Possible roster

[akaukswoosh]

Ben Roberts put this together. Tentative and speculative but if we add a big that’s 12 scholarship players.

POSSIBLE UK BASKETBALL PLAYERS FOR NEXT SEASON
Current UK players Tyrese Maxey, Ashton Hagans and Nick Richards are expected to enter the NBA Draft — and Nate Sestina is out of college eligibility — but the Cats could still return a few players for next season. Here are the stats for the five current players generally thought to be the likeliest returnees — Dontaie Allen sat out all of this season — as well as info on UK's incoming recruits.

Player Pos Ht Wt PPG RPG APG MPG
Immanuel Quickley G 6-3 188 16.1 4.2 1.9 33.0
EJ Montgomery F 6-10 228 6.1 5.4 0.6 24.1
Keion Brooks F 6-7 205 4.5 3.2 0.2 15.1
Johnny Juzang G 6-6 214 2.9 1.9 0.3 12.3
Dontaie Allen G 6-6 200 — — — —
Devin Askew G 6-3 195 — — — —
Brandon Boston G 6-6 175 — — — —
Terrence Clarke G 6-7 185 — — — —
Cam'Ron Fletcher G/F 6-6 180 — — — —
Isaiah Jackson F 6-9 200 — — — —
Lance Ware F 6-9 215 — — — —

https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-recruiting/article241202391.html
Table: Ben Roberts Get the data

 

[armchairpg]

Id take it.

 

[RoyKent]

I would absolutely be happy with that roster. Although I am just hoping that we get one of EJ or IQ back. Remove those two and things look a bit dicey.

 

[JASUN74]

If only Nick’s Girlfriend was a senior to be next season!! I could definitely see Nick come back next year if she were still here, but with her getting on with her life, I’d say that’ll have a lot to do with it when he has to make his decision. I guarantee he wants to stay, you can just tell how much he loves school. Also, with him being here for three years now anyway, you know it feels like home. I’m not going to rule out a return for the big guy just yet, I’m hoping he and his family will want him to get his degree and get it over with.

Of course most of my thoughts here are from the fan side of me, but I really think he should come back and continue to work on some things that will help him when he does get to the league! For example, his outside shot is looking really nice from 12-15 feet, now it’s time to continue to go on out some more where he’ll be able to stretch the floor in the NBA. It’s all about spacing, if he can be even a threat from 15 feet he can be a huge weapon. He’s already close as a rebounder and shot blocker, now he needs to be able to help on offense. That hook shot could make him a ton of money if he can become more consistent as well.

Anyhow, I think Nick is very close to becoming a lottery pick, but if he’s going to be able to make it to his second and third contract, he’s going to need something special to stand out! One more season of practicing against next years players would be an unbelievable benefit for Nick, and of course The Cats. I’m really hoping Nick and Immanuel will come back and make next year one of the best teams we’ve ever had here! Ashton 100%, no doubt about it, needs another year to grow and improve on his game also.

No matter who stays or who decides to move on, next year is going to be special to all of us and the whole country. I think we Kentucky fans sometimes take for granted just how much it means to be apart of the BBN. I believe this stuff that’s happening now has really given us a chance to look at everything and again be thankful we are Kentucky fans. I know I am!! I miss the Cats more than words can say, it has been hard knowing we had a very good chance to win it all this year and not even compete, who knows what would’ve happened, I would’ve loved to see though. Lol. Whenever we do get to play again, I think our fan base is going to appreciate it more that ever before. Thanks, I hope everyone is doing ok and as always, Go Cats!!

 

[JimboBBN]

Feel like we would be hurting at the five spot with that roster. Basically no depth at that position and EJ isn’t a natural five at all. No bulk down there.

 

[awf]

Why is everyone saying they think Quickley comes back? I would think that Hagans was the player that proved he could use another season of play.......

 

[Sparkaces]

Feel like we would be hurting at the five spot with that roster. Basically no depth at that position and EJ isn’t a natural five at all. No bulk down there.

Cal is gonna get a grad transfer or one time transfer (if rule passes) for center guaranteed, now lets just hope it is a difference maker.

 

[Big Blue Yeti]

Why is everyone saying they think Quickley comes back? I would think that Hagans was the player that proved he could use another season of play.......

It's not just about how well they play or how much they produce in college. Hagans is projected as a pg and played pg at a reasonably high level for 2 years. NBA has been able to speculate what Hagans skill set will translate to in the NBA. A fast, athletic pg with a knack for being a solid defensive player. Not a great shooter, but good at running the offense and getting other involved. he does also have solid shot mechanics, so most teams see potential for an improved shooter.

Quickley, on the other hand, has only really ever played the 2 guard in college. And at only 6'2, he does not project as a 2 guard in the NBA. He will have to be a scoring pg. Since teams want to see him actually play the position at a high level successfully first, he is most suited to return and do just that.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

@JASUN74 I wondered about the GF aspect as well. Damn, looks like that won't be in our favor.

This is when I kind of wish Cal got a littttttle bit more greedy in regards to the goals of the program. Yes, Richards could get hurt playing next year, but it's not like he's really near a lottery level pick.

Tell Nick he has the entirety of the center minutes, he could get a crack at the tournament again, and he'd be a top10 player ALL season long.. not just a player who people didn't noticed until last month. He'd be a lottery pick for sure if he did this all season and was able to even further expand his game.

 

[johnl1219_]

Why is everyone saying they think Quickley comes back? I would think that Hagans was the player that proved he could use another season of play.......

That's my question. Quickley was the SEC player of the year, why would he return? He scored in double figures 26 out of the 30 games. He will at least test the waters.

 

[Sparkaces]

That's my question. Quickley was the SEC player of the year, why would he return? He scored in double figures 26 out of the 30 games. He will at least test the waters.

There are first team all-americans that don't get drafted and prob don't have a chance in the NBA. Being good in college certainly doesn't mean you will get drafted or you should leave after you have one good year.

 

[CELTICAT]

That's a damn good team imho

 

[JASUN74]

That's my question. Quickley was the SEC player of the year, why would he return? He scored in double figures 26 out of the 30 games. He will at least test the waters.

If he was 6’7 then you’re right, he would leave without a thought! But at 6’2, maybe 6’3, he’d have a lot of competition for a spot. Now he will test the waters as you say, but his draft stock as of now probably isn’t even in the top 60! I just believe he could help himself soo much and improve his stock. In turn, he could make two or even three More Million dollars on his first contract.

He needs to work on his defense before he’ll play much in the league! While he is a great scorer in college, he still turns down a lot of shots and will need to work more on coming off screens if he’s going to stay in the NBA. I 100% think he can have a great career in the league if he’ll continue to work hard. He’s very good at a lot of things, but better defense will make him a stud an possible lottery pick.

 

[JASUN74]

Why is everyone saying they think Quickley comes back? I would think that Hagans was the player that proved he could use another season of play.......

Ashton definitely needs another year imo! It’s just most of us feel he wants to go!! Even last year at the Draft with Tyler, you could tell he was sad because he wasn’t going. I even remember Tyler saying “Your next man”. He was smiling. Lol. Quickly is no doubt a great shooter, but needs to work on ball handling and defense and he could be unbelievable. I don’t know what either will do and of course I’ll wish them the best, but if they listen to their heads and not their hearts, they’ll be back in Blue and white next year.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

If that's our roster #9 is in the bag.

 

[RoyKent]

This guy could be a great fit but so far UK has not reached out to him.

https://247sports.com/college/baske...quette-Michigan-Iowa-State-Gonzaga-145083968/

 

[caneintally]

Feel like we would be hurting at the five spot with that roster. Basically no depth at that position and EJ isn’t a natural five at all. No bulk down there.

EJ is plenty natural for college. And Jackson is a pure 5 in college even much moreso then EJ. Those 2 would be maybe the best duo in cbb at the 5. Now I would like someone off the bench with some beef ( and by that I mean 240 not 290 someone like Sestina or Travis ) and we will be adding a grad transfer big . It seems we even have had one in the works for a bit if stuff is to be believed. So a front court of EJ ,Jackson , grad big . Ware , Fletcher and Brooks at the 4-5 is outstanding. Really that rosters Roberts laid out is too good to be true . I won't believe we are getting EJ AND Quick back until it happens but if it does we are talking 2015 type season as Boston and Clarke truly could be 2 of the 5 best players in all of college and a junior Quickley would be POY material.

 

[STEVECAT]

How are they going to have the NBA draft this year if they are playing the playoffs in August?

 

[wildcatbd21]

Just for conversations sake. What if both IQ and EJ leave, and Cal brings in 2 transfers?
Could be looking at:
Keion Brooks F 6-7
Johnny Juzang G 6-6
Dontaie Allen G 6-6
Devin Askew G 6-3
Brandon Boston G 6-6
Terrence Clarke G 6-7
Cam'Ron Fletcher G/F 6-6
Isaiah Jackson F 6-9
Lance Ware F 6-9
Transfer F/C preferably 6-10 at least and muscular that won't get pushed around
Transfer G Height not important as long as they can run a basketball team. (Some have said in other threads they aren't overly confident in Askew running point from day one. So someone to come in and run it while Askew learns.)

Could be looking at 4 (5 if you want to count Allen) players with college experience to join a loaded recruiting class.

Lots of ways this could play out. I personally would like the OPs roster plus a transfer big. Experience and depth. This would be a very dangerous team.

 

[bucsrule8872]

How are they going to have the NBA draft this year if they are playing the playoffs in August?

Interesting question. I wonder if they will still go ahead and draft in June based on the current standings or if they will wait until September, if they postpone the playoffs until August? It’s going to put some programs in a bit of a quandary as they try to figure out their rosters. Wonder if the deadline to declare will be pushed back? How long? Will players hold their teams hostage all summer so to speak as they try to figure out their draft status? When will they hold the combine? Summer League? When does the next season start?

It’s going to be very weird.

 

[Trinity45]

Ben Roberts put this together. Tentative and speculative but if we add a big that’s 12 scholarship players.

POSSIBLE UK BASKETBALL PLAYERS FOR NEXT SEASON
Current UK players Tyrese Maxey, Ashton Hagans and Nick Richards are expected to enter the NBA Draft — and Nate Sestina is out of college eligibility — but the Cats could still return a few players for next season. Here are the stats for the five current players generally thought to be the likeliest returnees — Dontaie Allen sat out all of this season — as well as info on UK's incoming recruits.

Player Pos Ht Wt PPG RPG APG MPG
Immanuel Quickley G 6-3 188 16.1 4.2 1.9 33.0
EJ Montgomery F 6-10 228 6.1 5.4 0.6 24.1
Keion Brooks F 6-7 205 4.5 3.2 0.2 15.1
Johnny Juzang G 6-6 214 2.9 1.9 0.3 12.3
Dontaie Allen G 6-6 200 — — — —
Devin Askew G 6-3 195 — — — —
Brandon Boston G 6-6 175 — — — —
Terrence Clarke G 6-7 185 — — — —
Cam'Ron Fletcher G/F 6-6 180 — — — —
Isaiah Jackson F 6-9 200 — — — —
Lance Ware F 6-9 215 — — — —

https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-recruiting/article241202391.html
Table: Ben Roberts Get the data

Not sold on IQ coming back after the season he had, guess we will have to wait and see.

 

[rabidcatfan]

I would absolutely be happy with that roster. Although I am just hoping that we get one of EJ or IQ back. Remove those two and things look a bit dicey.

We should get both IQ and EJ back. Neither will be drafted highly if at all and both can play their ways into the 1st round if they return.

 

[JoeBeeHall]

If only Nick’s Girlfriend was a senior to be next season!! I could definitely see Nick come back next year if she were still here, but with her getting on with her life, I’d say that’ll have a lot to do with it when he has to make his decision. I guarantee he wants to stay, you can just tell how much he loves school. Also, with him being here for three years now anyway, you know it feels like home. I’m not going to rule out a return for the big guy just yet, I’m hoping he and his family will want him to get his degree and get it over with.

Of course most of my thoughts here are from the fan side of me, but I really think he should come back and continue to work on some things that will help him when he does get to the league! For example, his outside shot is looking really nice from 12-15 feet, now it’s time to continue to go on out some more where he’ll be able to stretch the floor in the NBA. It’s all about spacing, if he can be even a threat from 15 feet he can be a huge weapon. He’s already close as a rebounder and shot blocker, now he needs to be able to help on offense. That hook shot could make him a ton of money if he can become more consistent as well.

Anyhow, I think Nick is very close to becoming a lottery pick, but if he’s going to be able to make it to his second and third contract, he’s going to need something special to stand out! One more season of practicing against next years players would be an unbelievable benefit for Nick, and of course The Cats. I’m really hoping Nick and Immanuel will come back and make next year one of the best teams we’ve ever had here! Ashton 100%, no doubt about it, needs another year to grow and improve on his game also.

No matter who stays or who decides to move on, next year is going to be special to all of us and the whole country. I think we Kentucky fans sometimes take for granted just how much it means to be apart of the BBN. I believe this stuff that’s happening now has really given us a chance to look at everything and again be thankful we are Kentucky fans. I know I am!! I miss the Cats more than words can say, it has been hard knowing we had a very good chance to win it all this year and not even compete, who knows what would’ve happened, I would’ve loved to see though. Lol. Whenever we do get to play again, I think our fan base is going to appreciate it more that ever before. Thanks, I hope everyone is doing ok and as always, Go Cats!!

Looks like she needs a graduate degree.

 

[kghighroller]

Man we need a couple of bigger guys. 6"11 295 would be just what ween.

 

[JimboBBN]

EJ is plenty natural for college. And Jackson is a pure 5 in college even much moreso then EJ. Those 2 would be maybe the best duo in cbb at the 5. Now I would like someone off the bench with some beef ( and by that I mean 240 not 290 someone like Sestina or Travis ) and we will be adding a grad transfer big . It seems we even have had one in the works for a bit if stuff is to be believed. So a front court of EJ ,Jackson , grad big . Ware , Fletcher and Brooks at the 4-5 is outstanding. Really that rosters Roberts laid out is too good to be true . I won't believe we are getting EJ AND Quick back until it happens but if it does we are talking 2015 type season as Boston and Clarke truly could be 2 of the 5 best players in all of college and a junior Quickley would be POY material.

Assuming Jackson can come in and contribute from day one, I’m still a tad skeptical. No doubt we would be contenders but EJ at the five and Jackson first off the bench at that spot is cause for concern.

 

[Montana81]

I would just assume Quickley leaves too. We don’t get those guys back here. He’ll either go to the g league or go overseas if he doesn’t get drafted.

 

[kyjeff1]

That's my question. Quickley was the SEC player of the year, why would he return? He scored in double figures 26 out of the 30 games. He will at least test the waters.

Well, because the NBA doesn’t care about SEC POY honors or what you scored in a college game. They care about measurables and athletesism.

IQ is 6'2" and is not very athletic. That doesn't translate to NBA success very well and is why IQ is shown as a late 2nd round pick.

 

[KyCatFan1]

Cal is gonna get a grad transfer or one time transfer (if rule passes) for center guaranteed, now lets just hope it is a difference maker.

Assuming Jackson can come in and contribute from day one, I’m still a tad skeptical. No doubt we would be contenders but EJ at the five and Jackson first off the bench at that spot is cause for concern.

Definitely are going to be hurting at the 5 if Cal doesn't pull a rabbit out of the hat and find at least 1 (preferably 2). EJ is not and will never be a center. If we have to rely on him for that we will be in big trouble. I also don't see Jackson coming in here and being a difference maker at center (not unless he can put on about 30 pounds in a couple months). He is smaller than EJ was coming in.

Hopefully we find a very good transfer or we will be saying we were one player away from having a clear cut championship contender again. That's if Quickley comes back. If not there will be 2 big question marks next year. I just don't think Cal did a very good job balancing this team out. Which is hard to do with him never knowing if players are coming back or not and him never wanting to use all the scholarships.

 

[CatsPaws270]

Definitely are going to be hurting at the 5 if Cal doesn't pull a rabbit out of the hat and find at least 1 (preferably 2). EJ is not and will never be a center. If we have to rely on him for that we will be in big trouble. I also don't see Jackson coming in here and being a difference maker at center (not unless he can put on about 30 pounds in a couple months). He is smaller than EJ was coming in.

Hopefully we find a very good transfer or we will be saying we were one player away from having a clear cut championship contender again. That's if Quickley comes back. If not there will be 2 big question marks next year. I just don't think Cal did a very good job balancing this team out. Which is hard to do with him never knowing if players are coming back or not and him never wanting to use all the scholarships.

If the new NCAA transfer rule comes into play...we may not have to worry about looking for Grad-transfers....

 

[JASUN74]

Looks like she needs a graduate degree.

Hey now! Haha. I cut up some and have a good time here with everyone, but I honestly think Nick would be in better position for the rest of his career with another year under Coach Cal and Kenny. The NBA is an unforgiving league, if you are weak in places you’ll get exposed every night. I do think if he leaves he’ll make a roster, but I believe he could make three times as much money over his career for staying. In terms of NBA money, that could be Great Life Money, not just really good money. Maybe it’s I’m just wanting him for selfish reasons, but I don’t think so. Anyway. Good catch there JoeB!

 

[SDcatfan13]

This guy could be a great fit but so far UK has not reached out to him.

https://247sports.com/college/baske...quette-Michigan-Iowa-State-Gonzaga-145083968/

I think that'll change pretty fast if the staff is confident Quickley is leaving. I think if Kentucky makes a run at him, there's a good chance they'd get him.

 

[johnl1219_]

Well, because the NBA doesn’t care about SEC POY honors or what you scored in a college game. They care about measurables and athletesism.

IQ is 6'2" and is not very athletic. That doesn't translate to NBA success very well and is why IQ is shown as a late 2nd round pick.

I think he goes if he thinks he'll get drafted, even in the 2nd round. With the G league, being a 2nd rounder isn't all bad.

 

[School boy]

That is a good roster but lacks a good pg. We'll need one a good backup that will play good mins.

We hurt at 5, but if IQ and EJ come back it doesn't matter being weak in a spot. Just get a guard with handles and good iq and we'll be good. We can hopefully find a big between now and July

 

[kyjeff1]

I think he goes if he thinks he'll get drafted, even in the 2nd round. With the G league, being a 2nd rounder isn't all bad.

I hesitate on that, because he's not safe where he's projected.
Also, look at his family. They are very religious and I get the impression that his father wouldn't be too thrilled about him cutting school short to risk a life in the GL or overseas. I don't think his parents would agree to that.

 

[kyjeff1]

That is a good roster but lacks a good pg. We'll need one a good backup that will play good mins.

We hurt at 5, but if IQ and EJ come back it doesn't matter being weak in a spot. Just get a guard with handles and good iq and we'll be good. We can hopefully find a big between now and July

We need a bruiser big man or we will be vulnerable to any team that has a legit post player.

 

[Uk2k4]

Quickley ain’t coming back. He just won sec poy and improved about as much as a player can improve over the course of a year.

 

[ukhemingway]

Calipari already has a big guy in the bag.....wait for it.

 

[sa_hunt]

Calipari already has a big guy in the bag.....wait for it.

Time to name drop.

 

[bucsrule8872]

If Quickley leaves, we need to add Aiken from Harvard at PG. A little injury prone it seems, but we need some experience at guard.

 

[Whatsup]

Interesting question. I wonder if they will still go ahead and draft in June based on the current standings or if they will wait until September, if they postpone the playoffs until August? It’s going to put some programs in a bit of a quandary as they try to figure out their rosters. Wonder if the deadline to declare will be pushed back? How long? Will players hold their teams hostage all summer so to speak as they try to figure out their draft status? When will they hold the combine? Summer League? When does the next season start?

It’s going to be very weird.

NBA going forward with the draft in June. It was just on the news this morning this morning.