Outsiders Take on Team

[RalphDaltonFan]

Watched both games and way too early to make a general overview of what a team will/won't be, but a few things I watched and was interested to hear your take on:

1. Dump the 3 guard lineup. Gabriel should be playing in Monk's spot. Getting outworked on glass and effort plays has nothing to do with experience. Monk has been the shakiest starter on the floor and really doesn't matter who starts--it's who plays most. Bam, Willis, Gabriel, Briscoe, and Fox is the best 5 to play on both ends right now and I'd also play some zone with this group to protect Willis. Also Bilas was right, there isn't any rim protector for the first time in a long time--Skal wasn't physical but he'd challenge shots and you knew he was back there and Lee could block shots. Sacha is an "and one" waiting to happen, Humphries is a positional guy who will get some, and Bam is more a rebounder then rim protector.

2. Willis deserved to get yanked last night. He was great on Friday and then did something you can't do as a returning player--he no showed. No energy, no toughness, and that is contagious--especially when you rely on young players who are looking at the older guys to set a tone--which he did a great job on Friday. As a SR his performance yesterday was unacceptable if this team is to get where they need.

3. Mulder has to play for this group. He'd get some of Monk's minutes right now (can you tell I'd be sending a message to Monk on his play? lol)

4. Sacha Killeya Jones is a long term player (nothing wrong with that at all) who needs to get a lot tougher. He's too soft. Like him offensively, and haven't liked anything he does on other end. He's a normal FR that I think is phased out by Humphries as season progresses unless he learns to play tougher and compete harder.

5. Dom Hawkins did a great job on the ball defensively and plays hard. It's an adventure offensively when he's got the ball, but the effort and intensity is always there. He's never a guy who plays where you wonder if he's into the game--and that's what is needed from Willis.

6. Bam is guy who will grow most on this team. He'll look nothing like he does now as season progresses. Just needs to focus on boards and offensively it'll come.

7. Loved the way UK got back to what they did in exhibition games with hit ahead pass for easy baskets. They were playing loose/fast and that doesn't have to change--the type of speed plays where you pass ahead and get dunks/layups is good. The rushed halfcourt stuff isn't.

8. Guys who should get most minutes on this team IMO are Fox, Briscoe, and Gabriel.

9. Humphries is a kid I liked a lot last year and even more this year. Mixes it up, competes and is reliable for at least 2-3 good plays in his minutes.

10. Michigan State is a perfect test for UK. They will be tough/physical. Will these guys step up or get bullied? I feel teams who go 3 guard often get bullied and not sure Monk is ready for the commitment he'll need to be defensively and helping rebound at this time. Message would be sent to him now--because he's too talented to play as poorly as he has in the two games-he has no clue defensively and offensively he's playing too rushed.

Think offensively, fans are too concerned with shooting. They aren't going to be an elite shooting team but still scoring 87 and 93 is impressive. They need to be a team who gets out and runs and that starts with defense/on the glass. If you go small, then someone has to sacrifice and be a rebounder--Briscoe will always fight--but Monk has to be that guy because his athleticism he'll guard the SF spot on most teams and he's been disengaged, passive, lost, and doesn't play with same urgency as other two in rotation.

Willis game Friday was great. The manner he played has to be the norm for a SR. The guy who showed up Sunday will be a spot player and lose minutes quickly if he doesn't realize it's not about offense--it's about playing hard and being consistent.

Extremely talented team and love watching the guards run and go but I'd dump the 3 guard stuff and go traditional which I think late in year will be key to being a contender against elite teams.

 

[akaukswoosh]

8. Guys who should get most minutes on this team IMO are Fox, Briscoe, and Gabriel

Can't disagree.

 

[LostinIndiana]

You have to stick with Monk because he will lead this team in scoring by year's end. One thing Calipari excels at that other coaches just don't get is the way that he allows freshmen (the really talented ones) to make some mistakes. He is a learn by doing, not a learn by watching, type of person.
No offense, but your take on the young guys is overly critical for the second game of the year. They need to be battle tested, not sat on the bench and cursed at. The team will only be as good as the talent allows. That is the Calipari way. You live with the talent and you die with it. Playing it safe by giving minutes to guys like Mulder who don't have a tenth of the upside of Monk in a game like Canisius is suicide.

 

[Icecoldbrewdoggy]

Thanks but no thanks.

 

[stoneycat_20]

I stopped reading when i saw less PT for Monk....Monk is the best player on the team..Needs 30mpg to get ready for March..I do agree Mulder should get min, but they should come from Hawkins..WG should get most of Willis's min...

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Fox is the best player on the team and think by year's end it's not even close. (which will be good for UK too).

Who said to not play Monk? I said don't start him.

Taking bad shots is fine--he'll learn. Not defending a corner 3pt shooter on an OOB play? Not rebounding due to leaking out? Trailing cutters and lesser talented guys when you are a superior athlete? A message needs to be sent if you are going to go small.

It's why I asked for your take and opinions and some of you are getting upset? There isn't any right or wrong--just wanted to discuss the team and what you've seen. You could be right. Just shared what I've seen watching initial games and think the best lineup they can put out is not 3 guards right now. That could change tomorrow night--it's why FR who are talented can look crappy one night and change and again--didn't say he shouldn't play--just think gifting a starting spot hasn't been returned. He needs others to help him out--Fox and Briscoe don't. They can make plays or help others and Briscoe's improvement has been impressive.

 

[Kats23]

Stay on the outside.
Thanks

 

[docholiday51]

don't agree with all the OP takes but he makes some good points.Tuesday's game will be a good test to let us see where we are.

Bam will get better quickly,Hump is playing well(would like to see them on the court at the same time more if we are going to play 3 guards)

Our passing has been very good,Gabriel has looked good in his time on the court,I hate to beat a dead horse but Mulder needs some of Hawkins' minutes

Didn't see Jones as being that soft,Willis is what he is (this year's version of Alex P)

 

[caneintally]

Can't agree with most of these at all Ditch the 3 guard line up? Are you smoking a ton of rock these days? That is what makes us the most lethal team in the country. I will say I agree about SKJ and Bam. SKJ is a 2 year player period not a one and done . Bam will be a monster by March and he already is a top 10 big in the country right now . Scary.

 

[GonzoCat90]

I'm not seeing the lack of effort from Monk that others seem to be. I'm seeing a guy who is adjusting to the speed of the game and a new role on both ends of the court.

That's why he's struggling, not lack of effort. Murray looked disengaged last season too, but once the game slowed down he suddenly looked to be trying much harder. Briscoe has a year of experience. Fox is playing his normal role. Gabriel is playing his normal role. That's why those guys are excelling, in addition to their excellent motors.

Bam and Monk both play hard, but they're adjusting to a new dynamic on the court. When that happens, they'll be incredible, and the only way it happens is for them to play through the uncertainty.

The only guy who needs a message sent is Willis. If you want to give Gabriel and Mulder his minutes to send a message, I agree. He has the physical tools to do what we ask him, and he's a senior. No excuse to disappear like he did.

I also think if you play Gabriel over Willis, that lightens the load on a guy like Monk defensively and rebounding.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

I'm sorry for our U.K. Fans with low IQ's RandolphDaltonFan.

I think we shouldn't be tied down to any certain lineup. Some games might help us to go 3 guards off the bat and some might be best to go big and bring out the speed lineup several minutes in to take advantage of a tiring opponent.

I liked how our lineups worked out though when we started Gabriel Willis and Bam because we seemed to challenge shots in the lane a lot better

 

[Macys Socks]

OP wasn't disrespectful in any way, why should we be disrespectful in return? Opinions are opinions, we are just talking bball, no need at all in this case to be offensive or snotty.

 

[LostinIndiana]

I'm sorry for our U.K. Fans with low IQ's RandolphDaltonFan.

I think we shouldn't be tied down to any certain lineup. Some games might help us to go 3 guards off the bat and some might be best to go big and bring out the speed lineup several minutes in to take advantage of a tiring opponent.

I liked how our lineups worked out though when we started Gabriel Willis and Bam because we seemed to challenge shots in the lane a lot better

Just because we don't brown nose someone about a post that we saw as off the mark doesn't mean that we have a low basketball IQ. Thanks for putting the rest of us idiots right.

 

[GonzoCat90]

OP wasn't disrespectful in any way, why should we be disrespectful in return? Opinions are opinions, we are just talking bball, no need at all in this case to be offensive or snotty.

Not to mention that he contributes more to this board than 99% of us do, and that he's also actually involved in basketball beyond being a fan.

But there's no room for dialogue or logic here. We're either 40-0 or Cal didn't recruit enough shooters and he plays favorites and no 'croots are coming next year.

 

[Anon1678385964]

Some players do come off the bench better...less nerves.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

Just because we don't brown nose someone about a post that we saw as off the mark doesn't mean that we have a low basketball IQ. Thanks for putting the rest of us idiots right.

I'm sorry if you thought I was talking about you. I was talking about those being incredibly disrespectful to him for just giving some thoughts. Your post was fine and respectful even while disagreeing

 

[jcmc225]

I don't mind Monk off the bench. Id actually prefer the guy coming off the bench to be a scorer. Just cuz you don't start doesn't mean youre not impactful. Look at Booker.

 

[anon1763419335]

i'm gald we have a coach that will let young players play through their errors and not be yanked out each and every time. i'll bet players like it too.

 

[Macys Socks]

I'm sorry if you thought I was talking about you. I was talking about those being incredibly disrespectful to him for just giving some thoughts. Your post was fine and respectful even while disagreeing

He does live in Indiana. That would make him thin skinned regardless lol.

 

[CatsIndy2010]

I agree with some of the op points...but...I feel like Cal is learning who and when to rotate into the game. Which is fine, Im glad we are not playing Michigan st. for a title tomorrow night.....Its these types of Hyped up media games that we will grow from the most imo.

 

[GLR5555]

Throw a rock in a pack of dogs.......

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Lol, waaaaayy too early to give up on Monk. You can't recruit a top5 player then sit him because he didn't have a "great" game and a half to start the season. Let's revisit this in SEC play.

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

I can't agree with not starting Monk. He's probably the most talented player on the team. He'll figure it out. As other's have mentioned it took Murray about 10 games last year to do so. As for giving Willis' minutes to Gabriel I think that happens probably sooner than later. And why Mulder is our best 3 shooter Dom is one of our best defenders, and we all know how important D is to Cal.

 

[Stonewall12]

i'm gald we have a coach that will let young players play through their errors and not be yanked out each and every time. i'll bet players like it too.

Unless you are Willis.




Had to say it

 

[wildbluecatfan]

Truth hurt too much so you delete my post? Hahaha.

 

[catdance]

Actually, we are all outsiders. I think Cal has earned the right to coach the team.

 

[LostinIndiana]

I'm sorry if you thought I was talking about you. I was talking about those being incredibly disrespectful to him for just giving some thoughts. Your post was fine and respectful even while disagreeing

No problem, and I agree that more reason than STFU needs to be given to someone that takes the time to share. We can't afford to lose good poster like ralphdaltonfan over some hit and run artists.

 

[K_TIME]

I don't see where UK lacks rim protectors? Sure there isn't a Cauley-Stein, Anthony Davis, etc...but Bam, Humphries are always in the game and protect the rim solidly. Willis/Wenyen are long guys for PF.

 

[jrpross_rivals]

Agree with nearly everything but, like others, I think Monk needs a fairly long leash to learn on right now. He can score in a buttload of ways but he needs to learn when to use what tools at the college game pace. I do think Mulder should get some situational minutes.

And I highly agree that Bam will grow a LOT this year. I wasn't terribly impressed with him last night, then I was shocked to see he finished with 14 points, 11 boards, & 3 blocks in 27 minutes. If he can stay out of foul trouble, I expect a lot of games from him with stat lines like that or better.

 

[chroix]

Good takes on what we've seen so far from a more traditional point of view and/or team. But our make up is never traditional relying on freshmen heavily and as a result you let them work through their issues and mistakes more than you would normally. I expect to see a lot of jitters from our freshmen Tuesday. Fortunately we can bring in Hawkins, Humphries and Willis to calm the freshmen nerves.

 

[15seconds?]

2 cupcake teams and you already want adjustments! Lol you can't tell **** by the teams we have played.Wait til after Tuesday to start critiquing this team....or maybe just a thought have faith in our coach that's seen more than any of us have of this team.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Good points here. Again, I never said to not play Monk, said that I'd bring him off the bench right now and let him earn his starting role. He's the worst of the guards defensively in my opinion and he equates points to playing well-which is what young scorers do. Then again, I see your point on letting him find his way since he'll be one of the top players end of year.

Gabriel is the guy I would have in top 3 of minutes on floor and only say that because I find Bam in a position where he'll have foul issues that take some of his minutes. Fox, Briscoe, and Gabriel are the 3 that if I had a choice would not sit much at all.

Also not sure I get the one guy's point--because Calipari actually does have a quick hook for things that are breakdowns. He wanted to kill Monk on that 3 given up on the OOB play and should've.

SKJ seems like a 2-3 year player to me but UK does such a great job developing guys he could accelerate his development.

Willis needs to mature--never a fan of any player who has a "spokesperson" and in his case it's the girlfriend---but really thought he was beyond the no show last night. It's not about the scoring either--just completely detached from all facets of game and not sure what he's thinking because there is an option that is more well rounded and younger who is going to claim minutes in Gabriel whose biggest strength is how hard he plays--and he's got talent to match. When your role players are guys who you wonder which version of them you get, you'll either reduce their role or lose against good teams. Willis game yesterday was similar to the loss to IU game. Just don't trust players who don't play hard each game.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

The only problem with Monk will be if come February or March he still isn't playing well (I think he had a decent to good game yesterday 5 or 6/10, just my opinion). That's when I'd argue that Mulder, or another player may need to get some of his minutes.

The chances of that happening are like.. 2% right now.

 

[carl]

Thanks for the post op I agree with a lot of what you said. One thing I noticed is Cals ability to find a starting lineup that will massage team chemistry over everything else while distributing minutes according to need. It may be really bad for egos and chemistry to sit Monk this early while you could easily alter minutes which is what he did with Willis imo last night. Coaching and film can show opportunity to improve. Sitting Monk might mess with the other guards approach as well.

Also what I saw from Monk was part of he maturation process, he got 0 rebounds in the first game and at least 3 in the second. He was trying to do something different it is hard to go from being what he was in HS to this new role not requiring his total effort on scoring the ball. I think that's a big difference and one at shows up early in positions that aren't required to dominate the ball. Timing on cuts, knowing when to drive and when to shoot, understanding a ""good" shot from different places on the floor, when to crash the glass and when to leak out on the break.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Farrrrrrrrr Calllllllll!!!!!!!!!

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Thanks for the post op I agree with a lot of what you said. One thing I noticed is Cals ability to find a starting lineup that will massage team chemistry over everything else while distributing minutes according to need. It may be really bad for egos and chemistry to sit Monk this early while you could easily alter minutes which is what he did with Willis imo last night. Coaching and film can show opportunity to improve. Sitting Monk might mess with the other guards approach as well.

Also what I saw from Monk was part of he maturation process, he got 0 rebounds in the first game and at least 3 in the second. He was trying to do something different it is hard to go from being what he was in HS to this new role not requiring his total effort on scoring the ball. I think that's a big difference and one at shows up early in positions that aren't required to dominate the ball. Timing on cuts, knowing when to drive and when to shoot, understanding a ""good" shot from different places on the floor, when to crash the glass and when to leak out on the break.

Good points--my issue isn't with Monk's offense--I find his defense and lack of effort defensively poor considering his athleticism and talent. Then again with the way Willis played defense last night, Monk looks like MKG.

 

[carl]

It is a lot easier to continue to look good as an energy guy earning minutes that way than as a scorer.

 

[treyforuk]

Farrrrrrrrr Calllllllll!!!!!!!!!

This gets so old...

 

[Blue Decade]

Can't agree with most of these at all Ditch the 3 guard line up? Are you smoking a ton of rock these days? That is what makes us the most lethal team in the country. I will say I agree about SKJ and Bam. SKJ is a 2 year player period not a one and done . Bam will be a monster by March and he already is a top 10 big in the country right now . Scary.

The point here is that Calipari has 10 legitimate players to use this year, and it could be 11 before February. This expanded playing rotation allows flexibility, and Calipari is showing that he will use it. Using 3 guards makes sense against some teams. Using Gabriel on the wing makes sense against others. Calipari has also signaled that he will mix up his defenses and use a little 2-3 zone and 2-2-1 zone press when necessary. So I don't think there is an argument, yet, about whether to use 3 guards. The question is how adjustments will be made with Gabriel on nights when 3 guards aren't the most effective formula. We will also see how this team copes when key players get into early foul trouble, which seems inevitable. As far as Malik Monk is concerned, I agree he looks lost but it's way too early to judge the kid. Our fans have become so spoiled and unreasonable that they expect every freshman to play like an NBA player in the opening week. That's silly. Karl Towns and Jamal Murray are examples of freshmen who needed a month or so to catch up with the speed of the college game and recognize defense, shot selection, spacing. They ended up pretty good. Monk will be fine. SKJ also looks lost, but he will be a contributor by January. Improvements by Briscoe, Humphries, Mulder are dramatic, which bodes well. Gabriel has been very impressive, although Michigan State will be a test for him. The guy I miss is Charles Matthews, who would have thrived on this team.

 

[qwesley]

Always interested in Ralph's takes.

A lot of good parts but also limitations playing certain guys together. Defense/rebounding, having Willis with the 3 guards could hurt us with against better teams. I thought DW was over the hump. If you go with WG at the three, you don't have enough ball handling or shooting on the court.