Roster as it stands now

[K_TIME]

Starters

G Dillingham
G Wagner
G Edwards
F Bradshaw
F Tshiebwe(or Dickinson or other transfer)

Reserves

G Reeves(or transfer)- 6th man
F Onyenso
G Sheppard
F Ware
G Thiero

Maybe add another late signee, reclass, or transfer. I don’t see us adding someone real impactful for this spot.

11 scholarship players as usual.

This is your 2023-24 roster and I’ll argue Dickinson as Oscar is out

Strength
Pretty athletic roster….especially if Thiero plays solid minutes
Dickinson scoring is a good fit with athleticism around him
Multiple ball handlers in dilly, Wagner and Reeves. Edwards is a better ball handler then Livingston on the wing

Weakness
Rebounding will worsen significantly
All around physically weak squad both interior and perimeter players
Shooting is a problem
Dilly and wqgner are ball stoppers….you’ll be in late shot clock hell with cal philosophy
Dilly and Wagner will also be TO prone as well….especially dilly….very talented but immature game
The PF spot ….Bradshaw and Ware is your plan?

Why in hadees cal didn’t go for one of the good wings that could play PF as well with two open rides is yet another year of Cal crap. He’s guaranteed guys spots and minutes again to the detriment of the program

Why we didn’t go after another shooter is also a glaring problem that cal has also set a roster of promises to kids and they don’t have to compete for it

10 loss team. Not a top 3 seed in ncaa tournament All dudes leaving UK no matter how poorly they perform and 9M in Cal bank account is all I see from this roster

 

[BBNWildcat]

That's a bit revisionist. Everyone was excited after BCG but I don't think anyone "knew." And they still lost in the E8 which from what I gather is about the bare minimum expectation most on here have.

That’s false. All over media we were hailed as the team to beat. Even local U6 Louisville radio hosts were saying just mail us the trophy. I remember distinctly. Nice try weaseling.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

This is your 2023-24 roster and I’ll argue Dickinson as Oscar is out

Strength
Pretty athletic roster….especially if Thiero plays solid minutes
Dickinson scoring is a good fit with athleticism around him
Multiple ball handlers in dilly, Wagner and Reeves. Edwards is a better ball handler then Livingston on the wing

Weakness
Rebounding will worsen significantly
All around physically weak squad both interior and perimeter players
Shooting is a problem
Dilly and wqgner are ball stoppers….you’ll be in late shot clock hell with cal philosophy
Dilly and Wagner will also be TO prone as well….especially dilly….very talented but immature game
The PF spot ….Bradshaw and Ware is your plan?

Why in hadees cal didn’t go for one of the good wings that could play PF as well with two open rides is yet another year of Cal crap. He’s guaranteed guys spots and minutes again to the detriment of the program

Why we didn’t go after another shooter is also a glaring problem that cal has also set a roster of promises to kids and they don’t have to compete for it

10 loss team. Not a top 3 seed in ncaa tournament All dudes leaving UK no matter how poorly they perform and 9M in Cal bank account is all I see from this roster

"I'll never let anyone hold this program hostage again." - John Calipari, Spring 2013.


Then came: Boston (minutes), Sharpe (not playing), and Livingston (demanding a position).

Just a small sample size, obviously.

 

[bucsrule8872]

That group was an anomaly. I'd prefer not to be a 4 seed in the overall #1 seed's region - needing a near-buzzer beater in the 1st round, an 8 point deficit 2nd half comeback in the 2nd round, a miracle game-winner in the 3rd round, and some end-of-the-game heroics from multiple players in the 4th round.

That was our journey to the Final Four, and we won the final minutes in all four of those games. Is that how you want to approach the NCAA Tournament next season?

Furthermore, you can get by with 7 or 8 guys, but the conditions have to be perfect. No injuries and everyone has to live up to their expectations, like in 2012. That rarely ever happens.

 

[SPECT imaging]

This is your 2023-24 roster and I’ll argue Dickinson as Oscar is out

The fact that Dickinson is talking with our coaches means he might end up at Kentucky. But I will believe it when I see it. I question the system fit, for one thing. And I question why Dickinson would pick Kentucky out of his list of possibilities when Cal already has Onyenso and Bradshaw. Don't give me the Bradshaw is a forward explanation. Bradshaw can call himself a forward if he wants, but there are teams on our schedule that will exploit Bradshaw defensively as a 4. He will be playing some 4 and some 5. Not saying Ware is better than Dickinson, because he isn't, but that's a lot of centers. We need more forwards. Which brings me around to this:

Why in hadees cal didn’t go for one of the good wings that could play PF as well with two open rides is yet another year of Cal crap.

I guess you are unaware that Cal went all in on recruitment of Ron Holland. We recruited him hard. I am not a Cal defender or supporter, but some of these criticisms are false.

10 loss team.

Would not surprise me. Good players, but not enough of them for a physical 30+ game season. Bunch of seniors leaving. Dribble drive. No innovation. No motivation. Not enough scouting and film analysis of future opponents. Not enough coaching in-game.

 

[UK till Death]

I mean Humphries and Dickinson do kind of look alike.

The jokes write themselves here basically.

 

[K_TIME]

The fact that Dickinson is talking with our coaches means he might end up at Kentucky. But I will believe it when I see it. I question the system fit, for one thing. And I question why Dickinson would pick Kentucky out of his list of possibilities when Cal already has Onyenso and Bradshaw. Don't give me the Bradshaw is a forward explanation. Bradshaw can call himself a forward if he wants, but there are teams on our schedule that will exploit Bradshaw defensively as a 4. He will be playing some 4 and some 5. Not saying Ware is better than Dickinson, because he isn't, but that's a lot of centers. We need more forwards. Which brings me around to this:



I guess you are unaware that Cal went all in on recruitment of Ron Holland. We recruited him hard. I am not a Cal defender or supporter, but some of these criticisms are false.



Would not surprise me. Good players, but not enough of them for a physical 30+ game season. Bunch of seniors leaving. Dribble drive. No innovation. No motivation. Not enough scouting and film analysis of future opponents. Not enough coaching in-game.

Regardless I’d I’m aware of recruiting Ron Holland (and I’m aware we tried ) …..Cal has zero PF on rhe roster so Bradshaw almost has to play PF. Who else is there?

I agree that Cal is dumb for the way he builds yet another player first roster. He ain’t playing small ball an guys out of position for their NBA future (as if any have a legit nba future to begin with) but this is what is unfolding

 

[BBNWildcat]

Tell me why Dickinson won’t be Sarr 2.0. I refuse to get excited about any Cal-led team until we get a 1 seed.

 

[Chitown Terry]

This is your 2023-24 roster and I’ll argue Dickinson as Oscar is out

Strength
Pretty athletic roster….especially if Thiero plays solid minutes
Dickinson scoring is a good fit with athleticism around him
Multiple ball handlers in dilly, Wagner and Reeves. Edwards is a better ball handler then Livingston on the wing

Weakness
Rebounding will worsen significantly
All around physically weak squad both interior and perimeter players
Shooting is a problem
Dilly and wqgner are ball stoppers….you’ll be in late shot clock hell with cal philosophy
Dilly and Wagner will also be TO prone as well….especially dilly….very talented but immature game
The PF spot ….Bradshaw and Ware is your plan?

Why in hadees cal didn’t go for one of the good wings that could play PF as well with two open rides is yet another year of Cal crap. He’s guaranteed guys spots and minutes again to the detriment of the program

Why we didn’t go after another shooter is also a glaring problem that cal has also set a roster of promises to kids and they don’t have to compete for it

10 loss team. Not a top 3 seed in ncaa tournament All dudes leaving UK no matter how poorly they perform and 9M in Cal bank account is all I see from this roster

This is typical. We have the number 1 rated recruiting class in the country. We have 3 of the top 5 players in the country playing next year. Despite that fact, we have all of this doom-and-gloom nonsense from another so-called basketball "expert".

 

[HagginHall1999]

Tell me why Dickinson won’t be Sarr 2.0. I refuse to get excited about any Cal-led team until we get a 1 seed.

He has gone to as many FF at UK not being a one seed as he has when he was a one seed.

I'm not bickering about this sh*t anymore. Just want to win. Facts are facts though.

 

[G-PIP]

This is typical. We have the number 1 rated recruiting class in the country. We have 3 of the top 5 players in the country playing next year. Despite that fact, we have all of this doom-and-gloom nonsense from another so-called basketball "expert".

Who are the "3 of the top 5 players in the country playing next year?" We might have 3 of the top 5 ranked high school recruits set to play next season, but unless you're talking about Tshiebwe or Dickinson I would be very surprised if we had 1 of the top 20 players in the country next season. That doesn't mean I'm down on the recruits. I think they're all going to be fun to watch, and I can't think of any other incoming freshman I would trade for them. But I doubt any of them will be in the Top 5 in the county at their position next season, little alone top 5 overall.

 

[K_TIME]

This is typical. We have the number 1 rated recruiting class in the country. We have 3 of the top 5 players in the country playing next year. Despite that fact, we have all of this doom-and-gloom nonsense from another so-called basketball "expert".

Dude….we have a top 1-2 class nearly every year under Cal ….we were fifth last year. And the teems that are winning ain’t a bunch of freshman

 

[dc513]

Who are the "3 of the top 5 players in the country playing next year?" We might have 3 of the top 5 ranked high school recruits set to play next season, but unless you're talking about Tshiebwe or Dickinson I would be very surprised if we had 1 of the top 20 players in the country next season. That doesn't mean I'm down on the recruits. I think they're all going to be fun to watch, and I can't think of any other incoming freshman I would trade for them. But I doubt any of them will be in the Top 5 in the county at their position next season, little alone top 5 overall.

The I agree. Freshmen hardly ever win tourns unless you have a one in a lifetime recruit and good experienced players with them. Latest ex, duke.

 

[blackcat714]

The fact that Dickinson is talking with our coaches means he might end up at Kentucky. But I will believe it when I see it. I question the system fit, for one thing. And I question why Dickinson would pick Kentucky out of his list of possibilities when Cal already has Onyenso and Bradshaw. Don't give me the Bradshaw is a forward explanation. Bradshaw can call himself a forward if he wants, but there are teams on our schedule that will exploit Bradshaw defensively as a 4. He will be playing some 4 and some 5. Not saying Ware is better than Dickinson, because he isn't, but that's a lot of centers. We need more forwards. Which brings me around to this:



I guess you are unaware that Cal went all in on recruitment of Ron Holland. We recruited him hard. I am not a Cal defender or supporter, but some of these criticisms are false.



Would not surprise me. Good players, but not enough of them for a physical 30+ game season. Bunch of seniors leaving. Dribble drive. No innovation. No motivation. Not enough scouting and film analysis of future opponents. Not enough coaching in-game.

This is spot on

 

[blackcat714]

This is typical. We have the number 1 rated recruiting class in the country. We have 3 of the top 5 players in the country playing next year. Despite that fact, we have all of this doom-and-gloom nonsense from another so-called basketball "expert".

Could be we have seen this before

 

[bkingUK]

Starters

G Dillingham
G Wagner
G Edwards
F Bradshaw
F Tshiebwe(or Dickinson or other transfer)

Reserves

G Reeves(or transfer)- 6th man
F Onyenso
G Sheppard
F Ware
G Thiero

Maybe add another late signee, reclass, or transfer. I don’t see us adding someone real impactful for this spot.

11 scholarship players as usual.

That’ll probably be it

 

[School boy]

Any roster where you go into the season counting on Thiero, Sheppard, Ware, or Onyenso to be major impact guys is an inadequate roster. All of those guys should be treated as role players (ala Allen Edwards or Jeff Sheppard on the 1996 title team), not guys you have to go into a season depending on as part of your main rotation.

If we get Oscar and Reeves back, we'll have 6 real players:

Wagner (replaced Wallace)
Dilly (replaced Wheeler)
Reeves
Edwards (replaced Livingston)
Bradshaw (replaced Toppin)
Oscar

That's not enough for a title. We need at least two more guys. One to replace what Collins should have been for us, and one to replace Fredrick.

We are not going to win a title anymore. This is where fans start hating and get hopes up.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Bradshaw seems like the big enigma here. I just haven’t seen enough of him to know what he is (4 or 5).

Half the people on here say there’s no way he is a 4, he lacks the ball skills to be a 4.

The other half on here say there’s no way he is a 5, he is too weak to handle banging down low in the SEC.

I fear they are both right and he will struggle to play either spot.

I don’t think that’s how “positionless basketball” is suppose to work. LOL!

 

[Chitown Terry]

Dude….we have a top 1-2 class nearly every year under Cal ….we were fifth last year. And the teems that are winning ain’t a bunch of freshman

We don't even know everybody that's going to be on next year's team. You could at least wait until we know who is going to be on the roster next year. It's way too early to start predicting what the team is going to do or not do in terms of competing for the NCAA championship.

 

[K_TIME]

Bradshaw seems like the big enigma here. I just haven’t seen enough of him to know what he is (4 or 5).

Half the people on here say there’s no way he is a 4, he lacks the ball skills to be a 4.

The other half on here say there’s no way he is a 5, he is too weak to handle banging down low in the SEC.

I fear they are both right and he will struggle to play either spot.

I don’t think that’s how “positionless basketball” is suppose to work. LOL!

To be fair the PF spot in general is the major enigma.....Bradshaw and Ware are the only guys who can play it to be honest. Who else can play PF in Cal's system on the best guess roster?

 

[tls]

Cal played 6 guys in 2011. Eloy was 7th and worthless.

Not true. Miller was 6th man and Wiltjer was 7th

 

[G-PIP]

To be fair the PF spot in general is the major enigma.....Bradshaw and Ware are the only guys who can play it to be honest. Who else can play PF in Cal's system on the best guess roster?

I think Edwards could easily play PF in college. He's not a brute by any means, but he's long enough; and other SEC teams were successful with guys of similar size at PF. Of course, I understand that it can't even be whispered that Edwards might be asked to play the 4 for the good of the team. But he could play it just fine I believe, and perhaps give UK an offensive advantage there against many teams.

 

[G-PIP]

The I agree. Freshmen hardly ever win tourns unless you have a one in a lifetime recruit and good experienced players with them. Latest ex, duke.

Year-end-and-year-out Freshmen are probably the most “talented” players in college. But there’s a gap between most talented and best college player currently. I’m sure there could be occasions where a freshman is both one of the best players in college basketball and can also carry the scoring load all the way to a title, but I think it would be very unusual. I think if you have more than one freshman in your starting lineup you better have a couple of really good offensive upperclassmen starting with them. I know we won in 2012 with 3 freshmen, but I wouldn’t count on that again; and I wouldn’t give you a quarter for the chances of a team starting 4 freshmen winning a title.

 

[K_TIME]

I think Edwards could easily play PF in college. He's not a brute by any means, but he's long enough; and other SEC teams were successful with guys of similar size at PF. Of course, I understand that it can't even be whispered that Edwards might be asked to play the 4 for the good of the team. But he could play it just fine I believe, and perhaps give UK an offensive advantage there against many teams.

I totally agree wjtb your sentiment in Edward csn play rhe four…..but with Cal he simply isn’t going to play the four.

 

[bookerfan66]

I totally agree wjtb your sentiment in Edward csn play rhe four…..but with Cal he simply isn’t going to play the four.

I think it was Pilgrim that said Edwards is totally different from Livingston in demanding the 3 and told Cal he would be fine playing the 4.

 

[oakhillcatman]

Bradshaw can handle the ball better than Livingston

 

[K_TIME]

I think it was Pilgrim that said Edwards is totally different from Livingston in demanding the 3 and told Cal he would be fine playing the 4.

Maybe that is accurate…but name me the last time we played a Sf at the PF spot for significant stretches?

 

[HagginHall1999]

Maybe that is accurate…but name me the last time we played a Sf at the PF spot for significant stretches?

Pretty sure Jacob and Keion came here as SF.

Edit-
Yep...also, fwiw this is why Cal didn't play Hopkins at PF. He had Brooks and Toppin ahead of him. Too many of similar guys on same roster.

We haven't had a true SF in ages so it is hard to answer other than what their positions were when signed up. Last SF we had here was probably James Young....maybe Keldon (ah forgot Knox). Can't remember what Clarke (RIP) was but he was injured all year. Cal has basically (tried to) run a 3 guard lineup since 2016.

https://247sports.com/player/jacob-toppin-46101115/

 

[Fat-so]

Is Isaac Humphries gonna run it back another year?

Yeah if he plays it'll be for Kyra! He done come out the closet and he probably don't wanna be a boy no more.