Just another year!

[willievic]

Until we can get some of our best players to stay more then one year, were going to continue to be disappointed. Let's face it, when were a preseason Top 5, and have the No.1 recruiting class, we expect to to be a Final Four team. That is not likely to happen unless we have some players returning who are good players.
When we won the Championship, Cal's only one, we had three really good players return, Jones, who could have gone the year before, but wanted to improve his draft status, Lamb, and Miller. We also had the No.1 and No. 2 picks in the draft, Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist.
This year our returning players were not that good, with the exception of Ulis. In fact, I think we were a better team at the first of the season then we were in the tournament. Skal was a better player then, before he lost his confidence. Did he improve during the year, I don't think so. I know, he had a couple of games where he hit some shots from the elbow, and had some blocks, but check the competition.
If a player is not a first round pick, and size is not a factor, wouldn't he be better staying another year and trying to improve his draft status?


OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[brianpoe]

If a player is not a first round pick, and size is not a factor, wouldn't he be better staying another year and trying to improve his draft status? [/B]
OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

You dont really care about that answer Willie, you are just upset that so many of them leave and cost us wins the next year.

 

[Elliott Tim]

Until we can get some of our best players to stay more then one year, were going to continue to be disappointed. Let's face it, when were a preseason Top 5, and have the No.1 recruiting class, we expect to to be a Final Four team. That is not likely to happen unless we have some players returning who are good players.
When we won the Championship, Cal's only one, we had three really good players return, Jones, who could have gone the year before, but wanted to improve his draft status, Lamb, and Miller. We also had the No.1 and No. 2 picks in the draft, Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist.
This year our returning players were not that good, with the exception of Ulis. In fact, I think we were a better team at the first of the season then we were in the tournament. Skal was a better player then, before he lost his confidence. Did he improve during the year, I don't think so. I know, he had a couple of games where he hit some shots from the elbow, and had some blocks, but check the competition.
If a player is not a first round pick, and size is not a factor, wouldn't he be better staying another year and trying to improve his draft status?


OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

Here to stay till the NBA and the bargaining unit agrees to amend the current rule. I still would rather have what we're getting now as opposed to before. As I said in a long ago post: " I don't ever want to go back to Egypt."

 

[willievic]

You dont really care about that answer Willie, you are just upset that so many of them leave and cost us wins the next year.

No brian, your wrong. I am not upset that so many of them leave and cost us wins. If I felt that way, I would not be No. 1500 on the donor list at UK and also my wife and I are Fellows of UK. I went to UK, my son and daughter are graduates of UK, and I have a granddaughter there now. I also put my money where my mouth is, and that's supporting UK.
It does Pi$$ me off when a know it all, such as you, knows what someone else thinks. As you age, you will probably get smarter and learn to respect other people.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY

 

[brianpoe]

No brian, your wrong. I am not upset that so many of them leave and cost us wins. If I felt that way, I would not be No. 1500 on the donor list at UK and also my wife and I are Fellows of UK. I went to UK, my son and daughter are graduates of UK, and I have a granddaughter there now. I also put my money where my mouth is, and that's supporting UK.
It does Pi$$ me off when a know it all, such as you, knows what someone else thinks. As you age, you will probably get smarter and learn to respect other people.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY

Whatever willie, i wasnt chastising you, it is frustrating for all of us, even though we understand how and why it happens.

 

[Calsthebomb]

Until we can get some of our best players to stay more then one year, were going to continue to be disappointed. Let's face it, when were a preseason Top 5, and have the No.1 recruiting class, we expect to to be a Final Four team. That is not likely to happen unless we have some players returning who are good players.
When we won the Championship, Cal's only one, we had three really good players return, Jones, who could have gone the year before, but wanted to improve his draft status, Lamb, and Miller. We also had the No.1 and No. 2 picks in the draft, Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist.
This year our returning players were not that good, with the exception of Ulis. In fact, I think we were a better team at the first of the season then we were in the tournament. Skal was a better player then, before he lost his confidence. Did he improve during the year, I don't think so. I know, he had a couple of games where he hit some shots from the elbow, and had some blocks, but check the competition.
If a player is not a first round pick, and size is not a factor, wouldn't he be better staying another year and trying to improve his draft status?


OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

If it was your child it wouldn't be a problem. A lot of these kids families are struggling. I don't blame them for chasing their dream and you shouldn't either.

 

[NineSec95]

Just another year where players and coaches get rich and the fans get really noting. Sorry.

 

[mdlUK.1]

Until we can get some of our best players to stay more then one year, were going to continue to be disappointed. Let's face it, when were a preseason Top 5, and have the No.1 recruiting class, we expect to to be a Final Four team. That is not likely to happen unless we have some players returning who are good players.
When we won the Championship, Cal's only one, we had three really good players return, Jones, who could have gone the year before, but wanted to improve his draft status, Lamb, and Miller. We also had the No.1 and No. 2 picks in the draft, Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist.
This year our returning players were not that good, with the exception of Ulis. In fact, I think we were a better team at the first of the season then we were in the tournament. Skal was a better player then, before he lost his confidence. Did he improve during the year, I don't think so. I know, he had a couple of games where he hit some shots from the elbow, and had some blocks, but check the competition.
If a player is not a first round pick, and size is not a factor, wouldn't he be better staying another year and trying to improve his draft status?


OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

Were you disappointed in 2012? If you've been a UK fan as long as you claim, you have been disappointed a lot. 8 titles since 1948.

If you can't be happy with the results we've had under Cal, you will never be happy.

 

[blubo]

How many days until big blue madness?

 

[brianpoe]

Just another year where players and coaches get rich and the fans get really noting. Sorry.

Wow, its ok champ...

 

[L]

No brian, your wrong. I am not upset that so many of them leave and cost us wins. If I felt that way, I would not be No. 1500 on the donor list at UK and also my wife and I are Fellows of UK. I went to UK, my son and daughter are graduates of UK, and I have a granddaughter there now. I also put my money where my mouth is, and that's supporting UK.
It does Pi$$ me off when a know it all, such as you, knows what someone else thinks. As you age, you will probably get smarter and learn to respect other people.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY

Got to have thick skin to be on a message board. No one talks behind your back, they say/write things about you to your face/screen which is also behind your back, kinda. Ha! Very odd creation the message boards.

However, I am very disappointed that with all the talent, first rounders, nba players, we have only won 1 national championship with Coach Cal. Unfortunately, there is no other coach out there better? or a coach that would be willing to coach at Kentucky. Cal creates some problems, as he stated "I like to poke the bear". Sometimes, I think he pokes too much. I do appreciate his honesty, but a less honesty might be better. dUKe gets all the breaks. Coach K/dUKe is respected, for reasons I cannot explain. Until KY starts getting more favorable press coverage (which does matter fair or not), cakewalks through the tournament, more good veteran players, and Cal stops "poking the bear", we will have this "just another year" topic to write about.

 

[TortElvisII]

How many days until big blue madness?

208

29 weeks and 5 days.

 

[willievic]

mdl, yes, I think most of us have been disappointed, and your not? When you continue to have the top recruiting class every year, I think most fans expect to be in the Final 16. I know I do. However, I never forget it's only a game, and doesn't really change anything in most of our lives. I don't question how long someone's been following UK sports, I'm just glad they do.
I have seen so many players go to the pros and not make it, and in a few years read about them, and it's usually not good. A degree is something that can not be taken away from you. I have never said, "Don't go to the NBA if your ready."
I just think it would be better if a player is not a First round pick, unless size is a factor, such as Ulis, to stay and improve your draft choice, as Terrance Jones did, and several others have.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[mdlUK.1]

mdl, yes, I think most of us have been disappointed, and your not? When you continue to have the top recruiting class every year, I think most fans expect to be in the Final 16. I know I do. However, I never forget it's only a game, and doesn't really change anything in most of our lives. I don't question how long someone's been following UK sports, I'm just glad they do.
I have seen so many players go to the pros and not make it, and in a few years read about them, and it's usually not good. A degree is something that can not be taken away from you. I have never said, "Don't go to the NBA if your ready."
I just think it would be better if a player is not a First round pick, unless size is a factor, such as Ulis, to stay and improve your draft choice, as Terrance Jones did, and several others have.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

Lol of course I'm disappointed but I'm also realistic. The ncaat is random. One bad shooting game and you're done. Remember 2010?

Most of the guys that left under Cal WERE first round picks. And the ones that went that weren't first rounders? Cal tried to get them to come back. He can't make them return. What's your solution?

Again, I an terribly disappointed but again, only 8 times in my lifetime has that not been the case.

And this is the first year under Cal, that we made the ncaat, that we didn't make at least the Elite 8. 4 out of 5 final fours before this season.

So what will make you happy?

 

[tnwalters]

Old guy here too.
UK has had excellent teams when the mixture included new guys and upper class leadership. Guys who had the intensity and understanding of the game and were physically more mature. Though the recruiting class is excellent for next year, most are physically immature. The issue will be what can the upper class men bring to the table.[/QUOTE]

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

Wow, its ok champ...

Brian please don't call this guy 'Champ' lol. I thought you and I were okay !

 

[brianpoe]

Brian please don't call this guy 'Champ' lol. I thought you and I were okay !

You still the man.

This might predate you but i was referring to him as....

Anyone else remember the movie?

 

[GonzoCat90]

Returning players like Poythress and Lee? I'd have gladly taken two more Jamal Murray's all season instead.

 

[sluggercatfan]

If it was your child it wouldn't be a problem. A lot of these kids families are struggling. I don't blame them for chasing their dream and you shouldn't either.

Personally I think the guys that are first rounders should go, it is the guys who aren't and KNOW they aren't going to be should stay and finish school. Look at DJ..twins, Lamb and others playing in the D league. What are they making 30-35k. And I hope Young is investing his money well because when his contract is up you know he isn't getting resigned because he has mostly been in the D since the day he got there.

 

[mdlUK.1]

Personally I think the guys that are first rounders should go, it is the guys who aren't and KNOW they aren't going to be should stay and finish school. Look at DJ..twins, Lamb and others playing in the D league. What are they making 30-35k. And I hope Young is investing his money well because when his contract is up you know he isn't getting resigned because he has mostly been in the D since the day he got there.

I agree but again, Cal can only advise them to stay. He can't force them.

 

[Atrain7732]

Until we can get some of our best players to stay more then one year, were going to continue to be disappointed. Let's face it, when were a preseason Top 5, and have the No.1 recruiting class, we expect to to be a Final Four team. That is not likely to happen unless we have some players returning who are good players.
When we won the Championship, Cal's only one, we had three really good players return, Jones, who could have gone the year before, but wanted to improve his draft status, Lamb, and Miller. We also had the No.1 and No. 2 picks in the draft, Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist.
This year our returning players were not that good, with the exception of Ulis. In fact, I think we were a better team at the first of the season then we were in the tournament. Skal was a better player then, before he lost his confidence. Did he improve during the year, I don't think so. I know, he had a couple of games where he hit some shots from the elbow, and had some blocks, but check the competition.
If a player is not a first round pick, and size is not a factor, wouldn't he be better staying another year and trying to improve his draft status?


OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

So not trying to be disrespectful. But, let me make sure I understand what you are saying here. It is Cal's fault that he recruits so well that a lot of time his players leave early. That if you had your way you would prefer for Cal to continue to recruit the best of the best, but you do not want those elite players to leave. You expect a Final Four every season, so you are certainly going to hold Cal accountable for recruiting players good enough to get Uk there.

However, you also want this guys to decide, at their own volition mind you, to forego millions of dollars and the very real risk of injury, just to take another crack at a championship. As previously stated, you would not have that opinion if it was your child making the decision. It is selfish of you as a fan to do so now. I get it. I want to win as much as he next guy. But, not at the expense of these kids lives.

And that is exactly what you are asking. You want to have your cake and eat it too. You want the best players and you want them to stay four years. None of what you are asking even applies to Cal either. These kids make their own decisions as to when to leave. I like we have a coach that makes an honest attempt to advise them of their best interests, then abides by their decision. Because he understands that it is not all about him.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

I agree but again, Cal can only advise them to stay. He can't force them.

Yeah, I think some fans are advocating we should pay players to stay...you can't force them to stay otherwise. I'm joking on the first part, although some of our fans are crazy.

And we had returning players this year...and we did last year. We will next year as well.

Now I agree this year that some of these guys leaving will be very head scratching to me other than Murray and Ulis and I guess Poy because he's just tired of being here and school I guess.

 

[dallasg23]

Let's all write cal and tell him to only recruit instate 3 star players whose offers are Eku ball state and northwest Louisiana tech state school of art so all of our players stay for more than one year. The players Kentucky gets now are one and done at every school they would go too. Fact. Most would go out of high school fact. All you selfish *** people are salty because you want championship. We all want championships. And it's a lot easier to get with the best players fact. There has been 3 year. 3 since we have had cal in which we haven't been to a final 4. In that same time period we've been too 2 national championships (1-1) and you're complaining. We are the most successful PERIOD basketball team in the last 7 years period. Get over yourselves. The fact you still cry about one and domes at this point is pitiful. Go watch billy Gs games on your dvrs

 

[ruppcat]

Until we can get some of our best players to stay more then one year, were going to continue to be disappointed. Let's face it, when were a preseason Top 5, and have the No.1 recruiting class, we expect to to be a Final Four team. That is not likely to happen unless we have some players returning who are good players.
When we won the Championship, Cal's only one, we had three really good players return, Jones, who could have gone the year before, but wanted to improve his draft status, Lamb, and Miller. We also had the No.1 and No. 2 picks in the draft, Davis and Kidd-Gilchrist.
This year our returning players were not that good, with the exception of Ulis. In fact, I think we were a better team at the first of the season then we were in the tournament. Skal was a better player then, before he lost his confidence. Did he improve during the year, I don't think so. I know, he had a couple of games where he hit some shots from the elbow, and had some blocks, but check the competition.
If a player is not a first round pick, and size is not a factor, wouldn't he be better staying another year and trying to improve his draft status?


OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

How do you account for last year's failure to win? We had everything you're asking for....and a bit more.

 

[Thompkins4uk]

A little off subject but I think Briscoe might be key for next year. A sophomore leader that doesn't lead them in scoring. If Lee was a basketball player, he could be one as well but Bam and SKJ are both better talents than Lee. Throw in a Bolden or a Yurtseven and Lee is 4th in line.

 

[jc2010]

We have had a number of players to leave to soon, I know it has hurt UK, I'm not sure how the players came out

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

You still the man.

This might predate you but i was referring to him as....

Anyone else remember the movie?

I cried like a baby.I was in my early teens. It may be the biggest tear jerking scene ever.

Regarging this season, it was a bridge yr. We lost 7 under classmen to the NBA. 85% of our scoring. We only mustered 3 Five Stars to replace them along with a 4 star in Matthews a Juco transfer in Mulder and the Big Aussie who is only 18 and a work in progress.
Now, next season UK will have 5 or 6 five stars replacing quite possibly only 4 five star exits in Ulis, Murray, Skal and Poy.
Thats scary guys.

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

I'm no big fan of OAD either, but this team just wasn't one of Cal's best. None of the returning players really stepped up consistently except Ulis, and of the incoming players the 2 which really contributed the most were both also PG's. Cal did what he could. The real problem was all the recruiting misses last year. We don't have that problem this coming year. When you look at the box score it's obvious IU won the game, but didn't really beat UK. We just didn't play well. Ulis had 27 points, but 4 TO's, and 3 assist. Murray was 1-9 from 3. The team shot 42% from the field, 25% from 3, and made 16 TO's to 8 assist. This UK team just couldn't win like that. IU didn't play great, they just played a bit better.