Big Nick

[nookam]

That one half hook from 5 ft away and he threw it off the backboard like he was playing dodgeball makes you shake your head. Really bad hands.
I’m hoping he will improve and play tough. If he can rebound and protect the paint without fouling out and make a few put backs we will be ok.
EJ has to be the one who really needs to toughen up as well. I’m glad Cal brought in the 6’9 250lb kid to begin practicing with our bigs. I bet Cal has told him to body them and play rough as hell.

 

[DelkBowl]

Looked like Shaq

 

[Rembrandt90]

Not every player can be OAD. Sometimes I get confused by comments here. People are tired of Cal recruiting OAD. Then, when a particular player fails to play like an NBA prospect in his first season here, fans are down on him as if he has permanent limitations and will never contribute. Not saying every fan. But it has happened. If someone says it didn't, they aren't being truthful. I can read English. Marcus Teague in early 2011-12. Cauley Stein in 2012-13. Michael Mulder and Charles Matthews in 2015-16. PJ Washington in 2017-18. I think EJ Montgomery will turn out to be a great example of a player who's playing time was limited as a freshman because he played behind an all-SEC player. Montgomery has been blasted here for everything from hussle and attitude to skills. But I think he will be fine.

Nick Richards still has a pretty good chance to have a big season. I agree with those who say Richards has bobbled the ball too much in the post. To a certain extent, that can be corrected with concentration and better upper body strength. I don't expect Richards to suddenly become Anthony Davis. But I think it is realistic to expect Richards to score in low double figures and grab 8-9 rebounds a game with a couple of blocked shots, if he can stay on the floor. The primary problem with Richards is fouls. If Richards can't get through the first half of a competitive game without picking up 2-3 fouls, then he won't be on the floor enough to contribute in the important games. That's where the biggest improvement must come.

 

[STL_Cat]

Not every player can be OAD. Sometimes I get confused by comments here. People are tired of Cal recruiting OAD. Then, when a particular player fails to play like an NBA prospect in his first season here, fans are down on him as if he has permanent limitations and will never contribute. Not saying every fan. But it has happened. If someone says it didn't, they aren't being truthful. I can read English. Marcus Teague in early 2011-12. Cauley Stein in 2012-13. Michael Mulder and Charles Matthews in 2015-16. PJ Washington in 2017-18. I think EJ Montgomery will turn out to be a great example of a player who's playing time was limited as a freshman because he played behind an all-SEC player.

Nick Richards still has a pretty good chance to have a big season. I agree with those who say Richards has bobbled the ball too much in the To a certain extent, that can be corrected with concentration and better upper body strength. I don't expect Richards to suddenly become Anthony Davis. But I think it is realistic to expect Richard's to score in low double figures grab 8-9 reboundsa game with a couple of blocked shots. The primary problem with Richards is fouls. If Richards can't get through the first half of a competitive game without picking up 2-3 fouls, then he won't be on the floor enough to contribute in the important games. That's where the biggest improvement must come.

The people that talk out of both sides of their heads are the ones that say they don’t want one and dones, but then they want kids to transfer after they don’t live up to the hype after a year or two.

No one is saying that here. I think at this point it’s all about tempering expectations. Can Nick ever have a “big season” here? I’m not sure he’ll ever be that guy. At this point, I’ll take serviceable.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Anyone know if Nick wears contacts?

If so maybe his prescription needs evaluating. There has to be a reason for his bobbles.

At a minimum he needs to carry a basketball with him everywhere he goes 24/7

 

[FinancialPlannerZac]

The thing that scares me (and I'm a big Nick fan) is when he switches every single ball screen on defense. So he's taking on a point guard, leaving our guard to try to stifle a big, causing two mismatches at once in the pick and roll. I'm not sure if the coaching staff is telling him to do that, or if he's still not reading it right on defense. I wish that he would give a slight hedge and then just stay with his man. Any thoughts on this?

 

[BBUK_anon]

I’m just going to come across as being overly critical now but what the hell. I’m not doubling down on criticism but I will be realistic. We are loaded at the guard and wing positions. Our weakest area is where? You guess it, Nick’s position. That’s why we need him to be better than he’s been. Throwing out this generic “he’s going up against other 5 star players” is meaningless when you understand that at his position, no he was really not. We are a good team but not loaded at that position. Who was he going up against again?

I guess stopping guards and wings is left up to someone else if they're driving? Just a thought.

 

[warrior-cat]

Weak in the paint? Nick Richard's had 20 points and 11 rebounds. He ran the court, passed the ball, and gave 100 percent effort. Based on his performance last night, he had an outstanding game.

He looked good in the first half but seemed to fade in the second. Tired perhaps.

 

[warrior-cat]

For me with Nick it seems to be a self motivation problem. In spurts he looks pretty good when he wants to be.

 

[CatfanMike47]

Another thing to think about too. Cal really puts him on a short leash which affects his confidence and starts to push and picks up bad fouls! If he’d be allowed to play threw his mistakes he’ll get to where he’s more relaxed and the game will be easier for him!

 

[STL_Cat]

I guess stopping guards and wings is left up to someone else if they're driving? Just a thought.

um, no.

But that has nothing to do with the conversation I was having about the numbers he put up last night. What I was saying (and you were replying to) was let’s not get caught up in his 20 and 11. And those numbers have nothing to do with him having the ability to stop guards and wings if and when they drive.

 

[Whatsup]

Can some of you climb down off Nick and EJ’s *** for a minute? It was a scrimmage they both played around 40 minutes. I thought he looked better. Never going to be great. We don’t need great to win a NC. We just need them to be serviceable. Just chill long season. Can’t believe the way some of you love trashing these kids.

 

[ScrooDook92]

Nobody wants Richards to fail. We’re all Kentucky fans here.

Yes, he has an elite basketball body. He looks great getting off the bus. He looks great in a combine. But if you don’t see that he’s extremely weak with the ball, you’re watching a different guy than the rest of us. He bobbles almost every pass that’s thrown at him with any type of velocity, and he is constantly getting stripped of the basketball. It’s mind-boggling really, because his hands are enormous. They sure don’t look weak. But for some reason, when the ball is in his hands, they are.

Last laugh? As if ANYONE here doesn’t want him to be great?

I don't think his hands are actually weak. His hands would break any of ours. I think his problem is that the game moves too fast for him. He has a slow motor. I think he struggles to keep up, to the point that he's working on Task B, and thinking about Task C, before he's finished Task A. Hence the fumbling, and kangaroo'ing on every pump fake.

 

[kyjeff1]

I went back and watched the game again using my DVR to key just on Nick. He had one turnover. He did not bobble any passes. I believe that he hit 4 of 5 free throws. I'm amazed that so many of you are critical of his game last night.

If you didn't see him bobble any passes, then you missed portions of the game both times you watched it.

Yup, he hit some free throws, you know, like he did his freshman year, but he missed out on some points because he bobbled the ball

He also had the ball simply taken away from him by guards because his hands are weak and he keeps bringing the ball down.

I'm not sure why you didn't see the many times he bobbled the ball, but it did happen several times.

Keep in mind, just because we say he bobbled the ball, doesn't mean he completely lost it, it means he temporarily lost control of it, which cost him valuable time and the defense was able to recover and take the easy dunk away.

 

[BBUK_anon]

um, no.

But that has nothing to do with the conversation I was having about the numbers he put up last night. What I was saying (and you were replying to) was let’s not get caught up in his 20 and 11. And those numbers have nothing to do with him having the ability to stop guards and wings if and when they drive.

I never watched last night. I am traveling.

 

[HagginHall1999]

All I want him to do is play solid defense, block some shot and rebound.

If he gets a rebound and is by the goal go up.

If the offense runs through Nick, that isn't Nick's problem. Point being, he shouldn't bobble many passes in the post because he shouldn't get many.

 

[UK-Chulo]

Well hell yeah, if Nick averages 8 and 8 for us this year I’ll consider it a win.

If he does that and stops giving up points in the paint by being out of position on defense we are the favorite to win it all. That is a big ask though.

 

[kyjeff1]

Not every player can be OAD. Sometimes I get confused by comments here. People are tired of Cal recruiting OAD. Then, when a particular player fails to play like an NBA prospect in his first season here, fans are down on him as if he has permanent limitations and will never contribute. Not saying every fan. But it has happened. If someone says it didn't, they aren't being truthful. I can read English. Marcus Teague in early 2011-12. Cauley Stein in 2012-13. Michael Mulder and Charles Matthews in 2015-16. PJ Washington in 2017-18. I think EJ Montgomery will turn out to be a great example of a player who's playing time was limited as a freshman because he played behind an all-SEC player. Montgomery has been blasted here for everything from hussle and attitude to skills. But I think he will be fine.

Nick Richards still has a pretty good chance to have a big season. I agree with those who say Richards has bobbled the ball too much in the post. To a certain extent, that can be corrected with concentration and better upper body strength. I don't expect Richards to suddenly become Anthony Davis. But I think it is realistic to expect Richards to score in low double figures and grab 8-9 rebounds a game with a couple of blocked shots, if he can stay on the floor. The primary problem with Richards is fouls. If Richards can't get through the first half of a competitive game without picking up 2-3 fouls, then he won't be on the floor enough to contribute in the important games. That's where the biggest improvement must come.

Why are you bringing up one and done stuff? Nick is a junior. There's a huge difference between being upset that players like Hami, Vanderbilt, Teague and James Young left after one year and expecting a 3rd year player with elite measurables to be able to efficiently man his position.

Hell yeah we want guys to stay more than one year, but NR is a junior and I have a feeling he is the same player we saw his freshman season. That's what this discussion is, it has nothing to do with the one and done debate.

We all want Nick to be a dominate force and grab a first round draft pick in 2020, but it's not going to get any easier than it was for him last night once this team steps on the court against legit D1 competition.

We are very thin in the front court, we need Nick to get the job done, but I have some serious concerns about that. Some guys just don't have the chops for this.

 

[The Independent]

Nobody wants Richards to fail. We’re all Kentucky fans here.

Yes, he has an elite basketball body. He looks great getting off the bus. He looks great in a combine. But if you don’t see that he’s extremely weak with the ball, you’re watching a different guy than the rest of us. He bobbles almost every pass that’s thrown at him with any type of velocity, and he is constantly getting stripped of the basketball. It’s mind-boggling really, because his hands are enormous. They sure don’t look weak. But for some reason, when the ball is in his hands, they are.

Last laugh? As if ANYONE here doesn’t want him to be great?

I saw your comment. To be fair and open minded, I rewatched the replay of the Blue White Game. Richards had 20 points and 11 rebounds. His defensive footwork is miles ahead of where it was a year ago. He looks much better. He is not a perfect player. No player is. But he certainly isn't a weak player on the basis of this game. He is greatly improved. I doubt anything Nick does will change your preconceived notion. You are very active here with your criticisms. Have you ever played high school or college basketball?

 

[STL_Cat]

I saw your comment. To be fair and open minded, I rewatched the replay of the Blue White Game. Richards had 20 points and 11 rebounds. His defensive footwork is miles ahead of where it was a year ago. He looks much better. He is not a perfect player. No player is. But he certainly isn't a weak player on the basis of this game. He is greatly improved. I doubt anything Nick does will change your preconceived notion. You are very active here with your criticisms. Have you ever played high school or college basketball?

I think you’re wrong. I have no preconceived notions. I have conceived notions based on what I see on the floor. We can disagree. I’ve no idea what you saw last night to think he’s miles ahead at anything from where he was. Nick looked great in the Bahamas last summer. Remember that? Then the season happened. We played real teams and his deficiencies showed themselves. It boggles my mind that some of you guys think there is some kind of agenda against Nick like we don’t all want the same thing. I don’t know him. He didn’t steal my girlfriend in high school or give me a wedgie in gym class. We’re all Kentucky fans and we want all our players to be great.

 

[kybassfan]

Weak in the paint? Nick Richard's had 20 points and 11 rebounds. He ran the court, passed the ball, and gave 100 percent effort. Based on his performance last night, he had an outstanding game.

Technical foul!!! You are not allowed to infringe on a KY fans right to trash their own players. Furthermore use of facts is downright rude.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I dont mean to put this all on him.. but Richards (or lack of frontcourt recruiting) could wind up being a big reason why kentucky missed a Final 4 over these last 3 seasons.

He has a full season to improve.. but this concerns me.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I mean just think of the last two seasons and what could have been had we had just a serviceable 5.. a guy who can catch in the paint and put it in.. literally nothing else.. dont even need him to be a great defender.

 

[Hutchkycat]

Kybassfan, I don't post on here alot. However, I'm stunned at the negativity toward our big man. I too have been disappointed with his contributions to the team so far. However, at the media days last week, Cal, Ashton, and EJ all three said that Nick is the most improved player on the team. So, I watched the blue White game with particular attention toward Nick. When I posted on this thread what I had observed, it was like I had committed the unpardonable sin.

 

[Mike-D]

I went back and watched the game again using my DVR to key just on Nick. He had one turnover. He did not bobble any passes. I believe that he hit 4 of 5 free throws. I'm amazed that so many of you are critical of his game last night.

Nick looked like the same Nick to me. Keep watching that blue and white game though. Dribbled the ball off of his foot, kept bringing the ball down and getting stripped. He looked good early, but by the end, he was about the same player to me.

 

[CatFanInIlliniLand_rivals116236]

We are going to need him to be a consistent defender & rebounder if we’re going to go anywhere in March.

 

[BourbonBalz]

He always starts the seasons out confident. He look ridiculously good in the Bahamas last year, but to me, now he still looks like the same player unfortunately. EJ looked pretty good IMO.

You must have watched a totally different scrimmage than I did. Nick looked MUCH better than EJ and frankly it wasn’t close.

 

[CatfanMike47]

I’ve watched once in person and twice! Nick has improved! He did fumble the ball few times! He doesn’t have to be an All American to get us where we want to go! Rebound and block shots and we’re good!

 

[wardlow]

I mean just think of the last two seasons and what could have been had we had just a serviceable 5.. a guy who can catch in the paint and put it in.. literally nothing else.. dont even need him to be a great defender.

You really trying to blame last year on Nick? Wow man.

The year before we had a “bad” team by the standards set by Cal. One of the worst of his tenure here.

We will see what happens this year, but whatever happens it won’t be on Nick’s shoulders alone.

 

[oldsports_]

I have high Hope's for Nick, after the scrimmage. 12/9 or bust

 

[LineSkiCat14]

You really trying to blame last year on Nick? Wow man.

The year before we had a “bad” team by the standards set by Cal. One of the worst of his tenure here.

We will see what happens this year, but whatever happens it won’t be on Nick’s shoulders alone.

Its more so a lack of front court, in general. But yes.. this is a lot of what Nick just wasnt capable of doing. Not a great defender, bad hands, poor offense, lost at times. If you want to be an elite team you need to have all facets of the game representing. Kentucky hasnt had much of a front court for 3 years in a row now.

If Nick played to his ranking.. its very likely that Kentucky is looking at a Final4, possibly two of them.

 

[ScrooDook92]

Anyone know if Nick wears contacts?

If so maybe his prescription needs evaluating. There has to be a reason for his bobbles.

At a minimum he needs to carry a basketball with him everywhere he goes 24/7

Not picking on you, but I gave one reason why he's bobbling the ball.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

At this point I just feel like he is what he is.

I hope to see a massive improvement but I wouldn't go into the season expecting it or banking on it.

He just needs to do what he does well.......rebound the ball, play solid defense. Anything he gives us on the other end of the floor is a bonus IMO

 

[kl40504_rivals]

Only watching the highlights probably didn’t show you bobbling passes. He looked like the exact same guy to me.

And you look like the same negative poster as always.

 

[ScrooDook92]

Nick looked like the same Nick to me. Keep watching that blue and white game though. Dribbled the ball off of his foot, kept bringing the ball down and getting stripped. He looked good early, but by the end, he was about the same player to me.

So, if Cal is telling Nick to keep the ball up, and he continues to NOT do that, is it then a learning disability or not being coachable? I mean, at some point, as a coach, do you just move on from the kid? Anything I've ever done, it has never taken me more than three times (most of the time just once) to learn not to do something I'm told to not do. And to accomplish that, it takes effort to establish a pattern where I'm not doing something I shouldn't be doing. I've never played any real level of basketball, but if a coach told me to not dribble the ball or to pass with both hands, I would have no problem doing as asked.

I want the best for Nick, is Cal hampered here due to lack of options?

 

[Mike-D]

So, if Cal is telling Nick to keep the ball up, and he continues to NOT do that, is it then a learning disability or not being coachable? I mean, at some point, as a coach, do you just move on from the kid? Anything I've ever done, it has never taken me more than three times (most of the time just once) to learn not to do something I'm told to not do. And to accomplish that, it takes effort to establish a pattern where I'm not doing something I shouldn't be doing. I've never played any real level of basketball, but if a coach told me to not dribble the ball or to pass with both hands, I would have no problem doing as asked.

He’s a Junior now, and I haven’t seen many signs of improvement. If I were Cal, I’d tell him anytime he brings the ball down, he’s coming out of the game.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

So, if Cal is telling Nick to keep the ball up, and he continues to NOT do that, is it then a learning disability or not being coachable? I mean, at some point, as a coach, do you just move on from the kid? Anything I've ever done, it has never taken me more than three times (most of the time just once) to learn not to do something I'm told to not do. And to accomplish that, it takes effort to establish a pattern where I'm not doing something I shouldn't be doing. I've never played any real level of basketball, but if a coach told me to not dribble the ball or to pass with both hands, I would have no problem doing as asked.

I want the best for Nick, is Cal hampered here due to lack of options?

Last night during the UK football game, the announcers talking about the UGA QB and how he flips the ball in his hand a couple of times before he throws the ball. The coaches obviously told him to stop doing that but he won't listen.

Point being, sometimes when you are used to doing something all the time, it's hard to break old habits.

I think it's different than your example. I think it's harder for players that have had success doing things their way to change. I think it's much easier when you've done something and haven't had success to listen to others and be willing to change.

 

[STL_Cat]

And you look like the same negative poster as always.

Call me what you want, I’m not offended. I cheer my *** off for the Cats and just call stuff like I see it. When a dude looks great, I say so. Maxey and Quickley I think are phenomenal. I can’t wait to see our backcourt operate this year.

 

[ScrooDook92]

He’s a Junior now, and I haven’t seen many signs of improvement. If I were Cal, I’d tell him anytime he brings the ball down, he’s coming out of the game.

I'll never pretend to know anything about coaching a game, let alone running practices. Is this normally how Cal handles things like this? I know he has a short hook concerning fouls and turnovers.....wait, maybe I just answered my question. So, is the lack of options that maybe have hurt Nick's development? As in, certain teachable moments are missed because there's no one else to bring in?

 

[ScrooDook92]

Call me what you want, I’m not offended. I cheer my *** off for the Cats and just call stuff like I see it. When a dude looks great, I say so. Maxey and Quickley I think are phenomenal. I can’t wait to see our backcourt operate this year.

I always enjoy reading your posts. It's the ones who play the "you are a troll" and "you are the worst", who disturb me. They'd rather play board-cop than have a civil conversation.

Back to Nick.