Brooks?

Catfan2226

All-American
Apr 13, 2012
5,241
6,625
0
I don’t mind them both back but I’d like their roles to be switched. Toppin starting and KB off the bench or basically for Toppin to play starter minutes.

I wouldnt blame Toppin if he does stay in the draft cuz for Cal not to play him in the second half vs St Dicks is inexcusable. Hope he does come back and Cal increases his role cuz I think Toppin could wreak some havoc next season. Kid plays hard as ****…can’t remember too many times where I was upset with his performance.
Yeah I'd like to get Toppin back but if Brooks decides to come back which I think he wont,then it has to be a lesser role type bench player.Frankly,It wouldnt hurt my feelings if he stayed in the draft or decided to transfer elsewhere.Sorry but that's just how I feel.
 

bbnkat02

Heisman
Nov 14, 2017
47,700
71,064
113
Brooks would be the first senior since the Unforgettables to go into his senior season without a NCAA tournament victory under his belt.

That can’t be right can it?

….damn. Guess it is.

Tourney canceled
Missed last year.
Lost this year.


Ugh. Awful.
 

Wildcats1st

Heisman
Sep 16, 2017
18,949
28,911
0
If Brooks returns, then it would be highly unlikely Toppin would. Could lose Collins too. Brooks needs to move on but he's found he's 100% delusional about the NBA. Friend said most are stunned he starts at UK.
Brooks needs a change of scenery. Him and wheeler need to hit the bricks as far as I’m concerned. Also why would anyone pay him for NIL? Too many giddy fans happy with Oscar decision today a lot of “bring back wheeler and brooks” voices. Those guys are chemistry killers. Move them on.
 

Cbbcrazy2

All-Conference
Feb 18, 2007
19,374
2,666
113
I don’t mind them both back but I’d like their roles to be switched. Toppin starting and KB off the bench or basically for Toppin to play starter minutes.

I wouldnt blame Toppin if he does stay in the draft cuz for Cal not to play him in the second half vs St Dicks is inexcusable. Hope he does come back and Cal increases his role cuz I think Toppin could wreak some havoc next season. Kid plays hard as ****…can’t remember too many times where I was upset with his performance.
The problem is Cal will not let Brooks fail, even it means losing games. Toppin sat too many minutes when Brooks was doing nothing good but still played. Toppin is by far the best of the two.
 

Tim Higgins

All-Conference
Jul 28, 2010
1,386
1,322
113
Toppin is key to return. I can’t say the same for Brooks. Toppin is like his brother. Late bloomer and getting exponentially better. He will be an awesome player for us I think whereas Brooks is a role player
 

Wunky

Heisman
Jan 16, 2021
4,442
18,528
78
Why do people hate Brooks so much? He averaged 10/5 in 23min/game. Those are solid stats for a complementary player. The same goes for Wheeler who's one of the best passers in the nation, the latter just needs to curb the turnovers.

The answer to your first question, for the umpteenth time, is that Cal doesn’t see or treat him like a complimentary player. He treats him like a star. And so Keion believes he is, instead of accepting a role that will actually lead to team success.

As far as Wheeler, he needs a reliable three-point shot. Period. Yes the turnovers are a problem, but to act like they are the only problem is ridiculous. No true competitor in college BB has a freaking starting PG who can’t hit threes.
 

Catsfan29

All-Conference
Feb 20, 2016
1,048
1,095
113
The answer to your first question, for the umpteenth time, is that Cal doesn’t see or treat him like a complimentary player. He treats him like a star. And so Keion believes he is, instead of accepting a role that will actually lead to team success.

As far as Wheeler, he needs a reliable three-point shot. Period. Yes the turnovers are a problem, but to act like they are the only problem is ridiculous. No true competitor in college BB has a freaking starting PG who can’t hit threes.
I agree he needs to improve his shot but shooting isn't the main concern of a PG, it's playmaking and ball handling. He already is a top-tier passer but needs to work on reducing his turnovers.

I don't agree about KB, I don't see Cal treating him as a star, not at all. Unless you think that by starting that means Cal is treating him like a star and if that's the logic people are using I guess I can wrap my head around it. Toppin would be a better starter but I don't see anything wrong with KB as again he's a solid complimentary piece. To grab almost 5 rbs/game or close to 8 per 40 with the monster we had in the paint is really good. If anything he needs to be smarter with regards to shot selection as there have been times where he shoots a bit too much.
 
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Wunky

Heisman
Jan 16, 2021
4,442
18,528
78
I agree he needs to improve his shot but shooting isn't the main concern of a PG, it's playmaking and ball handling. He already is a top-tier passer but needs to work on reducing his turnovers.

I don't agree about KB, I don't see Cal treating him as a star, not at all. Unless you think that by starting that means Cal is treating him like a star and if that's the logic people are using I guess I can wrap my head around it. Toppin would be a better starter but I don't see anything wrong with KB as again he's a solid complimentary piece. To grab almost 5 rbs/game or close to 8 per 40 with the monster we had in the paint is really good. If anything he needs to be smarter with regards to shot selection as there have been times where he shoots a bit too much.

I don’t really care who starts. Barely giving Toppin any second half clock against St. Pete after he had a better first half than anybody not named Oscar, and instead sticking with Brooks, is an example of what I’m talking about. Cal is loyal to Brooks for whatever reason.

To your point about Wheeler, yes a PG’s job is to set up other guys. But it’s a lot easier to do that when the opposition can’t sag off you.
 

Catsfan29

All-Conference
Feb 20, 2016
1,048
1,095
113
I don’t really care who starts. Barely giving Toppin any second half clock against St. Pete after he had a better first half than anybody not named Oscar, and instead sticking with Brooks, is an example of what I’m talking about. Cal is loyal to Brooks for whatever reason.

To your point about Wheeler, yes a PG’s job is to set up other guys. But it’s a lot easier to do that when the opposition can’t sag off you.
All fair points
 

UKWildcats1987

Heisman
Sep 9, 2021
20,333
36,080
113
Which is twice what he should have gotten. His defense is particular was atrocious all season.

By contrast, Toppin put up similar per-minute offensive numbers but was a superior defender and athlete.

Guess we will see if toppin stays how good he really is. Brooks gets trashed but we lose ku without him and probably another game or two.
 

sa_hunt

All-Conference
Sep 2, 2009
3,042
2,822
0
Why do people hate Brooks so much? He averaged 10/5 in 23min/game. Those are solid stats for a complementary player. The same goes for Wheeler who's one of the best passers in the nation, the latter just needs to curb the turnovers. Seems shortsighted not to want an All-SEC player back.
Dude, Brooks was not a "complementary player" he was a focal point and he's flipping terrible. He has no basketball IQ, takes terrible shots, backs down to physical play, can't dribble but thinks he can, can't pass, he's a black hole and he's a kneel to the flag guy. PLEASE MAKE HIM GO.
 
Apr 1, 2022
85
166
0
I don’t want Brooks to miss out on his dreams. This is a chance for him to end generational poverty. Keion, if you’re reading this, shoot for the stars buddy. Look forward to watching you ball out in the NBA.
 

kuhlkat

All-Conference
Nov 17, 2003
3,093
3,716
98
I really hope Keion leaves for the sake of team chemistry. If Cal would treat him as a complimentary player I wouldn't mind him. But we all know Cal will play him over Toppin at the detriment of the team. Probably cost us the St. Peter game when Cal left Toppin on the bench.
 
Jul 28, 2006
11,296
16,072
113
I’m stunned he starts for UK so that’s no surprise to me. I do wish he would move on, we keep Toppin and Collins. Best for all, I think.
Agreed. Brooks is much more of a liability than an asset, IMO, Most fellow BBN fans I know and talk to are just incredulous that someone with his lack of fundamentals plays, let alone starts, at Kentucky. I'm hoping he leaves and Toppin stays. Jacob gives 100% every time he's on the floor, and has TREMENDOUS upside. Brooks is what he is, and hasn't really shown much improvement in his time here.
 
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Son_Of_Saul

Hall of Famer
Dec 7, 2007
45,872
101,850
113
I say bring back all the veterans we can. We've been asking for this very scenario for years: multiple decent veterans returning.

Bring Keion off the bench next year. He's make a decent 6th or 7th man. He just doesn't need to start of play during the critical portions of the game until he proves he can produce.

If "Kansas game version" of Keion shows up, we're in good shape at the 4/5 spots.
 

DudahUK

Heisman
Jul 23, 2020
8,444
12,946
113
Agreed. Brooks is much more of a liability than an asset, IMO, Most fellow BBN fans I know and talk to are just incredulous that someone with his lack of fundamentals plays, let alone starts, at Kentucky. I'm hoping he leaves and Toppin stays. Jacob gives 100% every time he's on the floor, and has TREMENDOUS upside. Brooks is what he is, and hasn't really shown much improvement in his time here.
I’m hoping since Jacob’s brother got some bread, that will allow him to stay. He doesn’t have to leave cause his family NEEDS it. If he works on his jumper, which isn’t bad, dude would be a first round lock, imo.
 

Son_Of_Saul

Hall of Famer
Dec 7, 2007
45,872
101,850
113
I want neither, rather get a big body who bangs the boards and plays defense out of the portal. The 4 spot has been a glaring weakness for 2 years, why does anyone think it will improve with the same guys.
We'll also have Livingston. Plus, Toppin and Brooks have improved, just not to the degree we all had hoped. If a 3rd year Toppin and 4th year Brooks (plus a 1st year Livingston) are your trio at the 4 spot, I'd call that a win.
 

ArtLaibsGhost_rivals

All-American
Dec 6, 2020
4,710
8,736
0
We'll also have Livingston. Plus, Toppin and Brooks have improved, just not to the degree we all had hoped. If a 3rd year Toppin and 4th year Brooks (plus a 1st year Livingston) are your trio at the 4 spot, I'd call that a win.
If you keep doing what you been doing, you get what you been getting.
 

sk73

All-Conference
Feb 16, 2013
3,224
3,291
113
Please--NO!!

no more capeless matador afraid to play against a physical foe and determined to shy from contact and move stiff legged as foes drive by as if a fire hydrant is defending.

PLEASE--NO more 18 foot bricks, no more spins into the lane with fade away air balls and passes to the 3rd row or foes.

just GO--away from UK

rr
I would love for him to come back. I don't care if he knows who Rupp is or not.
 

26MichaelUK

All-American
Feb 14, 2013
36,689
5,377
93
I say bring back all the veterans we can. We've been asking for this very scenario for years: multiple decent veterans returning.

Bring Keion off the bench next year. He's make a decent 6th or 7th man. He just doesn't need to start of play during the critical portions of the game until he proves he can produce.

If "Kansas game version" of Keion shows up, we're in good shape at the 4/5 spots.
This, this, and this. I can't believe so many fans are not wanting him back. We NEED and have begged for experience for years.

Plus there has been a large group riding him over any and everything the whole season. Some of it sounds like literal hate. I remember being furious at him during the Arkansas game. He made so many crucial mistakes and I noticed him not going after the ball and I get that criticism. At worst he'll be like last year. At best he could really improve and have a really good senior year. I get not having faith in that but we should be welcoming a veteran coming back.

I also truly feel sorry for the **** I've seen thrown at him on social media non-stop. I don't think any of us has been through that or wanna do it. I don't get bashing our players like this either. Y'all grown *** men and women though and have the right to say whatever you want.
 

RalphDaltonFan

Heisman
Apr 3, 2002
60,296
41,793
113
Brooks had ample time. He was a nice role player who assumed the jersey would make him into what other guys talent/work got them and where they are now. He was given all the opportunities and minutes. I don't want experience for sake of having an older team. I want talented players no matter the age.

Big time programs talent is the equalizer to experience. The problem has been Cal getting too many Keion Brooks mid guys who think they are in the category they aren't and program players who also have experience like Toppin and is a better all around player/NBA prospect too sit behind and watch as Brooks does what he's done since HS. Keion Brooks as a bench guy? I'm all for it. You think he would be? Hell no. That means it's best for all parties to part company and try something else. Didn't even get into Daimion Collins who will be a Soph and has shown flashes of doing special things. So you have 2 experienced guys who would return or roll dice that you bring one back--lose 2 and then have to find a Portal guy.
 
Jul 9, 2004
93,075
38,060
0
My issue with Keion is he's an inconsistent effort guy who offers up inconsistent stats because of it. On top of that he's a terrible 3-pt shooter. He's the same exact player now as he was when he first stepped foot on campus. Now, I do appreciate that he gave us 3 years and could come back for the 4th. We want guys who stay, but we also want them to show improvement over their time here. To see a guy give inconsistent effort still after 3 years I just feel UK can find someone better. JMO.
 

The_Catfather

All-American
May 21, 2002
14,076
5,332
92
I think Brooks has gotten a lot of undeserved grief from the fanbase. He's a good player. And I understand the need for continuity and experience. But I can't really picture him getting that much better. If the mid-range jumper is falling it's a huge plus, but he doesn't give you much else as far as physicality, rebounding and interior D. I think we need a bigger presence to go alongside Oscar. Someone who can bang and rebound on a consistent basis.

Toppin's gotten quite a bit bigger since he got on campus. If he puts on another 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason he could be a beast at the 4 next year. I really home we add another bruiser off the bench though. I like Ware and he's fine spelling Oscar for a few minutes a game but another PF who can rebound and match up against physical forwards is a need. Collins has tons of potential but unless he gets on HGH this summer he's still going to be overwhelmed. The frontcourt is coming together nicely and we don't need a big-name guy, just someone willing to come off the bench and be a physical presence.
 
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Jan 10, 2015
19,304
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I say bring back all the veterans we can. We've been asking for this very scenario for years: multiple decent veterans returning.

Bring Keion off the bench next year. He's make a decent 6th or 7th man. He just doesn't need to start of play during the critical portions of the game until he proves he can produce.

If "Kansas game version" of Keion shows up, we're in good shape at the 4/5 spots.
I would agree with you but here’s the deal if Keion comes back he’s isn’t coming off the bench and he’s going to get more minutes than what’s deserved.
 
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