Wenyen messaging recruit

[flacat22]

I know you only care about your entertainment and not these kids lives. That's why you're big mad.

That’s what you KNOW genius? For ALL your dumbass knows I could be one of these “kid’s” fathers. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. Again, STFU and don’t ever assume what I am/aren’t/care about/ don’t care about. And if ANYONE is the definition of keyboard tough guy it’s you, with a user name from a tough guy movie.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

“straw man?” Lol and don’t pretend to know what is or is not important to me.

He rarely know what he’s talking about.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

That’s what you KNOW genius? For ALL your dumbass knows I could be one of these “kid’s” fathers. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. Again, STFU and don’t ever assume what I am/aren’t/care about/ don’t care about. And if ANYONE is the definition of keyboard tough guy it’s you, with a user name from a tough guy movie.

He’s sorta insecure because he’s short...that’s where the (unneeded) tough guy act comes from. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

 

[Big John Stud]

That’s what you KNOW genius? For ALL your dumbass knows I could be one of these “kid’s” fathers. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. Again, STFU and don’t ever assume what I am/aren’t/care about/ don’t care about. And if ANYONE is the definition of keyboard tough guy it’s you, with a user name from a tough guy movie.

Super big mad, yikes. Get a life and stop crying about what one kid dms to another.

 

[Big John Stud]

He’s sorta insecure because he’s short...that’s where the (unneeded) tough guy act comes from. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

What a surprise, this mouth breathing doofus feels the need to join in. The dumbest poster in the history of Cats Illustrated.

Are you mad at Wenyen too doofy?

 

[justin_uk_5]

I think wenyen admits to sending the messages but feels there was a misunderstanding. There’s a video on Instagram with former players talking about how hard it is to be at UK and how it’s not for everyone, etc and wenyen commented on it less than an hour ago saying ‘that’s literally what I was trying to say’

 

[justin_uk_5]

 

[UK90]

He had no ball skills, low b-ball iq, and we now know an inflated perception of his own ability. Those things don’t typically equate to making an nba roster unless you can get someone to pull some strings for you.

It's not fair at all to say he had "no ball skills."

He might not've been a good dribbler, but he otherwise had good hands and damn good shooting skills for a player his size. There ain't many PFs his size that shoot 40 percent from three point distance like he did his second year at UK.

And, yeah, it turns out his skills DO "equate to making an NBA roster", since he IS now on an NBA roster with the Kings after spending time fighting his way up in the G-League.

 

[flacat22]

He’s sorta insecure because he’s short...that’s where the (unneeded) tough guy act comes from. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

Lol kay:

 

[flacat22]

Super big mad, yikes. Get a life and stop crying about what one kid dms to another.

No one is crying, I assure you I’ll be fine. Lol.

 

[kyups01]

Look on the comment section on UK mens basketball official IG accounts most recent post... wenyen is on their commenting about this situation

Edit: sorry already posted

 

[UK90]

FWIW, if anyone wants to know precisely what he said, it's in this link. The controversial part is this (with expletives edited, of course):

“I can’t say I wish I didn’t go there because it still all worked out for me, but that [stuff] was [freaking] hard bro and I made a lotta mistakes,” Gabriel continued. “My first conversation with [Coach Cal] he said I was a 6’10 shooting guard… Don’t fall in love with his words let me tell you the real! You look like you could be the next [Kevin Durant] [for real]. But if you not ready to do it like right NOW. Like if you not ready to be one of the [STARS] and make all the plays… then [you’re going to] end up being just a skinny big man there. And trust me, that [stuff] is HARD. First thing’s first, if your handle is shaky, he’s [going to] stop you from dribbling. That [stuff is going to mess you] up because [you’re going] to feel handicapped. Then he [is going to] tell you to just catch and shoot, or go set a slip screen and try to get open from there. But if there are no bigs, [you’re going to] be just guarding all bigs…”

 

[flacat22]

Just disappointed in him (IF he sent it, lotta fake stuff out there). If he did, man. UK/Cal did a lot for him. Not angry at him for admitting his shortcomings and who knows if JM would’ve come here without the DM attributed to Wenyen (and as others have noted in previous threads that’s not his user name). I guess I should give a former Cat the benefit of the doubt before casting stones.

 

[Jakarii]

EXACTLY. Everything Wenyeb said was true, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. From watching someone in HS and you see they can handle the ball, the plan is to have them handle the ball, same with shooting. Once they get to practice and games and you see they can’t handle and create their own shot you change their role

Sounds like it was all true but if he thought he did any of those things well and was just looked over he is mistaken. He has made comments in the past on Twitter that made me think he left here a little salty. He has to realize he would be playing in Pakistan if not for Cal and UK's exposure.

 

[flacat22]

Just disappointed in him (IF he sent it, lotta fake stuff out there). If he did, man. UK/Cal did a lot for him. Not angry at him for admitting his shortcomings and who knows if JM would’ve come here without the DM attributed to Wenyen (and as others have noted in previous threads that’s not his user name). I guess I should give a former Cat the benefit of the doubt before casting stones.

since he’s acknowledged he sent the DM, never mind. Rex Chapman is off the hook now.

 

[Crawfords Corner]

Mountain out of a molehill.

 

[UK90]

EXACTLY. Everything Wenyeb said was true, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. From watching someone in HS and you see they can handle the ball, the plan is to have them handle the ball, same with shooting. Once they get to practice and games and you see they can’t handle and create their own shot you change their role

Agreed. Nothing he said surprises me, and it probably is all true. I'm guessin Cal did sweet talk him with "6'10" shooting guard" type talk when recruiting him, and I'm sure Cal did tell him to stop dribbling after he got here and he realized just how shaky his handle is. And I can see why Wenyen would get frustrated and messed up by that.

I don't think anyone's to blame, it's just one of those "the way it is" situations. No way to keep everyone happy when there's only one ball and a roster full of ambitious players.

But, I will say, if he was so bothered by being treated like "just a skinny big man" because of other stars ahead of him, then he should not have chosen the program where nearly every player is a 5 Star McD All American. Sounds like he'd have been happier at a lower tier school where he could've been the main man and dribbled all he wants.

 

[Kampus Korner_rivals164031]

This is quite comical for him to say.

I remember the media that year talking about how Cal told him he was not allowed to drive to the basket. Cal took him out every time he tried....because he turned the ball over EVERY. SINGLE TIME.

What did Wenyan expect? Cal to really give him complete freedom when he was a 6'9" PF with absolutely no ball handling skills? Hell no.

He was a spot up shooter. Cal recognized that and forced him to play to his strengths. Which also got him, arguably, his best game of his career as a basketball player and likely got him noticed by the NBA Scouts.

So if Wenyan wants to warn recruits that Cal will identify their best qualities as a basketball player(and person) and utilize them on the court accordingly, then go ahead. I'd much rather have players on the court in blue who are playing to their abilities and not doing things they aren't great at.

This^

 

[Louis_Skunt]

I think wenyen admits to sending the messages but feels there was a misunderstanding. There’s a video on Instagram with former players talking about how hard it is to be at UK and how it’s not for everyone, etc and wenyen commented on it less than an hour ago saying ‘that’s literally what I was trying to say’

Theres no misunderstanding. Wenyen is just back pedaling because he's stunned his DM would get screenshot.
He just spit in his coaches face and feels awful about it. Hes doing his best for damage control.

 

[Wildcats1st]

I totally see both perspectives.

For me what Kyle Macy said was way worse because he made it public. Now most recruits these days probably didn't hear Kyle or know who he is, whereas they probably do know of Wenyen.

However, again Wenyen tried to do this in private...whereas Macy didn't, that is a big difference to me.

Then again, both are a form of treason...ha.

Wenyen far worse not even close. Macy was airing his issues with cal as a fan and alum. Wenyen went out of his way to undermine cals recruiting efforts. What Macy did we can debate but what wenyen did caused real damage. Stop trying to rationalize things. Wenyen implied cal is a liar.

Btw Macy helped bring us a title so he gets some leeway.

 

[phyrekat]

I can hardly wait until we get to do this again in a few weeks.....

 

[UKnCincy_rivals]

Wenyen far worse not even close. Macy was airing his issues with cal as a fan and alum. Wenyen went out of his way to undermine cals recruiting efforts. What Macy did we can debate but what wenyen did caused real damage. Stop trying to rationalize things. Wenyen implied cal is a liar.

Btw Macy helped bring us a title so he gets some leeway.

If I have a friend who’s received two job offers, one from my firm and one from another firm, I’d be more than happy to reach out and share my honest assessment of my firm, both good and bad. It’s another data point to help him make the right decision and it needs to be a good fit for both the employee and firm to be successful. There’s nothing wrong with that and, frankly, it’s the right thing to do even if the firm really wants to hire him.

However, I would be completely out of line if I went around complaining to the media about how my firm is being run or criticizing specific strategic decisions that were made. And even if I’m the highest performer within the firm with a long track record of success, I’d still be out of line if I went around publicly complaining.

Similarly, Gabriel’s message really isn’t that big of a deal. Macy, on the other hand, was out of line.

 

[HagginHall1999]

Wenyen far worse not even close. Macy was airing his issues with cal as a fan and alum. Wenyen went out of his way to undermine cals recruiting efforts. What Macy did we can debate but what wenyen did caused real damage. Stop trying to rationalize things. Wenyen implied cal is a liar.

Btw Macy helped bring us a title so he gets some leeway.

Stop trying to tell me what to do...I'm allowed my frickin opinion.

I can rationalize the way I want to. If your opinion is different, that is fine.

Gabriel DM'd someone (if it is even true/real) in private...you wouldn't even know about it if a handler didn't release it. Guarantee you he isn't the only player who has said something negative about Cal in a PRIVATE setting or what he thought would be private.

Macy on the other hand came out and blasted Cal on multiple levels making up a bunch of crap lies. PUBLICLY.

BTW, there are some other people who have helped deliver titles long ago that you may not like anymore...this isn't about Macy the player in 1978, it is about Macy the person in 2019.

 

[kyups01]

I've yet to read when and where this leaked in the past few days? KSR made.a post about it and said some close to the program were aware of the text to McDaniels several months ago but it only leaked a few days ago and went "viral". Well the first I've ever read the actual text was on KSRS post earlier....so to McDaniels send it to someone...who first leaked it a few days ago or does Anyone know? They said it went viral lol

 

[fatguy87]

Gabriel's message is much less controversial than it is bloody obvious.

Your role, unless you are a stud, is going to be diminished when you move up in competitive levels, especially when you play on a good team. Finding the role in which you are most effective and then deploying you in that role is what's necessary for the team's success. A team isn't going to be successful with 5 guys trying to play like Irving or Durant. You still need players to set picks and get rebounds. It's optimal to have the players who are adept in those categories to focus on them.

 

[Rupp'sRunt]

You make a post on Rafters and....

 

[Wildcats1st]

Stop trying to tell me what to do...I'm allowed my frickin opinion.

I can rationalize the way I want to. If your opinion is different, that is fine.

Gabriel DM'd someone (if it is even true/real) in private...you wouldn't even know about it if a handler didn't release it. Guarantee you he isn't the only player who has said something negative about Cal in a PRIVATE setting or what he thought would be private.

Macy on the other hand came out and blasted Cal on multiple levels making up a bunch of crap lies. PUBLICLY.

BTW, there are some other people who have helped deliver titles long ago that you may not like anymore...this isn't about Macy the player in 1978, it is about Macy the person in 2019.

I get it you hate Kyle Macy. He spoke out against cal and you’re 100% cal. Kyle called out the OAD, feeling left out and questioned ending the IU series. Gabriel on the other hand worked behind the scenes to disuade a player from U.K. going as far as to imply Cal is a liar. Let’s see what’s more damaging to UK?? A former player who you could refer as disgruntled bc of his standards or a guy who is telling a recruit he can’t believe cal??

Here’s a step further, as much as you say Macy “publicly” made his sentiments known this text is also public. I don’t care Gabriel’s intentions. He knew there was a possibility it would get leaked. Also look at cal to see what he thinks is worse. cals reply to Macy has been basically “meh” where as with this text scandal of sorts he’s put former players out there to try and head it off. You know that text will be used against us. Kyle said what was on his mind and yeah there’s been infighting. Gabriel on the other hand undermined all of our recruiting going forward.

 

[Wildcats1st]

Gabriel's message is much less controversial than it is bloody obvious.

Your role, unless you are a stud, is going to be diminished when you move up in competitive levels, especially when you play on a good team. Finding the role in which you are most effective and then deploying you in that role is what's necessary for the team's success. A team isn't going to be successful with 5 guys trying to play like Irving or Durant. You still need players to set picks and get rebounds. It's optimal to have the players who are adept in those categories to focus on them.

Thats overlooking that he basically said you can’t believe cal. That is the worst part of this. We were getting out of the rut and this gets blown up. Very bad

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Whatever happened to WG as far as what Cal may have told him is certainly unknown to me.

But Cal gave him every opportunity and that can't be denied. Wenyen got a lot of minutes that belonged to someone else.

 

[KopiKat]

WG obviously not comfortable with the idea of someone else being able to do at Kentucky what he could not.

 

[HagginHall1999]

I get it you hate Kyle Macy. He spoke out against cal and you’re 100% cal. Kyle called out the OAD, feeling left out and questioned ending the IU series. Gabriel on the other hand worked behind the scenes to disuade a player from U.K. going as far as to imply Cal is a liar. Let’s see what’s more damaging to UK?? A former player who you could refer as disgruntled bc of his standards or a guy who is telling a recruit he can’t believe cal??

Here’s a step further, as much as you say Macy “publicly” made his sentiments known this text is also public. I don’t care Gabriel’s intentions. He knew there was a possibility it would get leaked. Also look at cal to see what he thinks is worse. cals reply to Macy has been basically “meh” where as with this text scandal of sorts he’s put former players out there to try and head it off. You know that text will be used against us. Kyle said what was on his mind and yeah there’s been infighting. Gabriel on the other hand undermined all of our recruiting going forward.

I don't hate Kyle Macy and never said that...

 

[DanDrungus]

The only thing Wenyen can turn away from UK is more Wenyens. He didn't lie about anything. He just doesn't see the entire picture of why things went they way they did. It's fine

 

[Ryan Lemonds Hair]

Big difference in your hypothetical story is your story it's your "friend" and it doesn't seem Wenyen had any connection to this kid other than worked out with his brother once. It seems random for him to message the kid unless this isn't the only one he has done this to. Then it would seem he was salty and trying to sabotage UK and Cal.

If I have a friend who’s received two job offers, one from my firm and one from another firm, I’d be more than happy to reach out and share my honest assessment of my firm, both good and bad. It’s another data point to help him make the right decision and it needs to be a good fit for both the employee and firm to be successful. There’s nothing wrong with that and, frankly, it’s the right thing to do even if the firm really wants to hire him.

However, I would be completely out of line if I went around complaining to the media about how my firm is being run or criticizing specific strategic decisions that were made. And even if I’m the highest performer within the firm with a long track record of success, I’d still be out of line if I went around publicly complaining.

Similarly, Gabriel’s message really isn’t that big of a deal. Macy, on the other hand, was out of line.

 

[Big John Stud]

I've yet to read when and where this leaked in the past few days? KSR made.a post about it and said some close to the program were aware of the text to McDaniels several months ago but it only leaked a few days ago and went "viral". Well the first I've ever read the actual text was on KSRS post earlier....so to McDaniels send it to someone...who first leaked it a few days ago or does Anyone know? They said it went viral lol

It leaked in like March or April and was all over the place. I'm not sure why this and the Kyle Macy story are being brought back up.

 

[Indymycats]

It leaked in like March or April and was all over the place. I'm not sure why this and the Kyle Macy story are being brought back up.

Because we just had key recruits at two other places for visits. One of which is known for dirty trash talk recruiting against UK and the other with an ex UK guard currently on their roster. You have to believe this is being used against us in recruiting. Wenyen is what he is and should thank his lucky stars he made an NBA roster. I personally believe he would not have done that at many other schools. Had he been given the opportunities he wanted in his head elsewhere it would have further exposed his shortcomings IMO. I don’t believe this resurfacing right when it appeared we had huge recruiting momentum and right after our recruits visited those two places is any kind of a coincidence.

 

[UK90]

Wenyen is what he is and should thank his lucky stars he made an NBA roster. I personally believe he would not have done that at many other schools.

I know we like to claim credit for these things, but I don't think this is a fair thing to say in Wenyen's case.

UK did not get Wenyen to the NBA. He did not even get drafted out of UK. The only place UK got Wenyen was to the G-League. From there, Wenyen got to the NBA on his own by working his way up.

You don't think Wenyen could've gotten to the G-League from another school?

 

[kyups01]

Because we just had key recruits at two other places for visits. One of which is known for dirty trash talk recruiting against UK and the other with an ex UK guard currently on their roster. You have to believe this is being used against us in recruiting. Wenyen is what he is and should thank his lucky stars he made an NBA roster. I personally believe he would not have done that at many other schools. Had he been given the opportunities he wanted in his head elsewhere it would have further exposed his shortcomings IMO. I don’t believe this resurfacing right when it appeared we had huge recruiting momentum and right after our recruits visited those two places is any kind of a coincidence.

Never even thought about that...great point

 

[Indymycats]

I know we like to claim credit for these things, but I don't think this is an accurate thing to say in Wenyen's case.

UK did not get Wenyen to the NBA. He did not even get drafted out of UK. The only place UK got Wenyen was to the G-League. From there, Wenyen got to the NBA on his own by fighting his *** off and working his way up.

You don't think Wenyen could've gotten to the G-League at another school?

I said nothing about the g league, I’m talking NBA and yes I believe former UK players have a better chance at making the NBA than other schools. Cals track record pretty much speaks for itself and supports my beliefs. I do give kudos to fringe NBA talents that were over ranked coming out of high school like Wenyen that have to work their way through the G league to get there. It does speak to their persistence and perseverance. I think Cal put Wenyen in the best position to perform and not be exposed further while at UK. Had he put the ball in his hands and said create Wenyen quite possibly could have led college basketball in turnovers. I am happy for Wenyen.

 

[Bluedog1]

I personally didnt see anything wrong with what he said. He told the truth. IF you are not ready for prime time and to be THE DOG , or one of THE DOGS , UK may not be the best place for you. Wenyen couldnt dribble and IF you cannot dribble and you dont have the center of gravity to post up well (guys with narrow hips usually get moved out of the post easily) then you either become a pick and pop guy or a run and dunk guy. Willie Cauley became a run and dunk guy, where you sprint the floor and clean up the messes but rarely score in the half court except off of put backs. Wenyan couldnt dribble, and so he became a catch and shoot guy. This is not just at UK, this is everywhere. Cal IS A SALESMAN. If he were not the CEO of UK basketball he would be a CEO of a corporation somewhere. This is a multi-multi million dollar business and Cal runs it like such. For all the criticism Cal`s gets about his lack of X and O`s (which is false). The guy knows how to build and run and empire. He is a marketing whiz, quite possibly the best in college sports. He is selling a product and a brand and you better be willing to come in and fit. If you do, you benefit. If you dont then it just wont work for you, or if you lack elite talent another school is a better fit. He tells them up front, "I cant hide you". Hes right, they dont play zone (which I think is a mistake at times). There is NO hiding in UK`S program. It is 24/7 . I wish Jaden well and he will probably be in the league one day. I think he`d get there sooner at UK though...

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

I hope this doesn't get over blown and turn into a Wenyen bashing thread.

If an ex player is bashing Cal to potential recruits how are we supposed to react to that? Recruiting is cut throat enough. Is there any doubt if some other coaches became aware of something like this they would use it? We may understand it, but other coaches could spin it differently.