Duke Insider Andrew Slater Just Changed Pick For Bolden To UK
- Thread starter dlh331
- Start date
Glad it wasn't me that said it.. I'd fail the tests..
You're right-forgot about Cousins--but then again, I'm not a UK fan, so hopefully I'm forgiven for forgetting. lol Aside from Boogie-he's the most offensively prepared Center Cal has signed. Really like his counters/Left Hand moves. Know Fran Fraschilla loves him as do a lot of the NBA teams (offensively speaking), and most think he's a kid in need of the coaching/instruction at UK. Hope it goes your way.
Nobody mentioned Monty Python and the search for the Holy Grail yet?
agreed, i said in the other thread that i think Duke is his back up plan if a scholarship does not open up at UK
There seems to be some movement on the Bolden front. How the duke insiders got into the bathroom is another story.
Man, how do you come up with the things you post? That's what I think about every time I read one of your post. I think, what is going on in this guy's head that would make him post that.
I just can't figure it out.
I like Bolden's game just fine and think he's coming to Kentucky, but to act like Bolden's post game is more than Cousins, wow. You are setting up yourselves for major faliure if you really believe that to be true. Cousins is one of the most gifted centers in our program's history and one of the best low post scorers in the Nba and while in college. Bolden's game is no where near that level and thankfully like someone has already posted, he won't need to be for us to win it all next season. The kid will score 10 points per game and grab 6 rebounds per game and that is just perfect for our team. He won't be asked or needed to score any more than that or rebound any more than that. He's no where near Cousin's level in terms of talent. That dude was a freak of nature. I'm glad it looks like Bolden is coming to Kentucky. He really is the missing piece on a championship squad and it looks like that piece won't be missing. I'm just glad it looks like the kid's parents are going to let the kid decide where he wants to play at even though they disagree and want him at Duke.
Ok? I never said he can't play. I'm a HUGE Willis supporter. Loved what he did this past year. Again, he's probably MIP in NCAA D1. But.. he's still not there to be a starter. He's a great spot-up shooter and has worked in every area, just not quite there yet defensively. You know Cal with defense and rebounding.. You can NOT keep guys like Bam, Briscoe and Gabe off the floor. Those three guys need 25+ mpg.
FWIW, According to UK's official rosters. Only one Calipari player at UK was listed as a Center, and that was Dakari Johnson.
If we get him it's going to be nice to see a post player with post moves again especially after last season.
I think Cal's recent "workout videos" have a real "ok - I've got my team, now let's go to war" quality to them and Cal is acting like the cat that ate the canary in them.
I think he's gotten some good news and these videos are his subtle way of letting us know.
I think he's gotten some good news and these videos are his subtle way of letting us know.
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I did wonder if the timing was just coincidence. Swaggy Cal suddenly makes a majorly swaggy appearance just as we start hearing positive buzz on Bolden. Could be a total coincidence, but it did make me pause.
I remember Ray Jackson in the day and never saw film or read any scouting reports indicating he was a freak athlete. At 6'6/220, he was ranked #84 out of high school and the only in depth scouting report I was able to find said nothing about his athletic ability. From scout Evan Makela:
"Ray was the least heralded member of the "Fab Five" class, but emerged by his senior year as the best player on the team, eclipsing King as the team leader. Everything he has accomplished he has earned. He
went from the player who made people cringe when he had the ball in his freshman and sophomore seasons to the player everyone wanted to have the ball in a tight situation as a senior.
Ray doesn't have great shooting ability. He scores most of his points driving to the hoop. His senior year he did develop a reliable jumper, and hit over 75% of his free throws. His first three seasons, he was not a scorer, but when Michigan needed point production out of him his senior year he responded, including a 28 point game, the highest point total of any Michigan player in a single game this year, in his final game as a Wolverine. In addition to scoring, Ray is a good rebounder and a good passer. He could be faulted for turnover problems.
Ray leaves no doubt that he is a great defender. He constantly harasses his man, and can defend both quicker players and bigger players. He usually drew the toughest defensive assignments during his career. With the duo of King and Jackson on defense, Michigan managed the lowest FG% defense in Big Ten history (holding opponents to under 40%). He prevents a player from driving on him, and is usually tight enough to keep the other team from passing to his man.
Overall, Ray has developed into a very good player. He has worked hard to improve his game, and was Michigan's best player this year when many thought King would lead the team. Not NBA starting material, but could develop into a solid player."
You won't see moves like that in a mixtape but that is much more impressive than catching a lob for a dunk.
This was the one that stood out to me watching him in the all star game circuit. Exactly what we're missing without him.
yes, I guessed that.....hence the response [winking]
that would be my answer.
I do think Briscoe is much tougher - doesn't seem quite so lost out on the floor.
Exactly. He's a very good player but he'd be the 4th or 5th best center in '17. But he still adds a dimension to the offense and let's Bam play his natural 4 spot. That'll do.
All 5 Dookie carps would hit the floor at the same time. Ayers calls charge as soon as K stands up with his "angry beaver" look, then proceeds to T up Cal for walking in front of his bench.
Nah, no way a ref would pull something like that.
opcorn:This.
My biggest concern right now (without Bolden) is Bam getting into foul trouble and having to go extended minutes with Humphries or SKJ at the 5 (I am asuming Lee is gone). Nothing against Hump or SKJ, but Bolden brings more to the table.
Now we will have two skilled, big-bodied players to bang down low.
So it would be big for us to get Bolden and be able to play Bam at the 4 a big chunk of the game and if Bolden gets in foul trouble, be able to slide Bam over and still have Willis and Gabriel at the 4.
Bolden really gives us so much. He takes us to another level. We will contend without him, but with him, we are just so much better. Bigger, stronger, and deeper.
If Bolden does sign here, I wonder how much the Jefferson ruling played in the decision?
I know it was a foregone conclusion that he was going to get a fifth year, but having it officially announced has to help us a bit.
Bolden has to know that K is going to start Jefferson, a 5th year Senior who has started much of his career at Duke. That leaves Bolden riding pine and competing with Jeter for the backup Center minutes.
Plus, K has never started four Freshmen, Cal definitely has no problem starting 4 or 5 Freshmen.
It looks pretty clear to me who needs him more. Cal will likely start Bolden from day one. Meanwhile, K likely has him coming off the bench and he will have to beat out Jeter for those minutes.
Plus, who has the best track record with big men?
I know it was a foregone conclusion that he was going to get a fifth year, but having it officially announced has to help us a bit.
Bolden has to know that K is going to start Jefferson, a 5th year Senior who has started much of his career at Duke. That leaves Bolden riding pine and competing with Jeter for the backup Center minutes.
Plus, K has never started four Freshmen, Cal definitely has no problem starting 4 or 5 Freshmen.
It looks pretty clear to me who needs him more. Cal will likely start Bolden from day one. Meanwhile, K likely has him coming off the bench and he will have to beat out Jeter for those minutes.
Plus, who has the best track record with big men?
Someone on Duke's board posted that they think Jefferson would be ok with Bolden starting over him. That he would be willing to do what is best for the team.
I can't see that. The dude choose to stay an extra year at school before the NBA, due to an injury no less (a wake-up call that you get nothing for playing college ball), and he's willing to take a back seat for an an unproven and undeserving freshman? Amile Jefferson did not come back to be on the bench.
"There's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark out, and we're wearing sunglasses"
"Hit it"
FIFY
I have to believe Kenny Payne would be able to turn a guy like Bolden into a potential lottery pick within one season. He's that good of a coach and Bolden has to know that.
I don't know who Duke's big man coach is but I would put Payne up against anyone. If Bolden was smart he would come to UK, get starters minutes and learn from one of the best. Just ask KAT how it worked out for him.
I don't know who Duke's big man coach is but I would put Payne up against anyone. If Bolden was smart he would come to UK, get starters minutes and learn from one of the best. Just ask KAT how it worked out for him.
Thanks for the info. Good stuff.
As as aside, take it easy on Terry over there. He's just a very enthusiastic fan. Seems many like to bash him.
I believe Briscoe should get a lot of minutes. He's an alpha dog, and though it looks like we have several freshmen alpha dogs coming in, sometimes they just need a little guidance and leadership from someone who has been around the block. I think Briscoe will be good for that, in addition to his defense and ability to bull his way to the basket.
Obviously he needs to work on his shot and his FT shooting, but I do believe he needs to be on the floor a significant number of minutes.