Carey announcing Thursday

[gracetoyou]

Officiating the reason Cal would not change defenses all night? Officials the reason we had 3 straight shot clocks? Officials the reason that KAT didn’t touch the ball in all three of those violations? To blame the officials is just lame.

Uhhh...what about the players moron! You people give coaches way too much credit & way too much blame.

ON TOWNS. Guess you didn't know Cal told team to go into Towns every possession. A couple of times he was just defended really well but the 3rd time Aaron Harrison did not pass it into Karl from wing when he had position & Cal threw his hands in the air in disbelief.

ON DEFENSE. Exactly what defense was Cal supposed to play Mr. Brainbuster? We were great defensively all year & played great defense down the stretch...but Wisconsin just made a great play! A step back 3 on an athletic 7 footer.

The other plays actually were officiating:
-shot clock put back after time expired

-2 free throws after being could by Aaron H when replayed clearly showed excellent non-fouling defense

-any coach under the sun would've chosen to run clock down dome & go into Karl....we just didn't

Again, stop giving so much credit & blame to coaching.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Agree they need to sigh someone else. Especially if Jones is gone. They have Baker as well though.

All these guys are living off Zion and RJ though. I watched White splash a wide-open corner 3 last night. Not sure how good those reserves really are, but they'll grow.

I think Duke needs more than just another recruit, I'm thinking 2 or 3. That's the problem with 1AD recruiting: you have to fill a lot of needs.

Carey/Moore/Ellis is FAR off from RJ/Zion/Cam.. not even including Jones.

 

[gracetoyou]

He's keeping us from national championships and thats what I care about.. Proven fact that Cal needs top 5 players to win a title... and we're losing them all and Duke is prime culprit #1

Hmmm? Could've swore Cal made a final 4 & a title game with only one top 10 high school player on either of those teams at UMASS & Memphis: Derrick Rose was only one. Camby was barely top 25 out of High school

It's not about just getting the players...you have to have some luck in Tourney, which is why we only have 8 in 75 years & Coach K only 5 in 40.

 

[BlueBlood66_rivals34314]

All these guys are living off Zion and RJ though. I watched White splash a wide-open corner 3 last night. Not sure how good those reserves really are, but they'll grow.

I think Duke needs more than just another recruit, I'm thinking 2 or 3. That's the problem with 1AD recruiting: you have to fill a lot of needs.

Carey/Moore/Ellis is FAR off from RJ/Zion/Cam.. not even including Jones.

I’m not sure there’s a reasonable combination of recruits in this class that could match that of Reddish, Barrett, Zion and even Jones. Like that was never a real possible outcome.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

Hmmm? Could've swore Cal made a final 4 & a title game with only one top 10 high school player on either of those teams at UMASS & Memphis: Derrick Rose was only one. Camby was barely top 25 out of High school

It's not about just getting the players...you have to have some luck in Tourney, which is why we only have 8 in 75 years & Coach K only 5 in 40.

Cal's program here is based on elite of the elite players. its based on one on one play where you can just break down your man and score at will. until he changes .... we need the elite of the elite to have a chance at the title.

 

[KyFaninNC]

Uhhh...what about the players moron! You people give coaches way too much credit & way too much blame.

ON TOWNS. Guess you didn't know Cal told team to go into Towns every possession. A couple of times he was just defended really well but the 3rd time Aaron Harrison did not pass it into Karl from wing when he had position & Cal threw his hands in the air in disbelief.

ON DEFENSE. Exactly what defense was Cal supposed to play Mr. Brainbuster? We were great defensively all year & played great defense down the stretch...but Wisconsin just made a great play! A step back 3 on an athletic 7 footer.

The other plays actually were officiating:
-shot clock put back after time expired

-2 free throws after being could by Aaron H when replayed clearly showed excellent non-fouling defense

-any coach under the sun would've chosen to run clock down dome & go into Karl....we just didn't

Again, stop giving so much credit & blame to coaching.

The defense 2-1-2 zone, with our length we could have played it and it would have stopped those mis matches Wisky was getting.

The rest, you are correct about the players, but Cal has a bench, and he didn’t use it. Of players are not doing what you want, then bench them. Cal coddled the twins for two years.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I’m not sure there’s a reasonable combination of recruits in this class that could match that of Reddish, Barrett, Zion and even Jones. Like that was never a real possible outcome.

But you'd think that's the case based on some UK fans. They think Carey will cause Duke to not miss a beat.

A team who, for what it's worth, lost to Gonzaga, struggled with Hartford, and isn't shooting the ball too well. Some of our fans are worried about a Duke team that has certainly fallen back to earth a bit, and hasn't won anything yet.

 

[ZaytovenCat]

That was not a OAD team in 2015 & had nowhere near the talent of Duke's last 3 teams.

If Cal had Duke's roster last 3 seasons & failed to make a final 4 you'd be ready to behead him. Duke NOT making final 4 last 3 seasons with the elite talent they had was a complete failure. Coach K has coached 40 seasons...he's not winning a championship every year.

Is this a joke? Dukes 3 best players were all OAD. Just how many OAD’s are needed for you to consider them a OAD team?

 

[BlueBlood66_rivals34314]

But you'd think that's the case based on some UK fans. They think Carey will cause Duke to not miss a beat.

A team who, for what it's worth, lost to Gonzaga, struggled with Hartford, and isn't shooting the ball too well. Some of our fans are worried about a Duke team that has certainly fallen back to earth a bit, and hasn't won anything yet.

Eh they got punched in the mouth by Gonzaga, a top team, and rallied back to lose by 2. They “struggled” with Hartford specifically because of shooting and then won by 30. I’m still really confident in this team more so than any teams since the title. Their defense alone is a reason to be optimistic this year vs other years.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

But it doesn't correspond to anything. We were a shot away from the Final Four in 17 and I think we're one of a handful of teams with a chance this year. If you mean that the Skal team wasn't very good and last year's team lost a game they shouldn't have in the tournament, sure.

But this game is too macro to use individual seasons as indicators of anything, and it's just as dumb to use a three year sample as it is to arbitrarily cut off the rankings at top 5. It's like when Louisville fans used to argue that they had as many titles as we did since 1980. It's cherrypicked nonsense.

You keep saying UK was a "shot away" in '17, but then you mock Duke's lack of a Final Four since '15 when they were also a shot away last year. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. So Duke and K are failures when they lose to Kansas in OT in the Elite Eight, but Cal almost got to a Final Four with Fox and company. Almost only counts when it's Kentucky?

Cal's best seasons at UK and Memphis were led by elite freshmen. Could he expand his success by winning without elite freshmen? Sure, but that's yet to be seen at UK. You can conflate my argument into confining me to some full commitment to the gospel of top fives as the only answer, but that's not necessarily what I'm arguing. Getting as many elite guys is the answer. Top 5 guys only matter in the sense that it's a pretty solid predictor of where guys project. Yes, Cal does best with elite freshmen. Obviously, some elite freshmen fall out of the RSCI top 5, as you've exhibited the last few months. This was true with Fox and Monk. If you land a few of them, you have a better shot of actual success if some of them go the way of Skal. That said, Skal is the exception to the ranking system. Most of those elite projected guys make a huge splash during their first year.

The point is that UK's system has worked best with those elite guys leading the way under Cal. Can UK win without top-of-the-line elites leading the way? Maybe. That's always possible and I'm not claiming it isn't. But what we've already seen is the impact of Wall, Towns, Randle, Rose, Davis, MKG, etc. Cal does well with those guys. We also just witnessed what happens when non-elites run into elites (Zion and friends). The message seems pretty consistent. That's why I'm a huge advocate of landing as many of them as possible - as opposed to depending on retaining guys like Green and Richards (or freshmen that were mostly not on Cal's priority list) - and why I don't think it's an illegitimate outlook for fans who keep merging Cal's one-the-court success with his ability to land elite lottery-level players.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Eh they got punched in the mouth by Gonzaga, a top team, and rallied back to lose by 2. They “struggled” with Hartford specifically because of shooting and then won by 30. I’m still really confident in this team more so than any teams since the title. Their defense alone is a reason to be optimistic this year vs other years.

I think much of that defense stems from offense. They are faster than most years sure, but they aren't some great defense fundamentally. Zion, in paticular, is a big aggressor on defense. That works when Duke is getting the calls, but he also got called for it last night.

Duke is still a top 3 favorite. Maybe THE favorite.. but that's a far cry from 40-0 and being able to hang with NBA teams. They have weaknesses that are being discovered.

 

[BlueBlood66_rivals34314]

I think much of that defense stems from offense. They are faster than most years sure, but they aren't some great defense fundamentally. Zion, in paticular, is a big aggressor on defense. That works when Duke is getting the calls, but he also got called for it last night.

Duke is still a top 3 favorite. Maybe THE favorite.. but that's a far cry from 40-0 and being able to hang with NBA teams. They have weaknesses that are being discovered.

Sure, though I think when they’re locked in and really trying on defense they are a great defensive team. Which past teams couldn’t say.

I’ll take being the favorite. Every team has weaknesses. I think Duke has a better chance of exploiting the opponents weaknesses than the opponents do theirs.

 

[DonkeyDwayne]

It blows my mind with ALL the success Cal has had with his position. Just dumb if he doesn't pick UK. No sane reason but it's his life...

Not like Izzo's style is an exciting offense. Also, last time I checked, Duke hasn't made a Final 4 the past 3 years either with all the freshmen talent they've had. Can easily point out coaching flaws in those teams too.

Do you really want to put a coaching battle between Cal and K up for debate. Even the most die hard fan knows the differences.

 

[DonkeyDwayne]

Izzo has never gotten elite talent and doesn't try to present himself as NBA University like Kentucky/Cal does. K doesn't have anything to prove to anyone he's universally lauded as the greatest college basketball coach of all time whether you agree with that or not. My point more is less is that if we plan on continuing the selling focus being NBA U we better start to play a style that looks anything like NBA basketball

Personally the greatest coach is coaching women’s basketball. Geno

 

[BBUK_anon]

Do you really want to put a coaching battle between Cal and K up for debate. Even the most die hard fan knows the differences.

Uh, I have pretty much left you alone, I'd appreciate the same. Thanks in advance...

 

[GonzoCat90]

You keep saying UK was a "shot away" in '17, but then you mock Duke's lack of a Final Four since '15 when they were also a shot away last year. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. So Duke and K are failures when they lose to Kansas in OT in the Elite Eight, but Cal almost got to a Final Four with Fox and company. Almost only counts when it's Kentucky?

Cal's best seasons at UK and Memphis were led by elite freshmen. Could he expand his success by winning without elite freshmen? Sure, but that's yet to be seen at UK. You can conflate my argument into confining me to some full commitment to the gospel of top fives as the only answer, but that's not necessarily what I'm arguing. Getting as many elite guys is the answer. Top 5 guys only matter in the sense that it's a pretty solid predictor of where guys project. Yes, Cal does best with elite freshmen. Obviously, some elite freshmen fall out of the RSCI top 5, as you've exhibited the last few months. This was true with Fox and Monk. If you land a few of them, you have a better shot of actual success if some of them go the way of Skal. That said, Skal is the exception to the ranking system. Most of those elite projected guys make a huge splash during their first year.

The point is that UK's system has worked best with those elite guys leading the way under Cal. Can UK win without top-of-the-line elites leading the way? Maybe. That's always possible and I'm not claiming it isn't. But what we've already seen is the impact of Wall, Towns, Randle, Rose, Davis, MKG, etc. Cal does well with those guys. We also just witnessed what happens when non-elites run into elites (Zion and friends). The message seems pretty consistent. That's why I'm a huge advocate of landing as many of them as possible - as opposed to depending on retaining guys like Green and Richards (or freshmen that were mostly not on Cal's priority list) - and why I don't think it's an illegitimate outlook for fans who keep merging Cal's one-the-court success with his ability to land elite lottery-level players.

No, it counts for them as well. That's part of my argument. The margin for "oh wow, they're a dynasty" and "look at them underachieving" is a couple of bounces made by teenagers in a randomized single elimination tournament.

to further that by drawing these imaginary ranking cutoffs and choose selective dates is just moving numbers around for the sake of hearing yourself argue on the internet.

I'm not trying to argue that we or anyone else doesn't need elite talent. I'm pointing out how useless it is to try and define what that is with a number, particularly over a small time frame that was chosen for the very sake of making things look their worst.

 

[Padsfs07]

Carey and Wendell Moore do not make the Blue Devils the most talented team in the nation. Kentucky still has 1. a better class and 2. more talent coming back.

Duke still needs a PG, a SG, another wing (one barely 20th ranked recruit won't cut it by himself), and an inside presence that can shoot.

Step away from the ledge.

If Jones returns....which is likely....then they could have a lineup of Jones, Moore, White, Carey, and Bolden with O'Connell, Baker, and Ellis off the bench on the wing. That's a nice core with 8 months or so to go.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

No, it counts for them as well. That's part of my argument. The margin for "oh wow, they're a dynasty" and "look at them underachieving" is a couple of bounces made by teenagers in a randomized single elimination tournament.

to further that by drawing these imaginary ranking cutoffs and choose selective dates is just moving numbers around for the sake of hearing yourself argue on the internet.

I'm not trying to argue that we or anyone else doesn't need elite talent. I'm pointing out how useless it is to try and define what that is with a number, particularly over a small time frame that was chosen for the very sake of making things look their worst.

Maybe we can start defining it by who Cal prioritizes in recruiting, how many of those players he actually lands, and how it correlates to deep runs in the tournament.

I know for one such as you, you'd likely need a much longer sample size because my personal opinion is that the bottom line for you is that you're grateful in rain or sunshine, feast or famine, and the ghosts of Gillispie/Tubby era follow your every post as a reminder of what life could be like without Calipari. I get all that, and I respect its foundation, but I also think it's too simple as to follow the stream wherever it leads, when the current stream runs opposite of what Calipari sold our entire fan base on in his early years here. We evolved to fully embrace elite-level OAD. Now it's clear the system is in flux because of Cal's present inability to land elite players. Fans are noticing the new trend and assessing its potential for success. Some of that assessment comes out in the form of cathartic criticism (the purpose of a message board) As a comparative optimist, you naturally resist all that. Hence the confrontation.


But here I go again, just writing to hear myself argue on the internet...

 

[Macys Socks]

Uh, I have pretty much left you alone, I'd appreciate the same. Thanks in advance...

"Young fella, if you’re looking for trouble I’ll accommodate ya."

 

[DonkeyDwayne]

Kids are now looking at NBA bigs and seeing all the different places they have gone yet still succeeding. I don’t think Nick Richards has helped things either

The important part to remember is the UK bigs that have been successful have top recruits KAT, Davis, Cousins.

All others have been for the most part flops - exception WCS.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

The important part to remember is the UK bigs that have been successful have top recruits KAT, Davis, Cousins.

All others have been for the most part flops - exception WCS.

I think the important thing to remember is that UK never claimed to "develop" guys. They claimed to not screw up the process. Unlike Duke's atrocious utilization of Bolden, Okafor, and Bagley - in regards to making him play within a zone defense - UK hasn't screwed up their elite bigs.

Also, your argument is lacking when one considers that Orton, Harrelson, and Bam all exceeded draft projections.

Skal represents the one and only "flop." He also didn't play at a real school his senior year of high school. Cal has owned his under-utilization.

 

[TortElvisII]

Uhhh...what about the players moron! You people give coaches way too much credit & way too much blame.

ON TOWNS. Guess you didn't know Cal told team to go into Towns every possession. A couple of times he was just defended really well but the 3rd time Aaron Harrison did not pass it into Karl from wing when he had position & Cal threw his hands in the air in disbelief.

ON DEFENSE. Exactly what defense was Cal supposed to play Mr. Brainbuster? We were great defensively all year & played great defense down the stretch...but Wisconsin just made a great play! A step back 3 on an athletic 7 footer.

The other plays actually were officiating:
-shot clock put back after time expired

-2 free throws after being could by Aaron H when replayed clearly showed excellent non-fouling defense

-any coach under the sun would've chosen to run clock down dome & go into Karl....we just didn't

Again, stop giving so much credit & blame to coaching.

The pace was slow.

 

[Jpthegame]

I think much of that defense stems from offense. They are faster than most years sure, but they aren't some great defense fundamentally. Zion, in paticular, is a big aggressor on defense. That works when Duke is getting the calls, but he also got called for it last night.

Duke is still a top 3 favorite. Maybe THE favorite.. but that's a far cry from 40-0 and being able to hang with NBA teams. They have weaknesses that are being discovered.

Top 5 in defensive efficiency and offensive efficiency. They have weaknesses that are being corrected.
Not saying they’ll win it all but theres no way you’d bet your house on any other team.

 

[gracetoyou]

You keep saying UK was a "shot away" in '17, but then you mock Duke's lack of a Final Four since '15 when they were also a shot away last year. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. So Duke and K are failures when they lose to Kansas in OT in the Elite Eight, but Cal almost got to a Final Four with Fox and company. Almost only counts when it's Kentucky?

Cal's best seasons at UK and Memphis were led by elite freshmen. Could he expand his success by winning without elite freshmen? Sure, but that's yet to be seen at UK. You can conflate my argument into confining me to some full commitment to the gospel of top fives as the only answer, but that's not necessarily what I'm arguing. Getting as many elite guys is the answer. Top 5 guys only matter in the sense that it's a pretty solid predictor of where guys project. Yes, Cal does best with elite freshmen. Obviously, some elite freshmen fall out of the RSCI top 5, as you've exhibited the last few months. This was true with Fox and Monk. If you land a few of them, you have a better shot of actual success if some of them go the way of Skal. That said, Skal is the exception to the ranking system. Most of those elite projected guys make a huge splash during their first year.

The point is that UK's system has worked best with those elite guys leading the way under Cal. Can UK win without top-of-the-line elites leading the way? Maybe. That's always possible and I'm not claiming it isn't. But what we've already seen is the impact of Wall, Towns, Randle, Rose, Davis, MKG, etc. Cal does well with those guys. We also just witnessed what happens when non-elites run into elites (Zion and friends). The message seems pretty consistent. That's why I'm a huge advocate of landing as many of them as possible - as opposed to depending on retaining guys like Green and Richards (or freshmen that were mostly not on Cal's priority list) - and why I don't think it's an illegitimate outlook for fans who keep merging Cal's one-the-court success with his ability to land elite lottery-level players.

In 2008, the Memphis team had one...one...elite freshman: Derrick Rose.

 

[UK90]

We've known for over a week Carey wasn't coming to UK

True, but there's a difference between just "not coming to UK" and choosing Duke. The latter part makes it sting even more.

Same way with the Zion pick last year. We'd have felt better about it if he'd chosen Clemson. And if Carey had chosen MSU. But, *******, why does it keep having to be Duke?

 

[DonkeyDwayne]

So are you including '15, in which case there's KAT, Murray, Skal? Or is it after '15? Or does Murray not count because he's a reclass and KAT wasn't top 5 and suddenly it shows how terrible that entire argument is?

Cal "landed a top 5 player" with Skal, but KAT, Murray, Fox, Bam, etc. aren't?

And you're starting it "when everyone said Cal stared struggling" so like I said, cherrypicked data. Since 2015, Villanova is the greatest program of all time, Coach K hasn't been to the final four, but Duke is still dominating and embarrassing us and has taken over as the top program so Cal has to change everything.

No one is unaware of the recruiting situation. My issue is with your awful attempt at skewed data and claiming that there's any meaning in it.

Perhaps it is misunderstood but KAT was a top 5 player. In fact he was #5 in 2014.

But more to the rankings of the media, I like to look at mock drafts to see where the scouts have the players. KAT was considered #3 that year but rose to #1.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

In 2008, the Memphis team had one...one...elite freshman: Derrick Rose.

And he was the best player in the country. He was also surrounded by veterans who had been to two straight Elite Eights.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Maybe we can start defining it by who Cal prioritizes in recruiting, how many of those players he actually lands, and how it correlates to deep runs in the tournament.

I know for one such as you, you'd likely need a much longer sample size because my personal opinion is that the bottom line for you is that you're grateful in rain or sunshine, feast or famine, and the ghosts of Gillispie/Tubby era follow your every post as a reminder of what life could be like without Calipari. I get all that, and I respect its foundation, but I also think it's too simple as to follow the stream wherever it leads, when the current stream runs opposite of what Calipari sold our entire fan base on in his early years here. We evolved to fully embrace elite-level OAD. Now it's clear the system is in flux because of Cal's present inability to land elite players. Fans are noticing the new trend and assessing its potential for success. Some of that assessment comes out in the form of cathartic criticism (the purpose of a message board) As a comparative optimist, you naturally resist all that. Hence the confrontation.


But here I go again, just writing to hear myself argue on the internet...

That idea works in theory, but it's tough to know for sure who is truly a priority. We recruited Carey, and his position was a need, but James Wiseman was our target from day 1. Circumstances prevented that and we were left scrambling.

So it's absurd to say we didn't prioritize a top 3 player. But we didn't. It appears we didn't prioritize Jaden McDaniels for whatever reason, but that's only with what we publicly know.

Basically, that notion doesn't work either. The only way to really know is hindsight, but that removes everyone's ability to whine and panic or to overinflate the abilities of incoming recruits that they've never seen play.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

If Jones returns....which is likely....then they could have a lineup of Jones, Moore, White, Carey, and Bolden with O'Connell, Baker, and Ellis off the bench on the wing. That's a nice core with 8 months or so to go.

No, It's not likely.

1. His brother was 1AD at the same school.
2. Jones best chance to win a title and also ensure his weaknesses don;t get exposed, is with Zion and RJ.
3. All the guys he played with are leaving.
4. Most importantly, he's proving he's good enough to play in the NBA.
5. Tre Jones is already a late 1st round pick. Gary Trent never even showed up on the the NBA draft boards until midway into the season..

He's more likely to leave at this point. Very likely actually. This isn't 2005.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Top 5 in defensive efficiency and offensive efficiency. They have weaknesses that are being corrected.
Not saying they’ll win it all but theres no way you’d bet your house on any other team.

Certainly not. But they fell back to Earth. ANd honestly they got SO hyped because of the Kentucky blowout..

Well.. it turns out we were not very good, at all. And Duke shot out of their minds, something that hasn't been happening. Why? Because in actuality they aren't good shooters.

If that continues, poor mid-range and deep shooting, teams will pack it in on them. It may work, maybe it won't.. but it's still a weakness they seemingly didn't have last month..

 

[BBUK_anon]

"Young fella, if you’re looking for trouble I’ll accommodate ya."

Pretty much...

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

That idea works in theory, but it's tough to know for sure who is truly a priority. We recruited Carey, and his position was a need, but James Wiseman was our target from day 1. Circumstances prevented that and we were left scrambling.

So it's absurd to say we didn't prioritize a top 3 player. But we didn't. It appears we didn't prioritize Jaden McDaniels for whatever reason, but that's only with what we publicly know.

Basically, that notion doesn't work either. The only way to really know is hindsight, but that removes everyone's ability to whine and panic or to overinflate the abilities of incoming recruits that they've never seen play.

I'm not sure anyone over inflated Bamba, Zion, Bridges, Barrett, etc. If anything, those guys surpassed or are surpassing the impact levels we projected on them. Wiggins might be one of the few that disappointed (I'd throw Newman in there as well), and I'm certain he would have been better under Calipari, maybe even the missing link for that 2014 squad.

It's precisely because projection often meets reality that the whining and panicking happens. Our fans, for all their weak points, generally understand the correlation between elite freshmen projections and their subsequent impact on the game, particularly when those elite players are coupled with Calipari's coaching devices.

 

[gracetoyou]

And he was the best player in the country. He was also surrounded by veterans who had been to two straight Elite Eights.

You made my point. Thanks

 

[Jpthegame]

Certainly not. But they fell back to Earth. ANd honestly they got SO hyped because of the Kentucky blowout..

Well.. it turns out we were not very good, at all. And Duke shot out of their minds, something that hasn't been happening. Why? Because in actuality they aren't good shooters.

If that continues, poor mid-range and deep shooting, teams will pack it in on them. It may work, maybe it won't.. but it's still a weakness they seemingly didn't have last month..

I actually think you guys are pretty good. No one’s going to believe it unless you can get ku or unc or both. Just hard to fix the perception created by game 1.But no one is going to be excited if they draw uk in March.
Duke went off, no doubt but I expect them to win games in the 85-75 range once league play starts. I also expect their defense to get much better. They’ve shown flashes. Consistency comes over time.

 

[Fitch44]

I actually think you guys are pretty good. No one’s going to believe it unless you can get ku or unc or both. Just hard to fix the perception created by game 1.But no one is going to be excited if they draw uk in March.
Duke went off, no doubt but I expect them to win games in the 85-75 range once league play starts. I also expect their defense to get much better. They’ve shown flashes. Consistency comes over time.

oh boy! Thanks for thinking we are actually pretty good. Run along and eat a bag of dicks you arrogant prick.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

For those interested @BlueBlood66 and @Padsfs07 . Here's Sports Illustrated's December 5th Mock Draft tidbit on Tre Jones:

35th - Jones has done a good job making decisions and picking his spots to score, and he may be a little ahead of where his brother Tyus was at the same stage.

It's 2018. It's already in his head that he can go to the NBA, somewhere his three running mates will be. Take it from a Kentucky fan: this type of player does not return.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I actually think you guys are pretty good. No one’s going to believe it unless you can get ku or unc or both. Just hard to fix the perception created by game 1.But no one is going to be excited if they draw uk in March.
Duke went off, no doubt but I expect them to win games in the 85-75 range once league play starts. I also expect their defense to get much better. They’ve shown flashes. Consistency comes over time.

Well, the key was that I said we "weren't" any good. Much better now. I still think Duke beats us by 5-10, but that's mainly because Duke is an offensive minded team that coaches still haven't quite figured out.

Coach K doesn't worry about defense. Some steals and blocks.. but that's about it. It's not his game. He wants fresh legs on the other end of the court.

IDK what 85-75 means. Score? Generally, I'd say 15 points. ACC still has teams that just can't compete.

Either way, we went from a team that could never be beaten, to a team with some weaknesses to exploit. Maybe they were always there? Maybe our inexperienced Kentucky team helped to make the media go crazy..

 

[GonzoCat90]

I'm not sure anyone over inflated Bamba, Zion, Bridges, Barrett, etc. If anything, those guys surpassed or are surpassing the impact levels we projected on them. Wiggins might be one of the few that disappointed (I'd throw Newman in there as well), and I'm certain he would have been better under Calipari, maybe even the missing link for that 2014 squad.

It's precisely because projection often meets reality that the whining and panicking happens. Our fans, for all their weak points, generally understand the correlation between elite freshmen projections and their subsequent impact on the game, particularly when those elite players are coupled with Calipari's coaching devices.

I was using that as the converse to the whining, meaning we find ways to make the guys we *did* land (our second choice guys) into the equals of those top players and then eviscerate them when they perform like an informed fan would have expected.

 

[Ben101er]

Officiating the reason Cal can’t get a top five recruit since 2015? Use your head, son.

I did not argue that the Wisconsin game may have had a negative effect on recruiting. I said Cal did not choke the game as you said. I said it was bad calls at the end of the game that cost UK a NC, son.

 

[Ben101er]

Officiating the reason Cal would not change defenses all night? Officials the reason we had 3 straight shot clocks? Officials the reason that KAT didn’t touch the ball in all three of those violations? To blame the officials is just lame.

It is for someone who has an agenda.