Kentucky without Noel

[xenythx]

They're going to the NIT. Absolutely terrible. Noel was the only bright spot on that team. Down 16 to Tennessee early in the game.

[JohnC1908]

Now down 21, unreal. UK's assistant was ejected during a timeout. Frustration everywhere.

[JimBobTheClown]

They'll get better, but right now they suck

[gatordd]

Now down 21, unreal. UK's assistant was ejected during a timeout. Frustration everywhere.

Noel is all they had... Poythress is a huge disappointment this season

[Jaggator]

From 1st to WORST!!!

One player going down should not make your team that bad. Every team has injuries. Look at Florida for example.

[JohnC1908]

UK just missed 4 shots from less than a foot out. Keystone Cops comes to mind here.

[dailydoublecat]

It's been a rough week. I knew we would struggle it shouldn't have shocked anyone. I'm not upset I expected this.

[JohnC1908]

It's been a rough week. I knew we would struggle it shouldn't have shocked anyone. I'm not upset I expected this.

Jeff there is a difference between struggling and flat out not showing up.

[dailydoublecat]

That's what this team is... A bunch of quitters. Noel was the heart and soul. Only losing by 24 at half. We are an NIT team. I would hate for us to take a bid from a deserving mid major. It's time to start over!!
Jeff

[DuPontGator]

That's what this team is... A bunch of quitters. Noel was the heart and soul. Only losing by 24 at half. We are an NIT team. I would hate for us to take a bid from a deserving mid major. It's time to start over!!
Jeff

Lol I love it. Sorry man.

[dailydoublecat]

Lol I love it. Sorry man.

Oh hell it's fine. They don't mind getting their ass kicked so why should I??

[DuPontGator]

Oh hell it's fine. They don't mind getting their ass kicked so why should I??

That's the spirit man. Things will get better.

[PIMking]

Couldn't happen to a better coach, I knew the 5 best hs players one and done every year would bite him in the butt and good that it happened now

[VolsFan07]

Lead is now 60-30 Vols. I knew they would miss Noel, but good grief.

[lean_gator]

N
I
T


But, they will be a force again next year if they can get some guys to stick around to go with the class they got coming in.

[akaGatorhoops]

Very little effort being shown by uk.

[PIMking]

hahahahahaha now their basketball team sucks and their football team sucks. Pook Kentucky, the only thing they have to look foward to is their sister

[gatordee]

Already thinking about next year. If they could have just got to the NCAAC, they could have used the experience.

[akaGatorhoops]

I am not a cal, nor uk fan... But I can't revel in a team that is struggling after its star blew his knee out.

[dailydoublecat]

hahahahahaha now their basketball team sucks and their football team sucks. Pook Kentucky, the only thing they have to look foward to is their sister

Ahh an incest joke... Thanks that finishes the week for me

[flg8rfan]

How much of this is due to focusing on one-and-dones vs coaching?
I'm a hoops newbie, but I think UF will take them, but Coach Donovan would rather have coachable kids and continuity over star power

[jcp]

This is pretty embarrassing for UK, you cannot lose like that even if your superstar goes down, specially with the kind of players they get... They are supposed to be a team but they couldn't be any further from it.

[kygator]

That's what this team is... A bunch of quitters. Noel was the heart and soul. Only losing by 24 at half. We are an NIT team. I would hate for us to take a bid from a deserving mid major. It's time to start over!!
Jeff

Are you at all concerned that a few of these players may not bother finishing their current semester at UK? It hasn't been a big issue under Cal, except for one player. However, the other one and done players were heroes at UK and in Lexington. These players are getting ripped to shreds by the fans. They might not feel as much loyalty to make sure UK's APR stays on track.

[iam4uf]

Kentucky should be better than this without Noel. Why hasn't Calipari adjusted in some way? I sometimes wonder about Calipari's coaching, it seems that he either gets things running his way & flourishes or he doesn't then can't adjust.

[dailydoublecat]

Are you at all concerned that a few of these players may not bother finishing their current semester at UK? It hasn't been a big issue under Cal, except for one player. However, the other one and done players were heroes at UK and in Lexington. These players are getting ripped to shreds by the fans. They might not feel as much loyalty to make sure UK's APR stays on track.

I'm not concerned in the least about the APR.
Jeff

[iam4uf]

Boy, I hate the bounce pass to the post as it forces a big guy to go down low to get it.

[gator7_5]

Wonder how this will affect the teams draft status? Cal needs at least a couple of seasoned players to make another run. I just don't see how he's gonna get any. Everyone he inks is a one and done.

[xenythx]

I bet Calipari never ever thought the best player on the court for him would be Jarrod Polson.

[REM08]

DEEP breath...

I think its important we all realize something. Kentucky, especially without Noel, is a team without good basketball players. I really don't want to hear about there being 3 lottery picks on this team. ALL this means is that a few guys have physical gifts that correlate with the capacity to excel (EVENTUALLY) in the NBA. What this DOES NOT mean, is that there are players on the team that are capable of significant contributions in college RIGHT NOW.

Willie Cauley Stein - Lottery pick - this game he fouled out with 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks and 4 turnovers.

Alex Poythress - Lottery pick - fouled out with 4 points, 2 rebounds.

Ryan Harrow - Well, not a lottery pick - fouled out with 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists

The idea that this teams troubles are because of "one and done" players is simply off. Its because of ineffective basketball players. I know, I know. It seems too simple of an explanation. Its not though.

Interesting stat. Doug Shows has only given 7 coaches techs. Cal has recieved 4 of them.

AND...Exhale

[REM08]

I bet Calipari never ever thought the best player on the court for him would be Jarrod Polson.

This sounds like a sarcastic statement, or one thats only true because of a technicality. Its the truth though.

[dailydoublecat]

Lmao what a fun week this has been!! Oh well it can only get better

[REM08]

Kentucky should be better than this without Noel. Why hasn't Calipari adjusted in some way? I sometimes wonder about Calipari's coaching, it seems that he either gets things running his way & flourishes or he doesn't then can't adjust.

Cal's made something like 6 or 7 straight sweet sixteens and 3 straight elite eights. He's done it a number of different ways with different team compositions and strengths. His coaching is fine.

ANY team should perform better than UK has today. But no, Kentucky shouldn't be a good team without Noel this year. A defensive force who plays all out and averages a double-double hides a lot more for a team than he gets credit for. You'll see.

[tilly]

Good news for Kentucky fans, at least they'll only have one year of tournament wins to vacate. #pilingon

Seriously Jeff, The league is best when UK is strong...and... I hope at least the flu is gone. :)

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tablet using Gator Country

[tilly]

Of course Im just busting your chops guys...we love you guys being here.

[LoyalGatorFan]

I feel sorry for Jeff, REM, and Noel...I don't feel sorry for anybody else associated with UK....I wish Bert's smart ass was on here right now...funny how he is nowhere to be found....when you recruit mostly freshmen year after year, this is what you risk...when a key player goes down, you dont have any leadership to keep them afloat ala Florida....

[jagervol01]

Lmao what a fun week this has been!! Oh well it can only get better
I would normally say that a 30 point win over Kentucky is as sweet as it can get for a Vol fan but this feels pretty empty. It just feels like we kicked a team when they were down. Oh well, there will payback next year I'm sure (and you guys have run up the score on us more times than I could keep track of) ...and I hope Noel comes back next year. Sorry that happened to him.

[iam4uf]

Seriously Jeff, The league is best when UK is strong...and... I hope at least the flu is gone. :)

Yep, we all need strong competition within the league even if it means more losses by the upper tier teams.

[STR8OUTDASWAMP1]

Oh hell it's fine. They don't mind getting their ass kicked so why should I??

This is exactly how I felt/feel about the Sugar Bowl.

[InstiGATOR1]

As we have gone through the Calipari era at UK, I have tried to tell people it is different every year. Some years, a team of the best recruits can compete for the title. Other years, such a team will struggle.

It will be interesting to see who goes NBA, stays or even transfers from UK after this season. It can not be much fun for the players, coaches or fans.

[themistocles]

I must admit that I am surprised by how bad Tennessee made the Cats look today.

OUCH!!!!

[GatorPlanet]

Whenever Noel took a seat, and later got hurt, you could see an immediate and PROFOUND difference in the Wildcats when they played this week against the Gators. The dropoff was huge. Suddenly the paint was wide open for anyone who wanted it.

I can't see UK making the NCAAT at this point, unless at least two of their guys step up in a huge way.

[REM08]

As we have gone through the Calipari era at UK, I have tried to tell people it is different every year. Some years, a team of the best recruits can compete for the title. Other years, such a team will struggle.

It will be interesting to see who goes NBA, stays or even transfers from UK after this season. It can not be much fun for the players, coaches or fans.

Years like this aren't. But I think they were for most fans the last few years. Unless you're just a fairweather fan, you take the bad with the good. No team is immune to this. I agree with your post though.

Also I just heard why UK's assistant coach was thrown out by Doug Shows. UT won the tip at the begining of the game, and then the first jump ball (decided by the arrow) went to them also. Robic argued and got tossed. Shows is the worst. Obviously didn't decide the game or anything though.

[REM08]

Whenever Noel took a seat, and later got hurt, you could see an immediate and PROFOUND difference in the Wildcats when they played this week against the Gators. The dropoff was huge. Suddenly the paint was wide open for anyone who wanted it.

I can't see UK making the NCAAT at this point, unless at least two of their guys step up in a huge way.

There's no chance of the tourney IMO.

This team suffered two effects from losing Noel. 1 - They actually lost Noel and everything that came with him. 2 - The rest of the players (Mays and Polson aside) are so incredibly mentally soft. Not a single alpha male outside of Noel. The team folded psychologically after losing Noel.

[Singaporegator]

This sounds like a sarcastic statement, or one thats only true because of a technicality. Its the truth though.

I think it is ironically sad rather than sarcastic. There are still a couple of things we all envy KY for. Most especially their fan base. Then there is Ashley Judd. Seriously, if we had a movie (or media?) star graduate who came to every game she could at the dome you don't think that would energize the fan base.?

[HALLGATOR]

A couple of things I see from this:

The first one is I am wondering if Tenn is starting to hit a stride or if the Cats were really that bad today. Maybe a combination of the two. This could mean a tougher game for the Gators when we travel to play them.

The second one is I made the statement the other day that when Noel went to the locker room he carried 75% of Kentucky's game with him. I think the game today showed that to be the case. If they don't find something in a hurry they may lose another four SEC games. I can see them losing to Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia and Florida.

[tommyuf21]

Thanks to living in Big Ten world, I didn't get to have this game on in the background. Sure looked ugly though from the boxscore. UT is an offensively challenged team and for them score 80 against UK, well that's scary. It appears that noone besides Noel played defense for the Cats. Calipari has his work cut out for him to get his guys to play to their talent level.

[GatorPlanet]

Apparently in the postgame interview, Calipari said that several of his players are "uncoachable."

Ouch. Things may get much worse for them if that's the case.

[HALLGATOR]

Apparently in the postgame interview, Calipari said that several of his players are "uncoachable."

Ouch. Things may get much worse for them if that's the case.

Possible ego problems?

[G8rNkoko]

Them's some rather harsh words from Calipari.

[LoyalGatorFan]

I don't know if I'm just ignorant or naive but weren't all of these freshmen 5 stars in high school? Did recruiting gurus really miss out on their projections on each one of them? Or are they just not buying into the team concept?

[jagervol01]

Apparently in the postgame interview, Calipari said that several of his players are "uncoachable."

Ouch. Things may get much worse for them if that's the case.

I would assume that Goodwin is one of the players he had in mind with that comment.

[tommyuf21]

I don't know if I'm just ignorant or naive but weren't all of these freshmen 5 stars in high school? Did recruiting gurus really miss out on their projections on each one of them? Or are they just not buying into the team concept?

It's the latter.

[dailydoublecat]

Them's some rather harsh words from Calipari.

He basically said either they listen or they leave!! Good

[REM08]

I would assume that Goodwin is one of the players he had in mind with that comment.

Cal actually yelled at Goodwin during the game after Goodwin did his own thing "I can't coach you!"

I think there's no question these guys aren't "buying in," but I also think you guys are thinking they're better (at this point in time) than they actually are.

Lottery picks and "5 star" players do not fully describe a player. Anthony Davis and John Wall were 5 star players. So was Daniel Orton and Harrow/Goodwin.

Cal always says "kentucky isn't for everyone." It looks like he got a few guys this year who either weren't ready for the lights (harrow) or just aren't ready yet but are depended on way too much (Goodwin/Poythress/WCS).

For the first year since Cal got here, he landed freshmen that are playing like Freshmen. Other than Noel of course.

[GatorLurker]

I got to see a bit of the game and it looked to me like UK had quit as a team, at least for this game. Either this happens after a devastating loss or there is an epic regroup and they play out of their minds for a game or two. I see which way it broke here.

Coach Cal has his work cut out for the rest of the year. I think that he might suffer for a bit, but he finds a way to get better performances fairly soon. He does have some First Round NBA talent on the team even if they are raw and none is in the backcourt.

No matter what a bunch of you guys on NBN think he actually is a good coach and teacher of the game. But did he run into a rough patch this year.

[tommyuf21]

We had a problem like this the year after the last championship, although it manifested itself a little later in the season.

I remember Billy locking them out of the practice complex.

I don't think that team had nearly as much hype, but it had its share of highly regarded recruits and underachieved.

[InstiGATOR1]

Lottery picks and "5 star" players do not fully describe a player. Anthony Davis and John Wall were 5 star players. So was Daniel Orton and Harrow/Goodwin.

Cal always says "kentucky isn't for everyone." It looks like he got a few guys this year who either weren't ready for the lights (harrow) or just aren't ready yet but are depended on way too much (Goodwin/Poythress/WCS).

For the first year since Cal got here, he landed freshmen that are playing like Freshmen. Other than Noel of course.

Not only are players different but recruiting classes are different. Let's say UK had signed exactly how they want last year. I think the class would have included Shabazz Muhammad and Anthony Bennett and maybe not Cauley.

I guess you would have had a better mix of one inside scorer in Bennett and one inside defender in Noel. Poythress might then have been better on the perimeter and Muhammad would stretch the D better and maybe you could have cobbled together PG play from Harrow, Goodwin etc.

The counter argument is that Bennett's team is worse this year and Muhammad appears to be a me first type who pounts about a game winning shot because he did not get to take it. Adding a couple of more me first players to UK's mix this year might not have made anything better.

I do think UK fan are way too hard on these kids. They are Frosh. How can you be mad at them for playing like Frosh. They dominated in high school on athleticism. So of course they struggle some when they face adversity for the first time in their careers. From my point of view UK fans should be elated when as in some recent seasons their Frosh have played better than Frosh, but not call a bunch of Frosh heartless or quitters for playing like Frosh.

[DoctorGator]

I'm not concerned in the least about the APR.
Jeff

Thought I read somewhere that you are a teacher? Maybe I'm mistaken.

Ask UConn what its like to not be concerned at all about the academic side of the house.

[gator34654]

Let's say that only Noel leaves for the pros and the rest stay. How many spots will uk have for the recruits they've signed?

[HALLGATOR]

Heck he called Jones a selfish mf-er in the middle of a game from what I remember.

[REM08]

Not only are players different but recruiting classes are different. Let's say UK had signed exactly how they want last year. I think the class would have included Shabazz Muhammad and Anthony Bennett and maybe not Cauley.

I guess you would have had a better mix of one inside scorer in Bennett and one inside defender in Noel. Poythress might then have been better on the perimeter and Muhammad would stretch the D better and maybe you could have cobbled together PG play from Harrow, Goodwin etc.

The counter argument is that Bennett's team is worse this year and Muhammad appears to be a me first type who pounts about a game winning shot because he did not get to take it. Adding a couple of more me first players to UK's mix this year might not have made anything better.

I do think UK fan are way too hard on these kids. They are Frosh. How can you be mad at them for playing like Frosh. They dominated in high school on athleticism. So of course they struggle some when they face adversity for the first time in their careers. From my point of view UK fans should be elated when as in some recent seasons their Frosh have played better than Frosh, but not call a bunch of Frosh heartless or quitters for playing like Frosh.

I agree with your entire post. Ideally, tough-minded unselfish players like Teague and MKG from last year would have been available to go along with this class this year (or of course returning toughminded players who are good contributors).


Your last paragraph is especially accurate. UK fans, including myself, have been spoiled. We got so few 5 star kids in recent years before Cal that many UK fans forgot what a typical one is actually like. A good example is that Jamal Mashburn put up close to identical numbers to what Poythress as a freshmen has contributed.

Here's the catch (of sorts) for Cal though: The reason he's been able to get SO many top players in each class is because they're sure going to play for him will make them first rounders after one year. The catch is that, as is the case this year, if those players don't end up as ready as they thought they would be, they're still of the same mindset - that they're really wanting to leave after a year. Essentially, he's benefitting from this early entry mindset on the front end of recruiting, but isn't as likely (as a result) for the players to be open minded about returning if they need to. If they overacheive as freshmen, then its great for everyone. If not, its gonna be a rough year or two.

[dailydoublecat]

Thought I read somewhere that you are a teacher? Maybe I'm mistaken.

Ask UConn what its like to not be concerned at all about the academic side of the house.

The players will continue to go school I'm not concerned Alex is a great student just a puss on the court.

[REM08]

Let's say that only Noel leaves for the pros and the rest stay. How many spots will uk have for the recruits they've signed?

Exactly enough given that the 3 walk-ons who currently have temp scholarships will go back to being walk-ons and 2 other players will graduate.

Trust me though, many more than just Noel will leave.

[dailydoublecat]

Heck he called Jones a selfish mf-er in the middle of a game from what I remember.

He exactly did and he was right and he is with telling them to listen or leave. People have to leave as I think we get Wiggins.
Jeff

[born2beagator]

I am not a cal, nor uk fan... But I can't revel in a team that is struggling after its star blew his knee out.

I can. Feel bad for the kid, and I am not glad he went down.

But the UK team? They deserve every bit of this. Them and their coach. This is a thing of beauty.

[gator34654]

UK will get a crop of 5 stars but like what we're seeing this year, can they play like a team? These 5 stars are all used to being "the man" and what you might get is individual play rather than teamwork. These guys want stats and headlines to prop their draft status since they see this as one and done.

The recipe worked for uk last year but it's no guarantee for winning a title.

[VolsFan07]

UK will get a crop of 5 stars but like what we're seeing this year, can they play like a team? These 5 stars are all used to being "the man" and what you might get is individual play rather than teamwork. These guys want stats and headlines to prop their draft status since they see this as one and done.

The recipe worked for uk last year but it's no guarantee for winning a title.

It's what Calipari does every year. I think this year is the exception, not the rule.

[gator85jd]

Now down 21, unreal. UK's assistant was ejected during a timeout. Frustration everywhere.

What did the assistant get ejected for?

[tommyuf21]

It's what Calipari does every year. I think this year is the exception, not the rule.

Last season was a perfect storm for UK. They had a couple of good holdovers, including a one excellent senior leader. Their two best players, Davis and MKG, were consumate team players who were unselfish and led by voice and example.

Looking back at 2010-Great talent, but with a couple of head cases and still only one game from the Final Four.

2011-Not as much talent as the other two, but Knight led that team and pushed them to some great improvement to make the Final Four. I give Cal a lot of credit for bringing them along Remember that team (before last Tuesday) was the last UK team that we beat.

I think the arguments about Cal not being a good coach are tired and worn out. There is no question that he is among the best in his profession. I think its fair to say that he knows the game as well as anyone. However, part of your work is recruiting and bringing in guys that you can develop. I'd say that if you asked him (off the record) if he was happy with the job he did putting this team together, he'd probably give himself a failing grade.

Still, anyone who thinks that this season is some kind of bellweather of things to come for UK needs a dose of reality. I remember the talk around here in 2010 and people openly wondering if we would ever beat Kentucky again. We had a couple of tough years, but Billy got us back on track.

[dailydoublecat]

I can. Feel bad for the kid, and I am not glad he went down.

But the UK team? They deserve every bit of this. Them and their coach. This is a thing of beauty.

I'm glad someone is enjoying this. Another man's trash is another man's treasure they say!!
Jeff

[born2beagator]

I'm eager to see what happens when the next group of mercenaries gets there next year. They have maybe one one and done this season. Does Cal just bench all the kids who played this season?

[UFG8rGuy3283]

I'm glad someone is enjoying this. Another man's trash is another man's treasure they say!!
Jeff

I actually think this is going to change quite a bit at UK.

Let me ask this...aside from physical talent, what do the UK commits coming in next year look like from an attitude perspective? A lot has been made about Chris Walker having an attitude issue, but what about the Harrisons or the others?

Something Rosario said in the post game really struck me. He said with him, Murph and KB having a great work ethic this year amd expecting the same from the freshman/others, it has made this team continue to improve.

UK doesn't have any of that leadership and I wonder if there's any coming in next year like there was with Davis and MKG. There's a reason you hear about senior leadership.

For my UK friends, how does Cal approach that part of recruiting, meaning the attitudes? Does he focus on that much or is it all about getting the most physically talented players?

If I'm rambling, forgive me, I have a 2 year old hanging on me as I type on my smart phone :)

[akaGatorhoops]

Say what you will about cal, he has been absolutely incredible at getting young, superstars to buy-in to his team concept, hard work and defensive intensity. This group has done non
e of that. And IMO, this says more about those kids than it does calipari.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Say what you will about cal, he has been absolutely incredible at getting young, superstars to buy-in to his team concept, hard work and defensive intensity. This group has done non
e of that. And IMO, this says more about those kids than it does calipari.

I guess that's the catch 22. Is it a matter of being able to read the kid to see of he will buy in? IMO, he missed from that perspective. It's probably the toughest part of recruiting one and dones.

I have to wonder if this will change Cal's philosophy a bit.

[gatordd]

I guess that's the catch 22. Is it a matter of being able to read the kid to see of he will buy in? IMO, he missed from that perspective. It's probably the toughest part of recruiting one and dones.

I have to wonder if this will change Cal's philosophy a bit.

Cal will continue to recruit one and dones and have success most years while at UK

[born2beagator]

Cal will continue to recruit one and dones and have success most years while at UK

At least until he slips up again and has to bolt before the hammer comes down like all his other jobs

[UFG8rGuy3283]

Cal will continue to recruit one and dones and have success most years while at UK

I don't know that it's that simple. Going through a year like this would have to make him at least re-evaluate a bit, no?

[dailydoublecat]

Calipari does look at the intangibles when recruiting. The Harrison's play with passion but they also pout if they don't like the calls. I can't speak about the rest!!

Where is Bert??

[dailydoublecat]

At least until he slips up again and has to bolt before the hammer comes down like all his other jobs

Keep holding on to that hope. I'm still not convinced Calipari is here more than 2 more years IMHO and I can't blame him.
Jeff

[gatordd]

I don't know that it's that simple. Going through a year like this would have to make him at least re-evaluate a bit, no?

Lets talk next season....Cal knows what hes doing. Hes a salesman, he sells dreams. Kids will continue to roll in on promises of fortune/fame.

[HALLGATOR]

Cal will continue to recruit one and dones and have success most years while at UK

That's the way I see it. Personally Cal is a good coach in my opinion and I would think he would like to have a few players that stay in the system and provide some continuity and leadership while he continues to bring in the one-and-dones.

[dailydoublecat]

That's the way I see it. Personally Cal is a good coach in my opinion and I would think he would like to have a few players that stay in the system and provide some continuity and leadership while he continues to bring in the one-and-dones.

Hall I don't think there is anyway Calipari feels that three of these guys are ready. However two of the three haven't listened to him all year.
Jeff

[HALLGATOR]

Maybe this loss will get their attention Jeff. If it doesn't I don't know what will.

[InstiGATOR1]

Cal will continue to recruit one and dones and have success most years while at UK

I liked this years group for UK better than next years group. This year:

PG: Harrow who I thought might be able to lead this team due to his experience and age.
SG: Goodwin who I thought with his height would be ok defensively and could score particularly if he could hit some from the arc.
SF: Poythress who I thought maybe could be a slashing wing if he did not have a shot.
PF: Wiltjer who could be a stretch 4 and his height would allow him to defend ok.
C: Noel defensively could replace Davis and UK could pick up more offense elsewhere.

With Cauley to back up in the post and Mayes to back up the guards, I thought UK would be fine.

Next year it appears to me:

PG: VACANT, I don't see one. Even if Harrow returns he is old enough he maybe what he will be.
SG: A. Harrison, A. Harrison sort of like Goodwin tall kids who can dribble well enough to dominate AAU.
SF: J. Young another 2/3 with a similar skill set.
PF: Lee, a skinny PF who needs to be bulking up now for college to be one and done.
C: Johnson, a skilled center but not a shot blocker in the Davis/Noel style.

So who comes back? Maybe Cauley who might start ahead of Johnson. Does Wiltjer hang around for another year? I am not sure what he gains in the UK program.

Now I could be completely wrong. Maybe whichever Harrison is suppose to be a PG will come in ready to dominate Wilbekin. Maybe the only issue this year for UK was leadership and the new group will show more leadership. Maybe Lee is another Tayshaun Prince and strong and wiry rather than skinny. But I have at least thought about these players more than WOW they are all 5 stars.

[dailydoublecat]

The Harrison's are players!! You have one that can drive and one that is a hell of a shooter. Young is going to be something else. Lee is a late bloomer. Johnson is a 5 man with a pretty good skill set and Willis is a Ky boy. We will add one more but maybe even more depending how this season ends.
Jeff

[bakaduin]

The Harrison's are players!! You have one that can drive and one that is a hell of a shooter. Young is going to be something else. Lee is a late bloomer. Johnson is a 5 man with a pretty good skill set and Willis is a Ky boy. We will add one more but maybe even more depending how this season ends.
Jeff

Ill wait and see. I heard all this rhetoric last year about the current UK freshman.

[dailydoublecat]

Ill wait and see. I heard all this rhetoric last year about the current UK freshman.

You didn't hear the rhetoric from me. All I knew about these freshmen was Noel was a hell of a shot blocker. I had never saw Harrow, Goodwin, Cauley-Stein, nor Poythress play.

But I do agree with you I want to see it. I think some of these freshmen may come back lol
Jeff

[BengermanV]

Kentucky will be good, not great, unless they get Wiggins next year.

[REM08]

I actually think this is going to change quite a bit at UK.

Let me ask this...aside from physical talent, what do the UK commits coming in next year look like from an attitude perspective? A lot has been made about Chris Walker having an attitude issue, but what about the Harrisons or the others?

Something Rosario said in the post game really struck me. He said with him, Murph and KB having a great work ethic this year amd expecting the same from the freshman/others, it has made this team continue to improve.

UK doesn't have any of that leadership and I wonder if there's any coming in next year like there was with Davis and MKG. There's a reason you hear about senior leadership.

For my UK friends, how does Cal approach that part of recruiting, meaning the attitudes? Does he focus on that much or is it all about getting the most physically talented players?

If I'm rambling, forgive me, I have a 2 year old hanging on me as I type on my smart phone :)

Cal makes no promises while recruiting. No shots, no minutes, no starting position. He tries to appeal to their competitive nature. He's always throwing around the cheesy phrases like "If you wanna go fast, go alone, but if you wanna go far, go together...etc". He's used the quote about MKG and Davis taking the 4th and 5th most shots on last years team probalby a thousand times. His recent mantra has been "losing yourself in the team." After this year, he'll actually have data to show players that his selfless players had more team success and were drafted higher than players that tried to do it their own way.

Veteran leadership is VERY helpful if its guys who do things like practice correctly. However, for last years team, it was actually MKG (as you correctly pointed out). Part way into the year he started the "breakfast club" where he pestered the whole team to go to breakfast early and pretty much do everything as a team whether it was the movies or whatever. He was a good player and knew how to practice and play. This is why not just any player, veteran or not, can lead.


The Harrisons are going to be very good and I don't expect too much of a learning curve. They already have chemistry. One of their strenghts is their size. They've got all the tools to be good defenders and have the size to bother smaller guards. I'm hoping that next years lack of a big time shotblocker will be somewhat offset by having bigger guards. One other aspect of next years team is that positions 1 - 3 will be very good 3pt shooters if their shooting translates to college.

The Twins have sulked on the court and fussed at teammates. The dynamics between their college team and coach will be VERY different than High School. All of the other signees seem excited about playing with them. They both have the alpha-male persona that UK is sorely lacking this year.

I'm not saying either is John Wall or anything, but I cant imagine how anyone could view last years (this years) class favorably compared with next years. Same with this years team and next years.

What could set next years team on another level is Wiggins. I don't know if we get him or not (seems like more saying not right now), but he is the (the only) truely special player in the class.

[regurgigator]

Whenever Noel took a seat, and later got hurt, you could see an immediate and PROFOUND difference in the Wildcats when they played this week against the Gators. The dropoff was huge. Suddenly the paint was wide open for anyone who wanted it.

I can't see UK making the NCAAT at this point, unless at least two of their guys step up in a huge way.

Yep.

Even before their game with us, the only thing about UK's team that I found impressive was what Noel did on the defensive end.

I'm one of the ones who thinks the loss of Yeguete (if he doesn't make it back for the Tourney) is a huge impact for us. But, our loss of Yeguete is insignificant compared to this UK team losing Noel. Count me as surprised if they beat anyone decent from here on out.

[jeffphillips21]

is this a Gators board?

[keypox]

is this a Gators board?

LOL Only on the 29th of February.

[GothamGator]

Kentucky can take solace in the fact that they closed on a 7-0 run to cut the final margin to 30.

All kidding aside, when is the last time (if ever) that we won by 30 and they lost by 30 on the same day. Pretty amazing and not likely to happen again soon.

I wonder if Cal considered emptying his bench early and playing some guys who might actually do something with the opportunity.

[PIMking]

Ahh an incest joke... Thanks that finishes the week for me

sorry man, I just couldn't resist! :)

[tegator80]

I think the future depends on what is or was said to recruits. If they embrace the thought of being coached up but aren't as ready for the NBA as many people thought (see Patric) then the future should work out fine, maybe even starting next year. But if you get the ones who are adored and have posses attached to them and are looking for the highest profile to get noticed then I am afraid that entitled freshmen become entitled sophomores. And eventually they are going to leave regardless of whether they heard the message from the coaches or not.

It hasn't happened yet but Kentucky in basketball may know what Notre Dame feels like in football: all of the legacy and huge fanbase may not mean anything to a lot of the up and coming recruits. We will see how it all plays out.

Me, I am just thankful that Billy decided to remain as our coach.

[NorthCaptivaGator]

Any NBA executive that drafts either of the UK guards in the first-round deserves to be fired, they just are not that good

[tommyuf21]

Any NBA executive that drafts either of the UK guards in the first-round deserves to be fired, they just are not that good

Stupidity is contagious in the league. In a weak draft, I wouldn't be suprised if Goodwin is taken in the first round.

Harrow won't be drafted.