Kohler/UK/Zoom call tom

[DudahUK]

I agree entirely. Right now, Kohler fills a need at the 4 and the 5 spot, but I think he starts at either place unless someone just flips a switch and plays way better than they ever have. It could happen, but unless Moreno is a beast of his former self, he gives us size and depth at the 5. Kohler gives us a starting 5 and depth at the 4. IMO, we desperately need quality depth at both positions. And I just don't think Moreno starts over Kohler without a huge leap in his play.

Worst nightmare for this team as of now is a Moreno injury. Best case is Moreno way exceeds last years play.

If Kohler comes here, he’s mainly playing the 4. Moreno will start at the 5. He didn’t come back to school to be a backup.

 

[UKCowboys]

I disagree with Saul’s take here. I don’t know if adding two players of that magnitude is worth the risk. See my previous posts about this topic. But I really wish we could have talks about topics like this without any phrase being magnified to such a degree: on another board, I mentioned that Franck wasn’t reliable due to injuries and I caught a similar response as you’re providing about Kam. Being wary due to injuries isn’t maligning a player. I hope Franck and Kam have outstanding seasons but I think people being cautious about them is understandable.

While you are playing the victim my man, I catch the same kind of responses every day before I change tone. If you think someone who tries to be supportive of Pope catches LESS crap than someone who doesn't, you haven't been paying attention

 

[UKCowboys]

You've got one pitch to throw, and it's a strawman every time, right down the middle.

It's easy to hit, too.

LMAO, lack of an answer noted

 

[Catphright23]

the doom and gloom bunch on here want pope to fail, I can't wait till he proves them wrong. the worst fans get on this board

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Agree with everything you said but...

Mark Mitchell averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for Missouri; Jaxon Kohler averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds for Michigan State; and Malachi Moreno averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds for Kentucky.

Seems we are putting a lot of eggs in the Moreno will have a big sophomore jump basket. Hope it works out as planned.

Blows me away how many just assume he’s going to be a force. He was a nice surprise last year. I’d honestly be surprised if he averaged Kohlers numbers last year.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

LMAO, not in a million years

Why is that such a big stretch for you? At times last season BG was better than MM. I think Moreno is fine, but he’s not the player Kohler or Mitchell is. Not shot at him, but the other two are very very good seasoned players.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

And yet....you STILL refuse to answer the question that makes your and SOS rule book interpretations MUTE....Why would both guys come here when only one can start? THEY WOULD NOT. So what are yall arguing about?

They both COULD start. Just because you don’t THINK Moreno could come of the bench doesn’t make it fact.

 

[BBNinSCar]

Don’t think Louisville will addd anyone else. There most trusted insider (Rutherford) said that Louisville isn’t looking to add anyone else and that he would be “shocked x 50” if Kohler goes to Louisville.

Blows me away how many just assume he’s going to be a force. He was a nice surprise last year. I’d honestly be surprised if he averaged Kohlers numbers last year.

I’m calling Moreno an all-SEC first team player. I’ve got lots of faith that he’s going to be very good.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I disagree with Saul’s take here. I don’t know if adding two players of that magnitude is worth the risk. See my previous posts about this topic. But I really wish we could have talks about topics like this without any phrase being magnified to such a degree: on another board, I mentioned that Franck wasn’t reliable due to injuries and I caught a similar response as you’re providing about Kam. Being wary due to injuries isn’t maligning a player. I hope Franck and Kam have outstanding seasons but I think people being cautious about them is understandable.

It’s also not $hitting on a player when you say ZH and RP aren’t good enough to play here. They aren’t. But I agree with you, adding two players probably creates more harm than good. Let alone having to get super creative to even be able to do it.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Do you have their per 30 mins in the SEC and NCAA tourneys? As I recall he had a substantial drop in performance.

Just curious, what kind of numbers do you predict from Moreno next year?

MM averaged 9.5 ppg and 8.0 rpg per 30 mins in SEC play.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

the doom and gloom bunch on here want pope to fail, I can't wait till he proves them wrong. the worst fans get on this board

I can’t wait either. Better yet, I’m honestly growing tired of waiting.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I’m calling Moreno an all-SEC first team player. I’ve got lots of faith that he’s going to be very good.

Do you want to put a monetary value on your faith and make a wager on it? I think he will be better, for sure. SEC first team seems like a very big leap.

 

[UKCowboys]

They both COULD start. Just because you don’t THINK Moreno could come of the bench doesn’t make it fact.

Good Lord LMAO

 

[UKCowboys]

Why is that such a big stretch for you? At times last season BG was better than MM. I think Moreno is fine, but he’s not the player Kohler or Mitchell is. Not shot at him, but the other two are very very good seasoned players.

You do you lol. I don't have a ticket to Wonderland

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Good Lord LMAO

Such insight.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

You do you lol. I don't have a ticket to Wonderland

More thought provoking comments. It’s almost like you have no real argument and just talk out your arse and then attempt to make fun of someone that disagrees. Weird.

 

[UKCowboys]

Such insight.

You're comment was so ridiculous and unrealistic that Good Lord was the only thing that fit short of hysterical laughter

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

You're comment was so ridiculous and unrealistic that Good Lord was the only thing that fit short of hysterical laughter

It’s unrealistic because currently both couldn’t be on the roster. But that wasn’t the conversation path. You’re saying a dude that averaged 8 and 6 can’t be unseated by two 5th yr seniors with much better numbers on as good or better teams. That isn’t ridiculous. It just doesn’t follow your belief. You’re free to try to make your point. Or just act like a toddler.

 

[UKCowboys]

More thought provoking comments. It’s almost like you have no real argument and just talk out your arse and then attempt to make fun of someone that disagrees. Weird.

Do you have any idea how ridiculously absurd your comments are on this subject dude? "We have one spot left but let's cut Kam(who didn't enter the portal which he could have)and then and bring in two top power forwards and bench Moreno who is one of the top centers in the country, who left the draft, didn't put his name in the portal(showing loyalty to the program over going for the most money), and play one of the power forwards out of position at the 5"....Absolute Nonsense

 

[bnewt5]

It’s unrealistic because currently both couldn’t be on the roster. But that wasn’t the conversation path. You’re saying a dude that averaged 8 and 6 can’t be unseated by two 5th yr seniors with much better numbers on as good or better teams. That isn’t ridiculous. It just doesn’t follow your belief. You’re free to try to make your point. Or just act like a toddler.

No ? Both are better than moreno, but would they both start over him? Doubtful, Moreno is Pope's 1st recruit and probably promised him a starting spot to get him to return from draft.

 

[UKCowboys]

No ? Both are better than moreno, but would they both start over him? Doubtful, Moreno is Pope's 1st recruit and probably promised him a starting spot to get him to return from draft.

Yeah, there is a 0.00% chance Pope is bringing in someone to start over Moreno, let alone someone playing out of position. And I push back on Mitchell and Kohler being better than Moreno, they both may have better stats, but can either play full time center in the SEC? Just silly talk IMO

 

[davtay]

An NCAA member school cannot reduce or cancel a signed scholarship or financial aide package for any student during an academic term or prior to a signed academic year for athletic reasons, to include injuries (with some exceptions), performance level, or team needs. It is too late in the year to remove a player outside of some VERY tight situational exceptions, considering classes start on Monday for UK.

Some known examples where a "scholarship athlete" may be removed from the team, some allow the team to GAIN that scholarship back to use. Key word there is GAIN the scholarship back to use on someone else. Some do NOT give back that scholarship slot for the roster.

Academic or school violation (non-criminal) ineligibility: Once school year starts, player can lose scholarship but the team does not get to fill that scholarship until the following semester.

Fraud or misrepresentation: Once school year starts, player can lose scholarship but the team does not get to fill that scholarship until the following semester.

Serious Misconduct (outside criminal charges) or direct violation of University Code of Conduct: Once school year starts, player can lose scholarship but the team does not get to fill that scholarship until the following semester.

Voluntary Quitting team or withdrawing from the University: Once school year starts, player can lose scholarship but the team does not get to fill that scholarship until the following semester.

The exceptions to that rule where the team gains back that scholarship immediately are:

Medical Retirement: A doctor declares an athlete unable to ever play collegiate sports again and the NCAA agrees with the decision, that player's remaining eligibility is removed and the school/team regains that scholarship. The school must continue to pay for their education and any agreed NIL though.

Medical Disqualification: A doctor declares an athlete unable to play during an upcoming school year, before classes start, and the NCAA agrees with the decision. *They must also have NCAA approval to pass the Multi-year and Core Guidelines clauses that protect returning athletes (ie Kam Williams in our case) who were under scholarship the previous year and whose roster spot and scholarship were guaranteed by the university. If the player is declared medically unable to participate for the entire year before classes begin, gets NCAA approval with the doctor's assessment, and gets NCAA approval to forgo the Multi-year and Core Guidelines Clause that protects returning athletes, then the school would get that scholarship back to use. I believe this is what St. John's did, transfer player who wouldn't be protected by the Multi-year and Core Guidelines clause because they weren't there on scholarship previously, hurt before classes officially started, deemed to be out all year by a medical doctor, and the NCAA agreed and granted the scholarship back to St. Johns.

No we can't kick Zyon off the team and give his spot to another guy. Though possible, it'd be threading the eye of a needle AND needing NCAA approval to sit Kam for a year and replace his spot. These athletes may be "professionals" now, but they are protected by a lot of regular student rules and guidelines that protect them just like a regular university student.

Thank you. That was very informative.

 

[BarefootBeach]

Yesh, his daughters are as goofy and socially awkward as their doofus dad. They should stay out of it (Pope can embarrass us enough on his own).

 

[Skyguyb27]

Has his people said when they want to wrap this up? I prefer Kohler personally but whatever helps bring a title I’m good with.

 

[Lameguy]

Why is that such a big stretch for you? At times last season BG was better than MM. I think Moreno is fine, but he’s not the player Kohler or Mitchell is. Not shot at him, but the other two are very very good seasoned players.

So BG was better in what one or two games

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

But they are okay with Aberdeen going back to Florida from UK?

We should sue the SEC then.

 

[KYFOSSIL]

He is also a true center. Its his natural position where as they are power forwards who can sometimes fill in at center.

 

[Hughhefner]

Of course. Zooms with UK, meets with BYU.
Lucy pulling the football away again. I never thought we had a chance anyway as I’ve gotten used to these recruiting charades.

Maybe, so he spend 2-1/2 hrs on a zoom with Pope for optics. So Kohler had to suffer through 2-1/2 hrs with Pope to fake out BYU.

 

[PastorofMuppets82]

Cool straw man in your last paragraph. Who are a few of the "overwhelming amount of people who think we should just have lottery picks lined up to sit the bench for roster sports 12-15 all year?"

Name the posters. Since it's an "overwhelming amount," I'm sure it should be easy to name them.

What I see are a bunch of smart fans who see two major weaknesses: a healthy small forward and a rebounder/competent backup for Moreno. Kohler offers the latter. Tyson offers the former. No one expects either of these guys to ever be lottery picks.

Not worth my time to list all the chicken littles since you are being disingenuous again. But you keep your oversized font and oversized sense of self worth up playa. You're killing it on these boards with your refined wisdom and optimism.

You have really sat on this board and tried rallying the troops to kick a player off the team to make room for someone else, both Zyon and Kam. You've suggested we sit Kam for the year to free up his spot and simply pay his NIL. That's not how it works, but cool idea. I'm sure that would make all kinds of recruits line up to play here.

Did last year break you as a fan or something? Honestly. Not because of this post in particular, but because of the recent trend of negativity. You used to be one of the best posters on this site, insightful, helpful even. Then it's like a bot took over for you or you became resentful and/or depressed. You went from a respected insight provider to a pompous jerk almost overnight. Honestly asking, are you good man?

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Do you have any idea how ridiculously absurd your comments are on this subject dude? "We have one spot left but let's cut Kam(who didn't enter the portal which he could have)and then and bring in two top power forwards and bench Moreno who is one of the top centers in the country, who left the draft, didn't put his name in the portal(showing loyalty to the program over going for the most money), and play one of the power forwards out of position at the 5"....Absolute Nonsense

Moreno is one of the best centers in the country?

I referenced the roster issue. Never said a thing about Kam. It was all a hypothetical. But to just state as a fact Kohler/Mitchell couldn’t start over Moreno is shortsighted. Granted, given the flexibility of Mom, Mitchell and Kohler you could probably play the four of them (including Moreno) somewhere around 115 of the available 120 front court minutes and have an amazing front court rotation. Again, ain’t gonna happen for obvious reasons.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

So BG was better in what one or two games

Man, I couldn’t stand BG. Let’s get that out there immediately. And I said “at times”. And you’re correct, it wasn’t very often. It was just my way of pointing out Moreno isn’t so good to think his starting role couldn’t be taken by two very good 5th year players.

 

[ScWildcat3]

The only way Moreno doesn’t play 28-30 mins at the 5 spot this year is injury. Per 40 last year as a freshman he avg 14 pts 11 Rebs 3 assists and 2.5 blocks. Kohler as a senior was 18/13/2/1.

 

[PastorofMuppets82]

The only way Moreno doesn’t play 28-30 mins at the 5 spot this year is injury. Per 40 last year as a freshman he avg 14 pts 11 Rebs 3 assists and 2.5 blocks. Kohler as a senior was 18/13/2/1.

Agreed. Only caveat I would add to that is exhaustion/overuse. Hopefully his conditioning is much better this year and he's prepared for the grind. Late in the season last year, you could tell his gas tank was empty before the opening tip. Still give him props for stepping up when he was initially expected to be third on the depth chart at that point of the season when the team was constructed. Hopefully healthy bodies behind him giving him rest, and he himself staying healthy keeps him from wearing down late in the season.

 

[ScWildcat3]

Agreed. Only caveat I would add to that is exhaustion/overuse. Hopefully his conditioning is much better this year and he's prepared for the grind. Late in the season last year, you could tell his gas tank was empty before the opening tip. Still give him props for stepping up when he was initially expected to be third on the depth chart at that point of the season when the team was constructed. Hopefully healthy bodies behind him giving him rest, and he himself staying healthy keeps him from wearing down late in the season.

He definitely looks like he’s in better shape. 30 mins a game should be easily attainable. Having zoom and Wilkins will be massive for him too.

 

[TFCat11]

Folks talking about Moreno being a 1st Team SEC selection, obviously have zero clue he’s not even close to being the best big on the team, when all things are considered

This is coming from a huge Moreno fan, and even I wouldn’t pick him over Franck Kepnang in a pickup game!

 

[ScWildcat3]

Folks talking about Moreno being a 1st Team SEC selection, obviously have zero clue he’s not even close to being the best big on the team, when all things are considered

This is coming from a huge Moreno fan, and even I wouldn’t pick him over Franck Kepnang in a pickup game!

Wow that is a wild statement. Franck isn’t even close to Moreno and he’s old enough to be his dad.

 

[UKFootball78]

Agree with everything you said but...

Mark Mitchell averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for Missouri; Jaxon Kohler averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds for Michigan State; and Malachi Moreno averaged 7.8 points and 6.3 rebounds for Kentucky.

Seems we are putting a lot of eggs in the Moreno will have a big sophomore jump basket. Hope it works out as planned.

How did Mitchell and Kohler do their freshman years?

 

[clifmcc]

How did Mitchell and Kohler do their freshman years?

Exactly

 

[ScWildcat3]

How did Mitchell and Kohler do their freshman years?

Exactly. Everyone trying to compare senior stats to a freshman. Also a kid who is a borderline 1st round pick after 1 year to 2 guys the nba doesn’t want at all.

 

[D1JA]

How did Mitchell and Kohler do their freshman years?

Irrelevant, the point was proven talent vs potential talent.

MM averaged 9.5 ppg and 8.0 rpg per 30 mins in SEC play.

Think you missed the tourney part.