The "Future of Our Program" Thread

[Random UK Fan]

The threads on the board here lately show some widely-varying opinions about the road our program is on right now. Extreme ends of the spectrum. Obviously, it can't be both. So my question to the board is:

Is the future of our program in a tailspin or is it in good shape, and what are you basing your perception on?

 

[Calsthebomb]

The threads on the board here lately show some widely-varying opinions about the road our program is on right now. Extreme ends of the spectrum. Obviously, it can't be both. So my question to the board is:

Is the future of our program in a tailspin or is it in good shape, and what are you basing your perception on?

I combed through some of the most opposing view threads over the last few weeks to establish this list. Calling to the thread our board gladiators - in no particular order;

@brianpoe, @morgousky , @BBUK , @Son_Of_Saul, @Mike-D, @GonzoCat90, @caneintally , @Rupp'sRunt , @Conn501 , @FrankUnderwood , @SilentsAreGolden, @the nail at the foul line, @TheySoSensitive, @CatGotMyTongue , @KyFaninNC , @wobycat , @TheDude73 , @crazyqx83 , @docholiday51 , @Xception @Deli owl , @Col. Angus, @MdWIldcat55 , @shaudyshaud , @Wall2Boogie , @ThroughBlue , @kybassfan , , [USER=57583]@Jakarii, @SacramentoKat, @Philstat, @BlueBomb, @CatsnRoses, @irishcat1965, @UKMKG

You all seem to hold passionate convictions on how things are going, and are good at supporting and debating said opinions, which I have a great deal of respect for. [/USER]

As a fellow board gladiator I'll hold off until the roster for next season is set in stone.

 

[Mike-D]

I think we are in a transition period for a lot of various different reasons. Recruiting has went down slightly, but it’s still at a very high level. I found it very interesting that Matt Jones said on the radio Cal told him he’s going to stop recruiting dudes that can’t shoot. Obviously that excludes the John Wall’s of the world. You take that kind of dude at PG every single time.

Long story short, we are in very good shape. I can’t see how anyone would consider us in a tailspin when it was just a year ago that we lost a buzzer beater to the eventual national champions in the elite-8. We blew an easy path to the Final-4 this year, but we weren’t beating Villanova. Nobody was. I still consider this a down year, obviously. I’ll never accept mediocrity. Losing 11-12 games is unacceptable at UK. If Cal wants to continue rebuilding rosters, stop crying about how young we are.

With all of that said, I think you’re gonna see Cal’s approach change. He just tried to recruit a lottery pick back to Kentucky. At the end of the day though, it’s still the kid and the families choice.

Let’s just see what happens. If we only lose Shea, and add Hagans/Montgomery we are going to be legit next year. A combination of size, skill, athleticism, and lots of shooters.

 

[Random UK Fan]

I think we are in a transition period for a lot of various different reasons. Recruiting has went down slightly, but it’s still at a very high level. I found it very interesting that Matt Jones said on the radio Cal told him he’s going to stop recruiting dudes that can’t shoot. Obviously that excludes the John Wall’s of the world. You take that kind of dude at PG every single time.

Long story short, we are in very good shape. I can’t see how anyone would consider us in a tailspin when it was just a year ago that we lost a buzzer beater to the eventual national champions in the elite-8. We blew an easy path to the Final-4 this year, but we weren’t beating Villanova. Nobody was. I still consider this a down year, obviously. I’ll never accept mediocrity. Losing 11-12 games is unacceptable at UK. If Cal wants to continue rebuilding rosters, stop crying about how young we are.

With all of that said, I think you’re gonna see Cal’s approach change. He just tried to recruit a lottery pick back to Kentucky. At the end of the day though, it’s still the kid and the families choice.

Let’s just see what happens. If we only lose Shea, and add Hagans/Montgomery we are going to be legit next year. A combination of size, skill, athleticism, and lots of shooters.

I think reloading definitely helps to alleviate a short memory of our exoduses. There are those though that seem to think we're not "reloading" based on the top talent going to other schools.

 

[Emarc]

When you have to rebuild every year I wouldnt call it building a program. It’s more like a year to year plan. It appears to work for Cal. Sure seems like a whole lot of work and stress on his part which goes to show how much he loves the process. He takes talent, improves it and sends it on its way

 

[KyFaninNC]

I think we just maintain the trajectory we are on now as long as we have to turn the roster over each year. We will struggle during the season, get it together for the tourney and make an elite eight or FF from time to time, but I do not see us winning another title with recruits we are getting right now and then losing them after a year. So, just same ol thing.

 

[mbc82584]

The threads on the board here lately show some widely-varying opinions about the road our program is on right now. Extreme ends of the spectrum. Obviously, it can't be both. So my question to the board is:

Is the future of our program in a tailspin or is it in good shape, and what are you basing your perception on?

I glanced at some of the most opposing view threads over the last few weeks to establish this list. Calling to the thread our board gladiators - in no particular order;

@brianpoe, @morgousky , @BBUK , @Son_Of_Saul, @Mike-D, @GonzoCat90, @caneintally , @Rupp'sRunt , @Conn501 , @FrankUnderwood , @SilentsAreGolden, @the nail at the foul line, @KingOfSleaze , @TheySoSensitive, @CatGotMyTongue , @KyFaninNC , @wobycat , @TheDude73 , @crazyqx83 , @docholiday51 , @Xception @Deli owl , @Col. Angus, @MdWIldcat55 , @shaudyshaud , @Wall2Boogie , @ThroughBlue , @kybassfan , , [USER=57583]@Jakarii, @SacramentoKat, @Philstat, @BlueBomb, @CatsnRoses, @irishcat1965, @UKMKG, @Calsthebomb, @ZZBlueComet , @Aike

You all seem to hold passionate convictions on how things are going, and are good at supporting and debating said opinions, which I have a great deal of respect for. Also the name calling. [/USER] [jumpingsmile]

Attention *****.

 

[Delk4three]

I think we just maintain the trajectory we are on now as long as we have to turn the roster over each year. We will struggle during the season, get it together for the tourney and make an elite eight or FF from time to time, but I do not see us winning another title with recruits we are getting right now and then losing them after a year. So, just same ol thing.

I agree. Coach Cal isn't getting the best talent every year in recruiting like he used to. With as much turnover every year with our core players leaving, you have to get top 5 type talent to replace it. Coach Cal's best days here are behind us in my opinion, he won't win another title here if the program stays on its current course.

 

[Wildcats1st]

We aren’t in a tail spin. We are at a crossroads. How cal adapts and the path he chooses will be the deciding factor.

 

[TortElvisII]

Some things need adjusting. I am not sure Cal will adjust. Too stubborn. But maybe he does. Athletes who can't shoot are not a recipe for NCAA Basketball Titles.

We need more balance in recruiting. Be nice if people that weren't one and done stuck around for four. Too many leave.

 

[CELTICAT]

Managed decline.

 

[Fancatstik]

I refuse to answer because I can't stand your avatar.

 

[ObjectivelyModerate]

The OAD era is coming to an end and that is actually a good thing. Coach Cal is a great coach and has proven it at 3 college programs. He doesn't have to get OADs to win championships. IMO, if he stays, he will have another championship within 5 years.

 

[bthaunert]

I’m not a gladiator but I will say this. I think Cal is the right guy for the job. If 2018-19 is similar to this year in terms of outcomes, I hope he will do what needs to be done to turn it around in the right direction.

I will also say that if we do have a similar outcome, then some questions do need to be asked. Making $8 million a year and having your last 4 years end very similar to Tubby’s last four years at UK is cause for concern. At some point, talking about what he did 6 and 7 years ago becomes irrelevant.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

I think we just maintain the trajectory we are on now as long as we have to turn the roster over each year. We will struggle during the season, get it together for the tourney and make an elite eight or FF from time to time, but I do not see us winning another title with recruits we are getting right now and then losing them after a year. So, just same ol thing.

Werent winning titles any other way either. 3 in 50 years pre cal

 

[lkc1021]

The threads on the board here lately show some widely-varying opinions about the road our program is on right now. Extreme ends of the spectrum. Obviously, it can't be both. So my question to the board is:

Is the future of our program in a tailspin or is it in good shape, and what are you basing your perception on?

I glanced at some of the most opposing view threads over the last few weeks to establish this list. Calling to the thread our board gladiators - in no particular order;

@brianpoe, @morgousky , @BBUK , @Son_Of_Saul, @Mike-D, @GonzoCat90, @caneintally , @Rupp'sRunt , @Conn501 , @FrankUnderwood , @SilentsAreGolden, @the nail at the foul line, @KingOfSleaze , @TheySoSensitive, @CatGotMyTongue , @KyFaninNC , @wobycat , @TheDude73 , @crazyqx83 , @docholiday51 , @Xception @Deli owl , @Col. Angus, @MdWIldcat55 , @shaudyshaud , @Wall2Boogie , @ThroughBlue , @kybassfan , , [USER=57583]@Jakarii, @SacramentoKat, @Philstat, @BlueBomb, @CatsnRoses, @irishcat1965, @UKMKG, @Calsthebomb, @ZZBlueComet , @Aike

You all seem to hold passionate convictions on how things are going, and are good at supporting and debating said opinions, which I have a great deal of respect for. Also the name calling. [/USER] [jumpingsmile]

Are you serious? In a tailspin. You must be crazy.

 

[BlobUK]

As long as Cal is here we're fine.

 

[slam212121]

Lame. My thread is better.

 

[Random UK Fan]

Attention *****.

May your anus develop tastebuds.

 

[ThwKentuckyKid]

I refuse to answer because I can't stand your avatar.

Racist.

 

[Random UK Fan]

Are you serious? In a tailspin. You must be crazy.

That's only half of the question asked. The other half says "or are we in good shape?"

 

[lkc1021]

That's only half of the question asked. The other half says "or are we in good shape?"

That is a stupid question. If you want to talk about a tailspin then go back to the Billy G days. That is a real tailspin.

 

[WildMoon]

I think we are in great shape.

Coaches are fighting it out too. Cal isn't sitting doing nothing. His recruiting strategy has changed over the years. Coaches have up and downs.

Oh..and no matter how you look at it. Coach K isn't going to coach forever. I'm not sure he likes the work load of trying to coach OAD .we'll see how he does next year .

 

[jedwar]

No @jedwar so no care.

 

[Random UK Fan]

That is a stupid question. If you want to talk about a tailspin then go back to the Billy G days. That is a real tailspin.

So are you saying we're "in a tailspin" or "we're fine"?

 

[lkc1021]

So are you saying we're "in a tailspin" or "we're fine"?

We are better than 95% of the basketball teams in the nation. We have won the SEC tourney four years in a row. I would say that we are doing just fine. You can not judge a team by just how many titles they have won. We are one of the few teams that are in discussion every year for a final four. Dean Smith was at North Carolina for 36 years and won two titles. That is 1 title every 18 years. Cal has won one title in 9 years and made 4 final fours. What do you want? A title every year. I can't believe some fans. They are just not realistic.

 

[Random UK Fan]

What do you want?

I never said what I wanted. I asked a question.

 

[Cbbcrazy2]

In my time no UK team has won a National Championship without a Kentucky kid on the team. There is no excuse for not having a talented Kentucky kid every year. I'm a bit superstitious...hehe

 

[CatfanMike47]

In my time no UK team has won a National Championship without a Kentucky kid on the team. There is no excuse for not having a talented Kentucky kid every year. I'm a bit superstitious...hehe

Only need one every four yrs! Not one in every class!

 

[12375CAT]

Just W:basketball::baseball::football:

 

[Anon1679859502]

I know I've enjoyed UK basketball over the last nine years because we are talk of the town, good or bad. We are always in contention for the best recruits and always knocking at the door. It's all good.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

The threads on the board here lately show some widely-varying opinions about the road our program is on right now. Extreme ends of the spectrum. Obviously, it can't be both. So my question to the board is:

Is the future of our program in a tailspin or is it in good shape, and what are you basing your perception on?

I glanced at some of the most opposing view threads over the last few weeks to establish this list. Calling to the thread our board gladiators - in no particular order;

@brianpoe, @morgousky , @BBUK , @Son_Of_Saul, @Mike-D, @GonzoCat90, @caneintally , @Rupp'sRunt , @Conn501 , @FrankUnderwood , @SilentsAreGolden, @the nail at the foul line, @KingOfSleaze , @TheySoSensitive, @CatGotMyTongue , @KyFaninNC , @wobycat , @TheDude73 , @crazyqx83 , @docholiday51 , @Xception @Deli owl , @Col. Angus, @MdWIldcat55 , @shaudyshaud , @Wall2Boogie , @ThroughBlue , @kybassfan , , [USER=57583]@Jakarii, @SacramentoKat, @Philstat, @BlueBomb, @CatsnRoses, @irishcat1965, @UKMKG, @Calsthebomb, @ZZBlueComet , @Aike

You all seem to hold passionate convictions on how things are going, and are good at supporting and debating said opinions, which I have a great deal of respect for. Also the name calling. [/USER] [jumpingsmile]

Good question.

I think Kentucky is one of the only programs in the country (Kansas being the other) that lives emotionally “paycheck to paycheck”, so to speak. Our fans are, in congruence with KU fans, absolutely on a different spectrum, and regardless of recent propagandist efforts that have intended to dichotomize our fan desires from our players’ imminent careers, the driving force behind Kentucky basketball is and always has been the fan base.

That being said, UK is in the rarest of positions and totally isolated from the rest of college hoops (Kansas and probably UNC notwithstanding). Our “tailspin” or “optimism” perspective is seasonal, and this offseason features a strange opportunity in that the gradual downslope (going from 4 Final Fours in 5 seasons to three straight tournament disappointments is a downslope) can be countered by the majority of the roster returning.

Thus, if everyone but Diallo, Knox, SGA, and Wynyard return, there is much cause for optimism, and I would argue that the mass returns would rekindle an excitement that has been waning in recent seasons.

More directly, I think UK’s general fan feelings towards the program would be progressively more optimistic if the 6 or 7 guys who are expected to return actually do return.

It’s that critical to the current morale situation in the bluegrass.

 

[UKGrad93]

More checkerboards. Look for the court and uniforms to eventually be all checkered. That is where it’s headed.

Somewhere in the Craft Center there will be a small corner devoted to guys that were recruited and stayed long enough to get a degree. Poythress, Willis, & Hawkins.

 

[JC43]

The dividends of Cal's tenure are still to come. Starting with John Wall coopting the Dougie and turning it into the John Wall dance generation is around the corner. UK needs to start offering more OAD type classes, add a music recording lab, and improve their Broadcasting school. If we want to continue to attract OAD talent make a ciriculum that makes sense for them.
I.e.- personal finance class, intro sports management, personal branding, nutrition for athletes, intro to hip hop, history of basketball, basketball basics, intro to coaching, video game theory, intro to video games, rhyme theory, fashion shoe design 101 I think you get what i'm saying...also would love to see more UK grads in ESPN, or perhaps offer broadcasting degree for OAD, that didn't quite make it but need more time, have classes specifically geared for that population of basketball players.
Have Drake be adjunct professor, have former players involved. Another guy who to get involved is the owner and creator of Outback Steak Restaurant Group...he is part of the brotherhood
The Game has changed, Cal and Co need to get back in front.
Make sure all classes available to all students, just cap how many...pretty sure a lot basketball and other sports on campus will fill them up...have to be available to all students, if they can register for the class well that's another issue ... addendum
Went to Duke University course catalogue..follow are real classes
History of Hip hop
Intro to Hip Hop Production
Hip hop/rap appreciation
Go figure, ratface is woke

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Cal has at least the next two years at UK. Once Brad leaves, all bets are off imo.

He may then decide to leave. He's trying hard for next year and imo that's why he allegedly tried to get Knox to return. Next year is one opportunity.

He's also working very hard on 2019 class with his traditional OAD approach. That is a second opportunity.

What is unknown is what he might do if the next two years don't produce at a minimum another FF.

Cal said he wants to recruit more shooters. That's the only thing I've seen that says he is re-thinking things a bit. Count me on the side that says if nothing changes then UK is at best in a holding pattern.

Next year looks probably better and the year after I expect a loaded but very young team. Maybe Wenyan and SKJ and Herro and Baker will be around to make that a championship year, in which case I see Cal leaving after getting that elusive second title.

 

[stoneycat_20]

I only want a couple OAD each year...Bring in the top 30-50 guys that will be here 2-4 years

 

[UKWildcats#8]

I only want a couple OAD each year...Bring in the top 30-50 guys that will be here 2-4 years

And cal did that this season. Only Knox and Alexander should leave. Everyone else should stay. If he pitched Knox on staying sure he did everyone else other than Alexander.

 

[7ringsNcounting]

We are better than 95% of the basketball teams in the nation. We have won the SEC tourney four years in a row. I would say that we are doing just fine. You can not judge a team by just how many titles they have won. We are one of the few teams that are in discussion every year for a final four. Dean Smith was at North Carolina for 36 years and won two titles. That is 1 title every 18 years. Cal has won one title in 9 years and made 4 final fours. What do you want? A title every year. I can't believe some fans. They are just not realistic.

I want the same or better results....ie formula resulting experience that Nova has enjoyed in the past 10 years
I want to beat that cheating *** Huckleberry sounding goof every time he rears his cheating head.
I want to ***** slap Kawasaki right in to retirement dribbling his own salvia, then I want to best UCLA titles out of reach from any team ever exceeding our record. Build a new Coach Cal statue with a new arena in Lexington that holds the entire population of Big Blue Nation :boxing:
After that I will be at peace with the world..... just saying you did ask

 

[theoledog]

It is The University of Caltucky
You might not like it but it’s what we got.... So you might as well like it.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

I think it’s a bit premature and dramatic to be melting down just yet.