So many things to look for next week - exciting

[BallerBegok]

How has Collins progressed?
How has Toppings progressed?
Frederick?
Wallace and Livingston???
Wheeler under control and valuing each possession?
Oscar jacking threes? (Hope not)

What else?

 

[Colonial Farm 80]

I will be watching Reeves, Wallace, Livingston, and Fredrick. I think I already have a pretty good idea about the strengths and limitations of our returning players.

I will also be watching spacing and outside shooting. I already know what Tshiebwe can do. Last year, Oscar was the best player in the country.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Probably most curious about Fredrick’s health. We need him. Hoping he can give us at least 15 minutes a game this season.

As always, how well do we shoot the ball, especially from 3.

 

[JwUKFan11]

Probably most curious about Fredrick’s health. We need him. Hoping he can give us at least 15 minutes a game this season.

As always, how well do we shoot the ball, especially from 3.

If Frederick isn’t 100% healthy as this point he never will be. If I didn’t know what his actual injury was I would think he had a significant ACL/MCL injury. It’s pretty crazy how long his recovery has been.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I will be watching Reeves, Wallace, Livingston, and Fredrick. I think I already have a pretty good idea about the strengths and limitations of our returning players.

I will also be watching spacing and outside shooting. I already know what Tshiebwe can do. Last year, Oscar was the best player in the country.

Very curious about Reeves and how he transitions to this level of play.

Also, can’t wait to see Livingston. I am hoping he can be that true SF we almost never have.

 

[Colonial Farm 80]

Probably most curious about Fredrick’s health. We need him. Hoping he can give us at least 15 minutes a game this season.

As always, how well do we shoot the ball, especially from 3.

Fredrick has been pronounced healthy.

Right there with you on the shooting. We know what Tshiebwe can do, and we know more is being asked of Toppin. In order for those two to be successful, we can't let defenses sag down on them. That means our other guys have to hit shots, which means Reeves, Fredrick, and the freshmen have to play well and Wheeler has to dial it down a little by focusing on making the players around him better.

 

[bucsrule8872]

If Frederick isn’t 100% healthy as this point he never will be. If I didn’t know what his actual injury was I would think he had a significant ACL/MCL injury. It’s pretty crazy how long his recovery has been.

I read about his injury. It sounded terrible. Hamstring tore completely away from the bone, if I understood it correctly. That’s a pretty significant injury.

 

[BallerBegok]

I will be watching Reeves, Wallace, Livingston, and Fredrick. I think I already have a pretty good idea about the strengths and limitations of our returning players.

I will also be watching spacing and outside shooting. I already know what Tshiebwe can do. Last year, Oscar was the best player in the country.

Forgot about Reeves. Big one to watch.

 

[Colonial Farm 80]

Forgot about Reeves. Big one to watch.

For sure. From what I hear, he is Grady with a handle.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Fredrick has been pronounced healthy.

Right there with you on the shooting. We know what Tshiebwe can do, and we know more is being asked of Toppin. In order for those two to be successful, we can't let defenses sag down on them. That means our other guys have to hit shots, which means Reeves, Fredrick, and the freshmen have to play well and Wheeler has to dial it down a little by focusing on making the players around him better.

Agreed.

Tshiebwe is the best returning player in the country at the college level. We should be good to go inside. Toppin has the potential to be a nice complement for him at the 4. I hope he can shoot it in games like in the practice clips. Wheeler has to be under control and needs to knock down the open jumper. He will get a ton of jump shot opportunities this year. The wings are the biggest question mark. Wallace, Livingston, Fredrick, and Reeves. Got to have at least 2 of those guys playing pretty well.

 

[Colonial Farm 80]

I read about his injury. It sounded terrible. Hamstring tore completely away from the bone, if I understood it correctly. That’s a pretty significant injury.

Young people are good healers. I wish I was one.

Fredrick should be healthy. I am wondering how the perimeter speed and length in the SEC will effect how he gets his shot off. At Iowa, Fredrick was an uncanny 3 point shooter but did not actually take that many shots. If more is asked from him by Cal, can he get it done against more athletic and linger SEC teams? Same question really for Reeves, although Reeves has the kind of handle you need to create. Can Fredrick create shots? Not sure about that, because he was not really asked to at Iowa.

 

[Colonial Farm 80]

Agreed.

Tshiebwe is the best returning player in the country at the college level. We should be good to go inside. Toppin has the potential to be a nice complement for him at the 4. I hope he can shoot it in games like in the practice clips. Wheeler has to be under control and needs to knock down the open jumper. He will get a ton of jump shot opportunities this year. The wings are the biggest question mark. Wallace, Livingston, Fredrick, and Reeves. Got to have at least 2 of those guys playing pretty well.

I don't want Wheeler taking very many jumpers. He is the weakest shooter on this team, and it is not realistic to think that will change. The more Wheeler shoots, the more vulnerable we are. That is how we lost to Notre Dame. I want Wheeler focusing on making the players around him better, and using his elite speed and handle for that purpose.

Cason Wallace is a combo guard but he will see some time at the point. Unlike Wheeler, Wallace is supposed to be a deadly shooter. That could be something to watch, because Reeves' best position is shooting guard. I am not suggesting Wheeler shouldn't play, but I would expect Cal to use a lot of different combinations in different matchups. That should be a team strength.

 

[ashbergh]

I want Collins to get his minutes. He's got to help rebound and must make his shots. I'm telling yall, he went to a very small hs and is just waiting on the time to explode.

I ride with Collins!

 

[bucsrule8872]

Young people are good healers. I wish I was one.

Fredrick should be healthy. I am wondering how the perimeter speed and length in the SEC will effect how he gets his shot off. At Iowa, Fredrick was an uncanny 3 point shooter but did not actually take that many shots. If more is asked from him by Cal, can he get it done against more athletic and linger SEC teams? Same question really for Reeves, although Reeves has the kind of handle you need to create. Can Fredrick create shots? Not sure about that, because he was not really asked to at Iowa.

I’m hoping Cal really watches Fredrick’s minutes and keeps him fresh all year. He really isn’t a kid that needs to be on the floor for 30+ minutes a game. He needs to play 15-20 minutes a game, but be ready to shoot when he is out there. Cal cannot “Kellan Grady” him.

I am excited to see if Reeves can handle the step up in play. I sure hope so.

 

[wildcatdon]

How has Collins progressed?
How has Toppings progressed?
Frederick?
Wallace and Livingston???
Wheeler under control and valuing each possession?
Oscar jacking threes? (Hope not)

What else?

Who is Toppings?

 

[J-Ryan]

I’m a little worried about how well we will be able to gauge where the guys are at from these games. If you remember the Herro team dominated in the Bahamas but didn’t look as good when the season started. And I’m in no way trying to be a downer. I’m very pumped for this team. Can somebody help calm my worry about that? What caused us to kill those teams last time but come back and struggle when the season started?

 

[bucsrule8872]

I don't want Wheeler taking very many jumpers. He is the weakest shooter on this team, and it is not realistic to think that will change. The more Wheeler shoots, the more vulnerable we are. That is how we lost to Notre Dame. I want Wheeler focusing on making the players around him better, and using his elite speed and handle for that purpose.

Cason Wallace is a combo guard but he will see some time at the point. Unlike Wheeler, Wallace is supposed to be a deadly shooter. That could be something to watch, because Reeves' best position is shooting guard. I am not suggesting Wheeler shouldn't play, but I would expect Cal to use a lot of different combinations in different matchups. That should be a team strength.

Agreed

I don’t want Wheeler shooting too much, but enough to keep defenses honest.

I am an advocate for Wallace at PG. Let Fredrick/Reeves handle the 2 spot. Livingston at the 3. And maybe some Wallace/Fredrick/Reeves at the 1-3 at times. I like Wheeler as a boost off the bench, but that’s not going to happen. Cal isn’t benching a Senior Wheeler.

Wheeler, Wallace, Toppin, and Tshiebwe seem to be all but locks to start. The question mark is the last starter. I think it will be Livingston, but Reeves and Fredrick could take it. Either way, all three should get plenty of minutes at the 2 and 3 spots.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I’m a little worried about how well we will be able to gauge where the guys are at from these games. If you remember the Herro team dominated in the Bahamas but didn’t look as good when the season started. And I’m in no way trying to be a downer. I’m very pumped for this team. Can somebody help calm my worry about that? What caused us to kill those teams last time but come back and struggle when the season started?

We usually face teams that are just put together and haven’t played together much, so they run “vanilla” offenses and straight man to man defense.

Once the season starts, teams will play a lot of complicated stuff on offense, will throw zone and junk defenses at us. They will customize their defenses and offenses to play us. They will add specific sets for us. The coaching staffs get a lot better and these guys make millions for a reason. They are not dumb, they know how to coach. And most teams have players that have been playing in their system for years.

The amount of preparation is the biggest difference.

 

[JwUKFan11]

I read about his injury. It sounded terrible. Hamstring tore completely away from the bone, if I understood it correctly. That’s a pretty significant injury.

6 months is basically the longest I found for hamstring reattachment. I believe it has been much longer then that for him.

 

[DraftCat]

I'm just glad UK sports is back.... watching the 20 games below Cincinnati Reds isn't my favorite afternoon activity.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Don’t be surprised if the last game ends up being tight. Seems like every year that happens. The guys are probably out late the night before as it is their last night and having a blast as it is a working vacation of sorts for them. These are kids playing in exhibition games, so don’t expect them to keep up the intensity all week. The second and third games are probably the one to really watch. The first one, they will be getting back into the groove. The last one, they will be thinking about getting back home and will be tired. Four games in five days, that’s a lot of basketball.

 

[BallerBegok]

I want Collins to get his minutes. He's got to help rebound and must make his shots. I'm telling yall, he went to a very small hs and is just waiting on the time to explode.

I ride with Collins!

I'm 100% with you. I want to see that guy wreak havoc. He's rock solid at the line and can be a game-changer on both ends.

 

[BallerBegok]

Who is Toppings?

 

[DreadLox]

The one move from the public scrimmage that pleased me no end was the time that Livingston turned the corner near the top of the key and then was immediately in the clear for a lay-up. He was aware enough to see it, agile enough to do it, and instinctive enough not to dawdle over it. I hope that move wasn't just a one off.

 

[Colonial Farm 80]

The one move from the public scrimmage that pleased me no end was the time that Livingston turned the corner near the top of the key and then was immediately in the clear for a lay-up. He was aware enough to see it, agile enough to do, and instinctive enough not to dawdle over it. I hope that move wasn't just a one off.

I watched Livingston on TV in an all star game. I don't remember which all star game. He was one of the best players in the game. He has a good handle and is quick and physical. Better shooter than I expected. We have not had a wing like Livingston since MKG, but Livingston looks like a better shooter than MKG was. MKG was a tough rebounder and defender, so I do not know if Livingston can match him in those categories. But he might.

 

[CincinnatiWildcat]

havent seen anyone mention Adou Thiero, I am interested to see what he looks like. Hoping he can be a hawkins like role player maybe not this year but down the line.

 

[ScottGreene22]

A lot of veteran leadership should equal good team chemistry and knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Sprinkle in the freshman and this team should be ahead of schedule. Outside shooting is always a concern and will be watching how good they can make the 3.

 

[JC CATS]

I don't want Wheeler taking very many jumpers. He is the weakest shooter on this team, and it is not realistic to think that will change. The more Wheeler shoots, the more vulnerable we are. That is how we lost to Notre Dame. I want Wheeler focusing on making the players around him better, and using his elite speed and handle for that purpose.

Cason Wallace is a combo guard but he will see some time at the point. Unlike Wheeler, Wallace is supposed to be a deadly shooter. That could be something to watch, because Reeves' best position is shooting guard. I am not suggesting Wheeler shouldn't play, but I would expect Cal to use a lot of different combinations in different matchups. That should be a team strength.

Why would you suggest Wheeler not play? Do you think the 2nd team SEC player is not really worthy of that distinction?

 

[bucsrule8872]

6 months is basically the longest I found for hamstring reattachment. I believe it has been much longer then that for him.

I’ll take your word for it. I’m no doctor, but that doesn’t sound like something fun to go through.

 

[LCFOOTBALLDAD]

Who is Toppings?

He is that guy that hangs out at Dairy Queen.

 

[reggis]

Agreed

I don’t want Wheeler shooting too much, but enough to keep defenses honest.

I am an advocate for Wallace at PG. Let Fredrick/Reeves handle the 2 spot. Livingston at the 3. And maybe some Wallace/Fredrick/Reeves at the 1-3 at times. I like Wheeler as a boost off the bench, but that’s not going to happen. Cal isn’t benching a Senior Wheeler.

Wheeler, Wallace, Toppin, and Tshiebwe seem to be all but locks to start. The question mark is the last starter. I think it will be Livingston, but Reeves and Fredrick could take it. Either way, all three should get plenty of minutes at the 2 and 3 spots.

If Wheeler can't keep his man from driving to basket he needs to sit out

 

[bucsrule8872]

We’ve got some interesting pieces. Cal has his work cut out for him trying to figure out how to fit them together. Our 8-man rotation might be the best in the country, if everyone turns out to be as good as advertised. You got a good mix of experience and talent and a good mix of defensive and offensive talent. Cal has to figure out which combo is going to work best.

Going to be interesting to watch it play out. Interested to see who plays the most this week, especially on the wings. Tshiebwe, Wheeler, and Toppin are likely getting lots of minutes. I would be surprised if Wallace doesn’t get a lot of time as well. Collins should get quite a bit of run backing up Toppin and Tshiebwe. Ware gets a few minutes a game. I am most curious to see how the wing minutes are split between Fredrick, Reeves, and Livingston.

 

[Kingslayer07]

can we shoot? can we shoot? can we shoot?? my main concerns

 

[reggis]

can we shoot? can we shoot? can we shoot?? my main concerns

yes we can shoot but i'm not sure we can make them

 

[DelkBowl]

For me it’s
1. Collins
1A. Toppin

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

I don't want Wheeler taking very many jumpers. He is the weakest shooter on this team, and it is not realistic to think that will change. The more Wheeler shoots, the more vulnerable we are. That is how we lost to Notre Dame. I want Wheeler focusing on making the players around him better, and using his elite speed and handle for that purpose.

Cason Wallace is a combo guard but he will see some time at the point. Unlike Wheeler, Wallace is supposed to be a deadly shooter. That could be something to watch, because Reeves' best position is shooting guard. I am not suggesting Wheeler shouldn't play, but I would expect Cal to use a lot of different combinations in different matchups. That should be a team strength.

I don't want Wheeler shooting a ton of shots but in that Notre Dame game he took a grand total of 5 shots (3 from 2 pt range). Outside of the LSU game where he only played a few minutes, it was the least amount of shots he's taken last season.

We lost to ND because we couldn't buy a 3 point shot. Grady only went 2-7 and he was the only one that hit. 2 for 19. We also lost because we couldn't grab an offensive rebounding. We shot the ball like crap (everyone) and we only rebounded a season low 16.1% of those misses.

 

[BGCATFAN2012]

How has Collins progressed?
How has Toppings progressed?
Frederick?
Wallace and Livingston???
Wheeler under control and valuing each possession?
Oscar jacking threes? (Hope not)

What else?

81 degrees and no humidity next Fri Sat and Sun. Looking like a beautiful week with sports on the doorstep.

 

[BigCat241]

I don't want Wheeler shooting a ton of shots but in that Notre Dame game he took a grand total of 5 shots (3 from 2 pt range). Outside of the LSU game where he only played a few minutes, it was the least amount of shots he's taken last season.

We lost to ND because we couldn't buy a 3 point shot. Grady only went 2-7 and he was the only one that hit. 2 for 19. We also lost because we couldn't grab an offensive rebounding. We shot the ball like crap (everyone) and we only rebounded a season low 16.1% of those misses.

The wheeler hate has gotten to a point where people try to reinvent the reality of what happened in the games, especially the St. Peter’s one when it comes to Wheeler.

 

[revcort]

I will be watching Reeves, Wallace, Livingston, and Fredrick. I think I already have a pretty good idea about the strengths and limitations of our returning players.

I will also be watching spacing and outside shooting. I already know what Tshiebwe can do. Last year, Oscar was the best player in the country.

Yep, those are the players I'm most curious about. I'm also wanting to see Toppin take a step forward and I'm wondering what Collins will do. These teams we're facing will have some size, so I'm wondering if Collins will struggle due to his lack of strength. We've heard he's added some muscle and strength and gained some confidence, so I'm hoping he will show us a little bit of that.

Most of all, I'm just excited to see the team overall and some UK basketball in August, which is a rare treat.

 

[Dead Cat Bounce]

I look forward to watching, but I'm not gonna worry too much about what this team shows in August. If the team begins to gel and learns to play relaxed together ahead of schedule, this trip will have been a huge success.