When Sharpe declares...

[STL_Cat]

It is more complex than you're saying, you're assuming there is no reasonable case a player would come in midseason to get a head start but plan not to play for whatever reason.

If you are willing to come in here and practice and put on a uniform, you should be willing to go out there and help your teammates if I call your number. That's not complicated at all.

 

[willyclyde]

The only scenario that makes sense to me:

Sharpe didn't think he was eligible, wanted to get a head start on next season. Got on campus, found out he was eligible, his inner circle advised him not to play once mock drafts came out that showed he was in the lottery, in some cases top half of the lottery.

At that point Cal couldn't really do anything that the fans would have liked.

Can't make a guy play who doesn't want to.
Cal already told him he could prep for next year w/o playing. Would look badly on a coach to renege on something like that.
Kicking him off the team because of refusal to play looks even worse.
So you accept the only positive thing that can come from it, a slight association w/ a possible NBA star.

Yeah, sucks, I don't expect him back either, but I can't come up with a reasonable scenario where Cal wanted it to play out like this. I think most people who aren't pitchforks and torches can see this reasonable angle.


If it comes out that Sharpe knew all along he was eligible and knew he'd never play, well that's a different story, but we have no evidence of that.

Except there was a quote from one of his handlers that came out shortly after the news that he’d be eligible that suggested they knew all along he’d be eligible.

 

[Lempface]

Why would Cal be the head coach of a major basketball program yet refuse to game plan for opponents, run any inbounds plays or make adjustments during the games? You can't figure it using traditional logic.

You're simple if you think he doesn't game plan or adjust during the games. Game plans and adjustments can still result in loses but it doesn't mean they don't happen.

 

[know1]

I'm not okay with UK being used.He could have worked with a trainer to get ready for the draft and not wasted UK's time.Now our recruiting class for the upcoming season is in a mess and we could have had a guy like Nick Smith.I hope it was worth it to Cal because we will now have a big hole next season to fill and the portal won't save that loss.

It's not even just UK. He scammed some people out of NIL money for sure.

 

[federalcat]

I don’t know about you but when someone lies and screws me, my employer, and supporters over, I’m generally not on national TV shaking their hand and smiling like a trained circus animal.

Nothing to see here. Same ole banter as the last 20 sharpe threads. Not one new piece of info. Same arguments, blah, blah, blah.

 

[TheJuddDome]

Baloney. This is just so much absurd nonsense. First of all, there's no way K or Self would have taken a NONE AND DONE player. So Cal doing that just advertised to the world how desperate he is. Second, if they DID get Sharpe to play, that means they have something Cal doesn't, because for whatever reason Cal can't put the kid on the floor. So in reality we would have lost NOTHING if Sharpe went elsewhere and the fanbase would have reacted like they USUALLY do when Cal passes on a recruit that he has in the bag - assuming there was an issue. And by now everyone would have noticed that Sharpe hasn't played the whole season and would have realized that we dodged a bullet.

Meanwhile, back to reality - Cal is desperate and trying to remain relevant, so much so that he's taking flyers on benchriders who want to use UK for the notoriety but not actually log a minute of playing time. That's a bad look for Cal and he should be held accountable.

And when Sharpe bolts this summer, every other fanbase will be laughing at us.

 

[Lempface]

If you are willing to come in here and practice and put on a uniform, you should be willing to go out there and help your teammates if I call your number. That's not complicated at all.

I can understand your perspective but I don't agree with it as a hard and fast rule.

Let's assume Shaedon wanted to come in to learn for next year but realized our team was rolling and playing great and he himself didn't want to risk upsetting chemistry and he didn't think it was fair to come in and take playing time from a bunch of guys who had worked all summer for their spots. If he came to you as a coach and explained all that, that is a reasonable scenario to agree to come in early and not play.

 

[STL_Cat]

I can understand your perspective but I don't agree with it as a hard and fast rule.

Let's assume Shaedon wanted to come in to learn for next year but realized our team was rolling and playing great and he himself didn't want to risk upsetting chemistry and he didn't think it was fair to come in and take playing time from a bunch of guys who had worked all summer for their spots. If he came to you as a coach and explained all that, that is a reasonable scenario to agree to come in early and not play.

I think the COACH should be the judge of that, not the player.

 

[Lempface]

It's not even just UK. He scammed some people out of NIL money for sure.

Scammed? Really? A business comes to you and says hey take a photo with our Porsche, make an IG post, and we'll give you X. That is not a scam, both parties received something they thought was worth the exchange in value.

 

[Lempface]

I think the COACH should be the judge of that, not the player.

That's fine but if a person is concienscious of other's feelings and hard work it wouldn't be unreasonable to say you weren't gonna take another players hard fought role midseason coming in after a couple weeks of practice. It also wouldn't be unreasonable for a coach to say sounds good you seem like a great teammate let's get to work.

 

[STL_Cat]

That's fine but if a person is concienscious of other's feelings and hard work it wouldn't be unreasonable to say you weren't gonna take another players hard fought role midseason coming in after a couple weeks of practice. It also wouldn't be unreasonable for a coach to say sounds good you seem like a great teammate let's get to work.

I think you're spinning yourself into pretzels here but it's fine. A guy comes in he should be willing to go out there and compete with his teammates or not bother putting on the uniform. And it was the coaches job to tell him that up front.

 

[JwUKFan11]

Why would Cal be the head coach of a major basketball program yet refuse to game plan for opponents, run any inbounds plays or make adjustments during the games? You can't figure it using traditional logic.

I don’t think he refuses to do those things I just think he’s terrible at them.

 

[Lempface]

I think you're spinning yourself into pretzels here but it's fine. A guy comes in he should be willing to go out there and compete with his teammates or not bother putting on the uniform. And it was the coaches job to tell him that up front.

I think you're making this too hard-lined.

Let's assume any other player, someone not on the draft radar and in a similar situation to Sharpe. They express the desire to reclass early since they finished up school but decided they didn't want to play and just focus on getting acclimated to school life and start training their body and getting some practice time under their belt so they could contribute the following season.

You think a coach should 100% of the time tell that player to get lost if he's not ready to play? There are so many advantages to this scenario for both parties and the only negative would be if the guy didn't suit up the following season.

You're seeing the writing on the wall and pissed because we're gonna get nothing from Sharpe. But if Sharpe does happen to come back, this time will have been very valuable for both Cal getting to coach him and learn about him and how to utilize him and to Sharpe's time in practice learning the system and strength training.

 

[Cbbcrazy2]

One and done gave you the opportunity to recruit for next year. None and done with the promise would be back takes you out of the mix for recruiting if the player changes his mind. Stupid thing Cal did allowing him to come here. When he leaves all hell is going to come down on Cal and I can't wait and hope it stops it from ever happening again.

 

[UKJenning]

I wonder how these Triple C worshipers find their way home.
Talk about gullible!

 

[WildcatNC]

Isn't declaring at all a walkback, though? Cal all but swore Sharpe would play next year. It will cause a meltdown on this board.

I don't see it that way, but it's one of those things that could be interpreted either way based on hindsight. It's a good idea to put your name in and get evaluated, get feedback, etc even if you plan to come back. We've had several guys do that.

Until there is some new information all we can go on is what the kid and his family have said. Everyone else is speculating based on conventional wisdom. I have no clue but Cals track record isn't good when it comes to lottery picks coming back. We'll see.

 

[Tubbyfan78]

You would not last long as a recruiter.

Thanks dude. I’m sure with your recruiting expertise all the major services and coaches are reaching out to you and getting your take on things.

 

[know1]

Scammed? Really? A business comes to you and says hey take a photo with our Porsche, make an IG post, and we'll give you X. That is not a scam, both parties received something they thought was worth the exchange in value.

But if he gave them the impression he would actually play for UK, though? Maybe not completely a scam, but definitely misleading or dishonest.

 

[know1]

I don’t think he refuses to do those things I just think he’s terrible at them.

OK - then refuses to use the vast resources at his disposal to get better at them, then. Is that better?

 

[TFCat11]

I think it’s going to be…

“Our initial plan was to train this season and get a head start, and then come back next season and be the team leader. But Shaedon received some good feedback from scouts, and he’s making the decision that is best for him. I wish I could have coached him in games, but I wish nothing but the best in the next chapter in his career. “

It will be nothing but something similar to that.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I can understand your perspective but I don't agree with it as a hard and fast rule.

Let's assume Shaedon wanted to come in to learn for next year but realized our team was rolling and playing great and he himself didn't want to risk upsetting chemistry and he didn't think it was fair to come in and take playing time from a bunch of guys who had worked all summer for their spots. If he came to you as a coach and explained all that, that is a reasonable scenario to agree to come in early and not play.

It's up to a coach when and if players play, not the players.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I think it’s going to be…

“Our initial plan was to train this season and get a head start, and then come back next season and be the team leader. But Shaedon received some good feedback from scouts, and he’s making the decision that is best for him. I wish I could have coached him in games, but I wish nothing but the best in the next chapter in his career. “

It will be nothing but something similar to that.

But they've already said they knew he was eligible and he's always had "good feedback" from scouts. What are you talking about?

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I think you're making this too hard-lined.

Let's assume any other player, someone not on the draft radar and in a similar situation to Sharpe. They express the desire to reclass early since they finished up school but decided they didn't want to play and just focus on getting acclimated to school life and start training their body and getting some practice time under their belt so they could contribute the following season.

You think a coach should 100% of the time tell that player to get lost if he's not ready to play? There are so many advantages to this scenario for both parties and the only negative would be if the guy didn't suit up the following season.

You're seeing the writing on the wall and pissed because we're gonna get nothing from Sharpe. But if Sharpe does happen to come back, this time will have been very valuable for both Cal getting to coach him and learn about him and how to utilize him and to Sharpe's time in practice learning the system and strength training.

A terrible analogy. A kid not on the draft radar may not want to burn a year of eligibility by playing half a year. He could get "acclimated" with a redshirt. Once again though, it is up to a coach when a player plays, not the player. If he is eligible and good enough, he should play. Otherwise, redshirt. The convicts don't run the prison, or do they?

 

[blackcat714]

It's not even just UK. He scammed some people out of NIL money for sure.

If he never plays he should at least pay back any NIL money he got.

 

[Lempface]

A terrible analogy. A kid not on the draft radar may not want to burn a year of eligibility by playing half a year. He could get "acclimated" with a redshirt. Once again though, it is up to a coach when a player plays, not the player. If he is eligible and good enough, he should play. Otherwise, redshirt. The convicts don't run the prison, or do they?

They don't but its not unreasonable for a player and a coach to discuss what the player would like to do before joining the team and it's not unreasonable for a coach to say that sounds like a good developmental plan.

 

[TFCat11]

Mintz said he is the Real Deal, so we know he could have helped us this year. We have to wait and see what happens next and if he hires an agent.

I’d bet the farm he already has one! Probably had one (unsigned) before arriving. These top dudes are way ahead of these things before the public ever finds out.

 

[TFCat11]

This comes back to 2 possible scenarios…. Let’s just ignore the whole draft eligibility issue and look at the REAL big picture:

1. Cal let a player on the team who refused to play, thus the player “held the team hostage” as Cal would say dating back to 2013…something he vowed at that time that he wouldn’t allow to happen again. Or…

2. Cal himself decided not to play Sharpe, which means that Cal actively chose to NOT put his best available team on the floor (especially during injuries)…meaning he wasn’t prioritizing his #1 job at UK: WIN GAMES.

So which is worse????

Aw yes! The quintessential Catch 22! Haha

 

[kentuckycriedfricken]

You would not last long as a recruiter.

Baloney.

 

[bradscats]

I will blame Cal for plenty of things. The Sharpe situation certainly isn’t one of them. I think brining him in was a risk worth taking and one any coach in America would have made.

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

If he doesn’t play and Cal is there with him on draft night, then eff Cal, seriously.

Agreed. That would be a pretty slimy look.
If this does happen, I really hope some reporter has the balls to ask Calipari if it was Sharpe's experience in all those pre-game layup lines that proved he was ready for the NBA.

 

[TFCat11]

But they've already said they knew he was eligible and he's always had "good feedback" from scouts. What are you talking about?

Yeah, that’s Cal talking out both sides of his ***, and hoping people just lap it up!

Probably the best scenario for Cal is to not even publicly mention it. Let Shaedon say his piece and leave it at that.

 

[TheJuddDome]

If you are willing to come in here and practice and put on a uniform, you should be willing to go out there and help your teammates if I call your number. That's not complicated at

Baloney.

Anytime you get a chance to take the number one player in the class you take him. Any coach out there would do so. Any rational thinking coach would. And being associated with putting kids in the pros is a vastly net positive for the program. It will even be in the case of Sharpe and that is why Cal should be there on draft night.

 

[STL_Cat]

Anytime you get a chance to take the number one player in the class you take him. Any coach out there would do so. Any rational thinking coach would. And being associated with putting kids in the pros is a vastly net positive for the program. It will even be in the case of Sharpe and that is why Cal should be there on draft night.

I don't see how your response to me is even disputing the point I made.

 

[Urolex]

I can understand your perspective but I don't agree with it as a hard and fast rule.

Let's assume Shaedon wanted to come in to learn for next year but realized our team was rolling and playing great and he himself didn't want to risk upsetting chemistry and he didn't think it was fair to come in and take playing time from a bunch of guys who had worked all summer for their spots. If he came to you as a coach and explained all that, that is a reasonable scenario to agree to come in early and not play.

We’ll never know. We use the chemistry excuse as to why he shouldn’t play, but it works both ways. Him not playing can just as well disrupt chemistry if guys look over and see a guy getting NIL money but not playing. I’d be a little pissed if I’m out there giving my all. Our regression did start right around the time they verified he wasn’t playing. So who really knows?

 

[Lempface]

We’ll never know. We use the chemistry excuse as to why he shouldn’t play, but it works both ways. Him not playing can just as well disrupt chemistry if guys look over and see a guy getting NIL money but not playing. I’d be a little pissed if I’m out there giving my all. Our regression did start right around the time they verified he wasn’t playing. So who really knows?

Yes I agree, and my point was never to say necessarily that what happened was either correct or wrong. Mostly I just wanted to point out that Cal was in a no-win situation. Anything he did would have/could have upset fans. If he played and we tanked it would have been why did Cal play him. If he told him to not come and he went to the draft we'd have complainers. If he never recruited him we'd have people complaining we can't land the big fish. If he played and we were anything short of a final four/championship and moved on he would just have been classified as another mercenary. This fan base is unreasonable.

 

[TheJuddDome]

I don't see how your response to me is even disputing the point I made.

Sorry, was trying to reply to a previous post. I agree, I think that says a lot about the kid who is not willing to go out and compete. If the kid is that good, then he should have the competitiveness to go play. Can you see Larry Bird or Michael Jordan not playing.

 

[STL_Cat]

Yes I agree, and my point was never to say necessarily that what happened was either correct or wrong. Mostly I just wanted to point out that Cal was in a no-win situation. Anything he did would have/could have upset fans. If he played and we tanked it would have been why did Cal play him. If he told him to not come and he went to the draft we'd have complainers. If he never recruited him we'd have people complaining we can't land the big fish. If he played and we were anything short of a final four/championship and moved on he would just have been classified as another mercenary. This fan base is unreasonable.

The problem here is YOU are being unreasonable by not even entertaining that there were options that Cal had and things he could have done differently. Why on earth would anyone be mad if Sharpe entered the draft before ever coming here? No one could reasonably blame Cal for that.

 

[Cats_2010]

If only Cal had stayed away from, and refused a commitment by the #1 rated recruit in the class who -- at the time -- was not expected to be eligible to go to the NBA until the 2023 draft. Or, when he was determined to be eligible for the 2023 draft, Cal had kicked him out of Lexington. Either of those outcomes would have been so much better.

When he reclassified they already knew he was eligible for the draft. Only gullible and defend cal at all cost people like yourself believe otherwise.

 

[Lempface]

The problem here is YOU are being unreasonable by not even entertaining that there were options that Cal had and things he could have done differently. Why on earth would anyone be mad if Sharpe entered the draft before ever coming here? No one could reasonably blame Cal for that.

New around here? We would have had folks complaining that Cal wasted time and effort recruiting him, should have bailed early and went in on another big recruit. We missed out on target X and Y because they saw us angling for Sharpe. C'mon, I know you're not that naïve.

 

[STL_Cat]

New around here? We would have had folks complaining that Cal wasted time and effort recruiting him, should have bailed early and went in on another big recruit. We missed out on target X and Y because they saw us angling for Sharpe. C'mon, I know you're not that naïve.

Maybe some people would have complained, but what I said was reasonably complained about Sharpe never showing up and going to the draft instead. Maybe you would have had your fringe complainers, fine. But that's not even close to the firestorm that is coming to Cal if the guy just spent a semester on campus eligible to play, refused to do so, then goes to the draft anyway. It's not even close to the same thing