This UK team is going to be........

[Tapemaster8]

We have an entirely brand new team. Im just going to take things as they come and try to enjoy the ups and downs of the season. Simple logic tells me its a bit naive to expect a title with such turnover. But who knows how these guys might come together? Im just going in with zero expectations. Cant wait for the season to get underway

I always enjoy the “ups” it’s just the “downs” that I have trouble with. But I will just be glad if we get to watch basketball!

 

[gracetoyou]

Yes!

 

[TNCatfanforever]

I am betting than soon after Jan 20th all sporting events will be canceled so I am expecting nothing this year

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Fletcher's shooting the ball? If he can knock down a few shots he's going to be hard to keep off the floor...

Actually Allen said it in that interview I watched of him. Fletcher was one of about a handful of guys that Allen stated were the best shooters on the team, along with Boston, Clarke and himself. There was another name or two in there, IIRC. He also stated that all the bigs can really shoot the ball well.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Well, you certainly are Mr. Positive. I've watched some college football with great interest and excitement and feel basketball will be the same. As for the virus, it is what it is. Just an unprecedented time and we have to make the best of it for now. Sorry you are so down but not letting you infect me and my excitement.

Exactly the way I feel. Man, if the Cats are playing, I’m gonna be STOKED! Fans or no fans! I couldn’t care less, really.

 

[Whatsup]

I am betting than soon after Jan 20th all sporting events will be canceled so I am expecting nothing this year

If you’re willing to bet you must have some proof, right. I’m betting you have no proof, right.

 

[Swimcat20]

Just kick Louisville's sorry crybaby a$$. Good enough for me.

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

Actually Allen said it in that interview I watched of him. Fletcher was one of about a handful of guys that Allen stated were the best shooters on the team, along with Boston, Clarke and himself. There was another name or two in there, IIRC. He also stated that all the bigs can really shoot the ball well.

I did see where he mentioned the bigs shooting the ball, but missed the part about fletcher. Best quote was fletcher saying he takes it personally when he gets beat on D...team full of dogs (to quote Boston and Clarke)

 

[Cowtown Cat]

I did see where he mentioned the bigs shooting the ball, but missed the part about fletcher. Best quote was fletcher saying he takes it personally when he gets beat on D...team full of dogs (to quote Boston and Clarke)

Yeah I liked that as well. Fletcher said, “they won’t score on me again!” [laughing]

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Who are the shooters?

 

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

Most excited I have been in a team in a long time. Will be much harder for the refs. All positions double covered with high quality. Nice combination of youth and experience. Shooters, scorers, rebounders, depth and some intensity guys.

 

[davekersey]

The shooters:
Boston and Allen are both capable of 40% or higher from deep
Clarke is a good shooter, probably 35% from deep, but exceptional scorer anywhere inside the arc.
Mintz and Askew can shoot about 35% from deep.
The rest of the squad can knock down an occasional three but won't be called on the do it often.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

MKG with a jumpshot?

I sure wish. Man, MKG was so special here. I seriously doubt we ever get another one like him. Starting to think he was just one of a kind, unfortunately.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

The shooters:
Boston and Allen are both capable of 40% or higher from deep
Clarke is a good shooter, probably 35% from deep, but exceptional scorer anywhere inside the arc.
Mintz and Askew can shoot about 35% from deep.
The rest of the squad can knock down an occasional three but won't be called on the do it often.

No Fletcher?

 

[RunninRichie]

I sure wish. Man, MKG was so special here. I seriously doubt we ever get another one like him. Starting to think he was just one of a kind, unfortunately.

Kuminga was similar to MKG

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Kuminga was similar to MKG

Eh. I’d have to see him do it consistently at the college level before I would believe it. Don’t get me wrong, Kuminga is a great talent. I just think MKG is a very rare breed.

I don’t know if I’ve even seen a college player play as hard as he did, every single minute he was in the game. When I watch that 2012 team now, I shake my head, in regards to MKG. Not only that, he did that as a freshman. Shame his pro career has been as meh as it’s been. Baffling really.

 

[Baller Cal]

I am betting than soon after Jan 20th all sporting events will be canceled so I am expecting nothing this year

Translation: "My Vanderbilt Commodores stink and I can't fathom that Calamari and UK having another fun year."

 

[davekersey]

I'm thinking Fletcher and Brooks are about 30%. I watched a ton of film on Fletcher today and he is a better shot than I originally thought. Brooks only shot 26% for us last year but in AAU ball he was 17 for 37 which is 45% so I'm not sure the 26% is what to expect from him again

 

[kl40504_rivals]

I will bet the farm Dontaie Allen is going to be good for us. I think Juzang saw the writing on the wall. Cal used the word shooter to describe him. And with Jackson being better than thought

Not sure his defense is good enough to play much.

 

[WhiteMamba14]

Not sure his defense is good enough to play much.

He’s def gonna have to show he can guard. I’m hoping he’s better than we anticipate lol

 

[kl40504_rivals]

College basketball without the arenas packed? Freaking joke. Some of the college football games are barely watchable

Nobody is making you watch. Go back and hide in your mommy's basement.

 

[BourbonBalz]

I think defensively they will struggle but get it right around mid Jan

I think just the opposite. I think the defense will be there from the start. Too much size and athleticism.

 

[BourbonBalz]

Eh. I’d have to see him do it consistently at the college level before I would believe it. Don’t get me wrong, Kuminga is a great talent. I just think MKG is a very rare breed.

I don’t know if I’ve even seen a college player play as hard as he did, every single minute he was in the game. When I watch that 2012 team now, I shake my head, in regards to MKG. Not only that, he did that as a freshman. Shame his pro career has been as meh as it’s been. Baffling really.

Kenny Walker. No one ever played harder. No one.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I think just the opposite. I think the defense will be there from the start. Too much size and athleticism.

Agreed.

But I think we will struggle on both ends until these guys learn to play together.

It could take a big chunk of the season before things start to click.

I feel like once they get 15-20 games under their belt together, they should start to gel. Just going to take time. Fans need to be very patient with this group.

 

[CatsIndy2010]

I think if we are capable of platooning again, the prediction may be correct. Get the whole bench to where you can play the benchwarmers during the last minute or 2 of each game......work to keep defense a priority.

Im saying, not having to rely on one particular player to score and defend will do wonders in march.

And if we have 3-4 close losses......who cares. These guys do have some tough games on the schedule though.

The expectations are always high at UK, you just gotta work hard and hope that the work pays off.

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

I sure wish. Man, MKG was so special here. I seriously doubt we ever get another one like him. Starting to think he was just one of a kind, unfortunately.

The one cat I'd characterize as one of a kind is Mash. It's hard to imagine another player of his size having the skillset he had.

 

[bucsrule8872]

The one cat I'd characterize as one of a kind is Mash. It's hard to imagine another player of his size having the skillset he had.

Best overall player to ever wear a UK uniform, IMHO.

AD was great, but he couldn’t handle, pass, and shoot like Mash.

 

[BourbonBalz]

Best overall player to ever wear a UK uniform, IMHO.

AD was great, but he couldn’t handle, pass, and shoot like Mash.

i agree, but I’d put Antoine Walker right there. He didn’t have the perimeter game Mash had, but he could put the ball on the floor, pass, rebound, and pretty much do it all. I give Mash a slight nod, but it is slight. Who knows how good Walker or Ron Mercer could’ve been had they stayed a bit longer.

 

[STL_Cat]

I was a Toine fan, and he was a stud at UK. But Mash was twice the player Toine was here.

 

[BourbonBalz]

I was a Toine fan, and he was a stud at UK. But Mash was twice the player Toine was here.

I’m gonna disagree with that. Better? Yeah maybe. Twice the player? I think not. That’s just a ridiculous statement.

 

[STL_Cat]

I’m gonna disagree with that. Better? Yeah maybe. Twice the player? I think not. That’s just a ridiculous statement.

Twice was perhaps hyperbole. But Mash was a substantially better college player than Toine. And that’s no disrespect to Toine, at least it’s not intended to be.

 

[BlueBloodKyFan73]

I think just the opposite. I think the defense will be there from the start. Too much size and athleticism.

I hope your right

 

[Cowtown Cat]

The SHIMMY! [laughing] Man, I LOVED that!

 

[Cowtown Cat]

The one cat I'd characterize as one of a kind is Mash. It's hard to imagine another player of his size having the skillset he had.

One of a kind in terms of motor, willingness to win and lead as a FRESHMAN! He just played so damn hard 100% of the time. The things he did as a freshman you never really see out of a kid that young and inexperienced.

Loved how MKG could grab a defensive board, turn and go and proceed to beat everyone to the other end on the break via the dribble. He was also one slick passer as well. If he would’ve had a jumper, unstoppable force!

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Twice was perhaps hyperbole. But Mash was a substantially better college player than Toine. And that’s no disrespect to Toine, at least it’s not intended to be.

Had Antoine retuned for his junior year, alongside DA and Mercer, he might’ve had a shot to become as good of a college player as Mash. He didn’t, so that’s moot.

 

[MrBlonde88_rivals391815]

Not playing because the demented pedophile will have you locked inside because covid

 

[BourbonBalz]

Not playing because the demented pedophile will have you locked inside because covid

Unfortunately that is a distinct possibility. But, I won’t comply. I haven’t to this point and that will not change.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Unfortunately that is a distinct possibility. But, I won’t comply. I haven’t to this point and that will not change.

Yeah, it is a possibility. One that, I admittedly never thought of. I’ll be absolutely irate if we don’t get a full season due to, well you know.

 

[magic8ball]

The shooters:
Boston and Allen are both capable of 40% or higher from deep
Clarke is a good shooter, probably 35% from deep, but exceptional scorer anywhere inside the arc.
Mintz and Askew can shoot about 35% from deep.
The rest of the squad can knock down an occasional three but won't be called on the do it often.

I'm sure you've seen way more than me but I really like Askew's shot. I think he's capable of shooting 40%.

 

[magic8ball]

I think defensively they will struggle but get it right around mid Jan

I do not see this team struggling on defense at all.

They should be elite.