First, the departures that are occurring to me is positive such as Garrison, Lowe, and Jasper as it opens up the roster to get better players. The two most important positions are a physical center and a talented point guard who can pass, drive and handle contact, and be an on ball defender. I saw some criticizing the thought of getting someone like Somto. Wrong. He is the type we need (although there may prove similar but better options that will occur on the portal). We need a strong low post physical presence to combat talented big men on other teams. We need to keep Moreno as he showed a lot of development and with an added low post physical center (which was not Garrison by a long shot) Moreno could even be an option as a face up offensive combo. Then the other obvious need is a talented point guard. There will be several portal options.
Also, and I know many will disagree I would pay the $7 million or whatever it takes to get Stokes! Why? I don't think there is any Freshman in this class that is a Boozer or Flagg. Certainly Stokes is not all that. But, getting the top ranked recruit would send a message about Kentucky basketball still being a thing and an ability to attract future young talent. It also would draw a lot of media attention next season.
Of course there are other positions but I am concerned about getting these supposed talented players from places like Arkansas State, etc. You can be great against so-so less athletic competition but too often we have seen that if not capable of handling the physical nature of the SEC you fade. I prefer assessments of guys who have played at major conferences.
My final comment is about Hawthorne. There are reports that he is awesome in practice. This seems a double edged sword. If this proves to be true than why in the hell didn't Pope play him this season where he was needed? So, I have to believe he will still be more of a project but hope for otherwise.
Also, and I know many will disagree I would pay the $7 million or whatever it takes to get Stokes! Why? I don't think there is any Freshman in this class that is a Boozer or Flagg. Certainly Stokes is not all that. But, getting the top ranked recruit would send a message about Kentucky basketball still being a thing and an ability to attract future young talent. It also would draw a lot of media attention next season.
Of course there are other positions but I am concerned about getting these supposed talented players from places like Arkansas State, etc. You can be great against so-so less athletic competition but too often we have seen that if not capable of handling the physical nature of the SEC you fade. I prefer assessments of guys who have played at major conferences.
My final comment is about Hawthorne. There are reports that he is awesome in practice. This seems a double edged sword. If this proves to be true than why in the hell didn't Pope play him this season where he was needed? So, I have to believe he will still be more of a project but hope for otherwise.
