2019 uncommitted bigs

UKCAT5FAN

All-Conference
May 9, 2010
5,254
3,755
113
I want kids to stick around, if they an help us. I'm sure Richards is a good kid, but realistically, he has NOT improved fro Fresh to Soph year hardly at all!! He didn't even play in the last game! A good soph big man should have played in that game if he was good enough. Just saying.


Maybe his jump will occur this off season. You don't just throw out kids that haven't lived up to their hype YET. He very well could make a huge jump from this year to next, especially because his issue is not talent. The talent is there, the problem is between his ears. He will help us next year.
 
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thebluestripes

All-Conference
Apr 22, 2014
2,145
2,621
0
That's just dumb! Sorry but if you cant see the need for Nick next year, I dont know what to tell ya.
I've seen enough of nick to know he's not a good fit here. He needs to be at a lower level program. If you can convince me that he'll be better next season, then sure keep him, but the poor guy hasn't shown me any reason to think he will improve.
 
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thebluestripes

All-Conference
Apr 22, 2014
2,145
2,621
0
Why? So we can all complain next year about being so young? So we can gripe about how we need experience? So we can constantly make comments like "why can't Cal get kids to stick around?"
I've wanted nick to get better all season, but he's no better than he was in his freshmen year, plus he's become one of the most frustrating players ever to watch. He'd prolly be ok at a lesser school college, but having seen him a few years, he's not trending upward. Btw theres a reason nick was on the bench during most of the auburn game.
 
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thebluestripes

All-Conference
Apr 22, 2014
2,145
2,621
0
Maybe his jump will occur this off season. You don't just throw out kids that haven't lived up to their hype YET. He very well could make a huge jump from this year to next, especially because his issue is not talent. The talent is there, the problem is between his ears. He will help us next year.
Well I certainly hope you are right, but I think we all felt the same way bout
sacha jones and we see how that turned out. Heck I'd love to be wrong bout the kid, but I don't feel that I am.
 

senonesy

All-American
Nov 30, 2017
4,070
8,243
113
I want an ELITE shot blocker and a PG that can blow by people with quickness.

I dont care about offense, I want an elite rim protector, like a Nerlens Noel. Just someone who can block shots at the rim.

Then I want a PG that can create his own shot and can drive by anyone that is put in front of him. I'd like to see Cal use all of the scholarships available and go get a guy that can develop into that type of player. Would like to see him recruit a guy who knows he will not be a OAD or even a 2AT but a guy who knows that he may be given the keys in a couple years if he works hard.

We can still bring in the elite prospects to go with these guys each year but I think we have to also go after guys with no immediate NBA goals. Lets try using these scholarships for a couple years and see how it pans out. I think he has been trying to do this to an extent but in reality, he is just too good at developing players and they've gotten so much better that the choice of them leaving makes itself. So, I dont have many complaints with what Cal has been doing cause I think he has just been too good at his job in the practice gym. Thats why my only advise would be to cast a wider net and using the rest of the scholarships to see how that pans out.


Thats my 2 cents anyway.
No one in the Final Four this year has an elite shot blocker. Not really a needed commodity this day and age. Uk’s defense was good this year. A little more fluency on offense would be nice though. I think Maxey will help with that next year.
 

Dablueman

All-American
Feb 5, 2003
16,981
5,703
0
Guys, we don't want to bring in too many.

There are only so many minutes to go around and guys don't come here to sit on the bench and wait their turn.

We had four guys last year inside. Two are leaving for sure. We have two coming back hopefully (Montgomery and Richards) and one coming in (Brooks- a combo forward who probably plays the 4 a lot with Whitney at the 3).

We have 80 minutes at the 4 and 5 spots.

If you give Montgomery, Richards, and Brooks 20 minutes a game, that only leaves 20 minutes left. That's essentially one more guy.

Unless Montgomery and/or Richards bolt, I don't see the need to add 2-3 more guys. It's going to get crowded and that can lead to chemistry problems.
But doesn’t Brooks Primarily play the wing? 10 of his minutes should go there. Then that gives us ten min to play around with which would be perfect to take a chance on a kid with some potential maybe a reclass we could sell on coming out early with no pressure as a fresh other than spot duty and a chance to shine their second year?
 

bucsrule8872

Heisman
May 30, 2005
24,397
29,352
0
I've wanted nick to get better all season, but he's no better than he was in his freshmen year, plus he's become one of the most frustrating players ever to watch. He'd prolly be ok at a lesser school college, but having seen him a few years, he's not trending upward. Btw theres a reason nick was on the bench during most of the auburn game.

Richards was on the bench because of Washington and Travis. Same for Montgomery. Cal played his best players in the biggest game of the year.
 

Cawood86_rivals

Heisman
Feb 20, 2005
36,711
64,715
0
He’s listed as a small forward, and from what I’ve seen of him that seems more accurate.

If you were going to play a small board at the power board position, we’ve already got Brooks that can do that.
Well, if Brooks is it then Hurt and McDaniels are likely out as well no?
 

UKCAT5FAN

All-Conference
May 9, 2010
5,254
3,755
113
No one in the Final Four this year has an elite shot blocker. Not really a needed commodity this day and age. Uk’s defense was good this year. A little more fluency on offense would be nice though. I think Maxey will help with that next year.


I never said that you have to have one to make the FF or even win a championship but its a hellava luxury.


Im not familiar with really any of the teams in the FF because I basically just watch UK during the season but even if there isnt one in the FF doesnt mean its not a needed commodity in todays game. Would an elite rim protector made a difference Sunday? I seem to think it would have made an impact. Can it be done without that type of player?? Well, of course it can but that doesn't change the effectiveness of someone like a Nerlens Noel. You add a similar type of player around what we normally pull in every year and now you're even more dangerous. Our defense was good but obviously not good enough.
 

UKCAT5FAN

All-Conference
May 9, 2010
5,254
3,755
113
Well I certainly hope you are right, but I think we all felt the same way bout
sacha jones and we see how that turned out. Heck I'd love to be wrong bout the kid, but I don't feel that I am.


I see your point but you dont just toss 'em out like the trash. He may not get better but we are going to need him next year. Even if that means at his current skill set. Anthony Davis aint walking through that door.
 

UKCAT5FAN

All-Conference
May 9, 2010
5,254
3,755
113
I've seen enough of nick to know he's not a good fit here. He needs to be at a lower level program. If you can convince me that he'll be better next season, then sure keep him, but the poor guy hasn't shown me any reason to think he will improve.



We will need him even if he doesn't take a single step forward in his development. Who else is coming? Who else is left to go get? Not many options out there. We need Nick back next season.
 

Allcats08

All-Conference
Feb 13, 2019
1,625
2,988
113
I think we get mcdaniels. I have nothing to go on other than a hunch but I just have a feeling. He’s built to play for cal. If my child was poised to be a lottery pick, the last place he’s go would be somewhere to sit back and be lazy in a 2-3 for a year. Absolutely kills development at the next level and does nothing to prepare you for guarding at the nba level
 

IrishMike409

All-Conference
Nov 27, 2011
902
1,504
0
I’m just not elated with bringing in Todd or Dante for 2019. I just don’t love the idea of relying on guys who should be HS seniors to win dog fights for us come March/April. Try to develop them, gamble that they’re ready for big time games, then watch them leave in 6 months. The risk/reward isnt in our favor. For 1 season- give me Sestina.
 

bucsrule8872

Heisman
May 30, 2005
24,397
29,352
0
But doesn’t Brooks Primarily play the wing? 10 of his minutes should go there. Then that gives us ten min to play around with which would be perfect to take a chance on a kid with some potential maybe a reclass we could sell on coming out early with no pressure as a fresh other than spot duty and a chance to shine their second year?

That would help, but I still don't think there's enough minutes for two more guys. At least not two guys who need lots of minutes. The guys that everyone is talking about are guys who aren't likely to be happy with 15 minutes per game.

I could get behind Cal bringing In a project type guy like you mentioned, just don't know who that would be.
 

Susan2361

All-Conference
Apr 22, 2015
1,747
3,247
0
Maybe his jump will occur this off season. You don't just throw out kids that haven't lived up to their hype YET. He very well could make a huge jump from this year to next, especially because his issue is not talent. The talent is there, the problem is between his ears. He will help us next year.
I agree that the problem is between his ears. But he's had TWO years to improve and that just hasn't happened. It has been very little. As much as we would like to believe it, I just don't see him improving to the degree that he won't be held out of a game because he's a liability (like he didn't play against Auburn when we really could have used him). I really do hope the light bulb comes on.
 

Susan2361

All-Conference
Apr 22, 2015
1,747
3,247
0
I've seen enough of nick to know he's not a good fit here. He needs to be at a lower level program. If you can convince me that he'll be better next season, then sure keep him, but the poor guy hasn't shown me any reason to think he will improve.
EXACTLY!!!!
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
I just don't get the point of this post. Obviously they're big parts of our team next year. We have 0 depth behind them. Both guys are prone to silly fouls. We're going to need depth.

I was attempting to generate a discussion about guys still out there.

Because no one ever improves at KY,

Signed PJ Washington
 

Cindog28

Heisman
Sep 9, 2004
19,738
12,368
0
I’m just not elated with bringing in Todd or Dante for 2019. I just don’t love the idea of relying on guys who should be HS seniors to win dog fights for us come March/April. Try to develop them, gamble that they’re ready for big time games, then watch them leave in 6 months. The risk/reward isnt in our favor. For 1 season- give me Sestina.
Devin Booker reclassified.
 

Justwar

All-American
Jan 19, 2002
30,175
5,821
113
I feel really good about McDaniels. Everything depends on returnees.
 

K_TIME

Heisman
Jan 2, 2003
18,373
25,648
113
Nick's a good kid but can we be honest and say he didn't improve this year?I'm not trying to dump on him but his hands were still as bad as ever.He is what he is at this point.
No we can't say he didn't improve from his Fr to So year....because....he sort of did improve a good amount IMO. In less minutes (and his minutes this year he was always on the floor with PJ/Herro/Keldon who were the main shot takers) he scored nearly the same, nearly as many boards and more blocks. More dependable on those half hooks.

Nick isn't a world beater by any means but he can easily be a 10 pts, 8 boards 2 blocks huge painted area problem for teams to score upon a night with 25 minutes. And we don't exactly have those guys left uncommitted or on the current roster.
 

Cats192

Heisman
Apr 22, 2011
14,883
17,773
93
Because no one ever improves at KY,

Signed PJ Washington

Again, not sure of the point.

I’ve never said they won’t improve. They could both be All-Americans, but if they’re all we have down low, we’ll be in trouble.
 

DelkBowl

Heisman
Oct 4, 2015
10,726
11,762
101
Guys, we don't want to bring in too many.

There are only so many minutes to go around and guys don't come here to sit on the bench and wait their turn.

We had four guys last year inside. Two are leaving for sure. We have two coming back hopefully (Montgomery and Richards) and one coming in (Brooks- a combo forward who probably plays the 4 a lot with Whitney at the 3).

We have 80 minutes at the 4 and 5 spots.

If you give Montgomery, Richards, and Brooks 20 minutes a game, that only leaves 20 minutes left. That's essentially one more guy.

Unless Montgomery and/or Richards bolt, I don't see the need to add 2-3 more guys. It's going to get crowded and that can lead to chemistry problems.
One injury like this year made foul trouble an issue. Bring in the 3-4 star kid to develop. We always have open scholarships.
 

UKCAT5FAN

All-Conference
May 9, 2010
5,254
3,755
113
I agree that the problem is between his ears. But he's had TWO years to improve and that just hasn't happened. It has been very little. As much as we would like to believe it, I just don't see him improving to the degree that he won't be held out of a game because he's a liability (like he didn't play against Auburn when we really could have used him). I really do hope the light bulb comes on.


You may very well be right but who else to we have??? We wont have a PJ or a RT next year that will push him to the bench like this year. Thats my point. You may be 100% correct and he may not improve at all but we still need the player. There is nobody else! We literally have no other player at his position at the moment. How is that so hard to see? Im not being argumentative, I just do understand how people dont see the need for Nick.
 
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JimBR_rivals319758

All-Conference
May 28, 2003
3,204
1,717
0
Assuming we need to replace Washington & Johnson, who will provide the mid-range game and the ability to take it to the basket and score off the dribble?
Can Brooks or Whitney provide this?
 

armchairpg

All-Conference
Oct 24, 2012
2,608
1,736
113
Nick's a good kid but can we be honest and say he didn't improve this year?I'm not trying to dump on him but his hands were still as bad as ever.He is what he is at this point.


It is odd. Very early in the season he had some great moments. He caught some tough passes and finished. Showed a baby hook, blocked some shots, etc. Somewhere along the way he just regressed and never got it back. I don't know why. I am really rooting for him to "get it" and keep it. That could be huge for this team. Even if he just specialized in blocking a ton of shots and put backs that would do wonders.
 

Susan2361

All-Conference
Apr 22, 2015
1,747
3,247
0
You may very well be right but who else to we have??? We wont have a PJ or a RT next year that will push him to the bench like this year. Thats my point. You may be 100% correct and he may not improve at all but we still need the player. There is nobody else! We literally have no other player at his position at the moment. How is that so hard to see? Im not being argumentative, I just do understand how people dont see the need for Nick.
I do see your point.
 
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bucsrule8872

Heisman
May 30, 2005
24,397
29,352
0
One injury like this year made foul trouble an issue. Bring in the 3-4 star kid to develop. We always have open scholarships.

I'm good with that. Who do you suggest?

Who is Cal recruiting in that vein?

The guys that have been mentioned aren't those kinds of players.

McDaniels, Hurt, Todd, Sestina- those guys want to play immediately and will be gone after one year. They aren't sitting and waiting for someone to get injured.
 

DelkBowl

Heisman
Oct 4, 2015
10,726
11,762
101
I'm good with that. Who do you suggest?

Who is Cal recruiting in that vein?

The guys that have been mentioned aren't those kinds of players.

McDaniels, Hurt, Todd, Sestina- those guys want to play immediately and will be gone after one year. They aren't sitting and waiting for someone to get injured.
I don’t suggest anyone. That’s just something I think we need. There are thousands of kids out there. Look at Nazr Mohammad. Project.
 

bucsrule8872

Heisman
May 30, 2005
24,397
29,352
0
I don’t suggest anyone. That’s just something I think we need. There are thousands of kids out there. Look at Nazr Mohammad. Project.

I agree wholeheartedly. But those type of kids don't go to UK unless they are from Kentucky.
 

caneintally

Heisman
Oct 1, 2002
27,455
17,056
0
Did some digging and I came up with two 5-star big men we should be interested in:

1. E.J. Montgomery- 6'10 kid who was a top 10 out of HS. Has some raw skills on offense and can block shots on defense. Has college experience. He played behind two studs as a Freshman. I think he could help us next season.

2. Nick Richards- 6'11 kid who was top 15-20 out of HS. Great shotblocker. Still raw on offense. Has college experience. Also played behind two studs last season. Could also help us next year.

These two guys could anchor the 5 spot for us.

I just hope Cal can convince them that UK is the place for them next season.
We need 4 though. We have our 2 centers . Let's say Nate is one of our PF we still need a great starting PF though. Mcdaniels is perfect for that . Or we get todd or dante to reclass.


Make no mistake getting this elite big in this class ( whether HS senior or reclass ) if the difference between being the best team in the country next season or being one of the 5 or so teams like we were this season. A squad of Hagans / Maxey./Whitney/Mcdaniels /EJ with Quick/Baker/ Brooks/Sestina ( ( might of butchered that) / Richards is the best starting 5 in the land and a 2nd 5 who is a top 30 team as well.
 
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Barry MuCockinher

All-Conference
Nov 10, 2010
1,581
1,310
36
I want an ELITE shot blocker and a PG that can blow by people with quickness.

I dont care about offense, I want an elite rim protector, like a Nerlens Noel. Just someone who can block shots at the rim.

Then I want a PG that can create his own shot and can drive by anyone that is put in front of him. I'd like to see Cal use all of the scholarships available and go get a guy that can develop into that type of player. Would like to see him recruit a guy who knows he will not be a OAD or even a 2AT but a guy who knows that he may be given the keys in a couple years if he works hard.

We can still bring in the elite prospects to go with these guys each year but I think we have to also go after guys with no immediate NBA goals. Lets try using these scholarships for a couple years and see how it pans out. I think he has been trying to do this to an extent but in reality, he is just too good at developing players and they've gotten so much better that the choice of them leaving makes itself. So, I dont have many complaints with what Cal has been doing cause I think he has just been too good at his job in the practice gym. Thats why my only advise would be to cast a wider net and using the rest of the scholarships to see how that pans out.


Thats my 2 cents anyway.
I've said it a million times Cals greatest teams had a rim protector. It's not a coincidence we've haven't gotten back to the final four since the 15 team(minus a Luke Maye shot & Bam being a serviceable shot blocker). I'd go get a guy that's a shot blocker, even if his only offensive ability is dunking and catching lobs. Wouldn't care if he was only a 2*,3*,4* player as long as he had that skill set.
 
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