Sticking with Boston

[Yardeth]

Of course that's the plan.

That's why he sticks with players.

We weren't going anywhere with Clarke out injured and getting bench production from Boston. It wasn't happening. And while it just never clicked with Boston, that was really our only shot of having a productive season.

Maybe it clicks now.........or perhaps year 2

BJ needs another year to get stronger and continue to hone his craft. Maybe we can be 2 and done U now.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

BJ needs another year to get stronger and continue to hone his craft. Maybe we can be 2 and done U now.

Cal was hinting at that saying he could go the Quickley route.

I'd be surprised if he stayed but who knows. We have had some guys come back for second years.

 

[Tubbyfan78]

Askew gives us absolutely nothing. He’s been terrible all year. He shouldn’t play. That said, Mintz can’t play PG for 40 min, so Askew needs to be able to handle himself for 8-10 min a night.

Regarding Boston....who would you play instead? Not really a better option.

I agree with everything you said. I’d probably find more minutes for Allen in both their spots. But I agree.

 

[STL_Cat]

Cal was hinting at that saying he could go the Quickley route.

I'd be surprised if he stayed but who knows. We have had some guys come back for second years.

How many of the guys that came back for 2nd years came here as projected one and done lottery picks?

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

How many of the guys that came back for 2nd years came here as projected one and done lottery picks?

Is Boston projected lotto pick tho? From what they were showing on ESPN during the game, I thought they said late first round.

At that point, I mean it's entirely possible he drops out of the first round.

Coming back looks a little bit better then.

I don't think he returns. But I don't think it's the slam dunk for sure he's gone like most feel either.

 

[STL_Cat]

Is Boston projected lotto pick tho? From what they were showing on ESPN during the game, I thought they said late first round.

At that point, I mean it's entirely possible he drops out of the first round.

Coming back looks a little bit better then.

I don't think he returns. But I don't think it's the slam dunk for sure he's gone like most feel either.

No, of course he's not projected as a lottery pick now. I was talking about how they were projected before they played a game here. I'm not saying there have been a lot, so Boston is a bit of an anomaly. Skal comes to mind (like I said, it's not as if I have a laundry list of examples).

My point is we've had guys come back for 2nd years. But not many of those guys came here thinking they were going top 10 before they played a game.

 

[cathouse_rivals216755]

Funny story actually. I rarely go to the games, maybe 1-2 a year. But I scored tickets once during the Murray season. There were 3 20 something age guys in front of us and they absolutely hated Murray’s guts. Every time he checked in they threw a fit. They said he had no business on the floor. Every time he subbed out they were overjoyed. They were quite vocal about it. They honestly believed he was our weakest player. Everyone around just looked at them like wtf. They were definitely UK fans but they were stupid. It really made no sense.

They probably all 3 post on this site .

 

[catswin]

Boston isn’t the greatest shooter around but since his first 3 games he’s hitting a respectable 34 percent from deep.

Allen, our dead eye shooter, is hitting 33 percent if you take away his Miss St game.
I know when you eliminate a game or two it changes things, but after a full season of games it doesn’t change much.

 

[Yardeth]

No, of course he's not projected as a lottery pick now. I was talking about how they were projected before they played a game here. I'm not saying there have been a lot, so Boston is a bit of an anomaly. Skal comes to mind (like I said, it's not as if I have a laundry list of examples).

My point is we've had guys come back for 2nd years. But not many of those guys came here thinking they were going top 10 before they played a game.

I think Cal should have played Skal like he does Sarr. Post some times, but use as a pick and pop. He would have been better off returning, to get stronger. Cal should be able to show BJ other players that left too early. One more year at UK could make him millions more in the long run.

 

[Backer cutter]

I’ve been hard on Boston, and have really questioned Cal sticking with him for as long as he has.

That being said, maybe Cal’s strategy has been: This team is severely flawed. Our Only chance of winning the SECT is if Boston somehow finds it, and has a hot weekend. If Mintz and Boston are hot, and everyone else is solid, then UK has a punchers chance of winning this thing.

I don’t hate the strategy, given how utterly average the roster is. If this is Cal’s mindset, then maybe Boston and Mintz are heating up at the right time....

Maybe I’m way off here, but I’m looking for any reason to be confident and maybe even a bit optimistic for Nashville.

Mintz hot, Boston hot- front court guys play hard and fight for 40 min.....maybe we can win 4 straight!?!

Only read your post and stopped. Cal stuck with Boston for obvious reasons. Go back and listen to his first comments after being hired. He is and has done exactly what he said he was and is doing. He has no desire to play who should play when in any given game or situation. It’s been more than a decade and it’s still not hitting home to most. No wonder he says y’all are crazy.

 

[MakinMusic_rivals]

Tough to help off in the NBA. That’s why a player like Boston will do well in the NBA.

 

[kywildcat1021979]

So. How about paying that guy that much money because he has four final fours and one championship in 11 years.

One championship with all that talent that has came through here sounds like UK has gotten ripped off. While other coaches have had multiple championships within that time frame! Also this will be his 2nd time not making the NCAA tournament tell me how many other coaches have done that and survived at UK?

 

[Ky_Bred_Cat]

It's the ultimate entrepreneurial Sales pitch. Promise big things then hope you can deliver the product that was promised. If the product falls somewhat short, you know the customer is already invested and will have to run with what transpires.

This is who coaches UK MBB.

 

[Pickle_Rick]

I think Cal should have played Skal like he does Sarr. Post some times, but use as a pick and pop. He would have been better off returning, to get stronger. Cal should be able to show BJ other players that left too early. One more year at UK could make him millions more in the long run.

Not possible. If you are 7' tall and play for Cal, you are a back to the basket center. Doesn't matter if you could dominate as a powerforward. You are a traditional back to the basket center.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

No, of course he's not projected as a lottery pick now. I was talking about how they were projected before they played a game here. I'm not saying there have been a lot, so Boston is a bit of an anomaly. Skal comes to mind (like I said, it's not as if I have a laundry list of examples).

My point is we've had guys come back for 2nd years. But not many of those guys came here thinking they were going top 10 before they played a game.

Yep. Definitely.

And If I'm Boston I totally get it. You play at a certain level in HS and u have a bunch of people telling you that you're a lotto pick and the pressure it on you to leave at that point. Even tho it shouldn't be, it's seen as a failure if you come back after that.

I guess as the seasons go on I hope tho that Cal can point to guys like Quickley and PJ Washington.......guys that did come back and got better and some see it as a good option.

 

[MakinMusic_rivals]

It's the ultimate entrepreneurial Sales pitch. Promise big things then hope you can deliver the product that was promised. If the product falls somewhat short, you know the customer is already invested and will have to run with what transpires.

This is who coaches UK MBB.

It’s every high level D-1 coach.....it’s every coach period. I would question them if they didn’t have this attitude or outlook.

 

[kl40504_rivals]

One championship with all that talent that has came through here sounds like UK has gotten ripped off. While other coaches have had multiple championships within that time frame! Also this will be his 2nd time not making the NCAA tournament tell me how many other coaches have done that and survived at UK?

All that talent means nothing unless you win. Why didn't Pitino win at Louisville? It is a coaches responsibility to recruit and win. So based on what you are saying we should give a coach a pass if he has less talent. I guess you would be happy if Cal recruited less talent and has a year like this year every year. Cal has done a better job of winning than 98% of college coaches. Cal should recruit all 3 star players and lose and you will be fine. You will give him a pass since he now has an excuse. He can't recruit good players so it is okay if he doesn't win. Why didn't Duke win it when Coach K had

Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Cam Reddish and Tre Jones.
They were selected 1st, 3rd, 10th and 41st in the NBA draft. Three of the top 10 in the NBA draft and coach K could not win a championship. It is very hard to win a championship. However the more talent you have the better chance you have.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

Yep. It's a one and done tournament.

The best thing a coach can do in this sport is just get the team in the conversation on a consistent basis.

I feel like Cal has done that.

 

[Kingslayer07]

Wow, pay a guy that much money to HOPE a player starts playing better rather than doing any actual coaching.

What the hell else is he supposed to do. The roster isn't good whatsoever. Saar, Askew, Clarke have all been disappointments (Yeah recruiting is on him) but at the end of the day I'm not sure what else he could have done. You can't make trades mid season unfortunately lol

 

[Trinity45]

I’ve been hard on Boston, and have really questioned Cal sticking with him for as long as he has.

That being said, maybe Cal’s strategy has been: This team is severely flawed. Our Only chance of winning the SECT is if Boston somehow finds it, and has a hot weekend. If Mintz and Boston are hot, and everyone else is solid, then UK has a punchers chance of winning this thing.

I don’t hate the strategy, given how utterly average the roster is. If this is Cal’s mindset, then maybe Boston and Mintz are heating up at the right time....

Maybe I’m way off here, but I’m looking for any reason to be confident and maybe even a bit optimistic for Nashville.

Mintz hot, Boston hot- front court guys play hard and fight for 40 min.....maybe we can win 4 straight!?!

Boston is a decent player but if we are hanging are hat on B.J. we are in trouble. I am not sure how he got a 5 star rating, he can't go to the hole, his out side shot takes too long to get off against good defenses, doesn't handle the ball great, OK ball handler at best, not a great passer. Mintz is the man and Sarr will need to be on his game, along with Jackson, which means Cal needs to keep Jackson out of foul trouble.

 

[Ky_Bred_Cat]

It’s every high level D-1 coach.....it’s every coach period. I would question them if they didn’t have this attitude or outlook.

To a degree yes. But no one in men's college basketball rolls the dice like Cal does.

Every single year Cal rides his green 5 stars all season counting on them to mature and improve enough to carry the team. This year it was Boston and it didn't work out. I would add that Cal's handling of Boston in particular, along with Boston's playing style and performance, have contributed to this team being so dysfunctional. It's not just the Boston situation, there are other issues for sure, but I believe it's a significant contributing factor.

Every single year we do this. It's quite a gamble and I for one am tired of it.

 

[TankedCat]

I don't think anyone has questioned that was Cal's plan from day one

the issue is he was willing to let us lose games until Boston figured it out

the season was lost waiting for Boston to come around

what good does it do UK now that Boston may have figured it out in March?

its an absurd approach to coaching. Boston could have developed his game in practice while other players played to maximize our chances of winning earlier in the season.

But that would have hurt Cal's OAD long term strategy and killed his players first BS.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

I don't think anyone has questioned that was Cal's plan from day one

the issue is he was willing to let us lose games until Boston figured it out

the season was lost waiting for Boston to come around

what good does it do UK now that Boston may have figured it out in March?

its an absurd approach to coaching. Boston could have developed his game in practice while other players played to maximize our chances of winning earlier in the season.

But that would have hurt Cal's OAD long term strategy and killed his players first BS.

This season it obviously did not work out but in the past I would say it's definitely worked in our favor to let the freshman play through the mistakes. For the most part, we get better into January/February and that's not done by some drastic lineup changes. And who knows, if we had a normal season it might have worked this season.

But honestly I don't think this season was even a matter of Boston playing through his mistakes. I think it had more to do with Cal just feeling that even with Boston playing poorly, the alternatives weren't as good. I don't think this was about Boston playing through mistakes.

Normally we'd have talent on the bench. This season I don't believe we had that.

 

[TankedCat]

This season it obviously did not work out but in the past I would say it's definitely worked in our favor to let the freshman play through the mistakes. For the most part, we get better into January/February and that's not done by some drastic lineup changes. And who knows, if we had a normal season it might have worked this season.

But honestly I don't think this season was even a matter of Boston playing through his mistakes. I think it had more to do with Cal just feeling that even with Boston playing poorly, the alternatives weren't as good. I don't think this was about Boston playing through mistakes.

Normally we'd have talent on the bench. This season I don't believe we had that.

You want a team that is talented enough to allow a feature player to make mistakes and they absorb it

with Cal's approach, we're getting embarrassed in November and December and we really don't look like a team even in a good year until the end of the season.

Its allowed Kansas to stay with us and now potentially pass us, its has no room for error in getting a #1 or #2 seed in the tournament and with Cal's focus on never playing anyone of significance at Rupp because his freshmen now struggle to beat Evansville level teams, its killed fan enthusiasm in Lexington.

worked in our favor is debatable at best.

 

[The_Answer1313_rivals]

I dunno. In the 10 years tournaments were played under Cal we've had 1 or 2 seeds in four of those years. Two of the past three tournaments, we had good enough seasons for 2 seeds. In two other years we didn't have seasons that were worthy of 1/2 seeds but we had teams put it together at the end well enough to go to final fours.

I don't think the working through problems in Nov/Dec has hurt us as much as some would like to think. Despite not looking great, we still usually win a great share of those games.

 

[kl40504_rivals]

To a degree yes. But no one in men's college basketball rolls the dice like Cal does.

Every single year Cal rides his green 5 stars all season counting on them to mature and improve enough to carry the team. This year it was Boston and it didn't work out. I would add that Cal's handling of Boston in particular, along with Boston's playing style and performance, have contributed to this team being so dysfunctional. It's not just the Boston situation, there are other issues for sure, but I believe it's a significant contributing factor.

Every single year we do this. It's quite a gamble and I for one am tired of it.

Every year we do this. We have a losing record every year. I must have been living in a dream world the past 11 years. I slept through those 4 final fours and that national championship in 2012. So you are tired of this crap. Last year UK won the SEC by 3 games. I know that was a long time ago. Last year is so far in the rear view mirror that we need to throw out the baby with the bath water. If Cal can't win the SEC and make a final four every year he needs to be fired. I guess you forgot this is an unusual year. We had no mid major games early on to have time for this team to come together as a team. I guess coach K should also be fired if he doesn't make the NCAA tournament this year. How stupid can you be?

 

[MegaBlue05]

Now you’re just making stuff up, this did NOT happen.

There was a legendary thread that year called “Murray is a black hole” after an ugly December loss and there were a few suggesting cutting his minutes and playing Dom Hawkins and Mychael Mulder more.

 

[TankedCat]

This season it obviously did not work out but in the past I would say it's definitely worked in our favor to let the freshman play through the mistakes. For the most part, we get better into January/February and that's not done by some drastic lineup changes. And who knows, if we had a normal season it might have worked this season.

But honestly I don't think this season was even a matter of Boston playing through his mistakes. I think it had more to do with Cal just feeling that even with Boston playing poorly, the alternatives weren't as good. I don't think this was about Boston playing through mistakes.

Normally we'd have talent on the bench. This season I don't believe we had that.

I appreciate that we can have a reasonable conversation about it

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Wow, pay a guy that much money to HOPE a player starts playing better rather than doing any actual coaching.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it.

 

[BreatheUT]

Television is a cash cow.

The product overall now is terrible. Talented players but it's more of a novelty and entertainment like WWE for look at me social media generation. I don't think people who like true competitive sports watch it like they used to. Spent 2 minutes watching the All Star game and it was the worst I've ever seen - like a pregame shoot around of Horse.

 

[Elliott Tim]

Wow, pay a guy that much money to HOPE a player starts playing better rather than doing any actual coaching.

Here comes that money day feelin' again.

 

[revcort]

Ha! Try to start a positive thread about BJ Boston here, and this is the way it goes. A few folks agree but then the haters jump in with both feet. You'd think this was the Louisville board if you didn't know better. How dare you say anything positive about Boston?!

For my part, it's obvious we see Calipari take a similar approach with highly rated freshmen pretty much every season. The chance of any of Cal's teams to truly become great depends largely on the incoming freshmen realizing their potential (or at least beginning to realize it). We fans usually don't have enough patience to wait for players to develop. Of course, this season has been very painful to watch. I would have liked to see Clarke realize some of his potential by now, but the injury put a stop to that. But those who know the game and can spot potential have seen from day one that Boston was oozing with potential. He's been one of the only guys on the team who could create his own shot and get to his spots, and he's been doing that all season. He's just been missing those shots and has shot the team out of multiple games. But he has been improving gradually all season. He's still had a few stinkers thrown in, but his shot has been falling more. He has all the measurables to be a monster, and he will get it figured out in time. I'd just love to be able to see it really happen. I hope he comes back next season so we can enjoy a bit of the prize we've patiently waited to see.

Of course the other issue that makes people hate on Boston is that he's keeping Allen out of games while he's "developing." So, we'd rather see Allen develop because some hate Boston because they see him as Cal's favorite. Allen could go 1 for his next 20 from 3 and some would still say he never had a chance. By the way, Allen has made 2 of his last 15 three point shots. If he was making shots, he'd be playing more. When he makes shots, his other deficiencies can be overlooked. But when he's not making shots AND losing his man on defense, not closing out on shooters, not offering help, and etc, he's not helping the team. I hope Allen stays, by the way, because I fully believe he will get there. He needs to work on becoming something other than just a spot up shooter. If he sticks around, he could become the best hometown player since Darius Miller. And if he's hitting shots again, he will be instrumental in this tournament.

The game I'm most worried about for UK is Miss St. Get past that game and anything is possible. But it took a monster game (career game) from Allen the first time around just to scrape out a close win. They are also desperate and Allen isn't sneaking up on them. They have revenge game on their mind, too. So, that game worries me. Here's hoping these guys pull a miracle. If they lose early, I doubt even the NIT will call.

 

[Backer cutter]

Ha! Try to start a positive thread about BJ Boston here, and this is the way it goes. A few folks agree but then the haters jump in with both feet. You'd think this was the Louisville board if you didn't know better. How dare you say anything positive about Boston?!

For my part, it's obvious we see Calipari take a similar approach with highly rated freshmen pretty much every season. The chance of any of Cal's teams to truly become great depends largely on the incoming freshmen realizing their potential (or at least beginning to realize it). We fans usually don't have enough patience to wait for players to develop. Of course, this season has been very painful to watch. I would have liked to see Clarke realize some of his potential by now, but the injury put a stop to that. But those who know the game and can spot potential have seen from day one that Boston was oozing with potential. He's been one of the only guys on the team who could create his own shot and get to his spots, and he's been doing that all season. He's just been missing those shots and has shot the team out of multiple games. But he has been improving gradually all season. He's still had a few stinkers thrown in, but his shot has been falling more. He has all the measurables to be a monster, and he will get it figured out in time. I'd just love to be able to see it really happen. I hope he comes back next season so we can enjoy a bit of the prize we've patiently waited to see.

Of course the other issue that makes people hate on Boston is that he's keeping Allen out of games while he's "developing." So, we'd rather see Allen develop because some hate Boston because they see him as Cal's favorite. Allen could go 1 for his next 20 from 3 and some would still say he never had a chance. By the way, Allen has made 2 of his last 15 three point shots. If he was making shots, he'd be playing more. When he makes shots, his other deficiencies can be overlooked. But when he's not making shots AND losing his man on defense, not closing out on shooters, not offering help, and etc, he's not helping the team. I hope Allen stays, by the way, because I fully believe he will get there. He needs to work on becoming something other than just a spot up shooter. If he sticks around, he could become the best hometown player since Darius Miller. And if he's hitting shots again, he will be instrumental in this tournament.

The game I'm most worried about for UK is Miss St. Get past that game and anything is possible. But it took a monster game (career game) from Allen the first time around just to scrape out a close win. They are also desperate and Allen isn't sneaking up on them. They have revenge game on their mind, too. So, that game worries me. Here's hoping these guys pull a miracle. If they lose early, I doubt even the NIT will call.

I know you and other like thinking fans are true fans. That i don’t doubt so don’t take me wrong. And I have watched only a fraction of any games this season and hardly any complete games last season. So those that have obviously know more about this years roster than me. I concede that. But I can read, and from what I’ve read here and other sites, news paper etc. it’s still the same. Cal plays the top rated kids regardless over lower rated prospects regardless of performance during actual games. He does, has, since he has been at UK. To his credit, he explained it Day one. Absolutely nobody listened. We should have, all of us. His agenda is clear to me, and getting clearer to a whole lot more. It’s sad that some still don’t see it, including you. And for the record, I don’t hate anyone, far from it.

 

[revcort]

I know you and other like thinking fans are true fans. That i don’t doubt so don’t take me wrong. And I have watched only a fraction of any games this season and hardly any complete games last season. So those that have obviously know more about this years roster than me. I concede that. But I can read, and from what I’ve read here and other sites, news paper etc. it’s still the same. Cal plays the top rated kids regardless over lower rated prospects regardless of performance during actual games. He does, has, since he has been at UK. To his credit, he explained it Day one. Absolutely nobody listened. We should have, all of us. His agenda is clear to me, and getting clearer to a whole lot more. It’s sad that some still don’t see it, including you. And for the record, I don’t hate anyone, far from it.

You realize what you're describing is certainly no conspiracy nor is it even a bad thing. He does play the higher rated guys more, most of the time, but NOT despite what happens in games. Want examples? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the lowest rated guy in that UK class. He ended up a starter. And what about Tyler Herro? There's another lower rated guy who ended up a starter. And what about Kahlil Whitney? He was the highest rated player in his class and lost his starting job because of poor in game performances.

Your conspiracy theory holds no water. Those are just recent examples. In game performance always matters to Cal, more than just about anything else. Yes, he does play the top rated players very often, and he gives them time to develop, because he knows the overall team's ceiling depends on the most talented players meeting their potential.

I'm not missing anything bro, but it seems you're seeing something, based most likely on your feelings about Dontaie Allen, that just isn't there.

 

[Backer cutter]

You realize what you're describing is certainly no conspiracy nor is it even a bad thing. He does play the higher rated guys more, most of the time, but NOT despite what happens in games. Want examples? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the lowest rated guy in that UK class. He ended up a starter. And what about Tyler Herro? There's another lower rated guy who ended up a starter. And what about Kahlil Whitney? He was the highest rated player in his class and lost his starting job because of poor in game performances.

Your conspiracy theory holds no water. Those are just recent examples. In game performance always matters to Cal, more than just about anything else. Yes, he does play the top rated players very often, and he gives them time to develop, because he knows the overall team's ceiling depends on the most talented players meeting their potential.

I'm not missing anything bro, but it seems you're seeing something, based most likely on your feelings about Dontaie Allen, that just isn't there.

Ok. I don’t articulate very well. It’s all good. Don’t know where Dontaie Allen came in but like I said, no problem. And I’m not your “Bro”. I’ve got one brother, and I trust my parents that’s all. Preacher or not, you’re a strange one man. Put me on ignore and I’ll do the same. We will both be better off. Good night sir.

 

[revcort]

Ok. I don’t articulate very well. It’s all good. Don’t know where Dontaie Allen came in but like I said, no problem. And I’m not your “Bro”. I’ve got one brother, and I trust my parents that’s all. Preacher or not, you’re a strange one man. Put me on ignore and I’ll do the same. We will both be better off. Good night sir.

I don't put people on ignore. There is no need. I don't take message board posts personally. Just make your case. I won't call you bro if it bothers you. I see all UK fans as family, by the way. We're all on the same team, even when we disagree.

 

[Backer cutter]

I don't put people on ignore. There is no need. I don't take message board posts personally. Just make your case. I won't call you bro if it bothers you. I see all UK fans as family, by the way. We're all on the same team, even when we disagree.

I did make my case. Best I know how. You’re condescending to me. And I’m calling you out. That’s where we are. Your call. I’m old fashioned . I call it like I see it, and you, and other coach worshipers don’t like it. This is on the coach IMO. I don’t appreciate your tone to m, and I’m saying it. You’re looking down on me and others who disagree with you, and I don’t like it. That’s where we are. I will state my opinion, same as you. Again, good night.

 

[revcort]

I did make my case. Best I know how. You’re condescending to me. And I’m calling you out. That’s where we are. Your call. I’m old fashioned . I call it like I see it, and you, and other coach worshipers don’t like it. This is on the coach IMO. I don’t appreciate your tone to m, and I’m saying it. You’re looking down on me and others who disagree with you, and I don’t like it. That’s where we are. I will state my opinion, same as you. Again, good night.

That's fine backercutter. Agree to disagree.

 

[Backer cutter]

That's fine backercutter. Agree to disagree.

Ok. Truly hope you have a good night. I’m hoping to do the same.

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

I know Boston has been frustrating, but I really think he is growing and just needs another year. He is a really skinny kid and you can tell he struggles with contact. I know it is probably just lip service and he is gone, but man I would love to see a Soph Boston. For all his struggles I think he could have a PJ-like jump next year, not Brooks. I like Brooks, but BJ has the potential to go off if he comes back.