Dakari Johnson declares for the draft

[RoyKent]

So, looks like Booker may be only possible returnee and that seems a longshot

http://zagsblog.com/kentucky/kentuckys-dakari-johnson-will-declare-for-nba-draft/

 

[Mozes-Prince22]

Can't say I'm disappointed. Good luck big guy. Hope he has a long NBA career.

 

[5iveStarRecruit]

Best for both parties. He'll be on a NBA roster next season.


We can hate on his limitations all day, but none of the bigs played harder than him.

* Dakari Laugh*

 

[RoyKent]

Don't blame him but was really hoping he returned.

 

[kydmb99_rivals103809]

An NBA executive who gives Dakari Johnson a roster spot should be fired immediately. He seems like a great kid and a great representative of the university but he was absolutely terrible this year

 

[C1180]

IMO a terrible choice by Johnson but of those leaving I cared least if he returned. Another open SS for Cal to work with.

 

[dckala2_rivals16641]

Dakari's going away present

 

[JayCatz44]

D-League or Europe. NBA is a big man's league. A lot of these guys will be in for a rude awakening.

 

[wcc31]

Love the support for a guy who's given us a helluvan effort. Good job, guys!

 

[stringmusiccat1]

Good luck Dakari. Go and realize your dream. Thanks for your efforts.

 

[UKWildcatT]

Don't agree with the decision and don't think he's long for the NBA, but good luck and thanks for two final fours (and title game). Heck of an accomplishment.

 

[Rhavic]

Originally posted by kydmb99:
An NBA executive who gives Dakari Johnson a roster spot should be fired immediately. He seems like a great kid and a great representative of the university but he was absolutely terrible this year

It wouldn't be Rupp's Rafters if we didn't have at least one piece of s*** thrashing a kid that wants the opportunity to make a living. Don't be that guy. Wish him best for his career, and move along.

By the way, best of luck to Dakari! You will have a promising NBA career.

 

[TangledUpInWildcatBlue]

Originally posted by JayCatz44:
D-League or Europe. NBA is a big man's league. A lot of these guys will be in for a rude awakening.

THIS THIS THIS^^^^^^ All but KAT will spend time in the D League.

 

[SemperFiCat]

This is an absolutely terrible decision. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate his time and effort, and certainly wish him the best of luck... but in no way is he NBA caliber. We may not want to say or admit it, but he's D-league or overseas caliber right now. Good luck, Dakari!!

 

[hotelblue]

i'll be rooting for you big guy. thank you for helping us get to two final fours.

 

[songsungblue]

Dakari worked his *** off in the gym last summer (literally) to transform his body. With hard work in the NBA, he can overcome some of the weaker points of his game. And I'm sure he will. Good luck, big fella!
Ps. D-league is not a death sentence, folks. You still get your millions there if you have a contract. And you get to, you know, develop. Ask PPat.
Posted from Rivals Mobile

 

[LmdCat]

It is Dakari and family's decision, however they have to know that he needs one more offseason of improvement like last year to have a realistic chance of making it in the NBA. Their call and I wish him well.

 

[sluggercatfan]

Originally posted by Mozes-Prince22:
Can't say I'm disappointed. Good luck big guy. Hope he has a long NBA career.

I can't see this ...He had trouble scoring against college kids (who won't be playing in the league) ...how do you expect him to score against nba guys?

 

[Rage of the Elderly]

Originally posted by kydmb99:
An NBA executive who gives Dakari Johnson a roster spot should be fired immediately. He seems like a great kid and a great representative of the university but he was absolutely terrible this year

And how long did you work in the league again? Were you the national talent evaluator, or just for a consortium of teams? You have NO CLUE as the what the league looks for in players. Dakari is a NATURAL. He will not be whistled for every touch, and will have a nice career. He will make more money before he is 23 than you will make in a lifetime. How GREAT was that Bowie guy in the pros? It's a different world. Support him or not, but he is on his chosen road, and he IS WINNING.

 

[JayCatz44]

Originally posted by Rage of the Elderly:

Originally posted by kydmb99:
An NBA executive who gives Dakari Johnson a roster spot should be fired immediately. He seems like a great kid and a great representative of the university but he was absolutely terrible this year

And how long did you work in the league again? Were you the national talent evaluator, or just for a consortium of teams? You have NO CLUE as the what the league looks for in players. Dakari is a NATURAL. He will not be whistled for every touch, and will have a nice career. He will make more money before he is 23 than you will make in a lifetime. How GREAT was that Bowie guy in the pros? It's a different world. Support him or not, but he is on his chosen road, and he IS WINNING.

He was giving an honest opinion. Johnson will be lucky to make a roster spot.

 

[songsungblue]

Pretty sure I'll take the opinion of Cal, draft board consensus opinions, and experts over a message board rando.
Posted from Rivals Mobile

 

[ManitouDan_anon]

Dakari is a Natural ? A natural what ? Great young man , appreciated by all UK fans , but just not ready for the grind of the pro game . Dude couldn't post up Granny Smith this year . But he's free to log on and read my 2 cents worth and get mad and prove me , and lots of others , wrong .

 

[wildcat1973_rivals160373]

Good luck to him! He was a part of 2 great teams, and played a big role in some of our biggest wins, including the HUGE win over Louisville last season.

Thanks Dakari!

 

[kydmb99_rivals103809]

People here have hard time handling truth. No one is denying Dakari is a great kid who we all hopes makes a ton of money. But do you all really think an NBA GM is going to waste a draft pick on this guy after they watch his tape and scout him in person?

This post was edited on 4/8 8:25 PM by kydmb99

 

[5iveStarRecruit]

Originally posted by kydmb99:
People here have hard time handling truth. No one is denying Dakari is a great kid who we all hopes makes a ton of money. But do you all really think an NBA GM is going to waste a draft pick on this guy after they watch his tape and scout him in person?

This post was edited on 4/8 8:25 PM by kydmb99

Draft experts have watched him for 2 seasons…yet still have him to be selected in the late 30s.


Fact is, he's only 19, 7 foot and has pretty good per-40 numbers. Young bigs are valued in the league. He's a lock to be drafted, most likely in the top-40.

 

[Fancatstik]

Does he speak Turkish?

 

[Mozes-Prince22]

Originally posted by sluggercatfan:

Originally posted by Mozes-Prince22:
Can't say I'm disappointed. Good luck big guy. Hope he has a long NBA career.

I can't see this ...He had trouble scoring against college kids (who won't be playing in the league) ...how do you expect him to score against nba guys?

I didn't say I expect him to have a long NBA career. I said I HOPE he does. When I say I'm not really disappointed its because I saw him as a liability when in the game. I like him, I just feel like he belonged in a different system like Wiltjer.

 

[Hoskins91_rivals]

He'll get drafted. If you are big and competent, you probably have a place in the league.

 

[UKWildcatT]

Look, I hope he makes it, but let's really stop with the draft experts say so. It's not like they're 100% on all of their draft choices.

 

[5iveStarRecruit]

Originally posted by UKWildcatT:
Look, I hope he makes it, but let's really stop with the draft experts say so. It's not like they're 100% on all of their draft choices.

I'm just letting him know he's seen as a consensus early 2nd round pick, since he thinks there isn't a way he's going to get drafted.


Now, obviously scouts make mistakes in their evaluations. I personally don't like Dakari as a prospect, but he's a lock to get drafted.