Big Nick

stoneycat_20

All-Conference
Nov 28, 2003
24,212
4,344
0
Nick will backup EJ....Frontline will be Brooks, Nate, and EJ

..maybe 5-7 games in..start the season i think
Hagans
Quickley
Brooks
EJ
Nick
Mid-season
Hagans
Maxey
Brooks
Nate
EJ
 
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TheAnonymous13

All-Conference
Feb 23, 2011
3,314
3,391
0
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.

I agree.
And I think both will surprise.
Neither will be world beaters, but certainly “good enough”.
There is a tenancy to trash kids who leave prematurely- who aren’t ready.
Let’s support the guys who come back and want to develop.
Any before anyone asks the rhetorical, “where were they gonna go?” - both could have opted to make money playing ball.
 
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wldctky_rivals70430

All-Conference
Jan 20, 2002
7,844
1,082
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Some bad habits won't die while a kid is with us at UK. Remember Poythress getting blocked a few times each game, even when he was in his fourth year at UK?

I can live with the bobbled pass three times a game if Nick just rebounds the hell out of the ball. I fear our fans are expecting someone to step up and play like PJ with their back to the rim, but this team won't have that.

The good news for us is that neither Villanova title team, nor last year's UVA title team, had that either.
LOL Poythress wasn't 6'11" not even close.... there is nobody in that blue/white game that should have been able to block his jump hook...it happened twice, Sestina got 1
 

ScrooDook92

All-Conference
Jun 26, 2019
1,772
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How does development in the off-season work for these kids? Do they pretty much to have to hire coaches or trainers? Or is it just a matter of playing pickup games around campus?
 

AW0L

Redshirt
Oct 21, 2019
31
24
8
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.


I agree! We will need to see how he plays against some besides his teammates, but it does appear that he has improved.
 

Son_Of_Saul

Heisman
Dec 7, 2007
45,128
97,975
113
LOL Poythress wasn't 6'11" not even close.... there is nobody in that blue/white game that should have been able to block his jump hook...it happened twice, Sestina got 1

My point in mentioning Poythress was that we've had to watch through player inadequacies at UK in the past, inadequacies that sometimes were not refined and improved upon until after those players went to the NBA. I could use other examples form other players if needed.

No one is making the case that Nick is suddenly going to turn into a top of the line big man prospect. My contention is that he's shown enough improvement to give UK something like 7 to 8 points/game and around 7 rebounds a game.

Nothing you've mentioned hasn't already been noted - and accepted - by the UK community as a whole. We all get it. Nick is an unfinished product and may remain so while he's at UK. But he seems to be a better rebounder and offensively, we'll see if he's made further strides.

Time will tell.
 
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Bluedog1

Senior
Jan 4, 2012
756
777
93
I am so hard on Nick. I have to change my attitude. He is mostly out of position , gets lost on the court underneath more than anyone I have ever seen at this level. Picks up out of position fouls and gets out rebounded by smaller players regularly. I know hes a great kid and hes so long and has not been playing bball that long. It really makes me nervous that we will be depending on him. I see alot of front court foul trouble in our future and possibly some rebounding issues. Our guards are good enough to win with though... so heres hoping ole Nick comes along! I am pulling for him and changing my negative attitude this year on Nick
 

UK90

Heisman
Dec 30, 2007
31,460
27,814
0
I know hes a great kid and hes so long and has not been playing bball that long.

I must say, this excuse is growing pretty damn old.

I believe Nick moved to the US when he was15 for the sole purpose of playing basketball, and from that point forward he played year round against the top HS competition there is, not only during the season and on the AAU circuit, but also in events like the Jordan Brand Classic, the McDonald's All American game, the Nike Hoop Summit, etc. And, now on top of that, he's got 3 years at UK in a top flight college program playing against the best college competition, and he turns 22 years old next month.

I'm sorry, but that's a TON of basketball he's played over the last 6 or 7 years. How much longer can that "not playing that long" excuse be milked?
 

JamesLee

Senior
Aug 4, 2009
905
975
93
Richards has a the physical tools to be a dominant college player. It's between the ears I worry about. Cal has said Richards' game depends on his confidence. If he gets down, might as well bench him.

 

Susan2361

All-Conference
Apr 22, 2015
1,747
3,247
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I love UK and I want the best for all the guys. But if a third year player has basically the same problems as when he arrived at UK,then in my opinion, he either can't change or won't change. What I mean is he may improve a little but the basic problems are still
I must say, this excuse is growing pretty damn old.

I believe Nick moved to the US when he was15 for the sole purpose of playing basketball, and from that point forward he played year round against the top HS competition there is, not only during the season and on the AAU circuit, but also in events like the Jordan Brand Classic, the McDonald's All American game, the Nike Hoop Summit, etc. And, now on top of that, he's got 3 years at UK in a top flight college program playing against the best college competition, and he turns 22 years old next month.

I'm sorry, but that's a TON of basketball he's played over the last 6 or 7 years. How much longer can that "not playing that long" excuse be milked?
I totally agree with what you said. I couldn't have said it better myself!!
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
I must say, this excuse is growing pretty damn old.

I believe Nick moved to the US when he was15 for the sole purpose of playing basketball, and from that point forward he played year round against the top HS competition there is, not only during the season and on the AAU circuit, but also in events like the Jordan Brand Classic, the McDonald's All American game, the Nike Hoop Summit, etc. And, now on top of that, he's got 3 years at UK in a top flight college program playing against the best college competition, and he turns 22 years old next month.

I'm sorry, but that's a TON of basketball he's played over the last 6 or 7 years. How much longer can that "not playing that long" excuse be milked?

Yeah, he should just be kicked off the team and thrown out of college. Washed up at 21.

Just so you know, not that you are capable, the AAU circuit is likely the single worst place on the planet to learn basketball. He is surely not the first fundamentally incompetent player to come out of that morass. Basically Nick has had 2 years of competent coaching, those being the last 2. As far as being a lost cause after the second year, Jorts has an issue with that. Sometimes big men mature a bit slower.

I swear some of you wouldn’t know a three or four year player if they bit you in the ***. This is how some develop. You are not washed up if not a lottery pick after the first year.
 
May 27, 2007
31,887
24,978
113
Yeah, he should just be kicked off the team and thrown out of college. Washed up at 21.

Just so you know, not that you are capable, the AAU circuit is likely the single worst place on the planet to learn basketball. He is surely not the first fundamentally incompetent player to come out of that morass. Basically Nick has had 2 years of competent coaching, those being the last 2. As far as being a lost cause after the second year, Jorts has an issue with that. Sometimes big men mature a bit slower.

I swear some of you wouldn’t know a three or four year player if they bit you in the ***. This is how some develop. You are not washed up if not a lottery pick after the first year.

There's no doubt that Nick could improve but lets be honest here.......there's a TON of 3 and 4 year players that DO NOT improve as well.
 

UK90

Heisman
Dec 30, 2007
31,460
27,814
0
Yeah, he should just be kicked off the team and thrown out of college. Washed up at 21.

Just so you know, not that you are capable, the AAU circuit is likely the single worst place on the planet to learn basketball. He is surely not the first fundamentally incompetent player to come out of that morass. Basically Nick has had 2 years of competent coaching, those being the last 2. As far as being a lost cause after the second year, Jorts has an issue with that. Sometimes big men mature a bit slower.

I swear some of you wouldn’t know a three or four year player if they bit you in the ***. This is how some develop. You are not washed up if not a lottery pick after the first year.

Boy, does this dimwitted post ever miss the point. Look, buddy, NOBODY here said he "should be kicked off the team", "thrown out", is a "lost cause" or any of the other strawman jibberish you just made up. Instead, we still want Nick to stay, still have high hopes for him, still very much want him to succeed.

The only point is that posters here should stop using that "has not played basketball for long" excuse that has long been said on this board about Nick. Because it's just not true anymore.

There's a point when that excuse no longer applies for every late starter, and that includes Nick. Again, he's actually now played an enormous amount of ball over the last 6 or 7 years, and against the best competition in the entire country. He was deemed good enough in HS to make the World Select Team, be a McDAA, and be chosen all the most prestigious all star games, and now he's also got three years in Calipari's UK program.

He's no longer some newbie to the game that just recently picked up a ball for the first time. It's time some here stop pretending he is.
 
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bcox13

Senior
Apr 23, 2009
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Yeah, he should just be kicked off the team and thrown out of college. Washed up at 21.

Just so you know, not that you are capable, the AAU circuit is likely the single worst place on the planet to learn basketball. He is surely not the first fundamentally incompetent player to come out of that morass. Basically Nick has had 2 years of competent coaching, those being the last 2. As far as being a lost cause after the second year, Jorts has an issue with that. Sometimes big men mature a bit slower.

I swear some of you wouldn’t know a three or four year player if they bit you in the ***. This is how some develop. You are not washed up if not a lottery pick after the first year.
Put the gun down, he was simply saying that the excuse of “he hasn’t been playing long” is stale. And he’s correct.
 
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KYFOSSIL

Heisman
Jan 13, 2005
7,722
10,280
62
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.
Free throws were a much bigger factor!
 

TrueBluePhil

All-Conference
Nov 27, 2010
971
1,767
93
Put the gun down, he was simply saying that the excuse of “he hasn’t been playing long” is stale. And he’s correct.

Here is the main difference when it comes to time playing. Nick R. has been only paying two years at KY or about 10 minutes a game. That's a whole lot of difference then playing 30-35 minutes a game like most kids get. Nick only has one year total playing time at best when playing at KY.

Let wait about 10-15 games before we **** on a kid that plays for us. These are kids after all.
 
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bcox13

Senior
Apr 23, 2009
4,488
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Here is the main difference when it comes to time playing. Nick R. has been only paying two years at KT and about 10 minutes a game. That's a whole lot of difference then playing 30-35 minutes a game. Nick only has one year paying time at best when playing at KY.

Let wait about 10-15 games before we **** on a kid that plays for us. These are kids after all.
I didn’t “**** on him” and I’m not exactly positive what you said other than that.
 
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TrueBluePhil

All-Conference
Nov 27, 2010
971
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I didn’t “**** on him” and I’m not exactly positive what you said other than that.

I wasn't pointing you out specifically but just a general statement to everyone that is Bashing the kid. He hasn't played that much is my point. So a lot on here is comparing apples to oranges when evaluating him against others. Nothing personally and nothing else
 
May 27, 2007
31,887
24,978
113
I don't think anyone is bashing Nick.

I think that some just have a differing opinion on whether or not he's going to be effective or not.

At the end of the day we are all UK fans and all want to see Nick do well. Some are just more pessimistic than others about whether or not that will happen.
 
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TrueBluePhil

All-Conference
Nov 27, 2010
971
1,767
93
You quoted me, seems fairly specific.

But, it takes a big man (or woman) to apologize, so I accept.

Whatever what makes you feel better. I am old and not here to argue or use up energy that I don't have. Have a good night
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
Put the gun down, he was simply saying that the excuse of “he hasn’t been playing long” is stale. And he’s correct.

No he’s not. Nick has very little time under competent coaching. Maybe you’ll get your wish and he’ll fail so you can brag.
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
Boy, does this dimwitted post ever miss the point. Look, buddy, NOBODY here said he "should be kicked off the team", "thrown out", is a "lost cause" or any of the other strawman jibberish you just made up. Instead, we still want Nick to stay, still have high hopes for him, still very much want him to succeed.

The only point is that posters here should stop using that "has not played basketball for long" excuse that has long been said on this board about Nick. Because it's just not true anymore.

There's a point when that excuse no longer applies for every late starter, and that includes Nick. Again, he's actually now played an enormous amount of ball over the last 6 or 7 years, and against the best competition in the entire country. He was deemed good enough in HS to make the World Select Team, be a McDAA, and be chosen all the most prestigious all star games, and now he's also got three years in Calipari's UK program.

He's no longer some newbie to the game that just recently picked up a ball for the first time. It's time some here stop pretending he is.

Sure it’s true. People said the same crap about Jorts and he came through big time. He’s had very little coaching save the last two years. No defense is played in AAU. That entire system is pathetic in terms of teaching well rounded basketball. About all the are good for is making undefended dunk tapes.

you can write the kid off. I suppose that’s just how you are. Fail fast and quit.
 
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Cat in ga

All-Conference
Nov 2, 2017
2,898
2,806
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Let’s see what he can do against Michigan State. If he can rebound and not foul out mission accomplished. If he can get 10/10 points and rebounds I’d be happy. The tools are there just got to deliver.
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
There's no doubt that Nick could improve but lets be honest here.......there's a TON of 3 and 4 year players that DO NOT improve as well.
There's no doubt that Nick could improve but lets be honest here.......there's a TON of 3 and 4 year players that DO NOT improve as well.

and there is a ton that do. Say hello to Travis and Sestina. Richards has not faced a defense except the last 2 years. His coaching was incompetent till he got to Cal. There is every reason to think he can improve.
 
May 27, 2007
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and there is a ton that do. Say hello to Travis and Sestina. Richards has not faced a defense except the last 2 years. His coaching was incompetent till he got to Cal. There is every reason to think he can improve.

Of course. And I hope that's the case. But I certainly wouldn't go into a season banking on it. Same goes with EJ to a lesser extent. I think to assume a light would go on like PJ Washington did last season, I think would be a big mistake.

It's more likely these guys are what they are. Not necessarily saying they are a "finished product" by any stretch of the imagination. It's just that I don't see all of a sudden the light going on. Which IMO is fine btw. If Nick rebounds and plays good defense, I think he still brings something to the table.
 

bcox13

Senior
Apr 23, 2009
4,488
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No he’s not. Nick has very little time under competent coaching. Maybe you’ll get your wish and he’ll fail so you can brag.
So wouldn’t the same be true for all other HS players? I’m not following why Nick is the only HS player to have incompetent coaches.

Does that mean the other top recruits perfected their craft with top notch middle school coaches before they got to the ****** aau/Hs ones?

Regardless, I want him to succeed. I have no clue how you conclude that I root for him to fail from anything I’ve said in this thread.
 
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kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
So wouldn’t the same be true for all other HS players? I’m not following why Nick is the only HS player to have incompetent coaches.

Does that mean the other top recruits perfected their craft with top notch middle school coaches before they got to the ****** aau/Hs ones?

Regardless, I want him to succeed. I have no clue how you conclude that I root for him to fail from anything I’ve said in this thread.

It is for many high school players. We have had our share of guys struggle out of the game. Devon Booker himself said the speed of the game in college was far above anything he experience. AAU ball is HORRIBLE for teaching basketball. I have little doubt that the US guys learned a few more fundamentals than Richards before his arrival.

You root for him to fail because his success makes you look like a fool. The guy has 2 years legit basketball under his belt. Some pick it up quicker than others. Or have you completely forgotten how some players contribute most and some only in their senior year? Richards is the 3 - 4 year player many have pleaded for.
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
Of course. And I hope that's the case. But I certainly wouldn't go into a season banking on it. Same goes with EJ to a lesser extent. I think to assume a light would go on like PJ Washington did last season, I think would be a big mistake.

It's more likely these guys are what they are. Not necessarily saying they are a "finished product" by any stretch of the imagination. It's just that I don't see all of a sudden the light going on. Which IMO is fine btw. If Nick rebounds and plays good defense, I think he still brings something to the table.

You are going into this season banking on it. We're in Nick and EJ's back to a large extent. You better pray like hell one of the at least gets it. Cal will get them the minutes they need to succeed. I, for one, will enjoy the wailing of fans that don't get why that is essential for March.
 

STL_Cat

Heisman
Dec 4, 2011
64,878
57,614
98
For what it’s worth I’d rather look like a fool and Nick be an All-American and Kentucky go 37-3 than be right and Nick never become anything more than a serviceable back up. If Nick makes me “look like a fool” then we all win as fans. I’d rather be wrong
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
Why would any Kentucky fan want Nick to fail? That doesn’t compute.

Cause they bashed him so much it makes them look stupid if he succeeds. People love saying, "I said this from the beginning". The "I told you so" will be sickening on this board. We have some that just wallow in failure. They have nothing to say without it.
 

STL_Cat

Heisman
Dec 4, 2011
64,878
57,614
98
Cause they bashed him so much it makes them look stupid if he succeeds. People love saying, "I said this from the beginning". The "I told you so" will be sickening on this board. We have some that just wallow in failure. They have nothing to say without it.

Well I don’t know about those guys but I’m just a Kentucky fan who wants the best for all our guys. That being said I post my observations on their play realistically and without bias. If a guy ends up being a whole hell of a lot better than I thought he could be then that’s a-okay with me.
 
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bcox13

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Apr 23, 2009
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You root for him to fail because his success makes you look like a fool. The guy has 2 years legit basketball under his belt. Some pick it up quicker than others.

How many years of legit basketball has EJ played?
 
May 27, 2007
31,887
24,978
113
Well I don’t know about those guys but I’m just a Kentucky fan who wants the best for all our guys. That being said I post my observations on their play realistically and without bias. If a guy ends up being a whole hell of a lot better than I thought he could be then that’s a-okay with me.

Exactly.

I mean I think everyone in this thread is wanting Nick to perform well.

It's just a matter of opinion. Some think he will, others like myself do not. But yea, I would certainly not mind one bit to be proven wrong.
 
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