There's a way to get Cade Tyson and Jaxon Kohler (follow the St. John's method).

Son_Of_Saul · Monday at 7:43 AM

Teams have until the start of the competitive season to submit their final 15 man rosters. St. John's just put Donnie Freeman on NIL, but they won't have him part of the roster this upcoming season, thus providing some flexibility with his open scholarship.

UK could do the same thing with Kam Williams, who obviously needs more time to rehab. Pay him an NIL salary and let him fully recover. Then use his scholarship for Tyson. You add Kohler in what is now the open 15th spot, and then you create another one with Kam Williams' rehab.

I understand that Kam is expecting to come back before this season starts, but I would at least float the idea to his camp. Keep paying him, let him fully rehab, and then he can come back next year richer and healthier.

Son_Of_Saul · Monday at 7:45 AM

Moreno - Kohler - Kepnang - Potter
Kohler - McBride - N'Diaye
Milan - Tyson - Hawthorne - Noah
Wilkins - Tyson - Mason Williams
Diallo - Wilkins - Mason Williams - Morton

Smeegs · Monday at 8:02 AM

The problem with your idea is that, to qualify for that special exemption, it has to be medically verified as a “season ending” injury that occurs before the season has begun. That was no problem for St. John’s and Freeman, as a ruptured Achilles indisputably means a full year out.

But Kam is expected back before the season begins, so I doubt his injury qualifies.

Son_Of_Saul · Monday at 8:15 AM

Smeegs said:
The problem with your idea is that, to qualify for that special exemption, it has to be medically verified as a “season ending” injury that occurs before the season has begun. That was no problem for St. John’s and Freeman, as a ruptured Achilles indisputably means a full year out.

But Kam is expected back before the season begins, so I doubt his injury qualifies.

All you need is a doctor to be on board to frame it the right way.

If you still get grief, you simply remove him from the roster for a year as he rehabs.

I get the contrarian aspect of this, but I don't think it's as murky as you might think.

UK is not being forced to have anyone on their roster that they do not want to be on their roster. There is no problem with the idea. It's as simple as removing him from the roster, regardless of his health status. If they are technically unable to give him NIL, you backend it next year and give him 2x the amount. If he doesn't like that, you let him walk.

People might say that would hurt us when it comes to attracting transfers, but Lowe and Jasper trashing us last year didn't hurt us when it came to signing Milan/Wilkins/Diallo or bringing back Moreno.

Cats_2010 · Monday at 8:24 AM

Just cut Zyon, he would only see walk-on minutes at best. Problem solved. That’s if you could land both

The Ganner · Monday at 8:55 AM

Kam has already publicly said he expects to miss zero games

UKgrad22 · Monday at 8:56 AM

Never understood adding Zyon tbh, just hope it’s not a trend moving forward. Most likely not adding more than just one 5th year, just realistically

FitchandMurray29 · Monday at 9:28 AM

Do you have a link for this Freeman going off scholarship news? I missed it. I knew they had a slot open up after one of their international kids got ruled academically ineligible but missed the Donnie news.

Disregard. I found it.

Smeegs · Monday at 9:33 AM

Cats_2010 said:
Just cut Zyon, he would only see walk-on minutes at best. Problem solved. That’s if you could land both

I believe it’s too late to do that now. There was a deadline date in July for notifying players that their scholarship won’t be renewed for the upcoming season (ie. cutting them). So we’re stuck with Zyon for at least one season whether we like it or not.

The only way we could theoretically add two at this point as if we were granted that special exemption St. John’s got. But I don’t think we have anyone severely injured enough to qualify.

Beatle Bum · Monday at 10:07 AM

I vote no to screwing Kam out of playing this year. He expects to be back and all he talks about is doing whatever this team needs to win. I don’t think he is saying he will fake the extent of injury to let someone else take his spot.

BlueBomb · Monday at 10:13 AM

Just do whatever you want -- make big *** offers to everyone. If the NCAA objects, threaten them with a lawsuit. All should be fine.

LongliveWildcatDon · Monday at 10:43 AM

BlueBomb said:
Just do whatever you want -- make big *** offers to everyone. If the NCAA objects, threaten them with a lawsuit. All should be fine.

That seems to work for everyone else.

TFCat11 · Monday at 10:55 AM

The Ganner said:
Kam has already publicly said he expects to miss zero games

I’m not comparing the two players/ situations, but this time last year, JQ was interviewed by Aaron Torres, and he basically said the same thing then. And we know how that ended…

KyKevin · Monday at 11:10 AM

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.

moses1uk · Monday at 12:43 PM

Son_Of_Saul said:
Teams have until the start of the competitive season to submit their final 15 man rosters. St. John's just put Donnie Freeman on NIL, but they won't have him part of the roster this upcoming season, thus providing some flexibility with his open scholarship.

UK could do the same thing with Kam Williams, who obviously needs more time to rehab. Pay him an NIL salary and let him fully recover. Then use his scholarship for Tyson. You add Kohler in what is now the open 15th spot, and then you create another one with Kam Williams' rehab.

I understand that Kam is expecting to come back before this season starts, but I would at least float the idea to his camp. Keep paying him, let him fully rehab, and then he can come back next year richer and healthier.

Stupid idea to say let’s sit a very valuable player till next year but that’s you isn’t it

UKVACats0107 · Monday at 12:59 PM

Son_Of_Saul said:
Teams have until the start of the competitive season to submit their final 15 man rosters. St. John's just put Donnie Freeman on NIL, but they won't have him part of the roster this upcoming season, thus providing some flexibility with his open scholarship.

UK could do the same thing with Kam Williams, who obviously needs more time to rehab. Pay him an NIL salary and let him fully recover. Then use his scholarship for Tyson. You add Kohler in what is now the open 15th spot, and then you create another one with Kam Williams' rehab.

I understand that Kam is expecting to come back before this season starts, but I would at least float the idea to his camp. Keep paying him, let him fully rehab, and then he can come back next year richer and healthier.

This^^^

chroix · Monday at 1:04 PM

Son_Of_Saul said:
All you need is a doctor to be on board to frame it the right way.

If you still get grief, you simply remove him from the roster for a year as he rehabs.

I get the contrarian aspect of this, but I don't think it's as murky as you might think.

UK is not being forced to have anyone on their roster that they do not want to be on their roster. There is no problem with the idea. It's as simple as removing him from the roster, regardless of his health status. If they are technically unable to give him NIL, you backend it next year and give him 2x the amount. If he doesn't like that, you let him walk.

People might say that would hurt us when it comes to attracting transfers, but Lowe and Jasper trashing us last year didn't hurt us when it came to signing Milan/Wilkins/Diallo or bringing back Moreno.

This. Frame it as “how can you force a kid to risk his future career rather than sit out and recover from an injury sustained while playing the sport he was recruited by the institution to play?” It’s not like there’s a set timeframe you have to finish your undergraduate degree so I can’t see any real legally valid reason why not.

Dr.LutherSan · Monday at 1:05 PM

KyKevin said:
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 would burn a lot of recruiting bridges too.

UKCowboys · Monday at 1:13 PM

Dr.LutherSan said:
It would burn a lot of recruiting bridges too.

You're word is who you are. Its appalling to see folks destroy JQ for being hurt last year but turn right around and talk about cutting a kid that's on scholarship to sign a better player. What the heck is the difference

Snarks · Monday at 1:45 PM

Pope isn’t cut throat enough to do this. Will never happen.

KyKevin · Monday at 1:46 PM

UKCowboys said:
You're word is who you are. Its appalling to see folks destroy JQ for being hurt last year but turn right around and talk about cutting a kid that's on scholarship to sign a better player. What the heck is the difference

Mark Pope may not get it done at Kentucky, but he would never do a player like that. He for sure is a damn good person.

#1 cat fan · Monday at 5:09 PM

M

Son_Of_Saul said:
Moreno - Kohler - Kepnang - Potter
Kohler - McBride - N'Diaye
Milan - Tyson - Hawthorne - Noah
Wilkins - Tyson - Mason Williams
Diallo - Wilkins - Mason Williams - Morton

Milan is not a 3 and if we play him there we will lose 15 games again

paulcalhoun_rivals397471 · Monday at 5:37 PM

#1 cat fan said:
M

Milan is not a 3 and if we play him there we will lose 15 games again

Pope hasn't lost 15 in either season at UK so I don't know why you say again. Cal's 2021 season is the only time we have lost 15 games since the 80's.

UKCowboys · Monday at 5:42 PM

#1 cat fan said:
M

Milan is not a 3 and if we play him there we will lose 15 games again

You're crazy LMAO

UKCowboys · Monday at 5:43 PM

KyKevin said:
Mark Pope may not get it done at Kentucky, but he would never do a player like that. He for sure is a damn good person.

Yes he is

DudahUK · Monday at 6:27 PM

#1 cat fan said:
M

Milan is not a 3 and if we play him there we will lose 15 games again

I’m worried about that too. He’s definitely not guarding any 3’s.

UKCowboys · Monday at 10:00 PM

DudahUK said:
I’m worried about that too. He’s definitely not guarding any 3’s.

Comical take

Smeegs · Tuesday at 2:03 AM

UKCowboys said:
Comical take

Not really. It’s a legit issue with Milan. His inability to defend the 3 spot is essentially why he’s still in CBB instead of the NBA. The one glaring flaw that torched his draft stock.

ScWildcat3 · Tuesday at 5:07 AM

Smeegs said:
Not really. It’s a legit issue with Milan. His inability to defend the 3 spot is essentially why he’s still in CBB instead of the NBA. The one glaring flaw that torched his draft stock.

Good thing is he is guarding college 3’s. Remember they also have to guard him at the 3.

Buckwheat Otay Is Dead · Tuesday at 8:14 AM

InUk system the 2-3 spots are basically the same.

ScWildcat3 · Tuesday at 8:16 AM

Buckwheat Otay Is Dead said:
InUk system the 2-3 spots are basically the same.

Offensively yes. And Milan at the 2/3 on the wing attracting defenders and moving is going to create so much room for zoom and Wilkins. Also will be able to get his shot over most guys who will be guarding him at that spot.

BanManAndy · Tuesday at 8:23 AM

If Popes level of recruiting was better to begin with then we wouldn't even be begging for one of these players. We wouldn't have to figure out a way to make players like Hawthornes little brother not count towards the 15 man roster.

We will forever have a talent problem until Pope leaves. But he's here so put your seat belt on and hope for a soft landing is all we can do until he's gone. This shouldn't be what UK basketball is.

CRZ4UK · Tuesday at 9:09 AM

Son_Of_Saul said:
Teams have until the start of the competitive season to submit their final 15 man rosters. St. John's just put Donnie Freeman on NIL, but they won't have him part of the roster this upcoming season, thus providing some flexibility with his open scholarship.

UK could do the same thing with Kam Williams, who obviously needs more time to rehab. Pay him an NIL salary and let him fully recover. Then use his scholarship for Tyson. You add Kohler in what is now the open 15th spot, and then you create another one with Kam Williams' rehab.

I understand that Kam is expecting to come back before this season starts, but I would at least float the idea to his camp. Keep paying him, let him fully rehab, and then he can come back next year richer and healthier.

The only problem with that is St. John’s is taking a huge risk with that money. Freeman can take their money then enter the portal for next year and go to the highest bidder. There are no rules. Everyone is a yearly free agent.

BluWildcatz · Tuesday at 9:34 AM

Let's focus on getting one player first...

Beatle Bum · Tuesday at 9:56 AM

#1 cat fan said:
Milan is not a 3 and if we play him there we will lose 15 games again

Disagree. He can play the 3. Especially if Pope decides to employe a zone defense this year.

Let me qualify that by saying Pope told Goodman he plans to play defense differently than he has traditionally. Did not use the “z” word, but realizes he has a long team that can be disruptive. Sounds like a possible zone to me.

Im The Village Idiot · Tuesday at 11:19 AM

Beatle Bum said:
Disagree. He can play the 3. Especially if Pope decides to employe a zone defense this year.

Let me qualify that by saying Pope told Goodman he plans to play defense differently than he has traditionally. Did not use the “z” word, but realizes he has a long team that can be disruptive. Sounds like a possible zone to me.

I just don’t think you’re going to see much zone in today’s college basketball. It’s a death sentence. Teams are too good at shooting and handling from multiple positions.

Rather, I’m hoping Pope is referring to playing offensive defense. In other words, playing a more aggressive pressure on the perimeter, blitzing more ball screens, trapping to use the perimeter of the court as an extra defender and gambling more in passing lanes. That’s my hope anyway — I just don’t like playing conservative defense when you have more talent than most other teams.

SenseMaker_Cats · Tuesday at 11:27 AM

Im The Village Idiot said:
I just don’t think you’re going to see much zone in today’s college basketball. It’s a death sentence. Teams are too good at shooting and handling from multiple positions.

To play devil’s advocate, couldn’t those attributes exploit a team that’s chasing guys around in man to man all game (Gardner Webb game from back in the day)?

Extend the zone, keep Moreno down low and force them to shoot more mid range shots than they want.

Im The Village Idiot · Tuesday at 11:40 AM

SenseMaker_Cats said:
To play devil’s advocate, couldn’t those attributes exploit a team that’s chasing guys around in man to man all game (Gardner Webb game from back in the day)?

Extend the zone, keep Moreno down low and force them to shoot more mid range shots than they want.

Teams have too many zone beaters for that, especially with guys who can shoot so deep now. I just don’t think, unless something significantly changes in CBB, that you’ll see a whole lot of zone, outside of change of pace in this era.

Here’s a look at this from the Syracuse fan perspective and I think this writer echoes my same sentiments about zone in modern CBB:

Syracuse men’s basketball: Sam’s notebook on a few things going wrong

Some notes from the man who watches a lot of hoops

www.nunesmagician.com

SenseMaker_Cats · Tuesday at 11:46 AM

Im The Village Idiot said:
Teams have too many zone beaters for that, especially with guys who can shoot so deep now. I just don’t think, unless something significantly changes in CBB, that you’ll see a whole lot of zone, outside of change of pace in this era.

Here’s a look at this from the Syracuse fan perspective and I think this writer echoes my same sentiments about zone in modern CBB:

Syracuse men’s basketball: Sam’s notebook on a few things going wrong

Some notes from the man who watches a lot of hoops

www.nunesmagician.com

To be fair, I didn’t say playing bad zone defense was a good idea.

There's a way to get Cade Tyson and Jaxon Kohler (follow the St. John's method).

Hall of Famer

Hall of Famer

All-Conference

Hall of Famer

Heisman

All-Conference

All-Conference

All-American

All-Conference

Heisman

Heisman

Senior

Heisman

All-Conference

All-Conference

Junior

Heisman

All-American

All-American

All-American

All-Conference

Senior

All-American

All-American

All-American

Heisman

All-American

All-Conference

All-Conference

All-Conference

All-Conference

Redshirt

Heisman

Sophomore

Heisman

All-American

All-American

All-American

All-American