BB: what do we need for the last spot?

[Anon668007]

 

[VC99]

We need a big strong hunk of a man.

 

[HandysAndys]

We need a big strong hunk of a man.

Hope Moreno is doing plenty of conditioning. He's probably going to get close to 40 minutes a game.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Player/coach would be a good start.

 

[ScWildcat3]

Kohler is the only answer

 

[UKCowboys]

A good player. Kohler, Mitchell or Tyson, any of those kids make us a more dangerous team

 

[BanManAndy]

Kohler is the only answer

Going into the season with only Moreno and Potter yea id say so. I'm not counting Frank. If he's so fragile he can't even practice with the team the entire time then I'm not going to expect him to be available much

 

[Dr.LutherSan]

Going into the season with only Moreno and Potter yea id say so. I'm not counting Frank. If he's so fragile he can't even practice with the team the entire time then I'm not going to expect him to be available much

I think we will miss Brandon Garrison if we don't get Kohler. If Malachi gets injured then we are NIT at best.

 

[UKCowboys]

I think we will miss Brandon Garrison if we don't get Kohler. If Malachi gets injured then we are NIT at best.

LMAO

 

[Dr.LutherSan]

LMAO

I think it’s a pretty honest take. Do you trust Reece Potter to play 30+ minutes a night and be our main center?

 

[UKCowboys]

I think it’s a pretty honest take. Do you trust Reece Potter to play 30+ minutes a night and be our main center?

Do you really think Potter would play 30 minutes a night LMAO? Kepnang and N'Diaye would play the majority of the time at 5 or McBribe with Milan at the 4. We would get killed inside buy would be a tough cover for a lot of teams playing small ball. But you are using a hypothetical that can be used against most any team, "suppose their best player gets hurt"....they won't be as good, well, duh

 

[MidseasonTweak]

I think we will miss Brandon Garrison if we don't get Kohler. If Malachi gets injured then we are NIT at best.

Garrison is absolute garbage. No motor or instinct.

 

[bnewt5]

Garrison wasn't any where close to the player I thought he would be. Major disappointment

 

[JimboBBN]

We need Mark Mitchell

 

[KyKevin]

Garrison is absolute garbage. No motor or instinct.

You wait until we play Bama, you will see Garrisons motor, at high rev 12000 rpm

 

[Dr.LutherSan]

Garrison is absolute garbage. No motor or instinct.

Do you really think Potter would play 30 minutes a night LMAO? Kepnang and N'Diaye would play the majority of the time at 5 or McBribe with Milan at the 4. We would get killed inside buy would be a tough cover for a lot of teams playing small ball. But you are using a hypothetical that can be used against most any team, "suppose their best player gets hurt"....they won't be as good, well, duh

You're overestimating Frank's availability. He's got plenty of talent, but his health is a well-known issue.

My heart wasn't broke when Brandon Garrison transferred. However, he would have been a more reliable backup than Frank or Reece Potter.

N'Diaye is 7'0 and 210 soaking wet. I don't see him playing the 5.

 

[UKCowboys]

You're overestimating Frank's availability. He's got plenty of talent, but his health is a well-known issue.

My heart wasn't broke when Brandon Garrison transferred. However, he would have been a more reliable backup than Frank or Reece Potter.

N'Diaye is 7'0 and 210 soaking wet. I don't see him playing the 5.

I can give you the same scenario though for almost every team in the top 25. Haugh gets hurt for Florida, can they run someone out there, yeah, will they be as good, Hell no. Duke loses Blackwell, Illinois loses Vaaks, Texas loses Vokietaitis, UConn loses Mullins...it doesn't matter how good or deep you are, if you loses your most irreplaceable guy, you are going to have trouble, because you were counting on 30+ minutes from that starter and only a few minutes per half from his backup

 

[ScWildcat3]

I can give you the same scenario though for almost every team in the top 25. Haugh gets hurt for Florida, can they run someone out there, yeah, will they be as good, Hell no. Duke loses Blackwell, Illinois loses Vaaks, Texas loses Vokietaitis, UConn loses Mullins...it doesn't matter how good or deep you are, if you loses your most irreplaceable guy, you are going to have trouble, because you were counting on 30+ minutes from that starter and only a few minutes per half from his backup

Everyone only looks at what teams have and expect them to never have setbacks. Usually the teams standing at end of year had lot of luck with health

 

[Dr.LutherSan]

I can give you the same scenario though for almost every team in the top 25. Haugh gets hurt for Florida, can they run someone out there, yeah, will they be as good, Hell no. Duke loses Blackwell, Illinois loses Vaaks, Texas loses Vokietaitis, UConn loses Mullins...it doesn't matter how good or deep you are, if you loses your most irreplaceable guy, you are going to have trouble, because you were counting on 30+ minutes from that starter and only a few minutes per half from his backup

Moreno is a mandatory piece though. UK is extremely thin in the frontcourt. That 4 spot and backup 5 are probably the biggest weaknesses on this team. This roster was built revolving around the assumption that Malachi would never get hurt. Without him they will get absolutely killed on the glass. If we're being honest, rebounding will already be an issue with this group.

 

[UKCowboys]

Everyone only looks at what teams have and expect them to never have setbacks. Usually the teams standing at end of year had lot of luck with health

Truth

 

[TigerMoving]

Mark Mitchell is the answer

 

[DelkBowl]

Frank

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Everyone only looks at what teams have and expect them to never have setbacks. Usually the teams standing at end of year had lot of luck with health

Whole lotta truth to this.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Everyone only looks at what teams have and expect them to never have setbacks. Usually the teams standing at end of year had lot of luck with health

I think the biggest factor is what the depth looks like behind an injury. If Diallo, Wilkins, or Moreno misses significant time it will be tough to replace them. There's a pretty serious dropoff from them to whomever would fill those minutes. Anyone else and I think there's plenty of depth. Adding a Mitchell would go a long way to helping the frontcourt. Hearing Pope openly talk about their lack of physicality is good in a way. At least he knows it and sees it. On the other hand, it's terribly concerning because his teams aren't exactly known for their toughness. If this team can score the way people seem to think they can, I think they'll be fun to watch. But they'll also be maddening if they can't get consistent stops because they're soft.

 

[ScWildcat3]

I think the biggest factor is what the depth looks like behind an injury. If Diallo, Wilkins, or Moreno misses significant time it will be tough to replace them. There's a pretty serious dropoff from them to whomever would fill those minutes. Anyone else and I think there's plenty of depth. Adding a Mitchell would go a long way to helping the frontcourt. Hearing Pope openly talk about their lack of physicality is good in a way. At least he knows it and sees it. On the other hand, it's terribly concerning because his teams aren't exactly known for their toughness. If this team can score the way people seem to think they can, I think they'll be fun to watch. But they'll also be maddening if they can't get consistent stops because they're soft.

Oh for sure. The problem is the pg and center spot are usually the worst and hardest spots to have quality depth and that’s where we have been hurt the most. A wing unless the offense runs through them is easier to work around.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Oh for sure. The problem is the pg and center spot are usually the worst and hardest spots to have quality depth and that’s where we have been hurt the most. A wing unless the offense runs through them is easier to work around.

For sure. I get that if Diallo or Wilkins goes down for an extended period, the other just becomes the PG. And I'm pretty okay with that. My worry is that would push Morton and/or M. Williams into a MUCH bigger role. That would be tough. I actually don't mind the two headed approach to the PG in Diallo/Wilkins, it's just that there isn't much guard depth behind them. I know folks will say Kam, Trent or B Hawthorne could play minutes at the 2, but man I struggle with that. All of those would struggle massively in that role. How about we just get Mitchell eligible and signed and then stay healthy for a change. That would be cool!

 

[ScWildcat3]

For sure. I get that if Diallo or Wilkins goes down for an extended period, the other just becomes the PG. And I'm pretty okay with that. My worry is that would push Morton and/or M. Williams into a MUCH bigger role. That would be tough. I actually don't mind the two headed approach to the PG in Diallo/Wilkins, it's just that there isn't much guard depth behind them. I know folks will say Kam, Trent or B Hawthorne could play minutes at the 2, but man I struggle with that. All of those would struggle massively in that role. How about we just get Mitchell eligible and signed and then stay healthy for a change. That would be cool!

Yea adding talent is always good. Mason will get a lot more time than people think. Kid is good. Having 2 guys who can play point definitely make me feel better about absorbing any injury. But id love to see a pope team fully healthy

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Yea adding talent is always good. Mason will get a lot more time than people think. Kid is good. Having 2 guys who can play point definitely make me feel better about absorbing any injury. But id love to see a pope team fully healthy

I'm not sold on M Williams and him being able to be a big contributor on a really good team. Time will tell there. I hope like hell I'm dead wrong about him. If he's capable and Wilkins and Diallo both pan out, this team will be really good offensively. I hear you on the health part. I've been extremely critical of Pope. Injuries have riddled both of his teams here. Results are results though. I'd be more inclined to give him a pass if his past warranted it. The jury is definitely still out, but sheesh...just give us a year of a healthy roster to see what he can get done.

 

[ScWildcat3]

I'm not sold on M Williams and him being able to be a big contributor on a really good team. Time will tell there. I hope like hell I'm dead wrong about him. If he's capable and Wilkins and Diallo both pan out, this team will be really good offensively. I hear you on the health part. I've been extremely critical of Pope. Injuries have riddled both of his teams here. Results are results though. I'd be more inclined to give him a pass if his past warranted it. The jury is definitely still out, but sheesh...just give us a year of a healthy roster to see what he can get done.

I’m expecting a very good year. I love the roster especially if Mitchell joins at the 4. If not then if Ousmane or McBride step up this team is going to be very very good.

 

[Hitman206]

Jake Feldhaus

 

[JHannibalSmith]

Kohler is the only answer

That’s who I was hoping for. We really need another strong post presence, on both ends, who can steal a few minutes here & there at the 5 as insurance for Kepnang. We seriously need help on the boards & another reliable shooter sure wouldn’t hurt.

This team should shoot it better than last year, but, there’s still a shortage of proven, consistent shooters, IMO. Aside from Momcilovic, there’s a whole lot of mediocrity & inconsistency from the perimeter. But, also lots of potential. There’s a whole gaggle of guys who could take a leap & fill that void. But, it’s a gamble bc they’ve either not shown it yet or they’ve been wildly up & down throughout their career.

But, I love the idea of adding Mitchell. Although he’s not a knockdown shooter, he can be good enough to at least keep defenses honest. And, he’s a solid rebounder for his position. Playing him with bigger guards like Diallo & Wilkins can help offset the lack of rebounding inside, too. And, his passing & roughly 4 assists/game makes him a great fit for Pope’s zoom action offense. He just checks a lot of boxes for us.

We’ll still be undersized inside & it could be a problem against bigger teams. But, if we’re clicking, teams will have to go small & adjust to us & that disadvantage can quickly turn into a big advantage.

Whether we get him or not, this team will still be really deep & I hope Pope uses that to play pressure defense for 40 minutes & wear teams out. Those types of games aren’t exactly big man friendly & can also become an equalizer.

I still wish we had another big time shooter or post presence, but, I think this roster has real potential & if we land Mitchell we’d be a top 10 type team & in the thick of the national championship discussion, IMO.

 

[theBlues]

Yea adding talent is always good. Mason will get a lot more time than people think. Kid is good. Having 2 guys who can play point definitely make me feel better about absorbing any injury. But id love to see a pope team fully healthy

From watching the practice footage, Mason Williams impressed me more than any of our guards and none of them look bad. Williams just looks like a guy who has every skill and a very high iq for the game. I think he might make a push for the starting spot before the year is over, and that doesn't mean I expect Diallo to play poorly.

 

[Artlaibesghost]

Kohler is the answer

 

[Major_Tom]

From watching the practice footage, Mason Williams impressed me more than any of our guards and none of them look bad. Williams just looks like a guy who has every skill and a very high iq for the game. I think he might make a push for the starting spot before the year is over, and that doesn't mean I expect Diallo to play poorly.

I actually expect Diallo to play poorly at the beginning and get better through the year. So Mason may slip into the starting 5 within the first few months, if for no other reason than motivation for Diallo. It will be a luxury to have that option.

 

[WallMash]

I don't think we are hurting at the 4 and 5 any more than any other spots on the floor. We got four or five for two spots right now. Of course having a proven scoring big would be a boost. but... Kepang looks like a monster. we got that 7 foot African big. Plus Moreno, Potter and McBride. Lot of bodies.

 

[Runt#1969]

We need Mitchell in that last spot. I would prefer Kohler, but Mitchell can be just as important in the end. Since we don't appear to be able to get Kohler from committing to BYU, Mitchell is our best option.

 

[TheBestThereEverWas]

I don't think folks are grasping how good Mitchell is. Averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the SEC is no slouch. Also on a team that wasn't a bottom feeder in the SEC. If he was able to enter the portal when it first opened, people who have deemed him a must get over Freeman and Milan. Instantly puts Kentucky into the contender status.

Kohler to me would play his role and play it well, but he is not the star Mitchell is. Mitchell with a FTR of 71.3 will get to the line and if you look closely he doesn't foul on the defensive side. Best players must be able to stay on the floor and the three MM's will give Kentucky that.

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

I don't think folks are grasping how good Mitchell is. Averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the SEC is no slouch. Also on a team that wasn't a bottom feeder in the SEC. If he was able to enter the portal when it first opened, people who have deemed him a must get over Freeman and Milan. Instantly puts Kentucky into the contender status.

Kohler to me would play his role and play it well, but he is not the star Mitchell is. Mitchell with a FTR of 71.3 will get to the line and if you look closely he doesn't foul on the defensive side. Best players must be able to stay on the floor and the three MM's will give Kentucky that.

I’ll take MM in a heartbeat and will be ecstatic if we get him but I feel Kohler’s rebounding and shooting would have been a better fit for this team. I realize that ship has sailed though.

MM doesn’t foul because he rarely tries to protect the rim. He had less blocks than Kohler did last year and Kohler didn’t have many.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I’m expecting a very good year. I love the roster especially if Mitchell joins at the 4. If not then if Ousmane or McBride step up this team is going to be very very good.

I think they’re top 15-25 w/o Mitchell. Too many question marks that would have to meet or exceed expectations. The mean typically wins out. With Mitchell, I think it’s a top 5-10 team. At that point, we can start dreaming big. I think there’s a scenario where Mitchell saves Popes job.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I’ll take MM in a heartbeat and will be ecstatic if we get him but I feel Kohler’s rebounding and shooting would have been a better fit for this team. I realize that ship has sailed though.

MM doesn’t foul because he rarely tries to protect the rim. He had less blocks than Kohler did last year and Kohler didn’t have many.

Mizzou didn’t defend the rim at all. Played a lot of zone. Tried to disrupt out front and make the big play (steal) whenever they could. I’m not saying Mitchell is a rim protector by any stretch, but he’s as good or better than anyone currently on Cats roster (edited to add on the current roster, my fault on that).