Coach Kenny Payne

[Doc4UK!]

How much did losing Kenny Payne affect the development of this team especially the inside players? Seems like he has always been thought of as a great teacher of the game.

 

[Blue Tsunami]

Seems like the big men are struggling because nobody can throw them a decent pass in the post. Plus foul trouble.

 

[cathouse_rivals216755]

KP will be missed far more than anyone wants to admit. He was the only real help Cal had on the bench to coach up the players.

 

[yoshukai]

KP will be missed far more than anyone wants to admit. He was the only real help Cal had on the bench to coach up the players.

I think Kenny was the only guy on the staff that wasn’t a yes man . There isn’t one now.

 

[Wall Knight Teague]

KP was also the senior, calming influence when Cal does his wildman routine.

There's simply no way they're not missing that calming presence.

Not even getting into the basketball mind esp. pertaining to big men that we lost also.

 

[drbubba]

Come baaaaaaaack!
They're just the Knicks!

 

[jameslee32]

Our big men are the best we have. lol

 

[LineSkiCat14]

If for nothing else, it was an adjustment. 3 coaching changes (well, whatever Jai is at this point) in total. KP out, Flint and Jai in.

When some of you switch jobs, do you have all the answers, and get into your workflow on day 1? Or does it take a few months?

Plus, I do think KP was probably the best 2nd guy we had.. and if what people say about Bruiser is true, then our coaching unit definitely took a step backwards.

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

Every time a player went to the bench, especially after getting screamed at, he sat next to Kenny Payne. If you don't think that has a HUGE impact on the team, you're not paying attention.

 

[Catman100]

Every time a player went to the bench, especially after getting screamed at, he sat next to Kenny Payne. If you don't think that has a HUGE impact on the team, you're not paying attention.

This ^^^^^

 

[Ron Mehico]

Jackson seems to be doing just fine

 

[villefan76]

Get Antigua back and send Barbee packing!

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

Payne is missed regarding players and Peevy is a huge loss as he was very close with Cal.

Payne is the type of guy who could tell a player why he wasn't playing well and what he needed to do to fix it-but then go in with them at any hour and work with them on improving. A lot of coaches aren't willing to do that for whatever reason. Also and this is something most don't think of, he's the only guy on that staff who was in their shoes--elite recruit, played at a high profile program, went to NBA, so he can speak from a level that most coaches can't that relates to players. Jai Lucas is great with players for similar reason although a lesser player than Payne was and didn't make it to NBA but he went through that process and can relate to same pressure/decision making etc.....

People underestimate what a talent it is to be able to speak bluntly to a player but have them trust you because they understand you have their best intention. Cal does too-but when you are the HC, you are seen as "Dad" and the players need an Uncle like figure to vent to about Dad despite the fact they know Cal is speaking the truth too.

 

[WildcatfaninOhio]

They need to hire a guy that’s old enough to be the calming voice of reason, and at the same time young enough to relate to the players, experienced enough to thoroughly understand the game, but not so experienced that they were a former head coach that didn’t do well, that can recruit top 10 talent, and also recruit 4star players that will be around longer than one year, that can bring expertise in coaching offense, but not enough expertise that they might get lured away by an NBA coaching offer, has no former connection to Cal so they’re not perceived as a yes-man, yet understands Cal’s system well enough to teach it, is a great teacher of the game, but doesn’t teach so well that players leave for the draft, and with a deep commitment to the UK program, but also willing to entertain offers from other programs so they’ve not viewed as a coach no one else wants.

 

[megablue]

Seems like the big men are struggling because nobody can throw them a decent pass in the post. Plus foul trouble.

Tyler Ulis and Anthony Epps were great at feeding the post. I wish they were still with us.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

They need to hire a guy that’s old enough to be the calming voice of reason, and at the same time young enough to relate to the players, experienced enough to thoroughly understand the game, but not so experienced that they were a former head coach that didn’t do well, that can recruit top 10 talent, and also recruit 4star players that will be around longer than one year, that can bring expertise in coaching offense, but not enough expertise that they might get lured away by an NBA coaching offer, has no former connection to Cal so they’re not perceived as a yes-man, yet understands Cal’s system well enough to teach it, is a great teacher of the game, but doesn’t teach so well that players leave for the draft, and with a deep commitment to the UK program, but also willing to entertain offers from other programs so they’ve not viewed as a coach no one else wants.

Hahahah. And don't forget his politics. His views must align perfectly with mine.

 

[UK90]

Every time a player went to the bench, especially after getting screamed at, he sat next to Kenny Payne. If you don't think that has a HUGE impact on the team, you're not paying attention.

Yep, this was the routine I observed. After Cal screamed at a player, the player would sit next to Kenny, who would then calmly explain to the kid what he did wrong.

 

[Doc4UK!]

Seems as if he is attracting all of his former big guys to the knicks?

 

[CB3UK]

I don't know if he is or isn't the factor, but I know I'd sure as hell feel better with KP over there.