Why you are wrong about OAD's

[Blue_2_the_bone_rivals]

That's not my point. Kentucky is the only program where freshman go almost yearly that shouldn't. It's a problem special to us because Cal went 0-100 trying to implement this system to get the nost talented recruits. I think we could be just as good or better had we pumped the breaks a tad on our message. For whatever reason, our recruiting pitch has become interpreted at 2 year blues are failures. It's been used against us by coaches like Howard and Capel, and it's worked. A bit self inflicted imo but in fairness Cal probably didn't know people would fully buy in to the extremes of that image.

Good point and Cal himself has said everyone here is on their own timetable but he wants them to compete like they could go at any time. I'd say some of the guys we get come because they know they're not going to be held back and have the option to go pro if they wish. These kids are competitive at every aspect. Whether that's winning a ballgame or making it to the next level, sometimes against their own best interest.

 

[Mojocat_rivals48469]

Wow. Did someone really say that Cal "has to try harder" - at recruiting? Goodness.

 

[docholiday51]

I agree we should have another title. Or two. That's why we have some going insane. Still, even so, Cal has been the first or second best coach in college basketball since he's been here. I think our return rate is way too low from transfers or guys that leave too early for the NBA. That has really hurt us, IMO.

Players first program is great for recruiting, but at times I think it also gives us fits. There is no reason why our only 4 year players are from Kentucky. Plenty of good players out there we could sprinkle in for 4 years outside this state. Problem is, they all think they're one and done when recruited. Double edged sword.

Other programs have potential OAD's who return and most get better with age.OAD is fine for the Davis' KAT's ,Walls etc of the world but multi year players have value and make teams better they would do the same for us.Willis,Hawkins and Humphries are examples as was Ulis.

 

[morgousky]

Forgive my dumbness, but can you expound on 0-100?

Pitino libido

 

[YourPublicEnemy]

I've read two of Cal's books and he mentioned his critics that asked why he doesn't go after players who aren't one and done? He said, "Good luck convincing a kid that he's not one and done" or something to that extent.

You go after a guy who you think will probably be here three years yet he's an AAU star and has everyone in his ear and he has visions of all of the other one and done guys who went to Kentucky and all of his teammates at UK that are about to get rich (it'd be like a co-worker getting a big promotion while you remain behind) and of course, they want that.

I can't imagine trying to sell to a kid who's poor and has a family and handlers who want him to get money as soon as possible.

 

[YourPublicEnemy]

If I'm being honest, players who I thought were one and done worthy at the time regardless of where they ended up being drafted (just discussing talent/performance at the time).

John Wall
Demarcus Cousins
Anthony Davis
MKG
Julius Randle
KAT
Brandon Knight
Jamal Murray

Those were guys who I felt played like they were one and dones. Before getting accustomed to how things would run under Cal, I'd never peg Bledsoe, Lyles, Goodwin, Orton and Teague as guys who were so electrifying they had to bounce.

Even when Ulis signed on, I thought we'd have that guy for three years.

 

[thebluestripes]

Our championship team had 3 OADs, 2 sophs and 1 senior.

I guess Sophs are now considered solid vets?

In cals current system, they basically are/have to be.
Btw, that 2012 team doesn't win a title if lamb was a freshmen or if tjones played as a freshmen.

 

[know1]

Cal is the best recruiter hands down. He's also got a great system for player development, motivation, playing as a team, etc. Our record is incredible and I wouldn't trade it at this point with any other team.

If we want an even better chance at championships, Cal needs to improve his own in-game adjustments/management and developing strategies for certain situations when "making plays" isn't working.

It seems pretty simple to me. He's got many of the pieces in place, but needs to find a way to bring up the actual coaching.

 

[brianpoe]

Cal is the best recruiter hands down. He's also got a great system for player development, motivation, playing as a team, etc. Our record is incredible and I wouldn't trade it at this point with any other team.

If we want an even better chance at championships, Cal needs to improve his own in-game adjustments/management and developing strategies for certain situations when "making plays" isn't working.

It seems pretty simple to me. He's got many of the pieces in place, but needs to find a way to bring up the actual coaching.

Cal is obviously a very good coach - UMass and Memphis are enough evidence.

His ability to take a new team to March readiness is unbelievable.

But I agree with @know1 regarding end game decisions at times.

I would change Cal's stall ball tactic and lack of timeouts in big games over disrupting the OAD recruiting strategy every time.

 

[docholiday51]

I think what has evolved here is the notion that if you aren't OAD then you are somehow a failure.We aren't likely to get away from that any time soon.I think the problem is twofold (1) It takes any kid a little time to adjust to the college game,best case he does it in a few games and has most of the season to be productive,worst case it takes 1/2 a season or more and we get less time for him to be productive.(2)A kid thinks he might be OAD but down deep he isn't sure so he is reluctant to come to UK for fear of being seen as a failure if he needs more than one year.

Even in the best cases we only see players scratch the surface of what they have to offer.No, I don't want to see Cal go away from going after the best talent available but there is no free lunch, every model comes with a downside.I would like to see more balanced recruiting,it seems each year we end up too guard heavy or too front court heavy.We haven't had the best luck recruiting to needs.

As an older fan it took me a while to get up to speed with OAD,I'll never really like it but in today's climate in college basketball it is a necessary evil and Cal is more successful with it than anyone else(hey yo, Coach K did you hear that)

 

[Elliott Tim]

Pitino libido

In case you took what I asked as a shot, it wasn't I just asked for an explanation.