Blackshear is coming to Kentucky IMO

Hoskins91_rivals

All-Conference
Jun 12, 2011
6,750
1,619
50
I disagree.

He’s a proven stud. He put up big numbers in the ACC against Duke. Against UNC. Against UVA.

Vs Duke in the tourney: 18 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks. That’s with Zion in the floor.

KB will be an All-American next year.
Getting carried away here.
 

Hoskins91_rivals

All-Conference
Jun 12, 2011
6,750
1,619
50
You will get trashed for saying that and I will get trashed for saying this but we STILL have yet to lose a single game platooning. We fixed it but it wasn’t broke.
Well, I’d ask you to actually define what that means, because apparently it’s not agreed upon.

Also, we’re not platooning because we don’t have 10 guys who should all be playing a lot. Certain guys will separate themselves over the course of the season, and others will prove they aren’t up to snuff. That’s what usually happens.
 

Panthur

Heisman
Aug 5, 2008
9,225
12,782
0
Well, I’d ask you to actually define what that means, because apparently it’s not agreed upon.

Also, we’re not platooning because we don’t have 10 guys who should all be playing a lot. Certain guys will separate themselves over the course of the season, and others will prove they aren’t up to snuff. That’s what usually happens.
Define what that means?

It’s not rocket science. In Fall 2014 Cal substituted five at a time with two distinct and fairly well defined squads, all game, every game, up until the December 5 Texas game, and called it platooning. We never lost a single game that way. There are some factors that complicated the circumstances (like Cal backed off platooning for a sketchy reason at first, after struggling part of the first half of that Texas game, and then ditched it permanently for a good reason when Poythress blew out his ACL a week later). But there are no facts that mitigate the weight or clarity of that definition. Anyone who claims the definition of platooning is either murky or not agreed upon is only dabbling in bickering and self-deception. Let them continue to dabble; it’s a personal choice and not my business.

As for whether we’ll have ten guys who “should play a lot” this season if we land Blackshear, I think you look silly prognosticating this far in advance that we won’t. But regardless, the real reason we won’t be platooning this coming season is marketing. Cal weighed in on that years ago. Has nothing at all to do with the question of whether it’s a winning strategy when you do have the pieces, which is all in the world I commented on.
 

THEmad PIRATE

Sophomore
Mar 10, 2007
204
188
0
Florida has a good shot too. I like our chances as well. To play Devil’s advocate, where do his minutes come from? We have Sestina, Nick, and now EJ. Adding him means trying to split minutes four ways. Which I KNOW Cal can do, but I’m trying to see it from Kerry’s POV.
Where does his MINUTES come? If he comes here I would be willing to bet he plays more minutes than the MARK'S brothers (E.J. And NICKY).. THEY must learn basic fundamentals first... Catching the ball would be nice.. He CAN catch... My goodness did you not watch the games he played AGAINST DUKE... IF u did compare those games to our twins... Night and Day...
 

ScrewDuke1

Hall of Famer
Jul 29, 2016
41,589
155,854
113
I hope he joins up, but I just don't see it. We have alot of guys already
We do have a lot of guys but he would be one of the best players on the team. Hes easily better than Nick and as of today is still better than EJ. Don't see how he wouldn't get minutes. Not like we have several stud big men standing in his way.
 
Apr 13, 2002
44,001
97,152
0
We do have a lot of guys but he would be one of the best players on the team. Hes easily better than Nick and as of today is still better than EJ. Don't see how he wouldn't get minutes. Not like we have several stud big men standing in his way.

I agree he would get plenty. But the issue is his comfort level with sharing vs really standing out on a national level.
 

CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
25,426
66,504
113
I just don't think you've really evaluated this. He had similar numbers to PJ Washington. He played in the ACC--against Duke/Zion. Against UNC--with Maye and their bigs. Against a championship team in UVA.

I'll still think he's an All-American if he goes to Florida. He's very very good.
He's an all-american at Kentucky....
 

Cats192

Heisman
Apr 22, 2011
14,924
17,879
93
He's an all-american at Kentucky....

I agree. I think he's an All-American wherever he plays next year. I was just meaning to say that: I'm not saying he's All-American just because I think/hope we get him. I think he's one of the 5 best players in the country next year and he puts us on a completely different level. Some posters are already bracing for life if we don't get him.
 

Son_Of_Saul

Hall of Famer
Dec 7, 2007
45,988
102,330
113
I just don't think you've really evaluated this. He had similar numbers to PJ Washington. He played in the ACC--against Duke/Zion. Against UNC--with Maye and their bigs. Against a championship team in UVA.

I'll still think he's an All-American if he goes to Florida. He's very very good.

Hoskins hasn't agreed with anyone since the summer of 2009, so don't feel bad.
 

Son_Of_Saul

Hall of Famer
Dec 7, 2007
45,988
102,330
113
I don't think he will, if he comes to UK. A lot of what he does will be taken away simply because we will have better surrounding cast.

I don't really care what he did against Duke, which has no interior player last season...

at the end of the day 7.5 rpg isn't some mind boggling rate that we should be shocked about. He doesn't block shot so he can't provide interior presence that we would like to have. He will score less because he won't be our primary go to go considering he shot at 50.8%.

You’re right man. 18 and 16 vs the #1 pick in the draft isn’t anything impressive.

Travis averaged 7.2 rebounds per 28.5 minutes/game.

Blackshear averaged 7.5 rebound per 29.9 minutes/game.


The rebound production per minute is almost identical.

Blackshear would likely lead Kentucky in rebounds next year and he might have led Kentucky in rebounds had he played for the Cats this last season as well.

I agree with @Cats192 ; he'd be a huge pickup.
 

BoulderCat_rivals187983

All-Conference
May 22, 2002
7,871
3,227
0
Simply put....

WHY DO YOU COME BACK TO COLLEGE TO PLAY AT VA TECH, A&M, or FLORIDA.??

None of those three are winning a title...even with him....

But even if...why come back to programs that really won't raise your profile nor have a pedigree of putting guys in the pros???

He's graduated...he's played in the tourney...

What's left to accomplish?
1. Get to the NBA
2. Win a title
3. Play on a big stage

Kentucky checks all of those boxes. He wants a bigger contract and a chance to win it all...you don't do that at a non power program...might as well get paid to play in the G League.

And if he comes...he starts over Nick...nothing to be afraid of...

Come on down Kerry. Get him in a room with Cal...I like our chances.
I’ve been away a few days. So Richards and EJ are coming back and Blackshear has also pulled out of the draft? I’m thrilled we got 2 back. Getting Blackshear seems like almost too much to hope for.
 

CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
25,426
66,504
113
I’ve been away a few days. So Richards and EJ are coming back and Blackshear has also pulled out of the draft? I’m thrilled we got 2 back. Getting Blackshear seems like almost too much to hope for.
If you come back to college....you come back for something big...

Florida, A&M, Va Tech....might as well play G-League for free because it's the same.

Kentucky gets ratings similar to NBA games....it gets the best basketball attendance probably in the world...pro or college. Calipari knows what pro scouts look for and they're in their practices.

The only school that met with him after he said he was grad transferring....was Kentucky. You didn't hear anything else from anyone. You hear...hometown hero...follow the coach...etcetc
 
Jul 26, 2003
21,180
11,162
0
Simply put....

WHY DO YOU COME BACK TO COLLEGE TO PLAY AT VA TECH, A&M, or FLORIDA.??

None of those three are winning a title...even with him....

But even if...why come back to programs that really won't raise your profile nor have a pedigree of putting guys in the pros???

He's graduated...he's played in the tourney...

What's left to accomplish?
1. Get to the NBA
2. Win a title
3. Play on a big stage

Kentucky checks all of those boxes. He wants a bigger contract and a chance to win it all...you don't do that at a non power program...might as well get paid to play in the G League.

And if he comes...he starts over Nick...nothing to be afraid of...

Come on down Kerry. Get him in a room with Cal...I like our chances.

He is very intent on being a good pro player. He has one year to up his game some. Practicing daily with and against the amount of top players we have would be crucial in that development. Most schools don't have that amount of top players to do that every day. And with only one year to go, every day is crucial in his preparation for the draft. He will learn more here of what it takes to be successful at next level than anywhere else.

All of that and why not have a ball doing it in the greatest atmosphere for college basketball there is? Why not getting that one good shot of winning a championship? Where else could come close to giving him that kind of preparation and those kind of memories for the rest of his life?
 

Wall2Boogie

Heisman
Jan 28, 2010
26,239
21,732
0
Travis was all of 6’8. This kid is 6’10. He’s an absolute stud. He will start no doubt about it. The question will be who will step up nick or ej? Hell brooks may steal their minutes we don’t know. I also think it would be wise for Allen to redshirt. We have a ton of talent, and while he’s very good it will be tough getting him minutes as well. Blackshear is that one piece we need to hang number 9. We have depth, shooters, experience, we need that one big who will put us over the top.
 

Son_Of_Saul

Hall of Famer
Dec 7, 2007
45,988
102,330
113
If we add Blackshead, I'd expect something close to this output offensively:

Maxey - 13ppg, 2apg
Whitney - 12ppg, 4 rpg
Blackshear - 11ppg, 7rpg
Montgomery - 9ppg, 7rpg
Hagans - 9ppg, 4apg
Quickley - 7ppg, 2apg
Brooks - 6ppg, 3rpg
Richards - 5ppg, 5rpg
Sestina - 4ppg, 4rpg
Juzang - 4ppg, 1rpg
Allen - redshirt

Lots of depth. Nine or ten guys who could start at most programs across the country.
 

Poetax

Heisman
Apr 4, 2002
29,410
20,887
0
I think the better question is: where did nick and ej get their minutes if blackshear comes here? Dude will start just like Travis.




But just like this past year, injuries big or small happen, and this is huge if the depth is not there.
 

TFCat11

Heisman
Mar 25, 2019
6,444
12,038
108
My minutes per game break down with Blackshear:

G Hagans(28)/Quickley(12)
G Maxey(24)/Juzang(8)/Quickley(8)
F Whitney(21)/Brooks(15)/Juzang(4)
F Montgomery(22)/Sestina(14)/Brooks(4)
F Blackshear(24)/Richards(16)

Hagans- 28
Maxey- 24
Blackshear- 24
Montgomery- 22
Whitney- 21
Quickley- 20
Brooks- 19
Richards- 16
Sestina- 14
Juzang- 12
I absolutely love this breakdown... however, would Cal essentially go over a loyal, Junior Richards head, and recruit Blackshear in? Conventional fan wisdom says yes. Calipari wisdom says no.
 

Wall2Boogie

Heisman
Jan 28, 2010
26,239
21,732
0
I absolutely love this breakdown... however, would Cal essentially go over a loyal, Junior Richards head, and recruit Blackshear in? Conventional fan wisdom says yes. Calipari wisdom says no.
Even though ej is the better spot at the four, I could see cal starting both blackshear and Richards. As for the conventional wisdom, what would make this year any different than others? He did it last yr to a loyal Richards coming back for his sophomore year. He did it to Marcus lee, poythress, quade, and so on. Cal is always looking to get the best of the best even if that means the better of the best to play over the best. It’s a dog eat dog world.
 

Wildcats1st

Heisman
Sep 16, 2017
18,949
28,911
0
We can have the roster we have all day long but it’s missing exactly what blackshear brings. For all the returners we lack experience and the man frame blackshear possesses.
 

TFCat11

Heisman
Mar 25, 2019
6,444
12,038
108
Even though ej is the better spot at the four, I could see cal starting both blackshear and Richards. As for the conventional wisdom, what would make this year any different than others? He did it last yr to a loyal Richards coming back for his sophomore year. He did it to Marcus lee, poythress, quade, and so on. Cal is always looking to get the best of the best even if that means the better of the best to play over the best. It’s a dog eat dog world.
Very nice rebuttal. I hope this comes to fruition!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wall2Boogie

JoeBeeHall

All-American
Nov 17, 2013
7,559
6,429
113
I called Joe Namath and Nostradumbass but neither one answered.
But I know that with out a doubt, Mr Blackshear might come join the bbn family.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kl40504_rivals

bucsrule8872

Heisman
May 30, 2005
24,397
29,352
0
If we add Blackshead, I'd expect something close to this output offensively:

Maxey - 13ppg, 2apg
Whitney - 12ppg, 4 rpg
Blackshear - 11ppg, 7rpg
Montgomery - 9ppg, 7rpg
Hagans - 9ppg, 4apg
Quickley - 7ppg, 2apg
Brooks - 6ppg, 3rpg
Richards - 5ppg, 5rpg
Sestina - 4ppg, 4rpg
Juzang - 4ppg, 1rpg
Allen - redshirt

Lots of depth. Nine or ten guys who could start at most programs across the country.

I think that's pretty close, though I don't expect as much from Montgomery, especially in the scoring column. That's almost triple his scoring production from last year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Panthur

Runt#1969

All-American
Dec 13, 2010
21,633
9,649
113
Well, I am like anyone else, I really dont know if he will be coming to UK or not, but I do feel like :

1) Cal will manage everything just fine for the team concept if he DOES come. He's a proven coach at that. With the added depth and versatility this particular players' abilities add to this group already, it would appear to be a totally dominant bunch. He could be the one key to push UK just that extra bit over the top, with the way it all looks to start with.

2) Blackshear can't go wrong in coming to UK because it does give him the bully pulpit to make a case for himself moving forward. UK is the perfect choice for him in my opinion.

3) Even without him, the team is fine as is. So there should be no angst whatsoever about if he does come here or not. We're just simply better off all the way for everyone involved if he does, as I see it.

Travis last year made the right decision for him and it made us that much better. Same thing for Blackshear, only even moreso, is how I feel about it. I hope the young man does come on down and be a part of something special in these glory years of BBN. He will be greatly appreciated and given due props for steppin up the team if he does, and the fans of BBN grateful as they should be.

Really good vibes all around for the upcoming season at the present moment. No reason for them not to be

go big blue!
 
  • Like
Reactions: ralphdaltonfan

gracetoyou

Heisman
Apr 19, 2009
20,630
30,120
113
UK has zero depth at the 5. All we have is Nick. EJ & Sestina are more stretch 4's. We need Blackshear big time. He'll start from day 1.

All Florida has to sell is PT. Hopefully he is smart & knows the PT is his at UK if he comes.

Come to UK &:

-play for a coach who will push you to maximize your craft & knows how to make players better if they'll buy in

-play for a coach who has great NBA connections & connections in other pro basketball avenues

-greatly benefit from very competitive practices, which Florida cannot offer for a 5 guy

-Maximum exposure

-pro days

-top 2 national title favorite (UK, Michigan St.)


At Florida:

-play at home

-Help Florida be better than usual

...that's it

**No brainer!! Hopefully, kid & family will consider reality & not drink Mike White's bullcrap kool-aid.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Panthur

kl40504_rivals

Heisman
Oct 5, 2018
15,258
11,184
0
I just don't think you've really evaluated this. He had similar numbers to PJ Washington. He played in the ACC--against Duke/Zion. Against UNC--with Maye and their bigs. Against a championship team in UVA.

I'll still think he's an All-American if he goes to Florida. He's very very good.
At UK he will practice against several good big men and will improve his game more than at Florida. Players get better in practice more than in games.
 

RalphDaltonFan

Heisman
Apr 3, 2002
60,373
41,902
113
My advice when talking of Grad Transfers is focus on playing time #1 and everything else second. These are guys who usually are not going to be good enough to make the NBA as they'd have gone if they were and are looking for most minutes/exposure to get somewhere in Pro Ball (Overseas usually).

UK did a fantastic job with Reid Travis. They held him to a standard of changing things about his body and game and if they had more time, he'd have developed into a weapon from outside. The difference this year--UK got a grad Transfer in Sestina who can face up/take bigs outside and unclog the lane for guards/wings to slash/drive or to throw it to a big to get 1 on 1. He shoots it well enough they can't leave him.

Travis was a rare case-had degree from best school in the Country, wanted to play at home for the Final Four--saw an opportunity at UK and did the most with it. He wasn't nor is he an NBA player. He's a tweener and lacks athleticism. If he had those traits, he'd never have been available. Blackshear is taller and has produced in a better conference then Reid, but he's going to want minutes as his #1 interest. It's not what we think is best for a player, it's what they think, and only way to find out which side was correct is to see how things play out.

I'm in minority here as I see UF being a very good team with/without him as well next year. Think they'll be challenging UK and LSU for SEC title--although LSU could have a slip up with so many close wins last year and losing Waters who was their matchup nightmare for opponents.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ggary and Panthur

Justwar

All-American
Jan 19, 2002
30,183
5,831
113
I'm not sure Blackshear helps as much as we like because it'll either cause us to go a bit too big and less able to guard the 3. Again I'm the minority
 

Son_Of_Saul

Hall of Famer
Dec 7, 2007
45,988
102,330
113
I'm not sure Blackshear helps as much as we like because it'll either cause us to go a bit too big and less able to guard the 3. Again I'm the minority

Cal isn't going to play EJ, KB, or Nick at the 3, so no worries there.

Whitney, Juzang, and Brooks will primarily defend the 3 this season.
 

Justwar

All-American
Jan 19, 2002
30,183
5,831
113
The 3pt shot, if montgomery is your pf I don't want him guarding that far. Nor do I want the pick and roll to get exposed.
 

Son_Of_Saul

Hall of Famer
Dec 7, 2007
45,988
102,330
113
The 3pt shot, if montgomery is your pf I don't want him guarding that far. Nor do I want the pick and roll to get exposed.

So because of that potential threat, you'd rather UK not have Blackshear?

What would keep Cal from playing a lineup that features KB at the 5 with guys like Whitney, Brooks, Juzang at the 3/4?

I'd rather have the dominant post player and worry about how to align lineups later.
 

Son_Of_Saul

Hall of Famer
Dec 7, 2007
45,988
102,330
113
Post #23 drew my reaction. You are right, most not trashing. But most seem more excited about who could be a Cat, rather than who will be.

He asked you a direct question and you evaded it, per usual.

You enjoy the vague "I know something you don't know" V for Vendetta angle, when in reality I'd place money on you getting almost all of your Gator-centered info online.
 
KSR

Latest

  1. 01 KSR Football The Kentucky Film is Flashier than the Stats
  2. 02 KSR Women's Basketball Clara Strack's Player of the Year campaign is off to a strong start
  3. 03 KSR Football Kentucky Not Dancing Around Significance of Tennessee Rivalry
  4. 04 KSR Football Numbers All Delusional Tennessee Fans Need to See
  5. 05 KSR Women's Basketball PREVIEW: No. 14 Kentucky WBB hosts NKU for second straight in-state battle