Mitchell hearing postponed till 11:00 am tomorrow

[FilsonCat]

Mitchell gives us the missing ingredient to being able to match up with a team like Florida in the post. And Florida, although they are good, is not going to be a prolific perimeter team. They will be post centric and will force the ball inside.

We've got so many guys who can step out and make a 3 that spacing will be excellent. Guards like Zoom and Wilkins can go get a shot. Momcilovic can go iso and get baskets in a lot of ways.

You can't zone this team. Period. And now, if we add Mitchell, we have that guy who can post with strength and play inside out. He's the missing link.

Uzi gives you a long forward who can score with finesse, but he has a tendency to float on the perimeter. We needed a guy who can mix it up with the most physical players in the SEC, and Mitchell is it.

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

If you’re playing far off a guy like Zoom you’re already in position to cut him off going downhill. The difference with Oweh is that, while his mechanics were ugly, he actually was a steady threat to make catch and shoot 3s.

As for Mom and Mitchell, I don’t doubt we can do things like you suggested, playing them on the same side. The problem is we end up out of our continuous read-based 5-out Zoom offense due to the lack of options. That whole offense works off of principles of your offense thinks faster than the defense reacts. There’s too many options to account for in theory.

Player 1, the DHO handler can shoot, drive, hand off or pass to one of the other 3 players.

Player 2, the DHO receiver can receive to shoot, receive to drive, receive to pass to one of the other 3 players, reject to curl into back cut, or reject to occupy space elsewhere.

If the players you use in these actions are strong in certain areas and weak in others, the read-based aspect is diminished. We will be stacking too many guys with an obvious preference in the actions. That’s how I see it playing out. Obviously, I trust Keegan Brown and Mark Pope to know better than me. So undoubtedly, we will find out that I’m once again an idiot.

For the record, I don’t think you’re an idiot. I enjoy the discussion.

I do think there’s not a nickels worth of difference in how teams will play Zoom vs Oweh. Teams simply didn’t care if he shot a three or not.

 

[KyKevin]

Well, don’t count me in with either of those groups.

I do not think we are a Final Four contender with or without Mitchell. I’m not even sure he improves the roster significantly, despite the fact that he is obviously, in a vacuum, a much better player than some of the other guys he’d take minutes from.

The real sad thing here is how quick some of you are to vilify those optimistic fans who want to be happy sans Mitchell, even though some of you who have all your eggs in the Mitchell basket are getting caught up in the excitement too much yourselves. Fans who tend to be optimistic are doing nothing wrong, even if they stay positive without Mitchell.

I wish I was optimistic personally. We have heard from multiple sources in Jack’s reports that this team has an Elite Eight ceiling. I don’t see how poor spacing resolves that. I think it more likely downgraded the offense a little and improves the defense more. Our team is very flawed and I’ll be cheering every game with or without Mitchell but I think people are drinking too much Kool-Aid.

I find it much easier to be optimistic, and until I see this bunch play, I will be nothing but an optimist. It's hard to know what we have from practice reports. But we do have size and athletic ability, and depth. So rather then talk s.hit like a few of the so called fans for years, who are nothing but negative, before a game has been played, it's just easier as a true fan, to be positive, until given a real reason, not to be.

 

[mhs1964]

Has anyone read an analysis of how the Kentucky statute that requires the universities obey the NCAA rules might affect the judgement? Could it force the judge to rule in that way?

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

I find it much easier to be optimistic, and until I see this bunch play, I will be nothing but an optimist. It's hard to know what we have from practice reports. But we do have size and athletic ability, and depth. So rather then talk s.hit like a few of the so called fans for years, who are nothing but negative, before a game has been played, it's just easier as a true fan, to be positive, until given a real reason, not to be.

I reject the idea that real fans have to be positive. I also reject the notion that there isn’t a reason to be “negative” based on practice reports. I believe people like Jack Pilgrim and the people who have been watching the team regularly since June have a good basis for assessing the strengths, weaknesses and potential of the team. It doesn’t mean analysis is perfect (see last season) but it certainly means they have stronger legs to stand on. It sounds like you’re creating a tiny box that you’re trying to force fans into, creating an unnecessary dichotomy: “say positive things about the team or be marked as an untrue fan.” What if someone has direct knowledge of something negative? By your standard, that person is being a true fan by lying about those things? I entirely reject such as that.

Now, I will note there are some in the “fanbase” who do try to find any and every opening to be as negative, toxic and hateful as possible. Most of us know exactly which posters those are. Obviously, I don’t think bad-faith nasty behavior versus our coach is acceptable. Honest criticism absolutely should be acceptable. That’s exactly what I’m bringing to the table here.

 

[UKCowboys]

Put Kam at the 2. Bring Wilkins off the bench.

The other element of it all is this. What if Wilkins shoots around 35% from three this year? That changes everything, and Pope said he is making over 50% of his contested threes this summer in practice games.

If he improves his shooting, it allows Kentucky to have two shooters on the court at all times.

Why on Earth would we start Kam at the 2 over Wilkins lol?

 

[ScWildcat3]

Why on Earth would we start Kam at the 2 over Wilkins lol?

You can’t help some people. They don’t understand much.

 

[FilsonCat]

Why on Earth would we start Kam at the 2 over Wilkins lol?

Kam wouldn't ever be put out there at the 2. He's not a 2. Pope can flex him out at the 3, or even the 4 in a pinch. It may be a while before we see him getting more than token minutes, though. Probably not before the SEC schedule when he's proven he can go and is ready.

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

Kam wouldn't ever be put out there at the 2. He's not a 2. Pope can flex him out at the 3, or even the 4 in a pinch. It may be a while before we see him getting more than token minutes, though. Probably not before the SEC schedule when he's proven he can go and is ready.

Facts I wouldn’t mind saving Kam for second half of season

 

[UKCowboys]

Kam wouldn't ever be put out there at the 2. He's not a 2. Pope can flex him out at the 3, or even the 4 in a pinch. It may be a while before we see him getting more than token minutes, though. Probably not before the SEC schedule when he's proven he can go and is ready.

Yeah, I mean, he is the backup 3 when healthy, and quality, needed depth. Putting him at the two would be nonsense

 

[DudahUK]

They have us at #19 before we add an All-SEC player in Mark Mitchell.

UK finishes top 2 in the SEC and earns a top 2 seed if they add Mitchell.

With Pope coaching? You sure about that bud?

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

My standard certainly don't include negativity toward our team and coach, before the first game is even played.

If I'm to positive for your liking Idiot, put me on your ignore list, with the others you don't agree with. And don't fkn lecture me on why you can be negative before a game is played. I was a fan, when you were still swinging between your dad's sack.





How can a team believe that #9 is possible, if some of our top fans like you, don't fkn believe it is?

And my positivity, should not be your fkn negativity.
And don't fkn lecture me, I was a fan, when you were hanging in your dad's sack BOY.

And positivity is exactly what I am bringing to the table.

Go ahead smart guy, I'm waiting, threaten me with the old ignore BS, your good at that .

Almost as if you didn’t even read his post. You just actually proved his point.

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

My standard certainly don't include negativity toward our team and coach, before the first game is even played.

If I'm to positive for your liking Idiot, put me on your ignore list, with the others you don't agree with. And don't fkn lecture me on why you can be negative before a game is played. I was a fan, when you were still swinging between your dad's sack.





How can a team believe that #9 is possible, if some of our top fans like you, don't fkn believe it is?

And my positivity, should not be your fkn negativity.
And don't fkn lecture me, I was a fan, when you were hanging in your dad's sack BOY.

And positivity is exactly what I am bringing to the table.

Go ahead smart guy, I'm waiting, threaten me with the old ignore BS, your good at that .

You sound 100% unhinged. I replied to your lecturing, it didn’t happen the other way around. I stand by what I said. These are basketball takes and you’re acting like a drunk at a bar fighting over a girl. Completely out of line.

As for blocking you, no I don’t want to do that. I generally enjoy reading what you have to offer. This post though, is disgusting and has no business on this website.

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

My standard certainly don't include negativity toward our team and coach, before the first game is even played.

If I'm to positive for your liking Idiot, put me on your ignore list, with the others you don't agree with. And don't fkn lecture me on why you can be negative before a game is played. I was a fan, when you were still swinging between your dad's sack.





How can a team believe that #9 is possible, if some of our top fans like you, don't fkn believe it is?

And my positivity, should not be your fkn negativity.
And don't fkn lecture me, I was a fan, when you were hanging in your dad's sack BOY.

And positivity is exactly what I am bringing to the table.

Go ahead smart guy, I'm waiting, threaten me with the old ignore BS, your good at that .

Lmao I’ve been ignored 5+ times already

also watch out with the cussing mods will suspend you for Atleast 3 days

 

[TomTraubertsBlues]

On the whole optimist/pessimist angle with fans, I am by nature a pessimistic person. It is a trait I really wish I did not have. I try to be optimistic, but it's hard for me. Too much disappointment with teams I like. When I was growing up, pretty much all the teams I like had some success winning titles. The Reds won 2 in the 70s and 1 in 1990. Since then, it's been a train wreck. No playoff series wins since 1995. My 76ers won in 1983 and got to the finals in 2001, but nothing since. Not even close to a title. My Dolphins won 2 SBs in the 70s, went to the SB twice in the early 80s, losing both times, and nothing close since.

I have had decades with nothing to hope in on the pro side. In college, I saw the 78 title, then 1996, 1998 and 2012. So, I have at least had enough success there to be optimistic, but after Tubby's first year until Cal came it was a rough patch. Got really tired of watching mediocre team after mediocre team. Then Gillispie came and woof, what a clown show that was. Cal brought hope back and that was great for a few years. He started looking more like Tubby, post 1998 though.

So, I have a bit of fatigue and I struggle to maintain much hope we will get back to where we belong. I admire those who can be optimistic regardless of the circumstances though. I wish I was like that. But I don't like the negative nancies either. The ones who never post unless it is in game threads when we are playing bad, then clam up when we are rolling. Ok, I am sick of hearing myself at this point. Just my .02c.

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

I will gladly eat my fkn words if Kohler ends up a Wildcat

Damn it's exciting just to think it just might happen.
The connection goes back further then I thought.

Kohler would make us a championship caliber team, no doubt in my mind

You can hit them in the face, but don't try taking there phone, or all hell will break out, and a usually calm kid, will fkn go ballistic

If you can count, go ahead dickhead, I could give two s.hits less about what a soured fkn prick thinks. So f.uck off.

No emotions, your just a sad fkn excuse for a Kentucky fan. And I was glad you had to run your mouth to me, I wanted to say Hi, and tell you what a sorry a.ss fan, you really are

Eagle_Nuts. Eagle_Nuts. Eagle_Nuts.
Go away


Did you fkn go away, I heard it works with f.uck heads like you.

You want people to think your a nice guy now huh, I believe you started with the gay s.hit, if I remember right. I wouldn't waste my time blocking a jerk like you.

So go away DICK, that is your name right? And last name Head, if I remember right.

Indiana still fkn sucks, I don't care what the hell they win

Are you a Hoosier lover

UK went from being on a slide Cals last 4 years but still having some success - achieving 2 - 2 seeds ( granted lost both in rd 1) but still keeping its brand and Aura and getting great recruits . To a new coach who's lost the UK aura and getting worse than or at best equal to Tubby level recruits - while he got a 16 - he still had less success than Cal 2 of his last 3 that got a HOF run off..

Yeah barring a 50s awakening like Wooden Pope is likely gone. My fear is another out of top 4 sec finish but a 16 and he keeps job.

Cal did not achieve two 2-seeds in his last four years:

2021 - unseeded, missed tournament
2022 - 2-seed
2023 - 6-seed
2024 - 3-seed

You showed your hand there. You can draw a circle around any two of those seasons and they are still worse than what Pope has accomplished so far.

And to be clear, no, I don’t think that’s good enough. But I think the parameter you chose to highlight from Calipari is actually a distortion and inaccurate. Pope will have to be better and do it on the court — we all agree on that. But we don’t have to retcon the final years of Cal to diminish Pope.

I vote NO to cutting or screwing anyone, Zyon or anyone else, dirty s.hit won't help recruiting in any way. And it's just not right to the kid, I'm sure he has worked hard already, and you don't want to piss off his bro.

It wasn't his first time to cheat, he's gotten away with it before, you don't learn that s.hit over night

I find it much easier to be optimistic, and until I see this bunch play, I will be nothing but an optimist. It's hard to know what we have from practice reports. But we do have size and athletic ability, and depth. So rather then talk s.hit like a few of the so called fans for years, who are nothing but negative, before a game has been played, it's just easier as a true fan, to be positive, until given a real reason, not to be.

My standard certainly don't include negativity toward our team and coach, before the first game is even played.

If I'm to positive for your liking Idiot, put me on your ignore list, with the others you don't agree with. And don't fkn lecture me on why you can be negative before a game is played. I was a fan, when you were still swinging between your dad's sack.





How can a team believe that #9 is possible, if some of our top fans like you, don't fkn believe it is?

And my positivity, should not be your fkn negativity.
And don't fkn lecture me, I was a fan, when you were hanging in your dad's sack BOY.

And positivity is exactly what I am bringing to the table.

Go ahead smart guy, I'm waiting, threaten me with the old ignore BS, your good at that .

Real question is how @KyKevin is actively getting away with posting like this. This is a forum for everyone and I wasn’t realizing that you’ve been getting away with talking absolutely awful to people who aren’t positive enough for you about basketball. The way you talked to Eagles Ball over having different basketball takes than you is way over the line. Do the mods even moderate here? No chance I’d have gotten away with treating people like this guy does and I wouldn’t have wanted to. Everyone should be able to share their basketball opinions without this kind of extreme behavior.

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

Real question is how @KyKevin is actively getting away with posting like this. This is a forum for everyone and I wasn’t realizing that you’ve been getting away with talking absolutely awful to people who aren’t positive enough for you about basketball. The way you talked to Eagles Ball over having different basketball takes than you is way over the line. Do the mods even moderate here? No chance I’d have gotten away with treating people like this guy does and I wouldn’t have wanted to. Everyone should be able to share their basketball opinions without this kind of extreme behavior.

Whole Lot of cussing isn’t allowed so I’m confused

 

[DudahUK]

You sound 100% unhinged. I replied to your lecturing, it didn’t happen the other way around. I stand by what I said. These are basketball takes and you’re acting like a drunk at a bar fighting over a girl. Completely out of line.

As for blocking you, no I don’t want to do that. I generally enjoy reading what you have to offer. This post though, is disgusting and has no business on this website.

I’ve had dude ignored for a hot minute. So much better.

Lmao I’ve been ignored 5+ times already

also watch out with the cussing mods will suspend you for Atleast 3 days

F that guy.

 

[Dr.LutherSan]

Almost as if you didn’t even read his post. You just actually proved his point.

This isn't towards your post, but the guy deleted the one you're replying to, so I can't reply to his.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
1. If the team has to rely on the fanbase's blind faith to succeed, then we have huge problems.

2. I don't think seniority should be considered when talking about opinions and knowledge.

3. This argument sounds like Ron White's joke:
"I got kicked off the debate team in high school for saying "Yeah, well f*** you!"

 

[GoAndRunIsGoneAndDone]

With Pope coaching? You sure about that bud?

Dude, are you sure you're old enough for your nuts to have dropped yet? Go to your room!

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

Come on Idiot, can't you get me banned, you whiny f.uck. I would welcome never hearing any of your BS again. Or the rest of your negative *****'s.

When an Idiot has to come up with a bunch of negative s.hit, just to make a damn post, you truly are a fkn IDIOT. Along with your negative a.ss kissing buddy's

Damnit, only ignored 5 times, and all five read every word

Just remember folks. If you don’t agree with this trashy moron, you’re not a fan.

Imagine being so stupid you had to believe last year’s team or this year’s team (as it stands today) will win the NC or you’re not a real fan.

 

[Dr.LutherSan]

Come on Idiot, can't you get me banned, you whiny f.uck. I would welcome never hearing any of your BS again. Or the rest of your negative *****'s.

When an Idiot has to come up with a bunch of negative s.hit, just to make a damn post, you truly are a fkn IDIOT. Along with your negative a.ss kissing buddy's

Damnit, only ignored 5 times, and all five read every word

Were you taking up for Billy Gillispie while he was being chased by Alan Cutler? Were you taking up for Calipari when UK lost to Oakland?

You can be critical of a program while also being a fan. That's what fandom is all about. That's what sports message boards are all about.

There's plenty of glaring concerns with this team that would prevent them from going far in the tournament. Talking about them doesn't make you any less of a fan.

But go ahead and insult me with a bunch of expletives and offer little to no substance for a mature, adult-level discussion...it's inevitable.


Regardless, you're better than this.

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

Come on Idiot, can't you get me banned, you whiny f.uck. I would welcome never hearing any of your BS again. Or the rest of your negative *****'s.

When an Idiot has to come up with a bunch of negative s.hit, just to make a damn post, you truly are a fkn IDIOT. Along with your negative a.ss kissing buddy's

Damnit, only ignored 5 times, and all five read every word

More absolutely unhinged stuff. Absolutely going to report this stuff. This is a sports forum, brother. It isn’t your personal playground — you don’t get to make things extremely personal and hostile. I said nothing to you to provoke this kind of behavior. You essentially said anyone saying anything other than something positive in the offseason is not a real fan. I simply stated I reject that notion. Your responses are eye-opening and continue to be extreme.

This kind of stuff should be cleaned up. And I’d say that no matter whether it’s people I agree with or not. You can’t have an opinion forum where people aren’t allowed to have opinions.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Ever since the switch was made to On3, the quality of posters here has diminished greatly. It feels like a bunch of these posters are the same guy. They absolutely lose their shizz if you have an type of critique towards Pope.

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

Ever since the switch was made to On3, the quality of posters here has diminished greatly. It feels like a bunch of these posters are the same guy. They absolutely lose their shizz if you have a type of critique towards Pope.

If there is even a point to these forums, that kind of stuff has to be cleaned up. I often disagree with Eagles Ball, but he’s a well-meaning poster who always keeps things from being personal. If you see the kind of stuff that guy was saying to Eagle it’s like — why was that allowed?

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

If there is even a point to these forums, that kind of stuff has to be cleaned up. I often disagree with Eagles Ball, but he’s a well-meaning poster who always keeps things from being personal. If you see the kind of stuff that guy was saying to Eagle it’s like — why was that allowed?

It's people from both camps. I posted the thread about Arkansas and the mods had to delete a few replies to me, including from the Sopranos fan, who said I was going down on Calipari in pretty graphic language. Doing very little about those types of posts just encourages more of it.

I typically can't stand posters who go straight to the ad hominems, regardless of their opinions on Pope.

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

I

Ever since the switch was made to On3, the quality of posters here has diminished greatly. It feels like a bunch of these posters are the same guy. They absolutely lose their shizz if you have a type of critique towards Pope.

oh come on I can’t qoute it right now but you have some of the stupidest things ever lmao

You’ve got Pope derangement syndrome and an brain injury

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I

oh come on I can’t qoute it right now but you have some of the stupidest things ever lmao

You’ve got Pope derangement syndrome and an brain injury

I've noticed you never actually debate my points. Just ad hominem after ad hominem.

You prove my point for me, amigo. Do you have the ability to actually contest a point without insulting someone?

If so, let's see it next time. As of right now, nothing you've posted ever stands out except for the childish flaming.

 

[UKCowboys]

With Pope coaching? You sure about that bud?

Hell Yes

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

I've noticed you actually debate my points. Just ad hominem after ad hominem.

You prove my point for me, amigo.

Look I can make my font big too amigo

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

It's people from both camps. I posted the thread about Arkansas and the mods had to delete a few replies to me, including from the Sopranos fan, who said I was going down on Calipari in pretty graphic language. Doing very little about those types of posts just encourages more of it.

I typically can't stand posters who go straight to the ad hominems, regardless of their opinions on Pope.

Like this kind of stuff?

I

oh come on I can’t qoute it right now but you have some of the stupidest things ever lmao

You’ve got Pope derangement syndrome and an brain injury

^ What purpose do things like this serve?

It’s neither convincing of the general point and doesn’t add to any conversation.

I’d say on most recent issues, Son of Saul is more positive than me at this very moment. I’d consider myself more favorable to Pope than many posters. Yet, if I say anything genuine or honest that is critical, it’s like I kicked a dog. Why is it like that?

I don’t think that stuff matters. Whether arguments are good faith is what should matter, and whether or not you’re treating your interlocutors fairly. When has respectfully debating ever hurt someone. Some of y’all on both sides only want to fight and smear. That stuff should have no place here imo. And yes, I’ll report every single post that I see like that until it’s gone. It’s just ugly and unnecessary.

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

Like this kind of stuff?




^ What purpose do things like this serve?

It’s neither convincing of the general point and doesn’t add to any conversation.

I’d say on most recent issues, Son of Saul is more positive than me at this very moment. I’d consider myself more favorable to Pope than many posters. Yet, if I say anything genuine or honest that is critical, it’s like I kicked a dog. Why is it like that?

I don’t think that stuff matters. Whether arguments are good faith is what should matter, and whether or not you’re treating your interlocutors fairly. When has respectfully debating ever hurt someone. Some of y’all on both sides only want to fight and smear. That stuff should have no place here imo. And yes, I’ll report every single post that I see like that until it’s gone. It’s just ugly and unnecessary.

If I defend Mark Pope your going to report me??

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

If I defend Mark Pope your going to report me??

No. Not at all. I’m going to report anyone cussing at someone else and calling people names over a basketball opinion. What value is that stuff?

For the record, I’m far more positive about Pope than I am negative. So your question is strange to begin with.

 

[Dr.LutherSan]

It's people from both camps. I posted the thread about Arkansas and the mods had to delete a few replies to me, including from the Sopranos fan, who said I was going down on Calipari in pretty graphic language. Doing very little about those types of posts just encourages more of it.

I typically can't stand posters who go straight to the ad hominems, regardless of their opinions on Pope.

That guy goes into a room swinging. I feel like he regularly bypasses the courtesy preface statement, "I'm not racist, but..."

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

No. Not at all. I’m going to report anyone cussing at someone else and calling people names over a basketball opinion. What value is that stuff?

For the record, I’m far more positive about Pope than I am negative. So your question is strange to begin with.

I don’t like the cussing, I’m tryna warn people not to cuss.

I thought you were saying something bad about pope fans sorry

 

[Im The Village Idiot]

I don’t like the cussing, tryna warn people not to cuss.

I thought you were saying something bad about pope fans sorry

I think this is the problem with two fictional sides man. Most of the people are actually in the middle, people that want it to work with Pope and just don’t know if it will.

Im in the camp of 40% confidence Pope will do enough to be coach here long term but 100% behind him to get it done. There are benefits to Pope that you don’t find elsewhere. I’m also very vocal about what I believe is working and what isn’t working and I won’t play to a fictional team for internet clicks. I’m also not about mistreating people over having a different opinion than me.

Some people call it “playing both sides.” I call it trying to be as honest as I can about how I really feel about things. I catch crap from both sides over it. And yes, anyone who personally attacks me, I usually temporarily block them (usually for like a month.) To me, that stuff crosses the lane. Just debate my points and keep the personal stuff out and I’m good.

 

[Wildcat_in_DC]

Ever since the switch was made to On3, the quality of posters here has diminished greatly. It feels like a bunch of these posters are the same guy. They absolutely lose their shizz if you have an type of critique towards Pope.

once it gets to a third page of responses, it devolves into garbage.

 

[Bowfreak.]

I am not sure how everything plays out but I have faith that Mom isn’t the black hole on defense that everyone is describing him as. Iowa St. somehow was pretty darn good defensively last year with him logging a lot of minutes.

 

[ThreeDogNight2]

I am not sure how everything plays out but I have faith that Mom isn’t the black hole on defense that everyone is describing him as. Iowa St. somehow was pretty darn good defensively last year with him logging a lot of minutes.

Saw him guard Moreno the other day and he did a really good job tbh

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

once it gets to a third page of responses, it devolves into garbage.

I understand what you’re saying but under the context of what’s being talked about, your post really doesn’t apply.