Too many guards?

[CatsPaws270]

With Maxey possibly coming in...I just find myself with two conflicting thoughts.

1. Too much talent is never a bad thing and Cal will figure it out in the end.

2. Will recruiting over other players in the same class have long term effects...lead to some negative recruiting.


With all these highly rated guards....will someone get mad?

Green, Quickley, Maxey, Hagans, Herro, Baker....not to mention Keldon Johnson is gonna play the 3 and thats another guard/wing spot that's closed off.

Im not sure what to think....Im glad Green is back because he is experienced and Im glad Cal is bringing in "the BEST OF THE BEST"....but im still unsure what to think.

 

[GonzoCat90]

I don't mean this dismissively, or even directed toward you, OP.

But I can't figure out why fans think they're the only ones who have seen the roster.

Cal isn't going to walk into practice in August and be like "Oh! Quade, Jemarl, you *are* on the team. Well, this is awkward. Tyler, Immanuel, I *did* recruit you for this year, didn't I? Oops."

There's some kind of plan in place. It isn't just a talent-grab because we've never seen this happen before even though the opportunity has always been there. I go back to that tweet about no one knowing what we're really up to until it happens.

Worst case scenario, the best guys will play. Either be the best guy or get better. That's how every team in history has worked.

 

[DerekMcPwn]

There is a 143-post Tyrese Maxey thread just a couple scrolls down on the front page exhaustively exploring people’s thoughts on this issue.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

Cal is going to have a lot of different line up options. He could go 2 point guards guards (like with Wall and Bledsoe), 3 point guards (like with Fox-Monk-Briscoe), traditional 1-2 (like with Knight and Lamb, Harrison Twins, Ulis and Booker), or do a 4 around 1 like Nova likes to do.

With Green, IQ, and Hagans we have 3 guys like like to run the offense. Then we have Baker and Herro who are two traditional 2 guards who are adept shooters. Add in Maxey who is scoring combo guard who will probably play the 2.

This likely means Herro and/or Baker will play some 3. Maybe KJ plays some 4. Not sure how this works out but Cal is putting this roster together for a reason. If we add anymore bigs I would think it’s because PJ, Vando, and/or Wenyen is leaving. And I think it will be a reclass or transfer as Cal hasn’t shown much interest elsewhere.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

This thread reminds me of the scene from Major League when they give up a TOWERING home run. One fan in the outfield says "Too High, Too High". The ball lands well back in the bleachers. "What the eff does that mean, TOO HIGH???"

 

[akaukswoosh]

There is a 143-post Tyrese Maxey thread just a couple scrolls down

This

 

[KyFaninNC]

Cal is going to have a lot of different line up options. He could go 2 point guards guards (like with Wall and Bledsoe), 3 point guards (like with Fox-Monk-Briscoe), traditional 1-2 (like with Knight and Lamb, Harrison Twins, Ulis and Booker), or do a 4 around 1 like Nova likes to do.

With Green, IQ, and Hagans we have 3 guys like like to run the offense. Then we have Baker and Herro who are two traditional 2 guards who are adept shooters. Add in Maxey who is scoring combo guard who will probably play the 2.

This likely means Herro and/or Baker will play some 3. Maybe KJ plays some 4. Not sure how this works out but Cal is putting this roster together for a reason. If we add anymore bigs I would think it’s because PJ, Vando, and/or Wenyen is leaving. And I think it will be a reclass or transfer as Cal hasn’t shown much interest elsewhere.

I seldom follow recruiting. Can these guys shoot and make free throws?

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

I seldom follow recruiting. Can these guys shoot and make free throws?

IQ won a 3 pt contest. Known for being a good shooter.

Herro reported as a great outside shooter. Lots of players on last year team said Baker was the team’s best outside shooter.

Hagans is not know for shooting, known as a driver and distributor.

Haven’t seen anything about free throws. Would think these guys would be able to nail them, seeing as how the free throw line is closer than the 3 pt line. But that logic doesn’t always pan out.

 

[lkc1021]

With Maxey possibly coming in...I just find myself with two conflicting thoughts.

1. Too much talent is never a bad thing and Cal will figure it out in the end.

2. Will recruiting over other players in the same class have long term effects...lead to some negative recruiting.


With all these highly rated guards....will someone get mad?

Green, Quickley, Maxey, Hagans, Herro, Baker....not to mention Keldon Johnson is gonna play the 3 and thats another guard/wing spot that's closed off.

Im not sure what to think....Im glad Green is back because he is experienced and Im glad Cal is bringing in "the BEST OF THE BEST"....but im still unsure what to think.

That is your problem, thinking too much. Why worry about something you have no control over. It was Cal has lost his mojo in recruiting and now it is Cal is recruiting too many good players. Wow. Will it never cease.

 

[CatsPaws270]

That is your problem, thinking too much. Why worry about something you have no control over. It was Cal has lost his mojo in recruiting and now it is Cal is recruiting too many good players. Wow. Will it never cease.

Sorry I have an opinion, I did not know it would cause you an issue. I won't think freely any longer.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

While I have some of the same concerns as the OP. I think we need to keep in mind that Cal has stated in the past that he doesn't want to be short handed due to unexpected departures (Orton, Teague, Goodwin, others), AND that we have had multiple guys this spring undecided about their return. Cal can't assume they will return, so he has had to find replacements. If they return, great, but they will have to complete for their PT. That is NOT "recruiting over you", but it could be an unfortunate circumstance (at least for 1 year) for a player like Baker, although it could help him become a better player in the long run.
If you have "the right kids with the right attitudes", then competition (for PT) is a good thing.

Best case, we have lineup flexibility and depth and internal competition, all of which will make us a better team.
AND, I really can see this coming year as a potential year for a platoon (I'm not saying it will happen, just that it could). But as was discussed very much in a prior thread (& so it doesn't need to re re-argued), a platoon does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split of minutes, it could be 60/40 or 65/35 or some other ratio. And as the past 6 months have shown, our recruiting "misses" since the platoon are much more a result of shoe $ pushing kids to other schools than the 14-15 platoon.

 

[CATofninelives]

My concern would be Herro 2nd guessing his decision to come here but it’s not worth it to me to worry about.

 

[John Henry]

I think Coach Cal has this figured out for us. We need not worry, just enjoy the ride.

 

[BlueRunner11]

IQ won a 3 pt contest. Known for being a good shooter.

It wasnt the same one that Briscoe had won, was it?!

 

[Anon1679859502]

I don't mean this dismissively, or even directed toward you, OP.

But I can't figure out why fans think they're the only ones who have seen the roster.

Cal isn't going to walk into practice in August and be like "Oh! Quade, Jemarl, you *are* on the team. Well, this is awkward. Tyler, Immanuel, I *did* recruit you for this year, didn't I? Oops."

There's some kind of plan in place. It isn't just a talent-grab because we've never seen this happen before even though the opportunity has always been there. I go back to that tweet about no one knowing what we're really up to until it happens.

Worst case scenario, the best guys will play. Either be the best guy or get better. That's how every team in history has worked.

You're killing it! I love it!

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

It wasnt the same one that Briscoe had won, was it?!

Did know Briscoe won one. Not sure if it was the same, but prior, and after, to the contest IQ has demonstrated a knack to hit the outside and mid range jumper. Something Briscoe did not have the reputation of being able to do

 

[Wildcats1st]

I think Maxey commits for next season

 

[JC CATS]

I have too much money. I find it to be a real problem, but I will figure it out

 

[BBNinSCar]

We had too many guards in 1996:
Tony Delk
Jeff Sheppard
Allen Edwards
Cameron Mills
Wayne Turner
Derek Anderson
Anthony Epps

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Including Mills in that 96 list is like including Brad this year.

And you could argue Anderson and Edwards were more SF than SG.

 

[PowerofPelphrey]

With Maxey possibly coming in...I just find myself with two conflicting thoughts.

1. Too much talent is never a bad thing and Cal will figure it out in the end.

2. Will recruiting over other players in the same class have long term effects...lead to some negative recruiting.


With all these highly rated guards....will someone get mad?

Green, Quickley, Maxey, Hagans, Herro, Baker....not to mention Keldon Johnson is gonna play the 3 and thats another guard/wing spot that's closed off.

Im not sure what to think....Im glad Green is back because he is experienced and Im glad Cal is bringing in "the BEST OF THE BEST"....but im still unsure what to think.

I do not understand what Cal is doing. All of these guys will want too play.

I am sure he still thinks a lot about that ridiculous Kstate game but adding all those guys will be a mistake.

Not enough minutes available and they are all quality players.

 

[KyFaninNC]

We had too many guards in 1996:
Tony Delk
Jeff Sheppard
Allen Edwards
Cameron Mills
Wayne Turner
Derek Anderson
Anthony Epps

We also played full court pressing and we platooned. Cal already said he would never platoon again.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

I don't mean this dismissively, or even directed toward you, OP.

But I can't figure out why fans think they're the only ones who have seen the roster.

Cal isn't going to walk into practice in August and be like "Oh! Quade, Jemarl, you *are* on the team. Well, this is awkward. Tyler, Immanuel, I *did* recruit you for this year, didn't I? Oops."

There's some kind of plan in place. It isn't just a talent-grab because we've never seen this happen before even though the opportunity has always been there. I go back to that tweet about no one knowing what we're really up to until it happens.

Worst case scenario, the best guys will play. Either be the best guy or get better. That's how every team in history has worked.

Excellent

 

[UKWildcats#8]

I do not understand what Cal is doing. All of these guys will want too play.

I am sure he still thinks a lot about that ridiculous Kstate game but adding all those guys will be a mistake.

Not enough minutes available and they are all quality players.

They are not all equal quality players. Calipari knows what he's doing a lot more than you or me do.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

“Cals lost his touch recruiting , he’s burnt out “

A few months later —->

“Ugh, Cal is recruiting to many top tier guys and running players like Quade off (didn’t happen) “

Not directed at you OP, as you had well thought out opinions on the matter but I do chuckle when I see these sorts of things from the usual suspects.

 

[anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y]

Sorry I have an opinion, I did not know it would cause you an issue. I won't think freely any longer.

Thanks man.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

My concern would be Herro 2nd guessing his decision to come here but it’s not worth it to me to worry about.

That NEVER happened. Not even close. You’re literally making things up

 

[CatfanMike47]

Did know Briscoe won one. Not sure if it was the same, but prior, and after, to the contest IQ has demonstrated a knack to hit the outside and mid range jumper. Something Briscoe did not have the reputation of being able to do

Was at the iverson all star games

 

[UKWildcats#8]

My concern would be Herro 2nd guessing his decision to come here but it’s not worth it to me to worry about.

Not sure why people worry so much about Herro on here. If he is good enough dude will get his run. If he isn't...then Cal was right to bring in better players like Hagans and Maxey. I know loco UK fans would not be ok with losing games if it means Herro plays more...I know I wouldn't.

 

[CATofninelives]

Not sure why people worry so much about Herro on here. If he is good enough dude will get his run. If he isn't...then Cal was right to bring in better players like Hagans and Maxey. I know loco UK fans would not be ok with losing games if it means Herro plays more...I know I wouldn't.

I just said I wasn't going to worry about him, and you copied me to say you're not sure why people are worrying about him. Strange.

 

[CATofninelives]

That NEVER happened. Not even close. You’re literally making things up

Dude that's the SECOND time you've totally not gotten what i said and tried to say i was making things up. WTF is wrong with you? I didn't say Herro was second guessing coming here. I said if we had all those guards I would wonder if he second guessed coming here, but I wouldn't worry about it. You're the only one that didn't understand what I said. Now I know you just aren't very bright. Good grief man. Just STFU and stop trying to shout people down when you can't even understand what they are saying. You're making a fool of yourself. Now think hard and come back with a smart *** reply, like you always do, instead of admitting you didn't understand what I was saying.

 

[Looksbetterinblue]

Competition will be amazing. Combinations are endless. Options are awesome.
Run Cats Run!!!

I have no doubt there is a strategy and plan in place even if it’s simply earn your minutes and they are all feeling like ballers.

 

[Hoskins91_rivals]

The assumption is that he doesn’t trust who is already here/committed. Either that or Cal likes Maxey so much it doesn’t matter who is on the team.

 

[dave5164]

I could see Gabriel leaving after his feedback from NBA Scouts either staying in draft or playing overseas. If one of PJ or JV then stays in the draft I could see Coach Cal trying to bring in another frontcourt player. I could see Cal trying to get Reid Travis from Stanford that averaged 20 and 9 last year at Stanford. Reid Travis is 6'9 250 and would be a double/double machine at Kentucky next year. Most have said that if he doesn't head to the NBA he would go the Grad-Transfer route and it would be down to Kentucky and Duke.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

We also played full court pressing and we platooned. Cal already said he would never platoon again.

1) the 96 team did NOT platoon. We did go 9-10-11 deep, but it was not a platoon, there is a difference.
2) Cal has also said he wouldn't play zone. Cal has said he would press more. Cal has also said he wouldn't let the team be taken over like in 13. Cal says lots of things, that don't necessarily get followed up.
3) The past 6 months (shoe company scandal) have shown that we did NOT lose recruits due to the platoon. And Cal has shown a willingness to adapt to the strengths of his team (except for Skal), and if the team necessitates a platoon, then it certainly is possible again. And once again, a platoon does not have to be a 50/50 split in minutes.

 

[Blue Decade]

With Maxey possibly coming in...I just find myself with two conflicting thoughts.

1. Too much talent is never a bad thing and Cal will figure it out in the end.

2. Will recruiting over other players in the same class have long term effects...lead to some negative recruiting.


With all these highly rated guards....will someone get mad?

Green, Quickley, Maxey, Hagans, Herro, Baker....not to mention Keldon Johnson is gonna play the 3 and thats another guard/wing spot that's closed off.

Im not sure what to think....Im glad Green is back because he is experienced and Im glad Cal is bringing in "the BEST OF THE BEST"....but im still unsure what to think.

These questions are premature. The known guards for next year are Green, Quickley, Baker, Herro. This is not “too much talent” at a program like ours. Actually, we have had better back courts in the past. I have seen Keldon Johnson play twice, and he is not a guard. Keldon is a combo forward. Many fans have wishes and preferences for other players to reclassify. Maybe 1 or more will. Maybe not. But the present fact is that Hagans has verbally committed for 2019, while Maxey and Lecque are uncommitted. If Maxey commits, that doesn’t necessarily mean he will reclassify. But if Maxey or Hagans reclassifies, that’s would give next year’s team 5 scholarship guards. Which would be the right number IMHO.

 

[docholiday51]

It could be worse Joe B could still be the coach(remember the old joke about Joe B getting a job at a bank and it kept getting robbed because he wouldn't let the guards shoot)

 

[Blue Decade]

It could be worse Joe B could still be the coach(remember the old joke about Joe B getting a job at a bank and it kept getting robbed because he wouldn't let the guards shoot)

Joe B. Hall won a national championship here. He earned respect. His critics were egged on by the local newspaper. The Leader was 1 of the earliest forms of fake news. People really shouldn’t be so gullible.

 

[docholiday51]

Joe B. Hall won a national championship here. He earned respect. His critics were egged on by the local newspaper. The Leader was 1 of the earliest forms of fake news. People really shouldn’t be so gullible.

What Hall did here was remarkable particularly following a legend.You are right about the Leader and the fake news. Just a little humor about Joe B and guards

 

[KyFaninNC]

1) the 96 team did NOT platoon. We did go 9-10-11 deep, but it was not a platoon, there is a difference.
2 Cal has also said h)e wouldn't play zone. Cal has said he would press more. Cal has also said he wouldn't let the team be taken over like in 13. Cal says lots of things, that don't necessarily get followed up.
3) The past 6 months (shoe company scandal) have shown that we did NOT lose recruits due to the platoon. And Cal has shown a willingness to adapt to the strengths of his team (except for Skal), and if the team necessitates a platoon, then it certainly is possible again. And once again, a platoon does not have to be a 50/50 split in minutes.

Well damn, I know that. You may not call it platooning, but we pressed so much, it was usually 5 out and 5 in, surely you are not gonna turn into a poster that nit picks words, are you?