Starting Five Wednesday

bucsrule8872

Heisman
May 30, 2005
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We will likely see lots of combinations, but I think Askew might start over Mintz, because he has been running with the first team in the practices and scrimmages we have seen. I think Mintz is the better option right now personally, but Cal knows better than me, so I will defer to him.
 
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G-PIP

All-American
Mar 14, 2014
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We will likely see lots of combinations, but I think Askew might start over Mintz, because he has been running with the first team in the practices and scrimmages we have seen. I think Mintz is the better option right now personally, but Cal knows better than me, so I will defer to him.
I agree. Obviously, I would also defer to a Hall of Fame coach and professional staff who have seen these players day in and day out. But, just based on what I've seen, it's not close between Mintz and Askew. Mintz and Sarr appear to be the best offensive options at this point, with Boston the 3rd option at the beginning of the season. No surprise given that both Sarr and Mintz are mature quality high Div. I upperclassmen.
 

bigbris2008

All-Conference
Nov 25, 2005
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I'm so dam excited I can hardly wait. Wow it has been a long year and boy do I love me some Kentucky Basketball!!!!

I'll go with the same as the others, assuming Brooks is healthy and ready to go if not plug in Jackson to his spot.

PG:MINTZ
SG:BOSTON
SF:CLARKE
PF:BROOKS
C:SARR

First 5 in: Jackson, Askew, Ware, Fletcher, Toppin

Edit: We damn near have a second starting 5, and a lot of teams would be happy to role with that as their primary options. Its been a while since we have had this kinda depth. I think we legit go 9 deep. With the last 4 getting 14 to 18 mins a game.
 
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revcort

Heisman
Feb 20, 2003
32,522
30,904
113
I thought I heard Cal say Brooks hadn't even practiced yet.

Mintz, Boston, Clarke, Jackson, Sarr. Good luck getting shots off in the paint...
Yep, if I had to guess, this is what I'd say also. If Brooks is healthy and ready, he will start. If not, it's Jackson at the 4.

And I agree Mintz should start right now. His experience at this level makes a huge difference, and his ability to make the 3 consistently is a major plus. I just hope it translates to game action. His experience says it will.
 
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CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
24,522
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Askew
Boston
Clarke
Jackson
Sarr

Jackson starts over Brooks now because Brooks isn't 100%

Askew is the long-term option at point...why wait to start him against tougher teams? Start him against the weak teams like Morehead. Plus, Mintz isn't really a point guard.
 
Jan 29, 2003
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Pretty clearly - if everyone is on the right track - there are 7 that figure prominently. Boston, Clarke and Sarr will start for sure, then 2 of Mintz/Askew and Brooks/Jackson.

The more interesting question to me is which of the other 4 - Allen, Fletcher, Toppin, Ware - get regular rotation minutes, either now or by the end of the year.....
 
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BGCATFAN2012

All-American
Aug 19, 2020
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Askew
Boston
Clarke
Jackson
Sarr

Jackson starts over Brooks now because Brooks isn't 100%

Askew is the long-term option at point...why wait to start him against tougher teams? Start him against the weak teams like Morehead. Plus, Mintz isn't really a point guard.
If Cal starts Askew over Mintz he must be drinking faucet water cause the experience of a PG like Mintz is gonna be like having Ulis back for a 3rd year.Cal could have played on his phone all game while Tyler ran the team.
 

Col. Angus

Hall of Famer
Apr 7, 2017
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Mintz
Boston
Clarke
Jackson
Sarr

Brooks hasn’t been doing any 5 on 5 stuff and I don’t think he’ll be ready by Wednesday.

Maybe if you see UK release a video of him with the other starters.
 

Dr.LutherSan

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Sep 6, 2019
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If Cal starts Askew over Mintz he must be drinking faucet water cause the experience of a PG like Mintz is gonna be like having Ulis back for a 3rd year.Cal could have played on his phone all game while Tyler ran the team.
Experience is great, but I think comparing him to a third year SEC Player of the Year/SEC Defensive Player of the Year/All-American is a little much.
 

CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
24,522
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If Cal starts Askew over Mintz he must be drinking faucet water cause the experience of a PG like Mintz is gonna be like having Ulis back for a 3rd year.Cal could have played on his phone all game while Tyler ran the team.
Mintz isn't a point guard, more of a combo guard that can play point if needed. They played him at point at Creighton, but then moved him off the ball because he wan't effective. Too shot happy and more of a scoring mentality. Askew is pass first and has way more potential...you'd rather have him as an unselfish point to get the ball to his team.
 
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jgraf1

All-Conference
Feb 2, 2006
2,050
2,616
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I do too, as long as the opportunity presents itself! I’m not the smartest when talking basketball but not the dumbest. Is it just me or does he remind you of Tristan Thompson?
I'm there with you all. I think his role is going to be to hustle, rebound, defend and get garbage buckets simply through effort.
 
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CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
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Mintz as a potent instant offense sixth man works for me.

I'm telling everyone, he's going to be the BEST sixth man in the nation. A poor man's Liggins and a rich man's Dom Hawkins. Can play the 1, 2, or 3. Can handle if needed. Can hit 3's and drive to the basket. Can guard the other teams best player.

He can come in and bring what you need as a 5th year senior. Don't ask too much of him...but ask him to play a different role each time he comes into the game.
 

WhiteMamba14

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Jul 31, 2020
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Mintz probably went off in that scrimmage. Cal even said in the scrimmage before this one he made a lot of shots. Agree askew is def more of a PG. but davion is literally 2 years of college ball. Mintz has played Villanova, Marquette, and can’t remember the others where he had big games. He’s literally dropped 20pt on a good Villanova team. Askew should be a senior in high school. Cal knows askew is more of a pass first guard and maybe that’s why. But imo no way you can start him over davion atleast until askew is ready. Don’t think it will take him long. Once he is ready davion will be a very good sixth man.
 
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CatsPaws270

Heisman
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Mintz probably went off in that scrimmage. Cal even said in the scrimmage before this one he made a lot of shots. Agree askew is def more of a PG. but davion is literally 2 years of college ball. Mintz has played Villanova, Marquette, and can’t remember the others where he had big games. He’s literally dropped 20pt on a good Villanova team. Askew should be a senior in high school. Cal knows askew is more of a pass first guard and maybe that’s why. But imo no way you can start him over davion atleast until askew is ready. Don’t think it will take him long. Once he is ready davion will be a very good sixth man.
But also, if you’re running an Air Raid...do you put an option QB in at first because the pocket passing freshman may not be ready game one?

It’s all about fit. Askew has chemistry and trained with Clarke and Boston..that’s who you want feeding your scorers as a point.

I think people just see Mintz and think “he played at Creighton for 3 years and is experienced, has to be good” but you have to look at his time there. They moved him off the ball because he was too “shot happy” and was concerned with ball movement or getting others involved. They said he was an amazing shooter, but his % was much lower because he took a lot of bad shots playing hero ball.

He was brought here as insurance, if Cal wasn’t sold on Askew he would’ve went after a better recruit or transfer option than Mintz.

Mintz was more or less brought in to replace Juzang for scoring, while also giving them another option as a ball handler if needed.

The scenario I see Mintz starting is more like if Clarke becomes the primary ball handler and Mintz will play more off the ball.
 
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HerrosHeroes

Heisman
Aug 16, 2018
27,234
38,039
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I'm so dam excited I can hardly wait. Wow it has been a long year and boy do I love me some Kentucky Basketball!!!!

I'll go with the same as the others, assuming Brooks is healthy and ready to go if not plug in Jackson to his spot.

PG:MINTZ
SG:BOSTON
SF:CLARKE
PF:BROOKS
C:SARR

First 5 in: Jackson, Askew, Ware, Fletcher, Toppin

Edit: We damn near have a second starting 5, and a lot of teams would be happy to role with that as their primary options. Its been a while since we have had this kinda depth. I think we legit go 9 deep. With the last 4 getting 14 to 18 mins a game.
Plus Allen, we are a legit 11 deep and our 2nd 5 would be ranked top 25 in the Nation.
 

WhiteMamba14

Junior
Jul 31, 2020
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But also, if you’re running an Air Raid...do you put an option QB in at first because the pocket passing freshman may not be ready game one?

It’s all about fit. Askew has chemistry and trained with Clarke and Boston..that’s who you want feeding your scorers as a point.

I think people just see Mintz and think “he played at Creighton for 3 years and is experienced, has to be good” but you have to look at his time there. They moved him off the ball because he was too “shot happy” and was concerned with ball movement or getting others involved. They said he was an amazing shooter, but his % was much lower because he took a lot of bad shots playing hero ball.

He was brought here as insurance, if Cal wasn’t sold on Askew he would’ve went after a better recruit or transfer option than Mintz.

Mintz was more or less brought in to replace Juzang for scoring, while also giving them another option as a ball handler if needed.

The scenario I see Mintz starting is more like if Clarke becomes the primary ball handler and Mintz will play more off the ball.

Good point well said. I agree with that. And honestly the more I think about it you might as well just start Askew to speed the process of his development. He’s definitely a pass first guy who can hit shots. With our talent we want that at the point. Love the fact they did train together for months. And plus add the fact we won’t have any hostile road environments we don’t have much of any to lose putting askew at the point. Guess we are just loaded huh? Lol
 

CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
24,522
64,103
113
Good point well said. I agree with that. And honestly the more I think about it you might as well just start Askew to speed the process of his development. He’s definitely a pass first guy who can hit shots. With our talent we want that at the point. Love the fact they did train together for months. And plus add the fact we won’t have any hostile road environments we don’t have much of any to lose putting askew at the point. Guess we are just loaded huh? Lol
Just give Cal enough options and it will work.

Super stars: Boston & Clarke
Experience: Sarr, Mintz, Brooks, & Toppin
Athletic ablity: Boston, Clarke, Jackson, & Fletcher
Post-size/length: Sarr, Jackson, Ware, & Toppin
Shooting: Mintz, Allen, Askew, Boston, & Brooks
Ball-handling: Askew, Mintz, & Clarke
Rim protection: Sarr & Jackson
Athletic wings: Boston, Clarke, Fletcher, & Allen

The shooting will be inconsistent at first...but enough of those guys are capable shooters.
 

WallMash

All-Conference
Oct 30, 2009
4,526
2,804
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If Cal starts Askew over Mintz he must be drinking faucet water cause the experience of a PG like Mintz is gonna be like having Ulis back for a 3rd year.Cal could have played on his phone all game while Tyler ran the team.
Hey, I drink faucet water and I resemble that comment.
 
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catsfanbgky

All-American
Oct 18, 2006
18,901
7,622
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Just give Cal enough options and it will work.

Super stars: Boston & Clarke
Experience: Sarr, Mintz, Brooks, & Toppin
Athletic ablity: Boston, Clarke, Jackson, & Fletcher
Post-size/length: Sarr, Jackson, Ware, & Toppin
Shooting: Mintz, Allen, Askew, Boston, & Brooks
Ball-handling: Askew, Mintz, & Clarke
Rim protection: Sarr & Jackson
Athletic wings: Boston, Clarke, Fletcher, & Allen

The shooting will be inconsistent at first...but enough of those guys are capable shooters.

Boston is a better ball handler than Clarke. Funny you left him out of ball handlers. Also, Sarr will be a bigger star than Clarke. Toppin is about as athletic as they come. Dude is off the charts athletic.

Could we see a lineup of
Askew
Mintz
Boston
Jackson
Sarr

I mean it would be the better shooting, ball handling lineup. I know Clarke will / should start, but if not, the lineup I posted would be lethal. Plus it helps with having the two vetran guys play and maybe take a bit of the load off the youngsters early on.
 

stoneycat_20

All-Conference
Nov 28, 2003
24,212
4,344
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Boston is a better ball handler than Clarke. Funny you left him out of ball handlers. Also, Sarr will be a bigger star than Clarke. Toppin is about as athletic as they come. Dude is off the charts athletic.

Could we see a lineup of
Askew
Mintz
Boston
Jackson
Sarr

I mean it would be the better shooting, ball handling lineup. I know Clarke will / should start, but if not, the lineup I posted would be lethal. Plus it helps with having the two vetran guys play and maybe take a bit of the load off the youngsters early on.


I think you're selling Clarke short. IMO he'll be the best player on the team and 100% starter from day 1
 

RunninRichie

Heisman
Sep 5, 2019
28,574
68,166
113
If Cal starts Askew over Mintz he must be drinking faucet water cause the experience of a PG like Mintz is gonna be like having Ulis back for a 3rd year.Cal could have played on his phone all game while Tyler ran the team.
God I love Ulis, best UK guard ever
 

CatsPaws270

Heisman
Dec 7, 2015
24,522
64,103
113
Boston is a better ball handler than Clarke. Funny you left him out of ball handlers. Also, Sarr will be a bigger star than Clarke. Toppin is about as athletic as they come. Dude is off the charts athletic.

Could we see a lineup of
Askew
Mintz
Boston
Jackson
Sarr

I mean it would be the better shooting, ball handling lineup. I know Clarke will / should start, but if not, the lineup I posted would be lethal. Plus it helps with having the two vetran guys play and maybe take a bit of the load off the youngsters early on.
Cal has talked about Clarke running the point. Clarke will bring the ball down the court and get a lot of assists this year.

Clarke is a year early, but the potential on him is a #1 pick if he develops quickly this year.