Expectations vs reality

kyjeff1

Heisman
Sep 8, 2012
50,615
70,879
113
He should have more? Why? Playing with children? Maybe 19 yr olds kick you *** every day, bug normally a grown man has an advantage over kids. Experience, strength, endurance. Just another example of your utterly clueless perspective on this. I guess the kids went off all over you in church league.
I see my post went right over your head.
Not surprising, you need some common sense to understand it.
 

kyjeff1

Heisman
Sep 8, 2012
50,615
70,879
113
Is it? Gonzaga (and WSU before them) basically grabs one of the 1-seeds specifically because they march through their conference. That leaves 3 remaining, where you essentially need to have only 4-5 losses OR be in a conference that's deemed the best, which the SEC has never been (until this year?).

1-seeds shouldn't be the expectation, because we're basically trying to be one of the 3 best teams come March and that's just not realistic.. BUT, maybe being a top3 seed line is? Kentucky has had a few years where we missed that mark of being top10.. 2016, 2018, and obviously last year... But we also had 2-seeds in 2017 and 2019, and what appears to be a 3-seed in 2020.

Also, it's only been 6 years, but 7 if we count this year.. and I imagine we're not getting a 1-seed.
If we had a shot at a 1 seed this year, it went out the window the second Cal scheduled a bunch of sub 300 teams.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jjhagan7

LineSkiCat14

Heisman
Aug 5, 2015
38,884
60,968
113
If we had a shot at a 1 seed this year, it went out the window the second Cal scheduled a bunch of sub 300 teams.

No it didn't lol. That's not why we wouldn't be getting a 1-seed. If anything, believe it or not, I think that's what is keeping us in the hunt for a 1-seed.

Wins still matter. Any power conference team that goes the season with only 4-5 losses is likely getting a 1-seed. Now, I'm not saying we GET a 1-seed.. I think we're a 2 or a 3. But the first 7 games we've had are fine when you factor in some tough OOC games coming up along with the SEC.
 

Backer cutter

Heisman
Jul 8, 2019
7,707
20,355
0
He should have more? Why? Playing with children? Maybe 19 yr olds kick you *** every day, bug normally a grown man has an advantage over kids. Experience, strength, endurance. Just another example of your utterly clueless perspective on this. I guess the kids went off all over you in church league.
About the dumbest post I’ve ever read. It’s not that you can’t see the forest for the trees. You won’t acknowledge the trees exist. Talking to squirrels is easier, at least they don’t jump at marbles thinking it’s mulberries.
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
About the dumbest post I’ve ever read. It’s not that you can’t see the forest for the trees. You won’t acknowledge the trees exist. Talking to squirrels is easier, at least they don’t jump at marbles thinking it’s mulberries.
Clearly lacking marbles, I am impressed you know they exist.
 
May 27, 2007
31,899
24,996
113
Lets do it this way:
If you look at today's college basketball, meaning, this era, do you see UK as the top program?

Again, not historically, I'm talking about this era.

For me, the answer is simple… NO. In fact, I don't even know if UK is top 5. Villanova, duke, uNC, KU, Gonzaga and maybe even Baylor are ahead of us. If they weren't before 9-17, they are now.

It’s not just about titles and final fours, it's about the programs that have been consistently in the top 5 or 10. UK has not been. We’re always too young and we always have a new roster, so we end up taking more losses than a top program should.

As far as people bringing up gaps in titles and final fours, just stop it, nothing is equal. Cal gets paid a lot more, he has a private jet, he has had a thousand times the talent and he gets the benefit of using UK as a brand that those other coaches helped build.

Cal is also in an era where he has Nike and AAU that are huge advantages in recruiting and the quality of player that comes through the door. I'm not sure these facts have come up in the past, did Tubby and RP have AAU ball to go to for recruiting? Nike?

We can argue all day about how many FF's and titles Cal has, but even the biggest Cal fan (MD) has to admit that he should have more titles and final fours. They also have to admit that his in-game coaching has cost us a title or two.

To me this all depends on the timeframe used.

I mean during Cal's tenure I believe only 2 other programs have won more games. We've been to four final fours which I have to imagine is the best in that timeframe or one of the best.

If we are talking about the last 5 years than no of course not.

But no school every stays at the top forever. Even in our rich history we've had periods where we weren't completely on top. This goes in cycles to me.

IMO the bigger question is whether or not the last 5 years some indication of where we are heading in the future or whether we return maybe not to 10-15 ridiculous levels but rather a consistent title contender again.
 
May 27, 2007
31,899
24,996
113
Yeah I think the 1 seed talk while we should be aiming for it, I'm not sure that's a consistent realistic expectation.

Be in the title hunt. Usually you can at the end of the season pick 6-8 teams that can win it all and be reasonably confident the winner is coming from that group. So lets stretch that to a 2 seed. Maybe a 3 seed.

UK this year and every year should be in the 1-3 range IMO.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LineSkiCat14

Cawood86_rivals

Heisman
Feb 20, 2005
36,711
64,715
0
The idiots that bash Cal and want him gone....tell me who we could get that would be better. ......careful what you wish for, we could be Indiana
Not one of those you refer to, but I have a question. What does UK do if Cal retires? What does UK if Cal decides to leave?
 

Cawood86_rivals

Heisman
Feb 20, 2005
36,711
64,715
0
He promised to catch UCLA. Turns turns out that was snake oil. He won once and let go of the reigns. And before you Cal fans criticize me for having too high of expectations, it was Cal who put the goal posts there.
He did do that. I think that's why I'm a little disappointed that he has only brought home one title. He did alot of talking about stuff like that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KFuqua

kyjeff1

Heisman
Sep 8, 2012
50,615
70,879
113
To me this all depends on the timeframe used.

I mean during Cal's tenure I believe only 2 other programs have won more games. We've been to four final fours which I have to imagine is the best in that timeframe or one of the best.

If we are talking about the last 5 years than no of course not.

But no school every stays at the top forever. Even in our rich history we've had periods where we weren't completely on top. This goes in cycles to me.

IMO the bigger question is whether or not the last 5 years some indication of where we are heading in the future or whether we return maybe not to 10-15 ridiculous levels but rather a consistent title contender again.
But we have to time frame it. These kids coming into college basketball right now, really don't give a rip about AD and MKG.

Also, is Cal not compensated enough to keep UK on top? He’s the one talking about "The Gold Standard" and he's the one turning the roster over every year. He has to own this.

In my opinion, UK and the BBN have more than done their part, Cal chooses to focus on different goals.

When you purposely put obstacles in your way while you collect 9 million a year, it's on you and you can't deny that Cal is putting obstacles in his own way.

We can disagree on why he's putting obstacles in his way. I'm pretty sure you know my take on that, I've said it a million times.
 
  • Love
Reactions: KFuqua

Runnin'Ramel

Heisman
Jan 19, 2005
35,660
13,512
113
I have no expectations of a title this year. None.

I expected Cal to have at least 3 titles by now based on the level of recruiting he was at over the past decade. He blew it at least twice with his lack of in-game adjustments. UK should have 3 titles under Cal, minimum. That sounds crazy to say, but he has had more than enough talent, the brackets opened up in more than one tourney for UK, but he failed to deliver when it mattered most.
 

docholiday51

Heisman
Oct 19, 2001
22,011
26,718
0
He did do that. I think that's why I'm a little disappointed that he has only brought home one title. He did alot of talking about stuff like that.
I actually think he could have made a run at UCLA, if he had that as a primary goal.
Cal got sidetracked along the way. In country terms "he got above his raising " or
"too big for his britches" That is the problem I have with him, that isn't going to change. Let someone else save the world, just coach basketball and win games
for the most historic program in college basketball. That is his job, that's what he gets paid to do.
 

kyjeff1

Heisman
Sep 8, 2012
50,615
70,879
113
He did do that. I think that's why I'm a little disappointed that he has only brought home one title. He did alot of talking about stuff like that.
I'm not sure what it is. Maybe Cal isn't making enough money.

Or, maybe he hasn't had enough talent.

Or maybe the fan support just isn’t good enough.

Or, maybe UK just isn't a big enough advantage.

I don't know what it is, there's no way it can be Cal's priorities or his coaching. Nahhhh.
 
  • Love
Reactions: KFuqua

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
My post wasn't a Cal hating post, you would understand that if you actually read it.
But, you know, sometimes the truth hurts.
I tried. I’m not so good with Gumpalump. Just more of your KY bashing is what I saw. Jeffy just go shine you MVP runner up church jamboree trophy. Make it look good.
 

Backer cutter

Heisman
Jul 8, 2019
7,707
20,355
0
I actually think he could have made a run at UCLA, if he had that as a primary goal.
Cal got sidetracked along the way. In country terms "he got above his raising " or
"too big for his britches" That is the problem I have with him, that isn't going to change. Let someone else save the world, just coach basketball and win games
for the most historic program in college basketball. That is his job, that's what he gets paid to do.
You’re first sentence says it all. He could have. I don’t doubt it. Something got all wrong, and only he knows what. At this point, I don’t care. He isn’t the answer going forward.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jjhagan7 and KFuqua

lexwildcat859

Junior
Dec 16, 2015
327
347
0
We can agree on that. The system isn’t what it was in my day, and that’s ok too. I understand. But we need a coach that embraces UK. IMO, we don’t have that.
The last time we had a coach that supposedly embraced the program over the players, josh harrelson had to spend halftime in a bathroom stall, multiple players were threatened with not being able to ride the team bus back to school, high profile recruits were thrown out of practice, to show how macho he was our coach threw a bunch of balls at Darius Miller's feet in retaliation for a bad entry pass in practice and the team was banned from wearing shirts celebrating Jodie Meeks' 54 point game because "this isnt the jodie meeks show"

The grass isnt always greener on the other side, BCG was hired because he supposedly slept in his office and ate, slept and breathed basketball and yet he brought us embarassment and pain, anything is possible and things can always get worse....remember that
 

billCgmx

All-American
Apr 9, 2015
3,060
6,725
0
With fair officiating in 2015 and 2017, Cal could/should have 3 titles and 1 runners-up in his 12 years. I am certainly no "the refs beat us" fan but the missed shot clock violation versus Wisconsin changed the game. It was egregious enough the rule was changed the next season.

2017 versus UNC was a travesty.
We had the lead late in both of those games and our coaching staff blew it. We took the air out of the ball vs Wisconsin and didn't know how to attack the zone vs UNC and lost both contests. With better coaching in 2015 and 2017 we would have two more National Championships.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KFuqua

Backer cutter

Heisman
Jul 8, 2019
7,707
20,355
0
The last time we had a coach that supposedly embraced the program over the players, josh harrelson had to spend halftime in a bathroom stall, multiple players were threatened with not being able to ride the team bus back to school, high profile recruits were thrown out of practice, to show how macho he was our coach threw a bunch of balls at Darius Miller's feet in retaliation for a bad entry pass in practice and the team was banned from wearing shirts celebrating Jodie Meeks' 54 point game because "this isnt the jodie meeks show"

The grass isnt always greener on the other side, BCG was hired because he supposedly slept in his office and ate, slept and breathed basketball and yet he brought us embarassment and pain, anything is possible and things can always get worse....remember that
Fair enough. Looking back on over 50 years of following UK basketball, Halls years standout first. Then Pitinos. Then Tubby. Then Cal. Then Bcg. I don’t think I’m in the minority.
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
The last time we had a coach that supposedly embraced the program over the players, josh harrelson had to spend halftime in a bathroom stall, multiple players were threatened with not being able to ride the team bus back to school, high profile recruits were thrown out of practice, to show how macho he was our coach threw a bunch of balls at Darius Miller's feet in retaliation for a bad entry pass in practice and the team was banned from wearing shirts celebrating Jodie Meeks' 54 point game because "this isnt the jodie meeks show"

The grass isnt always greener on the other side, BCG was hired because he supposedly slept in his office and ate, slept and breathed basketball and yet he brought us embarassment and pain, anything is possible and things can always get worse....remember that
And, just to amplify your point, there is absolutely zero evidence that Cal doesn't embrace the program. Zero. Nada. We have some haters and malcontents that like to spew a few "coach speak" phrases intended to attract recruits and families. Unfortunately, these "special" individuals pull these phrases out of context and carry them around like holy shields of protection.
 

Backer cutter

Heisman
Jul 8, 2019
7,707
20,355
0
And, just to amplify your point, there is absolutely zero evidence that Cal doesn't embrace the program. Zero. Nada. We have some haters and malcontents that like to spew a few "coach speak" phrases intended to attract recruits and families. Unfortunately, these "special" individuals pull these phrases out of context and carry them around like holy shields of protection.
Phrases to attract recruits, lol. Pass UCLA. Gold standard. We are college basketball. Players first. Did I forget gold standard? We eat first. Gold standard. Players first. No where in my recollection of all this crap does it mention championship. Or multiple. Did I miss something? (Wife’s comments don’t count).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cawood86_rivals

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
Phrases to attract recruits, lol. Pass UCLA. Gold standard. We are college basketball. Players first. Did I forget gold standard? We eat first. Gold standard. Players first. No where in my recollection of all this crap does it mention championship. Or multiple. Did I miss something? (Wife’s comments don’t count).
Thanks there backstabber, errr, cutty. You provided a perfect example of my point. I would advise you to avoid coach news conferences. if you do listen, realize 2 things. One, they are not talking to you alone. Two, it is clear you are understanding less than 50% of what you hear. I'd avoid discussing what you hear in public too. It's embarrassing to the rest us, like bad breath.
 

Backer cutter

Heisman
Jul 8, 2019
7,707
20,355
0
Thanks there backstabber, errr, cutty. You provided a perfect example of my point. I would advise you to avoid coach news conferences. if you do listen, realize 2 things. One, they are not talking to you alone. Two, it is clear you are understanding less than 50% of what you hear. I'd avoid discussing what you hear in public too. It's embarrassing to the rest us, like bad breath.
I’m advised to listen to one thing, and one thing only. Wanna guess what that is sir rhratthacakki?
 

kybassfan

Heisman
Jul 1, 2005
20,032
16,368
113
I’m advised to listen to one thing, and one thing only. Wanna guess what that is sir rhratthacakki?
Regrettably, it's obviously something you don't understand. That doesn't narrow the field much. Sorry I can't be more specific.
 

4UK

All-Conference
Sep 26, 2005
30,388
4,433
0
It's so comical to watch people say that OAD is a failure and you can't win championships that way, and then turn around and say with the way Cal has recruited he should have at least 3 titles. Bless their hearts.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lexwildcat859
May 4, 2015
10,514
13,584
86
M
And, just to amplify your point, there is absolutely zero evidence that Cal doesn't embrace the program. Zero. Nada. We have some haters and malcontents that like to spew a few "coach speak" phrases intended to attract recruits and families. Unfortunately, these "special" individuals pull these phrases out of context and carry them around like holy shields of protection.
If it’s “coach speak” he’s better off shutting his mouth. Not promising the moon knowing full well it is impossible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kyjeff1

Cawood86_rivals

Heisman
Feb 20, 2005
36,711
64,715
0
It's so comical to watch people say that OAD is a failure and you can't win championships that way, and then turn around and say with the way Cal has recruited he should have at least 3 titles. Bless their hearts.
His best teams had a mix. Everyone knows this. Cal got the top kids and a mix of returnees.
Cal has had more talent at UK than any recent coach. That's not even debatable. OAD is a failure when kids are not even drafted and still leave. That's what led to last year. EJ and Hagans left and shouldn't have. There have been others.
I doubt UK goes 9-16 with Hagans at the point and EJ on the floor with Jackson, Mintz, and Sarr.
 

4UK

All-Conference
Sep 26, 2005
30,388
4,433
0
His best teams had a mix. Everyone knows this. Cal got the top kids and a mix of returnees.
Cal has had more talent at UK than any recent coach. That's not even debatable. OAD is a failure when kids are not even drafted and still leave. That's what led to last year. EJ and Hagans left and shouldn't have. There have been others.
I doubt UK goes 9-16 with Hagans at the point and EJ on the floor with Jackson, Mintz, and Sarr.
To use your example, you do realize that neither Hagans, nor EJ were one-and-done right? In fact, they were guys that the vast majority of this board wanted to run off because they deemed them failures.
 

Cleisthenes

All-Conference
Nov 21, 2021
829
1,330
0
Waiting for some folks to have an epiphany and realize the problem is not Cal that is the problem it is the UK fan base. Cal has done all he can do with what he had but at some point a state full of January 6 alumni is going to fall out of favor with mostly inner city urban players. We were "in" because of the swag Cal brought in but it is no coincidence that in late 2015 into 2016 we nosed dived along with our state due to horrendous political choices. You can't make diamonds out of lumps of coal forever. We're about as "cool" as truck nuts now thanks to the usual bubba gump overalls shooting their guns at clouds crowd.
 

kyjeff1

Heisman
Sep 8, 2012
50,615
70,879
113
It's so comical to watch people say that OAD is a failure and you can't win championships that way, and then turn around and say with the way Cal has recruited he should have at least 3 titles. Bless their hearts.
Typical Cal fanboy, twisting what is said.

This is why my posts are usually long, you have to explain everything, because so many people don't understand.

Rolling with the One-and-done is fine, but when non-NBA kids are leaving after 1 or 2 years, this won't work. Eventually you have to get guys like EJ, Lamb, Teague, Hagans, Juzang, Baker, Orton, Dakari etc… to stay, but they don’t, because they came here with the sole intent to build their own personal brand and leave after 2 years max. So it makes no sense to bring those dudes in.

If you're going to do this, you have to bring in top shelf kids at every position and have back ups, if you strike out and bring in a bunch of projects, you're not going anywhere.

Since 2015, Cal has turned this into an NBA training grounds instead if a college basketball program. You'll probably disagree, you'll be wrong, but you can disagree if you want.
 
  • Love
Reactions: KFuqua
May 4, 2015
10,514
13,584
86
Waiting for some folks to have an epiphany and realize the problem is not Cal that is the problem it is the UK fan base. Cal has done all he can do with what he had but at some point a state full of January 6 alumni is going to fall out of favor with mostly inner city urban players. We were "in" because of the swag Cal brought in but it is no coincidence that in late 2015 into 2016 we nosed dived along with our state due to horrendous political choices. You can't make diamonds out of lumps of coal forever. We're about as "cool" as truck nuts now thanks to the usual bubba gump overalls shooting their guns at clouds crowd.
Yo homie, this is textbook gaslighting.
 

kyjeff1

Heisman
Sep 8, 2012
50,615
70,879
113
Waiting for some folks to have an epiphany and realize the problem is not Cal that is the problem it is the UK fan base. Cal has done all he can do with what he had but at some point a state full of January 6 alumni is going to fall out of favor with mostly inner city urban players. We were "in" because of the swag Cal brought in but it is no coincidence that in late 2015 into 2016 we nosed dived along with our state due to horrendous political choices. You can't make diamonds out of lumps of coal forever. We're about as "cool" as truck nuts now thanks to the usual bubba gump overalls shooting their guns at clouds crowd.
Wrong board, why don't you make like a tree and get the hell outta here.