When are we going to be honest.

[Atrain7732]

What’s frustrating about this team is they have the physical ability to be really really good. A lot of times it just comes down to poor judgment , Lack of focus, and just plain toughness. Sometimes when the game is physical they tend to buckle. Those are fixable issues. I do think coach can address these issues and try to help the guys understand that they can never take a play off. Always have to be playing hard every possession.

I agree with all of this. Additionally, if their issues are fixable, I believe that Cal and the staff will fix them by the tourney. Cal has always coached with the post season in Mind since he’s been here. Which TBH is the bane of some of the more “elderly” UK fans existence. He’s playing Whitney or EJ too much bc he knows those guys “potentially” could be the difference in March.

As we have seen this year—doesnt always work out. That’s how recruiting goes. You get some you lose some. Some pan out, others don’t. But, anyone who has the cajones to call Cal out as someone who can’t evaluate talent and recruit is laughable. You wanna say he hasn’t gotten those top 5-10 guys past couple years, also make sure you point out where those guys did go. Places like Georgia, Texas, California Univ etc. That is not on Cal. He busted his *** to get Blackshear and Wiseman last year. Who could’ve done differently with those guys?

It just wears me out the vocal minority on here that throws crap out without context and says just silly nonsense. Criticize Cal for not being more flexible with defenses, or being unwilling to run an OOB play. But, don’t tell me Cal can’t recruit or that he hasn’t been one of the best 2 coaches since he got here.

I’m not saying you are one of those people. I don’t disagree with your points above. I get just as frustrated at watching these kids sometimes.

 

[TheWyldKat_rivals45219]

I agree with all of this. Additionally, if their issues are fixable, I believe that Cal and the staff will fix them by the tourney. Cal has always coached with the post season in Mind since he’s been here. Which TBH is the bane of some of the more “elderly” UK fans existence. He’s playing Whitney or EJ too much bc he knows those guys “potentially” could be the difference in March.

As we have seen this year—doesnt always work out. That’s how recruiting goes. You get some you lose some. Some pan out, others don’t. But, anyone who has the cajones to call Cal out as someone who can’t evaluate talent and recruit is laughable. You wanna say he hasn’t gotten those top 5-10 guys past couple years, also make sure you point out where those guys did go. Places like Georgia, Texas, California Univ etc. That is not on Cal. He busted his *** to get Blackshear and Wiseman last year. Who could’ve done differently with those guys?

It just wears me out the vocal minority on here that throws crap out without context and says just silly nonsense. Criticize Cal for not being more flexible with defenses, or being unwilling to run an OOB play. But, don’t tell me Cal can’t recruit or that he hasn’t been one of the best 2 coaches since he got here.

I’m not saying you are one of those people. I don’t disagree with your points above. I get just as frustrated at watching these kids sometimes.

I wish Coach Cal could get some consistency out of Hagans. He along with Nick are the two most important people on the team. When Hagans plays carelessly it shows up in the scoreboard More than any other player. I’ll give Nick a pass. He’s played great the last eight or 10 games. I guess he’s due for a bad game. I just hope he doesn’t Lose his confidence after Wiley put it all over him.

Do you see Nick being an NBA player next year? He’s definitely improved but the NBA has some big physical guys. Seems like that’s when Nick struggles.

 

[Atrain7732]

I wish Coach Cal could get some consistency out of Hagans. He along with Nick are the two most important people on the team. When Hagans plays carelessly it shows up in the scoreboard More than any other player. I’ll give Nick a pass. He’s played great the last eight or 10 games. I guess he’s due for a bad game. I just hope he doesn’t Lose his confidence after Wiley put it all over him.

Do you see Nick being an NBA player next year? He’s definitely improved but the NBA has some big physical guys. Seems like that’s when Nick struggles.

I also agree Hagans has been erratic this year. More often than not, he has been good. Last couple games Vandy & AU he was bad. I think he will become more stable and consistent thru the end 1/2 of the season. Or at least I hope he does and I do think Cal and the staff are trying to get that consistency from AH.

Regarding Nick, I will admit that I don’t know what he will end up doing professionally. He is an enigma to me. I never saw him getting to the point he is this year where he has literally dominated the vast majority of games since conference play started. Nick seems to be mentally soft at times and makes dumb mistakes. When he gets in his own head he takes himself out of the games sometimes IMO.

Based on the fact he only began playing organized basketball at 16, I think he could be an amazing college and pro player. Not a perennial all star, but a solid 10-15 year NBA guy. Honestly, he could also struggle some in the more fast paced NBA game. But I love the kid and I believe he will do great things thru the rest of this season and beyond.

 

[TheWyldKat_rivals45219]

I also agree Hagans has been erratic this year. More often than not, he has been good. Last couple games Vandy & AU he was bad. I think he will become more stable and consistent thru the end 1/2 of the season. Or at least I hope he does and I do think Cal and the staff are trying to get that consistency from AH.

Regarding Nick, I will admit that I don’t know what he will end up doing professionally. He is an enigma to me. I never saw him getting to the point he is this year where he has literally dominated the vast majority of games since conference play started. Nick seems to be mentally soft at times and makes dumb mistakes. When he gets in his own head he takes himself out of the games sometimes IMO.

Based on the fact he only began playing organized basketball at 16, I think he could be an amazing college and pro player. Not a perennial all star, but a solid 10-15 year NBA guy. Honestly, he could also struggle some in the more fast paced NBA game. But I love the kid and I believe he will do great things thru the rest of this season and beyond.

A train you may be one of the most rational people on here LOL good post.

 

[KUhawks34]

I don’t think it’s fair to say Kansas could lose to anyone. All three of their losses are to good teams. And two of them were by a combined 3 points.

fair enough. But capable of getting beat by a lot of the top 25 on any given night. Although I do like the direction we are going

 

[KUhawks34]

KU fans, without a doubt, post here more than any other fanbase and aren't even a rival. Little man syndrome alive and well in Lawrence.

Like talking basketball and reading about basketball. Sorry Baller Cal. Glad to see you are the stereotype fan incapable of acting like an adult and having an intelligent conversation

 

[Baller Cal]

Like talking basketball and reading about basketball. Sorry Baller Cal. Glad to see you are the stereotype fan incapable of acting like an adult and having an intelligent conversation

I'm on my own teams message board. You're the stereotype Kansas fan that badly needs to be seen so you come here even though nobody here has any respect for Kansas. I couldn't even tell you the name of the Kansas board. Is there one?

 

[KUhawks34]

I'm on my own teams message board. You're the stereotype Kansas fan that badly needs to be seen so you come here even though nobody here has any respect for Kansas. I couldn't even tell you the name of the Kansas board. Is there one?

I need to be seen? lol

 

[Baller Cal]

I need to be seen? lol

Kansas goes to the half and you come running over here. Doesn't Kansas have a forum?

 

[rodserling]

Kentucky is better than Kansas.

I hate Kansas. But what a crazy thing to say. Are you not paying attention?

 

[Oneandnotdone38]

I also agree Hagans has been erratic this year. More often than not, he has been good. Last couple games Vandy & AU he was bad. I think he will become more stable and consistent thru the end 1/2 of the season. Or at least I hope he does and I do think Cal and the staff are trying to get that consistency from AH.

Regarding Nick, I will admit that I don’t know what he will end up doing professionally. He is an enigma to me. I never saw him getting to the point he is this year where he has literally dominated the vast majority of games since conference play started. Nick seems to be mentally soft at times and makes dumb mistakes. When he gets in his own head he takes himself out of the games sometimes IMO.

Based on the fact he only began playing organized basketball at 16, I think he could be an amazing college and pro player. Not a perennial all star, but a solid 10-15 year NBA guy. Honestly, he could also struggle some in the more fast paced NBA game. But I love the kid and I believe he will do great things thru the rest of this season and beyond.

Cal is never gonna get the respect deserved till he wins that second chip. That's how it is. 1 is a great accomplishment. 2 is elite. 3 or more you are in legendary company. That's how the basketball world looks at it

 

[Atrain7732]

Cal is never gonna get the respect deserved till he wins that second chip. That's how it is. 1 is a great accomplishment. 2 is elite. 3 or more you are in legendary company. That's how the basketball world looks at it

First of all, that is completely false and has nothing to do with my comment that you quoted.

You mean more respect than being in the Hall of Fame? Than being voted best coach this decade by the press?

I have never seen a single person proclaim Cal is the best coach that ever roamed the sidelines. But, I will correct anyone who says he isn’t one of the best. Which is pretty much what the HOF is right and it certainly does include a big group.

He was closer than anyone else in 30 years to an undefeated season. Seems to me that is what many here have never been able to forgive. Believe me it hurts me even typing or thinking about 2015. But, that was not Cal’s fault. Could he in hindsight have made some lineup and strategy changes, sure, he has even admitted that. But, anytime a team loses there is always woulda coulda shoulda type discussions. No one can say whether anything—other than a fair whistle—would have made the outcome of that game different. It was a senior laden team that was a good match for that UK group on an off night.

But, these people, and I am not gonna lump you into that group for sure yet (but you are on the watch list) who slink from under their rocks only when things are down or UK loses so they can blast off at Cal for every little perceived slight are just so whiny, entitled and obnoxious.

We all get it l. You don’t like Cal or his system. But, his system is the system of essentially all of the blue bloods now (except UNC maybe who is below .500). You have a problem with it’s system and want it changed, are you then ok with the season UNC is having now? How Nova has multiple mediocre seasons before the 2 ships? Same with Virginia? Because to switch the multi year player model means at least 2-3 mediocre seasons as those players develop and get used to playing with each other. That is pretty much an established fact.

So, if you are telling me those same fans who can’t stand that UK doesn’t go to the final four every year are gonna be fine and dandy with 10, 12 or more losses for a few years until the chance at the good upperclassmen team arises? I don’t think so.

 

[Oneandnotdone38]

First of all, that is completely false and has nothing to do with my comment that you quoted.

You mean more respect than being in the Hall of Fame? Than being voted best coach this decade by the press?

I have never seen a single person proclaim Cal is the best coach that ever roamed the sidelines. But, I will correct anyone who says he isn’t one of the best. Which is pretty much what the HOF is right and it certainly does include a big group.

He was closer than anyone else in 30 years to an undefeated season. Seems to me that is what many here have never been able to forgive. Believe me it hurts me even typing or thinking about 2015. But, that was not Cal’s fault. Could he in hindsight have made some lineup and strategy changes, sure, he has even admitted that. But, anytime a team loses there is always woulda coulda shoulda type discussions. No one can say whether anything—other than a fair whistle—would have made the outcome of that game different. It was a senior laden team that was a good match for that UK group on an off night.

But, these people, and I am not gonna lump you into that group for sure yet (but you are on the watch list) who slink from under their rocks only when things are down or UK loses so they can blast off at Cal for every little perceived slight are just so whiny, entitled and obnoxious.

We all get it l. You don’t like Cal or his system. But, his system is the system of essentially all of the blue bloods now (except UNC maybe who is below .500). You have a problem with it’s system and want it changed, are you then ok with the season UNC is having now? How Nova has multiple mediocre seasons before the 2 ships? Same with Virginia? Because to switch the multi year player model means at least 2-3 mediocre seasons as those players develop and get used to playing with each other. That is pretty much an established fact.

So, if you are telling me those same fans who can’t stand that UK doesn’t go to the final four every year are gonna be fine and dandy with 10, 12 or more losses for a few years until the chance at the good upperclassmen team arises? I don’t think so.

You're right I did quote the wrong post unintentionally. But back to Cal. I'm just saying that's how the basketball world looks at Cal. So many great teams and only one championship. Its unfair but it what it is. That was Roy Williams MO for a long time. He just couldn't get the big one in Kansas. He got there at a different school .

You don't know me very well, but I like Cal. I think he's been unlucky to a degree. So I'm not throwing shade. Do I think there are better coaches. Sure. But is there anybody right now that I would fire Cal in the spot for. No.

But Calipari needs to get number 2 soon. I absolutely believe that.

 

[Atrain7732]

You're right I did quote the wrong post unintentionally. But back to Cal. I'm just saying that's how the basketball world looks at Cal. So many great teams and only one championship. Its unfair but it what it is. That was Roy Williams MO for a long time. He just couldn't get the big one in Kansas. He got there at a different school .

You don't know me very well, but I like Cal. I think he's been unlucky to a degree. So I'm not throwing shade. Do I think there are better coaches. Sure. But is there anybody right now that I would fire Cal in the spot for. No.

But Calipari needs to get number 2 soon. I absolutely believe that.

I think that’s not an unfair stance. Don’t disagree completely with any of it.

 

[Baller Cal]

Long time lurker. But all I keep reading are complaints. I gotta say something.

This is NOT a good basketball team. I'm being brutally honest here. We can cry all we want about the officials, and yes they are terrible.

But this team has losses to Evansville @Rupp. Utah, Ohio St and South Carolina! Auburn is probably our only so called good loss. This team can't build a lead and hold a lead to save their lives.

We have three talented guards. And Richards. That's literally it. Damn the officiating. This team isn't special. There is no P.J or Herro. It's just an above average team.

We are about to be 20-5 and it's really ticking some off that wanted double digit regular season losses so they could feel invigorated by it.

 

[IndyCat1995]

Long time lurker. But all I keep reading are complaints. I gotta say something.

This is NOT a good basketball team. I'm being brutally honest here. We can cry all we want about the officials, and yes they are terrible.

But this team has losses to Evansville @Rupp. Utah, Ohio St and South Carolina! Auburn is probably our only so called good loss. This team can't build a lead and hold a lead to save their lives.

We have three talented guards. And Richards. That's literally it. Damn the officiating. This team isn't special. There is no P.J or Herro. It's just an above average team.

You began this rambling by saying this is not a good basketball team, and ended it by saying they are above average. So, which is it?

 

[revcort]

Long time lurker. But all I keep reading are complaints. I gotta say something.

This is NOT a good basketball team. I'm being brutally honest here. We can cry all we want about the officials, and yes they are terrible.

But this team has losses to Evansville @Rupp. Utah, Ohio St and South Carolina! Auburn is probably our only so called good loss. This team can't build a lead and hold a lead to save their lives.

We have three talented guards. And Richards. That's literally it. Damn the officiating. This team isn't special. There is no P.J or Herro. It's just an above average team.

I probably need to lock this thread since it was started nearly 2 weeks ago, but I wanted to make a comment.

I have to laugh when people talk about Tyler Herro like he was some kind of transcendent talent. He was good. He could have been great for UK if he would have come back. But are you aware that Herro only shot 35% from three-pt range last year? He was very streaky. We DO have a Tyler Herro this season- we have 2 of them, depending on which way you want to look at Herro. If you're thinking of a shooter, we have one who has been better. His name is Immanuel Quickley, who is shooting 41% from 3 this season and now shooting 48% in SEC games. And he's becoming a guy who can create opportunities to get to the line as well. If you're thinking of the streaky shooting Tyler Herro- the guy who can get hot and win you a game, we have that guy on this team, too. His name is Tyrese Maxey, a guy who single-handedly kept UK in the game last night until others started to contribute and a guy who has played his best games against our best opponents and in some of our most intense environments. Herro was that way, too.

My answer to the idea that this is not a good team is simple: you're wrong. This IS a good team. This team now sits at 19-5 and 9-2 in the SEC. That is a good team. Now, this team has some bad losses, no doubt, but the worst of those came early and the team is simply not the same today as it was then. I think the question is whether or not this team can become great. We've seen recent improvement from several players that give me hope in that regard, namely Montgomery, Brooks, and Juzang.

The other thought I had is that there really aren't any great teams this season. There are several who are pretty good- Baylor appears to a cut above the rest right now, but they also are known for starting fast and finishing slow. San Diego St may be very good, but I just can't say for sure until I see them against top competition- which won't happen until the NCAAT. The rest- Kansas, Gonzaga, Louisville, Duke, and so on, are all average teams in a normal year. But this season college basketball doesn't have a dominant team. So, while this current version of UK isn't what other teams have been, for this season it is a contender.

 

[Roxamora]

I'd like everyone to click on "Forums" at the top navigation, and go read the Tarheel mens' basketball blog. It is a dark, sad, den of despair. They hate their players, their coach, probably their mascot and cheerleaders by now. This team is young, they have mental lapses. I know we say this every year, but we play the hand we're dealt (and frankly we play it better than anybody). I think we have all seen flashes of brilliance from most of our guys this year. They have all the talent they need to go quite far. The only question in my mind is, can they put it all together, together, for a 40 minute period of time. Six times. I don't know, but there's enough going right with this group to give me hope. And while hope is not a strategy, ain't none to come by in Chapel Hill.

 

[ScrooDook92]

I probably need to lock this thread since it was started nearly 2 weeks ago, but I wanted to make a comment.

I have to laugh when people talk about Tyler Herro like he was some kind of transcendent talent. He was good. He could have been great for UK if he would have come back. But are you aware that Herro only shot 35% from three-pt range last year? He was very streaky. We DO have a Tyler Herro this season- we have 2 of them, depending on which way you want to look at Herro. If you're thinking of a shooter, we have one who has been better. His name is Immanuel Quickley, who is shooting 41% from 3 this season and now shooting 48% in SEC games. And he's becoming a guy who can create opportunities to get to the line as well. If you're thinking of the streaky shooting Tyler Herro- the guy who can get hot and win you a game, we have that guy on this team, too. His name is Tyrese Maxey, a guy who single-handedly kept UK in the game last night until others started to contribute and a guy who has played his best games against our best opponents and in some of our most intense environments. Herro was that way, too.

My answer to the idea that this is not a good team is simple: you're wrong. This IS a good team. This team now sits at 19-5 and 9-2 in the SEC. That is a good team. Now, this team has some bad losses, no doubt, but the worst of those came early and the team is simply not the same today as it was then. I think the question is whether or not this team can become great. We've seen recent improvement from several players that give me hope in that regard, namely Montgomery, Brooks, and Juzang.

The other thought I had is that there really aren't any great teams this season. There are several who are pretty good- Baylor appears to a cut above the rest right now, but they also are known for starting fast and finishing slow. San Diego St may be very good, but I just can't say for sure until I see them against top competition- which won't happen until the NCAAT. The rest- Kansas, Gonzaga, Louisville, Duke, and so on, are all average teams in a normal year. But this season college basketball doesn't have a dominant team. So, while this current version of UK isn't what other teams have been, for this season it is a contender.

Fantastic post. Spot on. [thumb2]

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

Long time lurker. But all I keep reading are complaints. I gotta say something.

This is NOT a good basketball team. I'm being brutally honest here. We can cry all we want about the officials, and yes they are terrible.

But this team has losses to Evansville @Rupp. Utah, Ohio St and South Carolina! Auburn is probably our only so called good loss. This team can't build a lead and hold a lead to save their lives.

We have three talented guards. And Richards. That's literally it. Damn the officiating. This team isn't special. There is no P.J or Herro. It's just an above average team.

I agree 100%. This team is just average. Not really improving much as the season continues.

 

[Kingslayer07]

SC is a Quad 1 loss at the moment and Utah is a Quad 2 now. Things aren't that bad

 

[Oneandnotdone38]

I made this post two weeks ago. I'm an objective person. I would definitely say this is a good team now. Not great. But maybe they can get there. Why has my opinion changed. Juzang and E.J. I'm seeing strides. They are becoming a vital part of this team. I definitely believe losing Whitney actually strengthened this team. Guys got some of his minutes, and they are taking advantage of it.

And I do for the most part agree with you IL Wildcat. Herro was special for me. His stats don't do it justice. But Quickley is damn good. But watching Herro play in Miami. Man Calipari should have given him more freedom to do what he wanted on offense. This guy is just well... A bucket.

I watch Herro today in the NBA and think damn what if he gets more shots.

Back on topic. This team has improved. Maxey is ascending to another level. That's another massive key.

We have essentially three point guards on the floor. Two that can score at will.

If E.J can hit another level. Brooks contributes. Juzang keeps ascending. And Hagans cuts down the bad turnovers.

Team could be great.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

Just speaking the truth, not living in a fantasy land where I make myself believe we have a good team. Cal needs to do better, period. Guess you (and many like you) were happy tubbys last few years too?

You definitely live in your own land, lol that’s for damn sure.

Plus; you’re dramatic and exaggerate.

 

[irishcat1965]

I made this post two weeks ago. I'm an objective person. I would definitely say this is a good team now. Not great. But maybe they can get there. Why has my opinion changed. Juzang and E.J. I'm seeing strides. They are becoming a vital part of this team. I definitely believe losing Whitney actually strengthened this team. Guys got some of his minutes, and they are taking advantage of it.

And I do for the most part agree with you IL Wildcat. Herro was special for me. His stats don't do it justice. But Quickley is damn good. But watching Herro play in Miami. Man Calipari should have given him more freedom to do what he wanted on offense. This guy is just well... A bucket.

I watch Herro today in the NBA and think damn what if he gets more shots.

Back on topic. This team has improved. Maxey is ascending to another level. That's another massive key.

We have essentially three point guards on the floor. Two that can score at will.

If E.J can hit another level. Brooks contributes. Juzang keeps ascending. And Hagans cuts down the bad turnovers.

Team could be great.

This is a good post. And the reason it’s difficult to assess a UK team until February rolls around.

 

[Poetax]

Long time lurker. But all I keep reading are complaints. I gotta say something.

This is NOT a good basketball team. I'm being brutally honest here. We can cry all we want about the officials, and yes they are terrible.

But this team has losses to Evansville @Rupp. Utah, Ohio St and South Carolina! Auburn is probably our only so called good loss. This team can't build a lead and hold a lead to save their lives.

We have three talented guards. And Richards. That's literally it. Damn the officiating. This team isn't special. There is no P.J or Herro. It's just an above average team.

We will see, and if you're right and we lose early in the tournament, I'm sure you'll be back to let us know you were right. But if you're not don't be MIA, ok?

 

[Oneandnotdone38]

We will see, and if you're right and we lose early in the tournament, I'm sure you'll be back to let us know you were right. But if you're not don't be MIA, ok?

You should see my updated post.