for every starting 5 in the country or are you doing like the rest of us and relying on several factors to make that proclamation?

Rules for thee, not for me?

How could you know they're not? You are pretty hypocritical fella. You bash me for actually wanting to see the team play before declaring them a poor defensive team and you post all your talk of "insiders" but those insiders don't know any more than anyone else. Its an opinion board and my opinion is that if we add Kohler we are as solid in the starting 5 as anyone including Florida.

Zoom Diallo - Boogie Fland
Alex Wilkins - Urban Klavzar
Milan Momcilovic - Thomas Haugh
Jaxon Kohler - Alex Condon
Malachi Moreno - Rueben Chinyelu

Now maybe that scares you to death, but it looks pretty damn even to me. And Florida the most talented team in the country. So forgive me if your metrics and insiders don't send me scurrying under the bed like a scared hamster

 

[UKCowboys]

Because there are advanced metrics, personnel grades and insiders who have provided full scouting reports on these guys. You seem to take umbrage if someone has a negative projection on the team but you have no problem providing prognostications if they are glowing:




This is you saying Kentucky’s starting 5 is as good as anyone in the country. I get your general point here and I somewhat agree (still not better than Florida’s IMO). My question for you is this: How would you know it’s as good as anyone in the country? Have you extensively watched film for every starting 5 in the country or are you doing like the rest of us and relying on several factors to make that proclamation?

Rules for thee, not for me?

Kettle meet Pot

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

How could you know they're not? You are pretty hypocritical fella. You bash me for actually wanting to see the team play before declaring them a poor defensive team and you post all your talk of "insiders" but those insiders don't know any more than anyone else. Its an opinion board and my opinion is that if we add Kohler we are as solid in the starting 5 as anyone including Florida.

Zoom Diallo - Boogie Fland
Alex Wilkins - Urban Klavzar
Milan Momcilovic - Thomas Haugh
Jaxon Kohler - Alex Condon
Malachi Moreno - Rueben Chinyelu

Now maybe that scares you to death, but it looks pretty damn even to me. And Florida the most talented team in the country. So forgive me if your metrics and insiders don't send me scurrying under the bed like a scared hamster

Insiders who are in practice every single day since June don’t know as much as you?

And man, I’d say if you want people to consider your point of view more on Pope, it might help if you create a fair balance. I see you all the time, almost in every thread, fighting with people because they don’t think Pope is great. Why don’t you make great points to prove your ideas are correct instead of creating arbitrary rules for others such as “you’re not in practice everyday so you can’t say this or that about the team.” You’re also not in practice everyday and yet you project all the time. If you engage in good faith, others will be more inclined to do so as well.

 

[UKCowboys]

Insiders who are in practice every single day since June don’t know as much as you?

And man, I’d say if you want people to consider your point of view more on Pope, it might help if you create a fair balance. I see you all the time, almost in every thread, fighting with people because they don’t think Pope is great. Why don’t you make great points to prove your ideas are correct instead of creating arbitrary rules for others such as “you’re not in practice everyday so you can’t say this or that about the team.” You’re also not in practice everyday and yet you project all the time. If you engage in good faith, others will be more inclined to do so as well.

I do. When the season ended, I called for him to be fired...just as I called for them not to hire him in the first place. Guess what? UK Athletics didn't listen to me.
So he is our coach for the upcoming season. To me, all the constant bash and hate threads on Pope are nonsensical. We give opinions on what he has done so far, and try to be fair. "I am not happy with the recruiting class" is fair. "I am excited about this team is another". "Pope just sucks" and "A Mormon doesn't belong here" are not..
Look through what I say over and over....let's wait till the season starts to say they suck. On a UK basketball board, it should be OK to be optimistic about the team, but optimism gets you "Pope Slurper" and "How did you enjoy Popes future kids for breakfast?". So yeah, I will stay optimistic and I will remind you of your posts at the end of the year. Thats the great thing about patience, we shall see in the end

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

I do. When the season ended, I called for him to be fired...just as I called for them not to hire him in the first place. Guess what? UK Athletics didn't listen to me.
So he is our coach for the upcoming season. To me, all the constant bash and hate threads on Pope are nonsensical. We give opinions on what he has done so far, and try to be fair. "I am not happy with the recruiting class" is fair. "I am excited about this team is another". "Pope just sucks" and "A Mormon doesn't belong here" are not..
Look through what I say over and over....let's wait till the season starts to say they suck. On a UK basketball board, it should be OK to be optimistic about the team, but optimism gets you "Pope Slurper" and "How did you enjoy Popes future kids for breakfast?". So yeah, I will stay optimistic and I will remind you of your posts at the end of the year. Thats the great thing about patience, we shall see in the end

You’re bringing things to the topic that are outside of my point. Obviously, I agree with you that you shouldn’t be attacked for being optimistic. Nor should Pope be attacked for his religion either.

But I’ve seen you make prognostications about the team. They’re usually fairly reasonable imo. If you make projections though, so can others. I definitely understand it gets frustrating when you see people being unfair to the coach, and yes there are people who do want to spin every minor thing into the biggest deal imaginable and paint it as negatively as possible. You’re correct to point out how bad-faith that is. People do that for Pope as well. Neither one is needed. We all watched the same basketball for the last two years, we all know there was good and bad. The people who want to be extreme about Pope? Let them be like that. It ruins their own credibility. Same thing for the extreme pro-Pope people also.

Pope isn’t perfect and neither is any other coach. But he is our coach for now and I do admire that you want to see he is treated fairly— maybe treating the people you debate with fairly would help them see your side a little more. That’s all.

 

[UKCowboys]

You’re bringing things to the topic that are outside of my point. Obviously, I agree with you that you shouldn’t be attacked for being optimistic. Nor should Pope be attacked for his religion either.

But I’ve seen you make prognostications about the team. They’re usually fairly reasonable imo. If you make projections though, so can others. I definitely understand it gets frustrating when you see people being unfair to the coach, and yes there are people who do want to spin every minor thing into the biggest deal imaginable and paint it as negatively as possible. You’re correct to point out how bad-faith that is. People do that for Pope as well. Neither one is needed. We all watched the same basketball for the last two years, we all know there was good and bad. The people who want to be extreme about Pope? Let them be like that. It ruins their own credibility. Same thing for the extreme pro-Pope people also.

Pope isn’t perfect and neither is any other coach. But he is our coach for now and I do admire that you want to see he is treated fairly— maybe treating the people you debate with fairly would help them see your side a little more. That’s all.

There are a whole lot of folks here that will tell you I do treat them fairly, whatever they believe. They are the ones that never started a post with Pope Slurper

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

There are a whole lot of folks here that will tell you I do treat them fairly, whatever they believe. They are the ones that never started a post with Pope Slurper

I do get your frustration about the Pope Slurper stuff. Shouldn’t be allowed here — doesn’t provoke conversation at all. Just results in fighting.

 

[Beatle Bum]

Going off of what they have previously done. That’s how you project forward.

At his last professional stop, NDaiye averaged 6.8 boards. McBride averaged 5.7.

 

[ScWildcat3]

At his last professional stop, NDaiye averaged 6.8 boards. McBride averaged 5.7.

Yea that’s the only 2 guys I see being good rebounders. And they probably won’t play a lot together. Milan hopefully will try to get some more and Moreno should get better. I just think rebounding could be a potential weakness. Hopefully it’s not. Defensively we can be really good if everyone buys In.