Jack Pilgrim just said...

[HagginHall1999]

Billy R Sports had Pilgrim on The Leach Report this morning and he asked him point blank about the Wallace and Wheeler PG situation...

Pilgrim told BRS that a little birdie has told him that as the season progresses and Cal sees Wallace become more comfortable that he is going to take over the PG spot from Wheeler. He was told that Cal is very intrigued by Wallace with CJ and Reeves. Essentially buying some time right now and tinkering with lineups.

Anyhow, just thought I'd share. Don't shoot the messenger!

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I believe it.. but I don't know why Cal is waiting.

 

[JLoad22]

Really hope that's true. Love Wheeler but he's a change of pace guy and teams can corner us down the stretch and beat us when he's running the show. No reason why they can't all work together for a common goal.

 

[akaukswoosh]

Billy R Sports had Pilgrim on The Leach Report this morning and he asked him point blank about the Wallace and Wheeler PG situation...

Pilgrim told BRS that a little birdie has told him that as the season progresses and Cal sees Wallace become more comfortable that he is going to take over the PG spot from Wheeler. He was told that Cal is very intrigued by Wallace with CJ and Reeves. Essentially buying some time right now and tinkering with lineups.

Anyhow, just thought I'd share. Don't shoot the messenger!

Makes sense.

 

[Mack Daddy Cat]

I believe it.. but I don't know why Cal is waiting.

Probably to allow an easier transition for Wallace and preventing Wheeler from transferring mid-season.

 

[Col. Angus]

Do it now.

 

[WeWant9]

I’d like to see it, but not sure why Cal feels the need to wait. UK doesn’t need anymore Ls because Cal isn’t ready to pull the trigger.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Probably to allow an easier transition for Wallace and preventing Wheeler from transferring mid-season.

Yeah I guess I can see that. But this really needs to happen now. Not in February.

I almost think we need Wheeler to have some bad games coming up to force this, as opposed to him playing well and causing Cal to overthink this.

 

[502 Wildcat]

Cal slow burns the team all season. He has always done this. Usually it works out, with a couple of exceptions (last year, for example). Generally we peak at the right time. Sometimes lineups have been a factor in this. SGA and Maxey come to mind right off the top, though the timing was not identical in both cases.

Gradually transitioning Wheeler from PG1 to PG2 (situations notwithstanding) falls in line with this usual strategy. Wheeler is not a bum. He's currently 6th in the country in assists, after leading a loaded SEC in that regard last season, and preseason all SEC first team for a reason. However, a player like Cason does have the ability to give you more in most scenarios.

Pleased to hear this, and I hope both Sahvir and Cason stay healthy, because having both of those dudes is such a luxury.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

I was thinking this was a possibility, and posted it days ago, noting even with Wheeler in there, Wallace sometimes plays as the lead guard. And we know Wheeler isn't in there to be the SG (lol lol lol). So I think Wallace just has to earn that trust (of Cal's) to run it himself for long stretches.

Now that said. If CJ doesn't start shooting better, I'm all for giving Theiro and Livingston more run at the 3. Theiro can defend and Livingston can rebound. But willing to go with who is playing the best in that game at the 3, unless one of them shows it is consistently him. Give them all three 5-8 min in the 1H, and then go with the best in the 2H.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

Wheeler stopping jacking triples and sticking to distribution equates to an upward trajectory.

SW is a liability in Cal's man philosophy, any coach worth their salt just runs motion until they get their desired match up...and with the floor spread defensively, it's over...Wallace the exact opposite, quite possibly the best defender on the team...

 

[uk78_rivals88018]

Wheeler is a very good point guard in up tempo. So you can bring him in off the bench and with some other substitutions can be a great impact especially to wear a team down. In fact, when another opponent is a bit tired Wheeler's quickness and on ball defense can be significant. It is also where Collins will have more impact with receiving lobs. I truly believe our bench can be a great advantage if used correctly.

 

[Mack Daddy Cat]

Yeah I guess I can see that. But this really needs to happen now. Not in February.

I almost think we need Wheeler to have some bad games coming up to force this, as opposed to him playing well and causing Cal to overthink this.

We don't though. He is already playing pg when Wheeler is out, which is getting him experience. We just need to slowly expand that time per game he is taking the lead guard role. No need to rush it and cause problems.

We certainly don't need Wheeler to have bad games. We need him to continue to improve and have good games, particularly shooting wise.

Wheeler stopping jacking triples and sticking to distribution equates to an upward trajectory.

He is currently shooting 33% from 3 on 18 attempts, or an avg of 3 attempts per game. That's not exactly awful. If he could maintain that range or improve at all, teams have to start respecting that a bit more and playing him more defensively. That certainly would open the floor a bit, and I really like Wheeler to be able to break down his man off the dribble more than anyone on the team.

 

[Juneswoon]

I dream of a lineup with Wallace, Reeves, CJ and Toppin (if he can find his shot) all on the perimeter with Oscar down low. This is the successful way of offense in today’s college BB world.
It does make too much sense like Smashcat brought up. Cal will never do it:/

 

[bbnkat02]

Probably to allow an easier transition for Wallace and preventing Wheeler from transferring mid-season.

If Wheeler leaves because someone is obviously better than him, I don’t know what to tell you.

Dude should be onboard to do what is best for the team.

 

[FinancialPlannerZac]

I was thinking this was a possibility, and posted it days ago, noting even with Wheeler in there, Wallace sometimes plays as the lead guard. And we know Wheeler isn't in there to be the SG (lol lol lol). So I think Wallace just has to earn that trust (of Cal's) to run it himself for long stretches.

Now that said. If CJ doesn't start shooting better, I'm all for giving Theiro and Livingston more run at the 3. Theiro can defend and Livingston can rebound. But willing to go with who is playing the best in that game at the 3, unless one of them shows it is consistently him. Give them all three 5-8 min in the 1H, and then go with the best in the 2H.

I really would love to see Livingston split the four spot with Toppin, as opposed to playing the three. Have the rotation of Wallace, Fredrick, Reeves, and Wheeler rotating as the three guard line-up. As you said, wouldn't mind seeing Thiero in there for spurts as well! I think the rotation is close to being figured out, and the Michigan game will be telling for sure.

 

[Mack Daddy Cat]

If Wheeler leaves because someone is obviously better than him, I don’t know what to tell you.

Dude should be onboard to do what is best for the team.

Sure, but these players, just like workers in a company, have to consider what is best for them and their future. If Wheeler ever wants to play internationally as a pro, he is going to want to play and be seen and have ample opportunities. I take no offense to players seeking out a place where they get more pt. Particularly at Wheeler's age.

What you would tell me when it happens is that we are incredibly thin at pg.

 

[K_TIME]

Sounds music to everyone's ears....but it is as likely to be total baloney as it is reality. Case in point, if there is a transition in our future to less Wheeler....why give him 35 min vs. Bellarmine?

Secondly, when has the rotations changed a ton as the season wore on. The only one I can remember is the Whitney year that QUickley took on starting spot vs. coming off the bench early in his 2nd year. Maybe the Skal year to a degree took a major minutes from starting to bench spot. I don't remember another instance.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

We don't though. He is already playing pg when Wheeler is out, which is getting him experience. We just need to slowly expand that time per game he is taking the lead guard role. No need to rush it and cause problems.

We certainly don't need Wheeler to have bad games. We need him to continue to improve and have good games, particularly shooting wise.


He is currently shooting 33% from 3 on 18 attempts, or an avg of 3 attempts per game. That's not exactly awful. If he could maintain that range or improve at all, teams have to start respecting that a bit more and playing him more defensively. That certainly would open the floor a bit, and I really like Wheeler to be able to break down his man off the dribble more than anyone on the team.

While Reeves and Frederick both shoot in the 40's? Also, where's Oscars promised looks going to come from out there then, plus you know damn well, Cal is not about to tell Toppin not to jack triples, but the most puzzling of all, why is Collins camping out there?

So you'd rather have Wheeler than Reeves to break down his man off the dribble and score, you and Cal think a lot alike...I suppose you support his Yahtzee lineups and substitution patterns too?

 

[Jamal Mercer]

Big hit to the “Wheeler is great, 10 assists a game!” crowd.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

I really would love to see Livingston split the four spot with Toppin, as opposed to playing the three. Have the rotation of Wallace, Fredrick, Reeves, and Wheeler rotating as the three guard line-up. As you said, wouldn't mind seeing Thiero in there for spurts as well! I think the rotation is close to being figured out, and the Michigan game will be telling for sure.

What I bolded, would not be good news for Theiro, since he didn't even play last game.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Anyone else think Billy hates Matt? Just me?

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

What I bolded, would not be good news for Theiro, since he didn't even play last game.

Cal picks his favorites and then closes his mind...yet another trait he has that completely sucks...

 

[deep3]

I dream of a lineup with Wallace, Reeves, CJ and Toppin (if he can find his shot) all on the perimeter with Oscar down low. This is the successful way of offense in today’s college BB world.
It does make too much sense like Smashcat brought up. Cal will never do it:/

This is spot on, by far the best lineup and one that can hang a banner if things fall in place. You have everything solid D, shooting, inside presence and a guy that can guard multiple positions.

I think the real issue, jmo, is Wheeler becoming a cancer within because of not starting. My take would be, do it regardless and let Wheeler know this is what is happening and either buy off or transfer. Your are not winning anything if he remains our point guard and almost everyone who is honest and has any understanding of the game knows it.

 

[bbnkat02]

Anyone else think Billy hates Matt? Just me?

Nah. I don’t think so. They may not be bosom buddies but I don’t think he hates him.

 

[Rockford]

Guys on the radio can say whatever they want.... and often do.

Guys on message boards can type anything and often do.

gih4w9qu93u490ht90109

See, I just did it too.

I will believe it when I see it.

 

[HagginHall1999]

Anyone else think Billy hates Matt? Just me?

I don't think so. I think Billy is very underated tbh. Especially for how young he is. Likely has a great future on radio.

 

[FinancialPlannerZac]

What I bolded, would not be good news for Theiro, since he didn't even play last game.

That's true. I wonder if Cal has not been as worried about keeping Thiero and Ugonna "happy" with playing time, since for both, it's been stated numerous times they were both seen as guys that would be brought along more slowly. Apparently, both players (and their families) knew this coming in, and are playing the longer game. This is obviously much different than Cal trying to make the transition from Wheeler to Wallace. For that, I could easily see Wheeler continuing to be a starter all year, but seeing his minutes at the point diminish gradually.

As for Thiero and Ugo, it is still very early in the season, and if they happen to make strides in practice they could earn more minutes along the way... but I don't see that as a high possibility right now.

My biggest question to Cal right now, is what to do with Collins? To me, he's not playable at this point, but I think he's still going to put him out there at times he shouldn't.

 

[Mack Daddy Cat]

While Reeves and Frederick both shoot in the 40's? Also, where's Oscars promised looks going to come from out there then, plus you know damn well, Cal is not about to tell Toppin not to jack triples, but the most puzzling of all, why is Collins camping out there?

So you'd rather have Wheeler than Reeves to break down his man off the dribble and score, you and Cal think a lot alike...I suppose you support his Yahtzee lineups and substitution patterns too?

You aren't very familiar with basketball, are you?

What does Reeves and Frederick shooting 40% (FYI, Frederick is slightly above Wheeler at this point % wise) matter? Do they all have to shoot the same?

How does Wheeler playing prevent Oscar from shooting 3's?

Why would we tell Toppin not to shoot good 3 pt shots?

Probably because Collins has shown the ability to hit them when he is on, and doing so would open the floor up more for other players. Would you oppose he tell Collins to shrink the floor? I'm sure you'll say something stupid or create a poorly made meme to suggest Cal shouldn't play Collins, but again, that will only further demonstrate your ignorance of basketball.

Well, considering Reeves isn't a pg, doesn't have the greatest handles or the speed Wheeler has, then yes, I would prefer Wheeler. Particularly considering Wheeler is a very good assist man. Also, considering you can put Reeves on the floor at the same time, I'm not sure why you conclude it's an either or with them.

You may be the Benny type we hear so much about.

 

[DaDirtyLeb69]

Billy R Sports had Pilgrim on The Leach Report this morning and he asked him point blank about the Wallace and Wheeler PG situation...

Pilgrim told BRS that a little birdie has told him that as the season progresses and Cal sees Wallace become more comfortable that he is going to take over the PG spot from Wheeler. He was told that Cal is very intrigued by Wallace with CJ and Reeves. Essentially buying some time right now and tinkering with lineups.

Anyhow, just thought I'd share. Don't shoot the messenger!

Makes to much sense, which is why cal won’t do it

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Yeah I guess I can see that. But this really needs to happen now. Not in February.

I almost think we need Wheeler to have some bad games coming up to force this, as opposed to him playing well and causing Cal to overthink this.

Wheeler just had a bad game IMO

 

[BassProCat]

 

[chroix]

Good. I was thinking this morning about how much further along Toppin could be if he hadn’t been stuck behind Brooks. At some point you’ve got to commit to developing the superior talent and live with the short term consequences. If you don’t you end up with the worst of all worlds.

 

[Dirt Sammich]

“I’m not going to put him in there jut to win another game”.

 

[westerncat]

Wheeler is a very good point guard in up tempo. So you can bring him in off the bench and with some other substitutions can be a great impact especially to wear a team down. In fact, when another opponent is a bit tired Wheeler's quickness and on ball defense can be significant. It is also where Collins will have more impact with receiving lobs. I truly believe our bench can be a great advantage if used correctly.

I agree 100% on bringing Wheeler in when opponents are getting tired. Have told my best friend the same thing. Cal has his favorites and that is why we have lost the 2 games we lost.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

You aren't very familiar with basketball, are you?

What does Reeves and Frederick shooting 40% (FYI, Frederick is slightly above Wheeler at this point % wise) matter? Do they all have to shoot the same?

How does Wheeler playing prevent Oscar from shooting 3's?

Why would we tell Toppin not to shoot good 3 pt shots?

Probably because Collins has shown the ability to hit them when he is on, and doing so would open the floor up more for other players. Would you oppose he tell Collins to shrink the floor? I'm sure you'll say something stupid or create a poorly made meme to suggest Cal shouldn't play Collins, but again, that will only further demonstrate your ignorance of basketball.

Well, considering Reeves isn't a pg, doesn't have the greatest handles or the speed Wheeler has, then yes, I would prefer Wheeler. Particularly considering Wheeler is a very good assist man. Also, considering you can put Reeves on the floor at the same time, I'm not sure why you conclude it's an either or with them.

You may be the Benny type we hear so much about.

So you want to place your all eggs in the six game basket of THIS season...damn Lead Belly, maybe you really are a retard and don't just play one in your socks. [laughing]

Reeves and Frederick are your shooters - only you and Cal would disagree with that.

Wheeler's percentage is based on wide open looks, those are dropping like a rock as teams are extending in this putrid thing Cal calls an offense.

Never said Reeves was a PG, but he has more skills to get to the rack one-on-one than anyone on this team - to say otherwise just magnifies your illiteracy.

You take stump? [roll]

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Nah. I don’t think so. They may not be bosom buddies but I don’t think he hates him.

I don't think so. I think Billy is very underated tbh. Especially for how young he is. Likely has a great future on radio.

Maybe. I sense something there. I think if you asked Billy off air, away from everyone, he would say he likes Matt. And I think he believes he does like Matt. But I think subconsciously, somewhere in there, he has some underlying beliefs that he is better than Matt, and it makes him angry that Matt is the star.

It’s like a Benjy Bronk to Howard Stern relationship. I like Billy R Sports, but he needs to lay off the attitude sometimes. Just my opinion.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

“I’m not going to put him in there jut to win another game”.

Ugh man.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Billy R Sports had Pilgrim on The Leach Report this morning and he asked him point blank about the Wallace and Wheeler PG situation...

Pilgrim told BRS that a little birdie has told him that as the season progresses and Cal sees Wallace become more comfortable that he is going to take over the PG spot from Wheeler. He was told that Cal is very intrigued by Wallace with CJ and Reeves. Essentially buying some time right now and tinkering with lineups.

Anyhow, just thought I'd share. Don't shoot the messenger!

Hopefully he doesn’t wait until February to try the lineup that all of us have asked for since day 1.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

M

Really hope that's true. Love Wheeler but he's a change of pace guy and teams can corner us down the stretch and beat us when he's running the show. No reason why they can't all work together for a common goal.

me too and with the right lineup he can really provide a boost of speed and pace in a game and give us a spark with his passing ability.