EJ Montgomery Playing Time

[Son_Of_Saul]

Considering that we've ONLY got 3 bigs, & Montgomery's is one of them. IF he plays the same role on this team as he did last season. We're in trouble. He has got to step up & play like a 1st round draft pick, if not a lottery pick.

But why would he play the same role when he's going to get at least twice the minutes he earned last year?

At the very least, that means he's going to rebound at a higher rate and get more paint touches/shots than he did a year ago.

I just want the kid to rebound the hell out of the ball, and be competent on defense. If we get anything beyond that, we're likely going to be very, very good this year.

 

[Bluedog1]

I like EJ. I just think he is not a "quick twitch" guy and is a more methodical, long player. I think for us to be as good as we need to be EJ needs to be consistent. Maybe an 8 and 8 guy or so. I think you could see Cal playing a little more zone this year , even though he hates it. Just to protect the front court guys. I do like that it seems we will be VERY good man to man on the perimeter, and we do have length inside. However Nick is usually out of position to be a good shot blocker, and I dont thin Nate is going to be a great shot blocker. Brooks and EJ may be our best threat to do that inside. Cal`s best teams are usually the one`s that play great perimeter D and have clean up guys inside when they do get beat off the dribble. Time will tell with this group.

 

[caneintally]

I wish he’d stop being a jump shooter

He is what he is . Now I do agree he needs to drive more but he is going to score a ton of points this year on that 15 foot J of his .

As to the OP EJ will play a ton as he will back up Nick at the 5 and play a ton if not start at the 4 ( I think Sestina starts at the 4 but still) .Really we have 8 guys who have to play and EJ is one of them.

 

[caneintally]

I like EJ. I just think he is not a "quick twitch" guy and is a more methodical, long player. I think for us to be as good as we need to be EJ needs to be consistent. Maybe an 8 and 8 guy or so. I think you could see Cal playing a little more zone this year , even though he hates it. Just to protect the front court guys. I do like that it seems we will be VERY good man to man on the perimeter, and we do have length inside. However Nick is usually out of position to be a good shot blocker, and I dont thin Nate is going to be a great shot blocker. Brooks and EJ may be our best threat to do that inside. Cal`s best teams are usually the one`s that play great perimeter D and have clean up guys inside when they do get beat off the dribble. Time will tell with this group.

Actually he is a quick twitch guy in the physical sense so sorta confused by this post unless you don't mean literal quick twitch . His second jump is incredible and he is really quick . Now if you are talking about how he processes the game in his head then you are correct but one of the main things the scouts talk about when they discuss EJ is how quick and fast he is . He is a hell of an athlete . One of the top 3 or so on the team.

 

[Bluedog1]

I am not knocking his athleticism. I just dont see him as a quick bounce guy. I ll watch him more this year and see if it changes my mind... not that my opinion counts.. lol

 

[ganner918_rivals60369]

What I really don't want to see is extended periods of both Nick and EJ on the floor together. One of them with Sestina or Brooks should work just fine, with Nick/EJ just needing to get rebounds/putbacks, dunks on cuts/lobs, etc. I think our offense will struggle with both out there.

 

[Bungalow Bill]

EJ needs to work on the rotation of his jumper. It's very inconsistent. One time it's a knuckleball. Next time it's a slider or screwball. I don't know if he'll ever be a good shooter but he's going to need to make 70% at the ft line this year to be on the floor late. From what I've seen that's going to take some work. He also needs a go to move with his back to the basket such as a jump hook. Right now he seems to just throw it at the rim. Hopefully he'll put the time in and help us be a very good team. We're seriously thin on the front line so he needs to step up and really work on his skills.

 

[NCPurplecat]

EJ will have a unique opportunity as a role player on an offense loaded team. UK front line had a great duo last year but were the opponents focus even as Tyler emerged. NIck and EJ will both get the minutes needed to be impactful but on a guard wing oriented team with multiple scoring threats. Bigs will get one on one matchups and the benefit of low expectations on scoring. Last year UK was good.. but 1 through 3 spots can br special. Look for a lot of quiet contributions from Bigs.. 2019 2020 will be Cals coaching masterpiece.. 2020 2021 add the last few desired recruits and another Grad Transfer Big for front line depth and UK will be Tourney 1 seed.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

I keep hearing all this about ej being this super star and a lottery pick, well where is he keeping all this tallent hidden ? Looks just like the same non hustling big guy who is a descent rebounder, and nothing else. If he played for Purdue or Gonzaga, all you would hear would be that he wasn't even good enough to be a scrub here at Kentucky. I think some of you are expecting way to much from him. Richards has a lot more athletic tallent, but he just has very few basketball skills, but the raw athletic tallent is there, he just has to harness those natural gifts that he has.

Who has recently been saying he’s a star and lottery pick?

 

[Indymycats]

I just want to thank goodness Walty13 created an account just to come here and post this dubious quandary of doubt going into the season, thank goodness!!!!!

 

[FrankUnderwood]

The fans comparing EJ to Tayshaun seem to be doing it because they kinda sorta look like each other in the face. That's my guess. As you noted, Prince and Montgomery don't have a similar build or game. I don't know how fans have managed to adopt such a comparison. It's weird.

Yep lol. Both light skinned and tall/ lanky ish.

 

[STL_Cat]

They both shoot left handed and kind of look alike. Comparisons of Tay and EJ begin and end there.

 

[Attaboy-blue]

Over react much? I hate to be some of yalls significant others because theyre married to some p*ssies.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

I noticed this as well. Few of the jumpers he just wasn't shot ready. Goes back to what you said about consistency. Doesn't have the greatest touch on those floaters/jump hooks either. Hope he can develop those.

I did think he made some good decisions out of the high post when they went to zone. I really think he's an underrated passer, and could be best utilized with 3-4 shooters around him. He has some guard skills and was one of the reasons scouts loved him out of HS.

Gonna take his performance in Blue-White with a grain of salt, but for me to feel confident I would like to see him dominate one of the exhibition games.

Agree on him at high post-he did a good job moving the ball. I'm not nor have ever been the highest supporter of EJ, but I was hard on PJ Washington all the way up to the Ole Miss game in Lexington last yr saying it was time to be consistent and he took it to an entirely different level and carried team on his back last year so things can change.

Far more important to EJ Montgomery is Cal seems to be hesitant to buy in on him being counted on when he speaks to him. It's more about "You are going to get what you wanted/talked about, now it's time to do it". Also don't buy in any capacity that he was told he'd be a 1st Rd pick. If he was told that, he should've/would've stayed in the Draft and UK staff would've been first to tell him to do the same. PJ Washington's growth came from being honest with himself. He stated his goals, returned when and why he said he would, and then proved it on the court. EJ started off by exaggerating the things--and I don't think I'm alone in thinking nobody told him he'd be a 1st Round pick that mattered. (NBA Teams) Now it's time to play and we'll get to see it, so hope it happens.

Playing wise, just want to see better FT shooting and him doing well on glass and finishing at rim, then if the jumper falls, great but don't force it to prove to scouts something--because his jumper looks mediocre and hesitant. Want that to change, get in the gym, get up shots and be consistent. Or as Cal calls it "Master your Craft".

 

[K_TIME]

Who has recently been saying he’s a star and lottery pick?

Last year we heard this in the Bahamas games, early in season from Seth Greenburg, etc... that "many feel EJ has the highest NBA upside between Keldon, Herro, Quickley, etc.."

Not sure I ever heard lottery pick but there was all kinds of this stuff since he's the longest of the bunch, had a face up skill set, etc.. (which I've long argued EJ has about as much face up skill set as Nick does...which is hardly any).

 

[Poetax]

With a talented team and the emergence of Sestina, do you see EJ getting a lot of playing time?

This could be an overreaction, but I'm afraid that he will have the same role as last year.

You better hope you’re overreacting because without him and Richards producing a FF would be a tough accomplishment.

 

[Poetax]

Last year we heard this in the Bahamas games, early in season from Seth Greenburg, etc... that "many feel EJ has the highest NBA upside between Keldon, Herro, Quickley, etc.."

Not sure I ever heard lottery pick but there was all kinds of this stuff since he's the longest of the bunch, had a face up skill set, etc.. (which I've long argued EJ has about as much face up skill set as Nick does...which is hardly any).[/QUOTE







Actually him missing the early practices and all of the Bahamas games were added reasons why he never got into a comfortable zone last year. When he got healthy he forced things way too much and was upset with himself, this would never create confidence that he needed to get over the top. Hopefully he relaxes this year and let’s the game come to him and play to his strengths.

 

[qwesley]

With the strength of the team being the driving from the guards, having a big that can pick and pop and create space is really important. Has to rebound though.

 

[SPECT imaging]

With a talented team and the emergence of Sestina, do you see EJ getting a lot of playing time?

This could be an overreaction, but I'm afraid that he will have the same role as last year.

Montgomery will start. How much playing time he gets will vary with the opponent and with his foul situation.

 

[AW0L]

All we have seen is one blue white game and some have already declared Sestina a star and EJ a bust.A big overreaction and we need to give them time and actually see a real game first.

I agree

I just want to thank goodness Walty13 created an account just to come here and post this dubious quandary of doubt going into the season, thank goodness!!!!!

It's a fair question, not being negative just objective. If you don't like the question don't read the thread and post

 

[yoshukai]

Totally agree....I need people to help me see EJ's major potential:
1. Is EJ a freaky athlete (sort of like Willie?)
2. Is EJ a guy with a great motor (like Vanderbilt? or Wenyen developed?)
3. Is EJ really got a nice stroke facing up (like Derek Willis?)...I keep hearing Tayshaun Prince comparisons...but that is not even close IMO.
4. Does EJ have a decent back to the basket game (like PJ had? or Terrence Jones had?)
5. Is EJ a defensive stopper (like Willie was?) Can he be really good big on pick and roll action vs. struggling to move his feet away from basket.
6. Is EJ a guy who can put it on the floor and take guys off the bounce (like Terrence Jones, PJ could a bit, etc..)...again I've never seen him look comfortable with the ball in those instances.

I've heard all his potential...but to me his ceiling is sort of Wenyen Gabriel-ish....but to even get to Wenyen's level he really has to play much harder/faster than he's ever shown to date.

I agree with most of this but I gotta say , you were a lot more impressed with Wenyen Gabriel than I was . I don't remember him ever developing a motor .

 

[yoshukai]

I think EJ struggles with his confidence and gets down on himself too easily.

 

[KyFaninNC]

1. For sure it was less than a handful of times in the post...but he never made a power move once.
2. He did have ball facing up on top of key or on the wing a few more times...and he settled for a contested two pt shot (which were misses), turned it over a bit or just passed back to guard.

It's just one goofy scrimmage but many were counting on him being our best or 2nd best player (depends on how you feel about Maxey). I think UK has to have interior scoring to get to a final four kind of team....and EJ is probably our best shot of being that guy in this team IMO. I don't think a year of shooting tons of jumpers (ala Murry/Ullis or Brandon Knight year) will work to getting to a final four.

If we have to depend on EJ for three point shooting, we won’t be getting out of the E8 again. EJ needs to play defense, block a few shots, rebound, and assert himself.

 

[Cat in ga]

It’s like Cal says you don’t have to make every shot, but you can’t miss every shot either. Rebound, play d, and get some put backs. Needs to be around the basket more.

 

[IrishMike409]

I hope that EJ is a monster, plays 30 min a night, and ends up being a lottery pick. That said- his focus and energy and motor simply have to improve.

It's not a given that EJ is going to play big minutes. A lot of variables in the mix here. KW and Brooks can potentially play the 4, Nate and Nick are obviously going to get front court minutes too. EJ doesn't "have" to play.

But again- we'll be at our best if EJ is engaged and playing well.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

i think it is key we get something outta either EJ or Nick.
Will be the key to our season IMO.

 

[Poetax]

I keep hearing all this about ej being this super star and a lottery pick, well where is he keeping all this tallent hidden ? Looks just like the same non hustling big guy who is a descent rebounder, and nothing else. If he played for Purdue or Gonzaga, all you would hear would be that he wasn't even good enough to be a scrub here at Kentucky. I think some of you are expecting way to much from him. Richards has a lot more athletic tallent, but he just has very few basketball skills, but the raw athletic tallent is there, he just has to harness those natural gifts that he has.

I have to admit I see nothing on this thread nor many other places that deem him a super star lottery pick. In some place more posters then I dreamed have posted that he’s a bust.

 

[AllBall]

If EJ doesn’t get a lot of minutes it’s because he’s not good enough. And if he’s not good enough, then this team isn’t going all the way. We need “spurts of consistency” from him to have a chance at 9. At the very least He needs to rebound, play good d, and be good enough on offense to keep defenses honest.

If we can somehow get lucky and get that from him and Nick both, this team could be great.

Gotta play at a fast paste and with spurts of consistency.

 

[AW0L]

This thread doesn't look like an overaction now, I'm afraid EJ will be riding the pine for Sestina.

 

[Bill Withers]

We only have 4 guys to get 80 minutes, and that's if you count Brooks as a 4. EJ will get playing time.

Yes. Some threads make me chuckle. This is one of those. What EJ does with that playing time remains to be seen. But playing time he'll get, all that he wants. We literally have no other options.

 

[Bluegrassking]

I wish he’d stop being a jump shooter

He doesn't quite have the range yet. Probably needs more core strength at his length and build to push it out. 15 and in though I think he can be decent and eventually he has the touch to extend but for now he needs to settle into the block and take the open mid-range if that is what the defense is giving.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

If E.J. could play with the same confidence he had in high school he would be an All America.

Maybe if he could play against the same relative level of competition but those days are over.

From somewhere else in the thread, does a descent rebounder get the ball on his way back down from jumping?

 

[ScrooDook92]

They both shoot left handed and kind of look alike. Comparisons of Tay and EJ begin and end there.

He's Skal 2.0

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

If EJ does not play a lot and contribute, this season will not go the way we all are hoping it will.
I'm hopeful it clicks for him and he becomes a stud.

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

With a talented team and the emergence of Sestina, do you see EJ getting a lot of playing time?

This could be an overreaction, but I'm afraid that he will have the same role as last year.

With Dontae out, Richards hurt and looking like Whitney......Montgomery and Juzang will play a lot, even some talk the baseball player may help. He pretty good. Hold it together till Dontae gets back. Very talented.

 

[Cats192]

He's Skal 2.0

I think he was way further along as a freshman than Skal was.

 

[ScrooDook92]

I think he was way further along as a freshman than Skal was.

I'm referring to the softness and the propensity to not bring it in every facade. Skal had a beautiful shooting stroke.

 

[CatsIndy2010]

Its going to take playing time to adjust to this backcourt.

We can run with these guards...I just hope our 4,5 forward/post players can keep up.

EJ is only as good as his defense. Offense will come to him, if he's willing to play good defense. This game used to be about playing defense. We need that aspect as much as possible. Offense will follow.

 

[AllBall]

Gotta play at a fast paste and with spurts of consistency.

Guess nobody wanted to reminisce