Title or Bust Mentality for 2019

[CatsPaws270]

I don't care if it takes 40-0 or 30-10 to get there...anything less than a title and your expectations are too low. We come close to winning titles with all-freshman sometimes...imagine having multiple experienced guys....one being a SENIOR STUD!

Its title or bust for me because of 2015...that team needed a title. Yes they made a Final Four and were great...but it stings knowing they did not win it all. 2012 was a title or bust because of 2010 stinging so bad. We need this title.

We have

-A 5th year Senior leader who averaged close to 20 & 10 in a power conference
-3 returning starters/rotation players from last years team (all 3 were 5-star players)
-A new crop of 5 stars who were the #2 class in the country
-Depth and options at every position
-Post versatility...rebounding and scoring
-Length
-Speed and athleticism
-Pure point guard play
-3-point shooting

Its TIME

C-A-T-S CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS

 

[akaukswoosh]

Still potentially gotta get past a ref who might not want to see us in the FF, much less winning it all.

 

[Nuke99m.]

I think it's a final four or bust mentality. After that sometimes it's a toss-up. Sometimes you get a team in the final 4 who is not a good matchup (Wisconsin) or that gets a favorable whistle.

 

[caneintally]

I think it's a final four or bust mentality. After that sometimes it's a toss-up. Sometimes you get a team in the final 4 who is not a good matchup (Wisconsin) or that gets a favorable whistle.

Yeah I agree. If you make enough final 4's you win some titles so final 4's are the goal.

 

[KYFOSSIL]

I don't care if it takes 40-0 or 30-10 to get there...anything less than a title and your expectations are too low. We come close to winning titles with all-freshman sometimes...imagine having multiple experienced guys....one being a SENIOR STUD!

We have

-A 5th year Senior leader who averaged close to 20 & 10 in a power conference
-3 returning starters/rotation players from last years team (all 3 were 5-star players)
-A new crop of 5 stars who were the #2 class in the country
-Depth and options at every position
-Post versatility...rebounding and scoring
-Length
-Speed and athleticism
-Pure point guard play
-3-point shooting

Its TIME

C-A-T-S CHAMPS CHAMPS CHAMPS

That’s a hard choice because it really depends on who’s bust we’re talking about.

 

[gobigblue26]

I agree title or bust.... no one remembers who made the final 4... they’re nice but the ultimate prize is the National Title

 

[CatsPaws270]

I think it's a final four or bust mentality. After that sometimes it's a toss-up. Sometimes you get a team in the final 4 who is not a good matchup (Wisconsin) or that gets a favorable whistle.

Im cool with that some years...
like 2011 and 2014 they were good enough to make it...heck even 2017 I would have been fine with just a Final 4


But 2010 and 2015 sting the worst. Our detractors and even our negative fans use those as ammunition against us all the time. " How could he not win with Wall and Cousins" ...."He had a super team with Towns and those guys and couldn't "

This is one of those teams I just feel like anything short of a title will be disappointing. Of course...upsets happen and basketball is random...but a team this good deserves a championship to make them legendary.

 

[Jakarii]

Have to agree with the final four or bust. Maybe title game or bust. This team has absolutely everything you could want or need to get to the big game. You have a top level upper classman, shooters, athleticism, you can play small ball, power ball, versatility, coaching, depth

 

[Bogansistheman]

I can’t say title or bust. That’s unfair and way too many random events to make that statement. However, Cal (right or wrong) needs to win a second title to be seen as one of THE elite coaches in his time.

 

[TheBlueDisciple]

Still potentially gotta get past a ref who might not want to see us in the FF, much less winning it all.

Don’t be that fan. It’s not a good look.

 

[fatguy87]

You must be new here. It’s title or bust every season.

 

[Cats192]

Final 4 or bust seems right.

 

[Nuke99m.]

Don’t be that fan. It’s not a good look.

It's not the refs. We just ran out of time.

 

[Lukasz0brzut]

Here we go.

 

[specialkd24_rivals116121]

I think the Final Four should be the goal. Of course the tournament is random, so you never know what will happen.

If it doesn't happen this year, I figure it probably won't happen the following year since we will lose so many players and be super young. When we have a few sophomores and luckily a 5th-year senior, to go along with talented freshmen, we have to take advantage of it.

 

[Poetax]

I agree title or bust.... no one remembers who made the final 4... they’re nice but the ultimate prize is the National Title

Would be nice if the favorite won it every time but it doesn’t always happen. But I agree, not making a FF would be disappointing.

 

[W_Heisenberg]

As others have said, it's FF or bust...no way we are significantly better than 3 or 4 other teams in NCAA next year...so if teams are close, anything can happen in 1 game.

 

[Col. Angus]

Still potentially gotta get past a ref who might not want to see us in the FF, much less winning it all.

You play well enough and no ref can lose a game for you.

 

[GonzoCat90]

I wouldn't go that far.

Lots of unproven kids that we need big minutes from. Richards has to make the leap and be our rim protector. Travis and Washington are a bit redundant and they're probably our two best players. We have one true 3 on the roster and overlap at guard.

We're really good. And we have great depth. But there's no Anthony Davis level guy on this roster and the freshmen have to pan out.

With a ridiculous schedule this year, a 1/2 seed isn't a guarantee. And if you fall below that line your road can get dicey.

I'll say I expect an Elite 8, believe in a Final 4, and think we've got a real chance at a title.

 

[JC CATS]

I think it's a final four or bust mentality. After that sometimes it's a toss-up. Sometimes you get a team in the final 4 who is not a good matchup (Wisconsin) or that gets a favorable whistle.

I agree, this team must go to FF, after that it is gravy

 

[Brando Mac]

Definitely the deepest roster and most expectations since 14-15.

 

[CatPhight_rivals65113]

HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDA!

 

[Wildcats1st]

Title or bust without a doubt. No one cares about a final four

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Have to agree with the final four or bust. Maybe title game or bust. This team has absolutely everything you could want or need to get to the big game. You have a top level upper classman, shooters, athleticism, you can play small ball, power ball, versatility, coaching, depth

I've been buying stock in you as a poster since I saw how you stood up for Calipari on the Duke board.

Thanks for your support over there, sir.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Title or bust without a doubt. No one cares about a final four

No one cares about Elite Eights. Final Fours still matter. I'm a fan of them.

But I feel BBN wants/needs a title next year to validate Cal's system. It will be a huge year. Two titles solidifies Cal for greatest coach in the OAD Era. He deserves it and so do our loyal fans.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Title or bust without a doubt. No one cares about a final four

This is a myth. When Tubby was here making another Final Four was all that was talked about.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDA!

Great picture.

I can't recall a time in my lifetime when UK had four high motor NBA guys on one roster: Hagans, Johnson, Washington, and Travis.

Throw in Quade as a leader, Quickley/Herro as competitors, and potential lottery picks Richards/Montgomery and man-oh-man, I'm excited.

 

[mhroe1984]

Title or bust without a doubt. No one cares about a final four

Getting to a FF is a great accomplishment for any team, but it's time for Kentucky to win another national title under Calipari. 2015 should've been #9 and Cal's second title here, but the Wisconsin loss hangs over his head and this program like a death sentence. If it doesn't happen next year Cal won't win another one while he's here. With the talent coming in, the experience coming back, and the depth we have, this team has all the pieces needed to cut the nets down, so yes, 2018-19 is a title or bust season.

 

[Wildcats1st]

Getting to a FF is a great accomplishment for any team, but it's time for Kentucky to win another national title under Calipari. 2015 should've been #9 and Cal's second title here, but the Wisconsin loss hangs over his head and this program like a death sentence. If it doesn't happen next year Cal won't win another one while he's here. With the talent coming in, the experience coming back, and the depth we have, this team has all the pieces needed to cut the nets down, so yes, 2018-19 is a title or bust season.

Cal has had enough bad luck in the tournament. He is due that has to enter the equation too

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Getting to a FF is a great accomplishment for any team, but it's time for Kentucky to win another national title under Calipari. 2015 should've been #9 and Cal's second title here, but the Wisconsin loss hangs over his head and this program like a death sentence. If it doesn't happen next year Cal won't win another one while he's here. With the talent coming in, the experience coming back, and the depth we have, this team has all the pieces needed to cut the nets down, so yes, 2018-19 is a title or bust season.

Stay healthy and I think it happens. Hagans, Green, and Quickley in a title-level backcourt. Three very talented leaders. Throw in two dogs like PJ/Keldon and a proven interior player like Travis (plus depth).

Hard not to dream about a title. It's all there.

 

[mhroe1984]

Cal has had enough bad luck in the tournament. He is due that has to enter the equation too

Agreed 100%!

 

[Pewee Cat]

Learned my lesson after the 1 loss team. expectations for this team sweet 16

 

[KyFaninNC]

This year either cements Cals legacy as one of the greats or he takes over the mantel of “ the coach that had the most talent and did little with it” from Dean Smith. It’s up to Cal. I also think a bust this year will bring more heat on Cal

 

[KyFaninNC]

Cal has had enough bad luck in the tournament. He is due that has to enter the equation too

Bad luck? I submit he didn’t coach well enough.

 

[GonzoCat90]

This year either cements Cals legacy as one of the greats or he takes over the mantel of “ the coach that had the most talent and did little with it” from Dean Smith. It’s up to Cal. I also think a bust this year will bring more heat on Cal

He's been at Kentucky a decade. That's no time historically. Get outta here with that hot take ********.

 

[Buck Creek Cat]

Still potentially gotta get past a ref who might not want to see us in the FF, much less winning it all.

^ This cost UK titles in 2011, 2015, and most likely 2017. A lot of people like to criticize Calipari for only winning one title but he’s been screwed out of at least 2 others. And UNC’s title in 2017 was gift wrapped the entire way in screw jobs vs Arkansas, UK and Oregon. Some get the kid gloves treatment and some don’t.

 

[Hoskins91_rivals]

This year either cements Cals legacy as one of the greats or he takes over the mantel of “ the coach that had the most talent and did little with it” from Dean Smith. It’s up to Cal. I also think a bust this year will bring more heat on Cal

Of course you do.

 

[Hoskins91_rivals]

As has been said, the floor is too high for us to not be pretty good. There are too many unknowns to have title expectations now though. A lack of truly elite talent limits our ceiling as well. It will be a fun season, but if you are expecting this to be 2010, 2012, or 2015, you might be in for some disappointment. I’d say it’s more like 2017. We’ll be a top 10 team with the ability to make some serious noise, especially if some things go our way.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

This year either cements Cals legacy as one of the greats or he takes over the mantel of “ the coach that had the most talent and did little with it” from Dean Smith. It’s up to Cal. I also think a bust this year will bring more heat on Cal

Dean Smith was at UNC for a lot longer than Cal has been at UK. Give me a break with that nonsense.

 

[CatsPaws270]

As has been said, the floor is too high for us to not be pretty good. There are too many unknowns to have title expectations now though. A lack of truly elite talent limits our ceiling as well. It will be a fun season, but if you are expecting this to be 2010, 2012, or 2015, you might be in for some disappointment. I’d say it’s more like 2017. We’ll be a top 10 team with the ability to make some serious noise, especially if some things go our way.

That's where I think you are wrong on "elite talent"

In 2017 we had Elite talent...but 3 players were "elite". We were missing reliable play from the front court and options on the bench. We had holes on that team and that kept them from reaching that next level.

This year we do not have holes and we have really talented players 1 through 10. I'll take that over 3 elite players. This team is elite because they have 2 options at every position...they have every attribute you need for a team.

-Duke in 2010. A few NBA Contributors...but no stars....solid top to bottom rosters
-UConn in 2011. Kemba carried them...but outside of him they weren't particularly deep with elite players
-Kentucky in 2012. This team had elite talent and won it all. Balanced team for sure
-Louisville in 2013. Experience but not a lot of star power. Good players top to bottom. No player I'd consider elite
-UConn in 2014. A miraculous run...to be honest Florida was the best team all year and did not have elite talent either...just balanced.
-Duke in 2015...#1 Class but they were a deep team...Okafor was elite...Winslow is great too
-Villinova in 2016....talented team top to bottom with no holes
-UNC in 2017*** Depth and talent all over the roster....no player id consider elite
-Villinova in 2018...see 2016


The teams that won did well because they were talented top to bottom. Anthony Davis has been THE ONLY superstar with ELITE talent to win the title. Okafor at the time was considered...but he's shown to be a bust.