A VERY TOUCHY DEBATABLE THREAD

[peterpiper09]

First of all, hear me out.

It’s been stated ad nauseam the fact that the center position is very important going into next season. Any bigs that are available are backing up the Brinks truck. Well, that sparks a very interesting situation. NO, I don’t think it will end up happening, BUT could it?? What is it??
As far as I know, JQ hasn’t declared yet. I know, this is the point where people click off, but just think about it for a second. What actually makes sense?

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

Imagine having a healthy JQ, and a much improved Moreno on the same team. Who could counter that? Like I said, centers and big men are at a premium and many teams are gonna be deficient in that category. Surround that with a few like Diallo, Kam Williams, and whatever other good players we can come up with out of the portal and you have the makings of a dominant team.

I know the chances of this happening are low, BUT I think this is an idea I could get behind and forget the shortcomings of this past season. Could you???

Then the strength of our front court would lay the foundation for other elite bigs to come to UK after the exits of JQ and Moreno.

 

[Padsfs07]

I am ok with moving on from this entire team, other than the 3 that are back ~ Williams, Moreno, and Noah, plus the 2 redshirts ~ Hawthorne and Potter.

 

[TFCat11]

I’ve tried explaining what JQ and his camp are up to, and why he won’t stay in college like Bidunga and others, and make some big bucks for playing another season, and showing his “injury” is a thing of the past, so for the sake of triggering backlash, I’ll refrain from repeating it again.

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

If JQ wanted to be back, I’d take him. He’s a good kid and has a world of talent. You already have Moreno so you have the cushion.

That said, he long gone

 

[KentuckyMildCats]

His peepaw says no.

 

[ParadiseKy]

If JQ wanted to be back, I’d take him. He’s a good kid and has a world of talent. You already have Moreno so you have the cushion.

That said, he long gone

If JQ wanted to be back, I’d take him. He’s a good kid and has a world of talent. You already have Moreno so you have the cushion.

That said, he long gone

But his hair...VeKKK

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

But his hair...VeKKK

I don’t know what that means. I like his hair actually. Kid has a cool vibe to me.

 

[Smeegs]

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

He’s also not guaranteed anything if he comes back. He could easily get re-injured, or have his weaknesses fully exposed, and end up never getting drafted at all.

The worst case scenario for him now appears to be falling toward the end of the first round. But that’s still the first round. And it’s closer to a guarantee than he gets if he rolls the dice on another college season.

 

[peterpiper09]

I try to look at things realistically, and I’m not saying I think there’s realistically a good chance this kid runs it back, but to me it boils down to this:

1–basically take your chances with the draft
— that seems very risky
2-come back, prove yourself, make some good $$$$, stock goes back up then NBA career starts

seems like a no brainer to me

 

[Cowtown Cat]

I don’t know what that means. I like his hair actually. Kid has a cool vibe to me.

That clown doesn’t know either. He’s just here to troll. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[peterpiper09]

You could strike the fear of God into the SEC if he came back healthy and Moreno working his butt off all summer.

 

[peterpiper09]

Doesn’t anyone find it interesting that he hasn’t left UK at this point?

 

[ftp000]

If JQ wanted to be back, I’d take him. He’s a good kid and has a world of talent. You already have Moreno so you have the cushion.

That said, he long gone

This

 

[megablue]

If a healthy JQ were to come back:
1) Is he the starter and getting the majority of the minutes at Center ??
2) If the answer to #1 is YES, then does Moreno stay or go ??

 

[megablue]

Doesn’t anyone find it interesting that he hasn’t left UK at this point?

It is assumed that he will finish out his classes this semester, but I get your point.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

First of all, hear me out.

It’s been stated ad nauseam the fact that the center position is very important going into next season. Any bigs that are available are backing up the Brinks truck. Well, that sparks a very interesting situation. NO, I don’t think it will end up happening, BUT could it?? What is it??
As far as I know, JQ hasn’t declared yet. I know, this is the point where people click off, but just think about it for a second. What actually makes sense?

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

Imagine having a healthy JQ, and a much improved Moreno on the same team. Who could counter that? Like I said, centers and big men are at a premium and many teams are gonna be deficient in that category. Surround that with a few like Diallo, Kam Williams, and whatever other good players we can come up with out of the portal and you have the makings of a dominant team.

I know the chances of this happening are low, BUT I think this is an idea I could get behind and forget the shortcomings of this past season. Could you???

Then the strength of our front court would lay the foundation for other elite bigs to come to UK after the exits of JQ and Moreno.

JQ is gone. He even said during the tourney this was his last year in college period. Not just at Kentucky. It’s a nice what if game if he ever suited up here healthy, but honestly after last year I don’t want him. His father would be an issue imho as well. Just like Jasper’s uncle.

 

[BlueSince92]

Truth is if JQ wanted to come back and could play like he played in the St. John’s game, he’d make a phenomenal backup. A DEVASTATING backup.

But a backup.

Pope has to run advanced, nuanced zoom offense to be really successful at the Final Four level, especially with the scrubbish roster he’s generally trying to build with “analytics.” Jayden doesn’t have Day 1 experience doing that and he doesn’t have the natural passing instincts to be able to pick that up in one season. Moreno has not been horrible in the limited zoom action offense we’ve run through him. But he’s not nearly at the level where we could run zoom offense through him as our staple offense in only his second year , freeing us up to just use JQ situationally or to exploit serious mismatches. We need an Amari. We can make do with someone kind of in that direction, but that’s not JQ. I don’t think he could come in and save us as our center in a sustainable way, as awesome as he looked versus St. John’s.

Now, honestly, when things are clicking, we don’t actually need much perimeter shooting from our 4 man. Especially not if he had the defense and interior offense JQ would have. If we could bring him back as our 4 man and he wanted to do that and could do it at his highest level, he really could be DEVASTATING in that role. But that would require us being able to throw that Brinks truck money at a power forward and still be loaded to the gills with money enough to bring in someone who could actually handle that cash-sucking center spot in the way we need in order to be competitive at the highest levels over the course of a whole season. If we can do that I’m all for it.

 

[Ash Williams]

First of all, hear me out.

It’s been stated ad nauseam the fact that the center position is very important going into next season. Any bigs that are available are backing up the Brinks truck. Well, that sparks a very interesting situation. NO, I don’t think it will end up happening, BUT could it?? What is it??
As far as I know, JQ hasn’t declared yet. I know, this is the point where people click off, but just think about it for a second. What actually makes sense?

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

Imagine having a healthy JQ, and a much improved Moreno on the same team. Who could counter that? Like I said, centers and big men are at a premium and many teams are gonna be deficient in that category. Surround that with a few like Diallo, Kam Williams, and whatever other good players we can come up with out of the portal and you have the makings of a dominant team.

I know the chances of this happening are low, BUT I think this is an idea I could get behind and forget the shortcomings of this past season. Could you???

Then the strength of our front court would lay the foundation for other elite bigs to come to UK after the exits of JQ and Moreno.

HELL.NO.

He literally sat out the end of the season when he could’ve played. Absolutely no trust for anyone like that.

 

[DWDwildcat47]

I'm kinda surprised he hasn't made a announcement yet, seems he would say he's going to the NBA and into the portal to give him options, the delay is puzzling

 

[MichaelGray]

Truth is if JQ wanted to come back and could play like he played in the St. John’s game, he’d make a phenomenal backup. A DEVASTATING backup.

But a backup.

Pope has to run advanced, nuanced zoom offense to be really successful at the Final Four level, especially with the scrubbish roster he’s generally trying to build with “analytics.” Jayden doesn’t have Day 1 experience doing that and he doesn’t have the natural passing instincts to be able to pick that up in one season. Moreno has not been horrible in the limited zoom action offense we’ve run through him. But he’s not nearly at the level where we could run zoom offense through him as our staple offense in only his second year , freeing us up to just use JQ situationally or to exploit serious mismatches. We need an Amari. We can make do with someone kind of in that direction, but that’s not JQ. I don’t think he could come in and save us as our center in a sustainable way, as awesome as he looked versus St. John’s.

Now, honestly, when things are clicking, we don’t actually need much perimeter shooting from our 4 man. Especially not if he had the defense and interior offense JQ would have. If we could bring him back as our 4 man and he wanted to do that and could do it at his highest level, he really could be DEVASTATING in that role. But that would require us being able to throw that Brinks truck money at a power forward and still be loaded to the gills with money enough to bring in someone who could actually handle that cash-sucking center spot in the way we need in order to be competitive at the highest levels over the course of a whole season. If we can do that I’m all for it.

Well said brother, we do need an Amari & we also need a cutter like Jaxson Robinson.

 

[Titpwhahi2014]

PG - Dedan Thomas
SG - Zoom Diallo
SF - Tyran Stokes
PF - Jayden Quaintance
C - Malachi Moreno

On paper, a similar lineup to the Michigan team that just won the title.

 

[BlueSince92]

Well said brother, we do need an Amari & we also need a cutter like Jaxson Robinson.

Amen!

 

[megablue]

PG - Dedan Thomas
SG - Zoom Diallo
SF - Tyran Stokes
PF - Jayden Quaintance
C - Malachi Moreno

On paper, a similar lineup to the Michigan team that just won the title.

If you want to consider Diallo as a SG with 3-point potential, you need to take a look at his career, so far. It is highly suspect, to say the least.

Zoom Diallo College Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

Zoom Diallo - Stats, Game Logs, Splits, and much more

www.sports-reference.com

 

[gtown965]

I’ll refrain from repeating it again.

Thanks.

 

[rivercatinfl]

First of all, hear me out.

It’s been stated ad nauseam the fact that the center position is very important going into next season. Any bigs that are available are backing up the Brinks truck. Well, that sparks a very interesting situation. NO, I don’t think it will end up happening, BUT could it?? What is it??
As far as I know, JQ hasn’t declared yet. I know, this is the point where people click off, but just think about it for a second. What actually makes sense?

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

Imagine having a healthy JQ, and a much improved Moreno on the same team. Who could counter that? Like I said, centers and big men are at a premium and many teams are gonna be deficient in that category. Surround that with a few like Diallo, Kam Williams, and whatever other good players we can come up with out of the portal and you have the makings of a dominant team.

I know the chances of this happening are low, BUT I think this is an idea I could get behind and forget the shortcomings of this past season. Could you???

Then the strength of our front court would lay the foundation for other elite bigs to come to UK after the exits of JQ and Moreno.

I appreciate the sentiment on this post. I have no idea if JQ is thinking college or pro but if he did want to return it can't just be for more rehab on our dime.
The kid has raw talent and would be helpful to us next year if healthy imo. However, as many of the pro teams are evaluating everything about him, his health is a problem.
I think if we got him back it would be risky. Worth the risk? Look at last year, if he's healthy, we don't lose 14 games. Likely less than 8 or so. But if we count on him and his leg isn't ready, it's a losing proposition.

He's likely going pro anyway but I think the idea of it all depends on if he can play a full season.

 

[clifmcc]

First of all, hear me out.

It’s been stated ad nauseam the fact that the center position is very important going into next season. Any bigs that are available are backing up the Brinks truck. Well, that sparks a very interesting situation. NO, I don’t think it will end up happening, BUT could it?? What is it??
As far as I know, JQ hasn’t declared yet. I know, this is the point where people click off, but just think about it for a second. What actually makes sense?

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

Imagine having a healthy JQ, and a much improved Moreno on the same team. Who could counter that? Like I said, centers and big men are at a premium and many teams are gonna be deficient in that category. Surround that with a few like Diallo, Kam Williams, and whatever other good players we can come up with out of the portal and you have the makings of a dominant team.

I know the chances of this happening are low, BUT I think this is an idea I could get behind and forget the shortcomings of this past season. Could you???

Then the strength of our front court would lay the foundation for other elite bigs to come to UK after the exits of JQ and Moreno

With the way we have crucified him for not playing I think even if he did come back to play in college it won't be for Kentucky. I think his dad will see to that.

 

[kywildcat1021979]

HELL.NO.

He literally sat out the end of the season when he could’ve played. Absolutely no trust for anyone like that.

Well said we have to stop recruiting these QUITERS!

 

[UKCowboys]

Personally, I would say thanks but no thanks to JQ. There are a lot of kids we could get for that kind of money. I am taking Mikka Muurinen over him eight days a week

 

[W1LDCAT22]

First of all, hear me out.

It’s been stated ad nauseam the fact that the center position is very important going into next season. Any bigs that are available are backing up the Brinks truck. Well, that sparks a very interesting situation. NO, I don’t think it will end up happening, BUT could it?? What is it??
As far as I know, JQ hasn’t declared yet. I know, this is the point where people click off, but just think about it for a second. What actually makes sense?

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

Imagine having a healthy JQ, and a much improved Moreno on the same team. Who could counter that? Like I said, centers and big men are at a premium and many teams are gonna be deficient in that category. Surround that with a few like Diallo, Kam Williams, and whatever other good players we can come up with out of the portal and you have the makings of a dominant team.

I know the chances of this happening are low, BUT I think this is an idea I could get behind and forget the shortcomings of this past season. Could you???

Then the strength of our front court would lay the foundation for other elite bigs to come to UK after the exits of JQ and Moreno.

It does make sense for JQ to come back to college for one more year. Whether thats with us or somewhere else is yet to be seen.

 

[Anon1739778738]

No thanks no more quitters

 

[Resignmarkpope]

First of all, hear me out.

It’s been stated ad nauseam the fact that the center position is very important going into next season. Any bigs that are available are backing up the Brinks truck. Well, that sparks a very interesting situation. NO, I don’t think it will end up happening, BUT could it?? What is it??
As far as I know, JQ hasn’t declared yet. I know, this is the point where people click off, but just think about it for a second. What actually makes sense?

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

Imagine having a healthy JQ, and a much improved Moreno on the same team. Who could counter that? Like I said, centers and big men are at a premium and many teams are gonna be deficient in that category. Surround that with a few like Diallo, Kam Williams, and whatever other good players we can come up with out of the portal and you have the makings of a dominant team.

I know the chances of this happening are low, BUT I think this is an idea I could get behind and forget the shortcomings of this past season. Could you???

Then the strength of our front court would lay the foundation for other elite bigs to come to UK after the exits of JQ and Moreno.

JQ, zoom, lsu kid, va tech kid, and stokes. I’d be stoked.

 

[wildcat111]

First of all, hear me out.

It’s been stated ad nauseam the fact that the center position is very important going into next season. Any bigs that are available are backing up the Brinks truck. Well, that sparks a very interesting situation. NO, I don’t think it will end up happening, BUT could it?? What is it??
As far as I know, JQ hasn’t declared yet. I know, this is the point where people click off, but just think about it for a second. What actually makes sense?

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

Imagine having a healthy JQ, and a much improved Moreno on the same team. Who could counter that? Like I said, centers and big men are at a premium and many teams are gonna be deficient in that category. Surround that with a few like Diallo, Kam Williams, and whatever other good players we can come up with out of the portal and you have the makings of a dominant team.

I know the chances of this happening are low, BUT I think this is an idea I could get behind and forget the shortcomings of this past season. Could you???

Then the strength of our front court would lay the foundation for other elite bigs to come to UK after the exits of JQ and Moreno.

How is life in fantasy land? Any chance we could also get Boozer and Acuff to transfer to uk?

 

[peterpiper09]

How is life in fantasy land? Any chance we could also get Boozer and Acuff to transfer to uk?

Any chance you would just ….. well, ain’t getting into it with you, you knob.

 

[JwUKFan11]

I have a hard time taking someone seriously who actually believes this is a possibility. His dad laid into Pope and the usage DURING the season. JQ was clearly healthy and just sat out 90% of the season.

 

[TNCatfanforever]

If JQ wanted to be back, I’d take him. He’s a good kid and has a world of talent. You already have Moreno so you have the cushion.

That said, he long gone

He just needs to work for free this year since he robbed his last year

 

[I’m The Village Idiot]

He just needs to work for free this year since he robbed his last year

Well that ain’t gonna happen.

 

[warrior-cat]

I don't think we should take him back. Since the injury swelled up when he played the couple of games he played, it suggests that there was still a problem there. I don't want an iffy prospect. Fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice shame on Pope.

 

[JASUN74]

If a healthy JQ were to come back:
1) Is he the starter and getting the majority of the minutes at Center ??
2) If the answer to #1 is YES, then does Moreno stay or go ??

I’d take that every time. Hopefully he’s stay cause he’d still make a ton of money and can drive to his Parents in 20 minutes or so. lol. Seems like he loves it here and knows what it means to be a Hero Wildcat when the playing days are over as well. Those guys are royalty as long as they don’t do anything too crazy.

 

[James Arington]

First of all, hear me out.

It’s been stated ad nauseam the fact that the center position is very important going into next season. Any bigs that are available are backing up the Brinks truck. Well, that sparks a very interesting situation. NO, I don’t think it will end up happening, BUT could it?? What is it??
As far as I know, JQ hasn’t declared yet. I know, this is the point where people click off, but just think about it for a second. What actually makes sense?

He’s fallen to the late 20s in the mock drafts, in a draft that’s ultra strong. He could stay here at UK, as long as he’s able to play like normal, make a considerable check, then go into next year’s draft with a completely different picture ahead of him. He might not be guaranteed anything as far as the draft at this point. It could be a career ending mistake. On the other hand, it could take on a much different look a year from now. The kid would only be 19-20 years old.

Imagine having a healthy JQ, and a much improved Moreno on the same team. Who could counter that? Like I said, centers and big men are at a premium and many teams are gonna be deficient in that category. Surround that with a few like Diallo, Kam Williams, and whatever other good players we can come up with out of the portal and you have the makings of a dominant team.

I know the chances of this happening are low, BUT I think this is an idea I could get behind and forget the shortcomings of this past season. Could you???

Then the strength of our front court would lay the foundation for other elite bigs to come to UK after the exits of JQ and Moreno.

I do not this much time to read your input. Sorry.

 

[JASUN74]

Truth is if JQ wanted to come back and could play like he played in the St. John’s game, he’d make a phenomenal backup. A DEVASTATING backup.

But a backup.

Pope has to run advanced, nuanced zoom offense to be really successful at the Final Four level, especially with the scrubbish roster he’s generally trying to build with “analytics.” Jayden doesn’t have Day 1 experience doing that and he doesn’t have the natural passing instincts to be able to pick that up in one season. Moreno has not been horrible in the limited zoom action offense we’ve run through him. But he’s not nearly at the level where we could run zoom offense through him as our staple offense in only his second year , freeing us up to just use JQ situationally or to exploit serious mismatches. We need an Amari. We can make do with someone kind of in that direction, but that’s not JQ. I don’t think he could come in and save us as our center in a sustainable way, as awesome as he looked versus St. John’s.

Now, honestly, when things are clicking, we don’t actually need much perimeter shooting from our 4 man. Especially not if he had the defense and interior offense JQ would have. If we could bring him back as our 4 man and he wanted to do that and could do it at his highest level, he really could be DEVASTATING in that role. But that would require us being able to throw that Brinks truck money at a power forward and still be loaded to the gills with money enough to bring in someone who could actually handle that cash-sucking center spot in the way we need in order to be competitive at the highest levels over the course of a whole season. If we can do that I’m all for it.

How good was Amari man. He was the perfect guy for Popes offense and could’ve been great anywhere I believe. Also he was a Monster.