Will Cal go after a reclass?

[JayCatz44]

I highly doubt it. 3 seed at best without Blackshear.

Good God you're not very good at this basketball thing. However, go ahead and amuse me with the 8 teams better than Kentucky.

 

[TheWyldKat_rivals45219]

I really hope that Cal can get a reclass (if KB doesn’t commit) we will be good without KB but if we want to be elite and compete for a national title we need additional front court depth. EJ prefers to play in the wing area and is not a typical 5. As for Nick, we just really don’t know. Could nick have a breakout year and finally get it? Fingers crossed but It’s a gamble.

 

[JayCatz44]

I really hope that Cal can get a reclass (if KB doesn’t commit) we will be good without KB but if we want to be elite and compete for a national title we need additional front court depth. EJ prefers to play in the wing area and is not a typical 5. As for Nick, we just really don’t know. Could nick have a breakout year and finally get it? Fingers crossed but It’s a gamble.

If Kentucky isn't Elite next season, who is?

 

[Ranch]

Cal sounds as if he’s done if we don’t get KBJ. I previously heard Dante was a real reclass option but that buzz has faded...

 

[Nicholascat]

If Nick Richards ends up on an all sec team i will eat a white dog turd

Never said that but writing him off at this point is silly. Richards has shown flashes, I guess you don't remember last year when half this board thought he would start over Travis after the Bahamas where Richards showed a lot of potential.

 

[KingCal9]

Yeap. I’m as frustrated as anyone over Blackshear, (not official yet, I know) but we still have a top 5 team and a great shot.

Without Blackshear, this team is weak down low.

 

[Flipflopsandsocks]

Without Blackshear, this team is weak down low.

Yeah, how can we compete with just 2 5 star McDonald's All Americans "down low".

 

[JayCatz44]

Without Blackshear, this team is weak down low.

People keep saying this team isn't a title contender without Blackshear but have yet to provide a list of teams that are far superior.

 

[TheWyldKat_rivals45219]

If Kentucky isn't Elite next season, who is?

We lost our two most important bigs, Travis and PJ. Nick was a no-show all year, EJ showed signs of improvement but he is still not a true five and prefers to play on the wing. I see how hard Coach Cal has been trying to pull in KB or a possible re-class. That lets me know he has the same feeling that most fans have. We are probably OK without KB or a re-class but to be in a really good spot to win a natty we do need another big for depth, rebounding, go to basket in the paint etc.

 

[JayCatz44]

We lost our two most important bigs, Travis and PJ. Nick was a no-show all year, EJ showed signs of improvement but he is still not a true five and prefers to play on the wing. I see how hard Coach Cal has been trying to pull in KB or a possible re-class. That lets me know he has the same feeling that most fans have. We are probably OK without KB or a re-class but to be in a really good spot to win a natty we do need another big for depth, rebounding, go to basket in the paint etc.

Still didn't answer the question. And your argument that Cal is really trying to pull in KB or a re-class is weak. KB's visit was less than 24 hours long and Cal left before he did. Doesn't seem like he's that worried to me.

 

[Blueisbest]

If we don't get Blackshear, how far we go in the tournament hinges almost solely on how much EJ and Nick improve over last year. If there is little or no improvement then we will likely be 2nd weekend, at best, team. If there is significant improvement then we could very well make it to the Final Four.

 

[deplion_rivals116063]

Without Blackshear, we have a legit shot at a Final Four and you never know what might happen if we make it there.

With him, we should be the clear title favorites.

Definitely isn't the end of the world if he doesn't come, but for obvious reasons, I sure hope he does.

 

[Nooneputsbabyinacorner]

Without Blackshear, we have a legit shot at a Final Four and you never know what might happen if we make it there.

With him, we should be the clear title favorites.

Definitely isn't the end of the world if he doesn't come, but for obvious reasons, I sure hope he does.

Clear title favorites? I don't know about that, but it should be one of those years where the top 5/6 schools are a step above the rest.

 

[BBUK_anon]

Baby, baby, baby, tell it true...or don't tell it at all...

 

[Nicholascat]

Every top team will have to have big leaps from returning players. Mich St is depending on a top 150 player who averaged 5 points a game last season.

 

[JAC71]

I’m just ready for more names to pop up on the recruiting radar as far as big men. Some say UK is in good with Todd but with Kansas on his list has me concerned not because of their history but for other reasons.

 

[Catlogic15]

Might be late to the comments party but a reclass, other than making the reclass better, doesn’t transcend into a better UK roster than we have now. Might muck up chemistry. I’m one of few apparently that thinks EJ improves by leaps and bounds. Nick will be more serviceable than before. I like us just fine.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Former 5-star McDonald's All-American Sophomore E.J. Montgomery.

Former 5-star McDonald's All-American Junior Nick Richards.

Second ranked Grad Transfer Nate Sestina.

The post doesn't look barren, by any stretch.

I like Nick and have never been down on him, but he was a 5 star based on potential alone ... still unrealized potential at that. He will be better.

He should be carrying a basketball everywhere he goes.

 

[TheWyldKat_rivals45219]

Still didn't answer the question. And your argument that Cal is really trying to pull in KB or a re-class is weak. KB's visit was less than 24 hours long and Cal left before he did. Doesn't seem like he's that worried to me.

I’m not familiar enough with other teams rosters. I just pay attention to my cats. That being said you better believe they will be really good teams with really good offense and defense down in the paint this year in the SEC alone. So instead of me naming a bunch of teams I’ll say this, unless EJ Improves by leaps and bounds or Nick Richards is not a ghost again this year like last year we will be hurting down low.

There will be no Travis for offensive rebounds, no PJ for a must get bucket or foul. We have no idea how Sestina will be but coming from a weaker conference. I suspect the level of competition at the four and five position In the SEC Will give him some trouble.

 

[Poetax]

I’m not familiar enough with other teams rosters. I just pay attention to my cats. That being said you better believe they will be really good teams with really good offense and defense down in the paint this year in the SEC alone. So instead of me naming a bunch of teams I’ll say this, unless EJ Improves by leaps and bounds or Nick Richards is not a ghost again this year like last year we will be hurting down low.

There will be no Travis for offensive rebounds, no PJ for a must get bucket or foul. We have no idea how Sestina will be but coming from a weaker conference. I suspect the level of competition at the four and five position In the SEC Will give him some trouble.

But do you really know all that will happen?

 

[kywildcat1021979]

Hopefully Nick and EJ have joined the breakfast club!

 

[JayCatz44]

I’m not familiar enough with other teams rosters. I just pay attention to my cats. That being said you better believe they will be really good teams with really good offense and defense down in the paint this year in the SEC alone. So instead of me naming a bunch of teams I’ll say this, unless EJ Improves by leaps and bounds or Nick Richards is not a ghost again this year like last year we will be hurting down low.

There will be no Travis for offensive rebounds, no PJ for a must get bucket or foul. We have no idea how Sestina will be but coming from a weaker conference. I suspect the level of competition at the four and five position In the SEC Will give him some trouble.

Then you probably shouldn't make comments like you did if you're unfamiliar with the makeup of other teams. You're not the only one, though. UK will be one of the best teams in the country next season regardless of what Blackshear does. If UK isn't a title contender next season, then no team is.

 

[Panthur]

I personally think Dante is our best option, if we miss on Blackshear and Cal wants another big.

I think that is our best option sans KB.

I agree with you that 4 out 1 in would work. But for whatever reason (and my best guess is his feelings on player development) Cal has seemed to shy away from that his whole Kentucky tenure. So I’m gunshy about holding my breath for it now.

One other option, may well be an outside option, is Brooks or Whitney (both if we’re super lucky?) does turn out to have enough meat, height, and bounce to cycle them through the post alongside Nate or a blooming Nick or EJ. A long shot, as I said. But still conceivable, and if it does I see that being our most realistic chance at a championship caliber team without either Blackshear or a reclass. Among options my gut tells me Cal is likely to use at Kentucky. But I won’t swear off him reinventing himself. Just hedging my bets.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I think that is our best option sans KB.

I agree with you that 4 out 1 in would work. But for whatever reason (and my best guess is his feelings on player development) Cal has seemed to shy away from that his whole Kentucky tenure. So I’m gunshy about holding my breath for it now.

One other option, may well be an outside option, is Brooks or Whitney (both if we’re super lucky?) does turn out to have enough meat, height, and bounce to cycle them through the post alongside Nate or a blooming Nick or EJ. A long shot, as I said. But still conceivable, and if it does I see that being our most realistic chance at a championship caliber team without either Blackshear or a reclass. Among options my gut tells me Cal is likely to use at Kentucky. But I won’t swear off him reinventing himself. Just hedging my bets.

Cal played 4 out, 1 in most of the time in 2016 and 2017 with Willis at the 4. Gabriel also played a stretch 4 in 2017.

 

[TheWyldKat_rivals45219]

But do you really know all that will happen?

It happens every year so yes I’m certain sir.

 

[Poetax]

It happens every year so yes I’m certain sir.

Honestly I think you’re overconfident in your knowledge my dear man.

 

[Eastkybball]

I really hope that Cal can get a reclass (if KB doesn’t commit) we will be good without KB but if we want to be elite and compete for a national title we need additional front court depth. EJ prefers to play in the wing area and is not a typical 5. As for Nick, we just really don’t know. Could nick have a breakout year and finally get it? Fingers crossed but It’s a gamble.

It sure is and I’d rather have Blackshear than gamble.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Dante would be a nice consolation prize if we do indeed miss on Blackshear.

He seems to be more athletic and more of what Cal likes defensively from a 5 man, since he is a rim protector/shot blocker.

He wouldn't give us the offensive output that Blackshear would and he definitely lacks his experience, but on the defensive end, he might be a better fit.

 

[bigblue1971]

I just read an article put out today (but I don't know how to link it) where Dante is taking classes to be eligible for 2019. Still doesn't know if he will reclassify but is trying to finish the classes in time to.

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

I'm not saying I haven't been disappointed with Nick and I do think we need one more big so we don't use the dreaded phrase we were one player away from taking it all. People forget until Nick hit his growth spurt he was a soccer player. He's been playing organized BB for about 6+ years. Most the other kids have been playing since they could dribble a ball and he's a big guy and big guys seem to take longer anyway. He still could be good, but he has to step up this year and probably come back for his Senior year to get his full potential. Although I'm sure if he does improve this year he will be gone.

 

[Wildcats1st]

I'm not saying I haven't been disappointed with Nick and I do think we need one more big so we don't use the dreaded phrase we were one player away from taking it all. People forget until Nick hit his growth spurt he was a soccer player. He's been playing organized BB for about 6+ years. Most the other kids have been playing since they could dribble a ball and he's a big guy and big guys seem to take longer anyway. He still could be good, but he has to step up this year and probably come back for his Senior year to get his full potential. Although I'm sure if he does improve this year he will be gone.

I don’t think it’s a question of whether or not nick can be good it’s more a question or in Cals style of play can he be good? When the game was wide open in the Bahamas nick looked very good. When he has a confined role he isn’t dynamic enough to have massive impact on the game. He has to learn better defensive rotations and overall awareness on the defensive end. He has to rip down rebounds. He has to be in position to block shots. He’s not gonna be a banger and is limited offensively to move the ball and hit open jumpers. He is good at the free throw line so maybe he can knock down some jumpers. If he were to become a lock down defender and gather 10 rebounds and 5 blocks a game I would be happy

 

[shutzhund]

Nobody really left that would make much of a difference.IMO we will have a good team but I have my doubts if it will be a championship level group.Questions about the frontcourt and outside shooting.

Seems as if that is the question every year.