So, will Kentucky dominate college ball for the foreseeable future?

[BlackWhiteGreen]

I don't really follow college basketball (or college sports at all, really) but with several high picks in recent years, are "1 and done" college players going to go to Kentucky knowing they're likely to be able to get drafted high? Or will players make decisions based on other factors?

[ukfan22]

Well, Cal's been here 3 years. I'd bet he stays for around 10 years total, and leaves with 3 titles (including this year).

You won't see a truly dominant team like 2011-12 every year, more like every other year.

[Rowe]

I don't really follow college basketball (or college sports at all, really) but with several high picks in recent years, are "1 and done" college players going to go to Kentucky knowing they're likely to be able to get drafted high? Or will players make decisions based on other factors?

No, Kentucky won't dominate college basketball every year.

What they had this season was a great team that probably won't ever be stacked like that until their 2013-2014 team. Last year they had 3 of the Top 10 freshman, including 2 of the Top 5 in Davis & Gilchrist along with players such as Lamb & Jones who could've been 1st Round picks the previous year.

But Calipari has definetly set up a stream of top recruits who are going to head to Kentucky for 1-2 years, play in front of a crowd larger than NBA arenas, on TV every game, & getting NBA exposure.

[IGotACoolStory]

Of course not.

They will consistently be around a Sweet 16-contender level depending on what they can haul in recruiting. But let's not act like UK gets every top recruit, nor that every top recruit they get will end up being John Wall or Anthony Davis every year. And that Sweet 16-contender level every year isn't only held by UK. You could argue UNC and Kansas are right there every year as well. Maybe even Duke if they weren't incredibly overrated every year.

Also, lest we forget that the college game has something called the NCAA Tournament. The best team doesn't win it all the time. Not that UK will be the best team every year... In fact, last year was the only year where you could say UK had the best team throughout the season. Maybe, you could argue the Wall-Cousins team, but I remember most people favoring Kansas on top going into the tournament. And neither of those teams even made the Final Four.

Last year they actually had one of their potential one and done's stay for his soph year (Jones) which greatly helped. Is that the first time that has happened since Cal has been there? If he leaves, UK isn't cutting down the nets, imo. What happens? Millers moves to the starting lineup and they are forced to actually use their depth? That team went 6 deep.

[ukfan22]

Of course not.

They will consistently be around a Sweet 16-contender level depending on what they can haul in recruiting. But let's not act like UK gets every top recruit, nor that every top recruit they get will end up being John Wall or Anthony Davis every year. And that Sweet 16-contender level every year isn't only held by UK. You could argue UNC and Kansas are right there every year as well. Maybe even Duke if they weren't incredibly overrated every year.

Also, lest we forget that the college game has something called the NCAA Tournament. The best team doesn't win it all the time. Not that UK will be the best team every year... In fact, last year was the only year where you could say UK had the best team throughout the season. Maybe, you could argue the Wall-Cousins team, but I remember most people favoring Kansas on top going into the tournament. And neither of those teams even made the Final Four.

Last year they actually had one of their potential one and done's stay for his soph year (Jones) which greatly helped. Is that the first time that has happened since Cal has been there? If he leaves, UK isn't cutting down the nets, imo. What happens? Millers moves to the starting lineup and they are forced to actually use their depth? That team went 6 deep.

that guy in your avatar will be cutting down some nets in UK blue

[Goliath Uterus]

Nope. They won't always have the mix of upperclassman experience and lower classman talent they had last year. Plus, there's no AD clogging up the lane. b I'm betting UK's '12 squad will be the best Cal will ever field. Next years team doesn't look all that scary.

[KG215]

Of course not.

They will consistently be around a Sweet 16-contender level depending on what they can haul in recruiting. But let's not act like UK gets every top recruit, nor that every top recruit they get will end up being John Wall or Anthony Davis every year. And that Sweet 16-contender level every year isn't only held by UK. You could argue UNC and Kansas are right there every year as well. Maybe even Duke if they weren't incredibly overrated every year.

Also, lest we forget that the college game has something called the NCAA Tournament. The best team doesn't win it all the time. Not that UK will be the best team every year... In fact, last year was the only year where you could say UK had the best team throughout the season. Maybe, you could argue the Wall-Cousins team, but I remember most people favoring Kansas on top going into the tournament. And neither of those teams even made the Final Four.

Last year they actually had one of their potential one and done's stay for his soph year (Jones) which greatly helped. Is that the first time that has happened since Cal has been there? If he leaves, UK isn't cutting down the nets, imo. What happens? Millers moves to the starting lineup and they are forced to actually use their depth? That team went 6 deep.

I agree with this, for the most part. I think you're selling Kentucky (and UNC and Kansas) a little short saying they're a Sweet 16 contender every year. Teams like Ohio State, Syracuse, and Michigan State are Sweet 16 contenders most years. UNC, Knetucky, and Kansas are Elite 8/Final 4 threats almost every season.

As for the OP, I don't know if they'll dominate, but they'll come close as long as the one-and-done rule is in place and Calipari is their head coach. UNC is the only other team that consistently comes close to recruiting on their level, and even then Roy Williams doesn't recruit sure fire one-and-dones to the extent Calipari does. Williams seems to have a recruiting pattern where every other 2-3 years he attempts to load up with five stars, and fills the other recruiting classes in with foundation and 2+ year four stars.

[TarHeels]

Good is a better word than dominant

[IGotACoolStory]

that guy in your avatar will be cutting down some nets in UK blue

Why so passive aggressive?

I wouldn't doubt it since, from everything I have heard, it's down between Florida State and Kentucky. Florida State just seems out of place, even if his parents went there and he and his family are real right with Coach Hamilton.



I agree with this, for the most part. I think you're selling Kentucky (and UNC and Kansas) a little short saying they're a Sweet 16 contender every year. Teams like Ohio State, Syracuse, and Michigan State are Sweet 16 contenders most years. UNC, Kentucky, and Kansas are Elite 8/Final 4 threats almost every season.

Almost every season, sure. Every season which is what I was getting after.

A F4 contender every year is, imo, a legitimate National Championship contender every year.

UNC (with Roy): 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012 were his possible championship years. That's 4 of his 9 seasons as the Tar Heels head coach.

KU (with Self): 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 were his possible championship years. That's also 4 of the 9 years. And frankly, I didn't think last year was a possible year until they found themselves in the National Championship game.

UK (with Cal): 2010, 2011, and 2012 were his possible championship years. That's all 3 of his years so he could technically be in that F4 threat every year conversation. Although you have to take it with a grain of salt when you are comparing 3 years to 9 years for the other two coaches, considering how quickly the landscape in college basketball can, and often does, change.

And let's do Duke in the last 9 years just because they are often thrown in the top tier group.

DU (with K - last 9 seasons): 2004, 2006, 2010 were his possible championship years. You could argue 2011 if Irving didn't get injured. But you could also do something similar for other teams, so we won't.


So most of the team didn't even reach half, unless you disagree with me on the potential championship years. IMO, that's not a high enough percentage to put them in a consistent Final Four team year in and year out.

Also, Syracuse does not belong in the Izzo and Matta group...

[Goliath Uterus]

No, they haven't even been dominating it lately. one championship is not "dominating".

[UConnCeltics]

Didn't Calipari say a year or two ago that he didn't plan on coaching for more than 10 more years? I remember reading it in an ESPN article.

And anyways, he thinks his shit doesn't stink but something will catch up to him eventually during his time at UK. We've seen it happen at UMASS and Memphis. But thats the nature of the beast. Dealing with all of these 5 star guys, especially at the volume he does, will eventually get you in trouble with the NCAA.

[ukfan22]

Didn't Calipari say a year or two ago that he didn't plan on coaching for more than 10 more years? I remember reading it in an ESPN article.

And anyways, he thinks his shit doesn't stink but something will catch up to him eventually during his time at UK. We've seen it happen at UMASS and Memphis. But thats the nature of the beast. Dealing with all of these 5 star guys, especially at the volume he does, will eventually get you in trouble with the NCAA.

lol, a UConn fan talking shit about NCAA problems

[chips93]

lol, a UConn fan talking shit about NCAA problems

dont be so obnoxious

everyone has a right to their opinion, regardless of what the program they follows, does

[UConnCeltics]

lol, a UConn fan talking shit about NCAA problems
Yup, buying a plane ticket illegally, texting a few too many times, and being retroactively punished for poor academic performance sure is the sign of a dirty program. You can find dirt on any program that competes at a high level in the NCAA, from UConn to UNC to UK to Indiana. Wherever whenever.

My favorite part of this post was when you defended Calipari.

Even UK homers like you know the NCAA will have your ass in a few years.

[beer]

Yup, buying a plane ticket illegally, texting a few too many times, and being retroactively punished for poor academic performance sure is the sign of a dirty program. You can find dirt on any program that competes at a high level in the NCAA, from UConn to UNC to UK to Indiana. Wherever whenever.

My favorite part of this post was when you defended Calipari.

Even UK homers like you know the NCAA will have your ass in a few years.

i remember rolling my eyes at this when i heard it. so the uconn team has bad enough grades to be punished but not UK? yeah, not believing it. But i get it, uconn is a legitimate university while UK is not. UK will give the basketball team the grades they need to play.

[CLTHornets4eva]

Yup, buying a plane ticket illegally, texting a few too many times, and being retroactively punished for poor academic performance sure is the sign of a dirty program. You can find dirt on any program that competes at a high level in the NCAA, from UConn to UNC to UK to Indiana. Wherever whenever.


:no:

UNC has never had major violations in basketball during the shot clock era.

Don't lump us with the UK's and UConns that have had multiple major NCAA violations, or Calipari who's waiting for his next violation to be handed down.

[ukfan22]

:oldlol:

[ukfan22]

:no:

UNC has never had major violations in basketball during the shot clock era.

Don't lump us with the UK's and UConns that have had multiple major NCAA violations, or Calipari who's waiting for his next violation to be handed down.

It's s good thing everyone seems to be ignoring the academic fraud that involved half your 2005 team championship team.

Swept under the rug already.

[wang4three]

Eh, until Calipari leaves for an NBA team or something. Can't see him staying at UK for more than 3-4 more years. He almost has nothing left to prove. That is, assuming they don't find some foul play like in his past.

[InspiredLebowski]

Hope so. Really do. Purdue can rack up some really good classes like they have been the next couple years, let em grow, build continuity, blah blah blah, but they're not winning a title.

And that's honestly fine with me. Looking at it completely selfishly, like every fan that doesn't root for maybe 4/5 schools should, GOOD. Most of the regular posters here are fans/alumni of big conference schools. Don't knock Calipari and UK for just taking advantage of the system. It's an "amateur" basketball problem, not NCAA.

You're 18, you're a legal adult. There's absolutely no reason for players not to be eligible once they hit 18 other than NBA GMs being punk asses that don't trust their staff's evaluations.

The AAU culutre of prep hoops is an entirely different animal and I'm not about to pretend I know how to legitimately "fix" it. But divorcing big money athletics from college athletics is a good start. 15 year old actors can drop out of school and get tutored on set in a trailer and no one cares. Why can't there be a structured, fully sanctioned Euro style minor league? Morally gross? You bet. But anymore than it already is?

It all boils down to, for me, let these kids make money for themselves. Everyone else is. There's an entire industry built on watching high school sophomores. Grown men make a living telling us how good they think 15 year olds are. That disgusts you less than the actual 15 year old making a couple grand a month to pay his mom's light bill? Take the kid gloves off. The industry of basketball doesn't treat these kids as children until it comes time to compensate them.

PAY EM.

[wang4three]

I'm ok with paying players as long as they're not using tax payer or tuition fees. I can't justify paying players salaries when academics are being sacrificed just to do that. It doesn't serve the greater good.

And the NBA needs to get the age minimum back to 18. It's egregious how they're using college as a weed out system.

[InspiredLebowski]

I'm ok with paying players as long as they're not using tax payer or tuition fees. I can't justify paying players salaries when academics are being sacrificed just to do that. It doesn't serve the greater good.

And the NBA needs to get the age minimum back to 18. It's egregious how they're using college as a weed out system.Completely agreed.

Which is why NCAA basketball needs to stop being the de facto minor league for the NBA and the NFL. ESPECIALLY the NFL, but that's a different thread. There needs to be legitimate minor leagues for both. Starting whenever the kid's parents want to sign the contract. The only way you can be against is either you're so disillusioned to think AAU tourneys will basically become minor leagues, which they won't, there'd be maybe 15 kids a year. And their entire future is predicated on basketball anyway, stop kidding yourselves thinking the majority of scholarship athlets are in it for the education.I'm talking about NBA sanctioned academies, just like the Euroleague.

"Amateur basketball" is clearly a huge business. It's far past time to make it an above board one. A kid doesn't succeed at it? Tough. Same way he doesn't succeed spending 65% of his time out of a classroom getting that "Organizational Leadership degree." A lot of people are honestly just kidding themselves.

[Burgz V2]

Hope so. Really do. Purdue can rack up some really good classes like they have been the next couple years, let em grow, build continuity, blah blah blah, but they're not winning a title.

And that's honestly fine with me. Looking at it completely selfishly, like every fan that doesn't root for maybe 4/5 schools should, GOOD. Most of the regular posters here are fans/alumni of big conference schools. Don't knock Calipari and UK for just taking advantage of the system. It's an "amateur" basketball problem, not NCAA.

You're 18, you're a legal adult. There's absolutely no reason for players not to be eligible once they hit 18 other than NBA GMs being punk asses that don't trust their staff's evaluations.

The AAU culutre of prep hoops is an entirely different animal and I'm not about to pretend I know how to legitimately "fix" it. But divorcing big money athletics from college athletics is a good start. 15 year old actors can drop out of school and get tutored on set in a trailer and no one cares. Why can't there be a structured, fully sanctioned Euro style minor league? Morally gross? You bet. But anymore than it already is?

It all boils down to, for me, let these kids make money for themselves. Everyone else is. There's an entire industry built on watching high school sophomores. Grown men make a living telling us how good they think 15 year olds are. That disgusts you less than the actual 15 year old making a couple grand a month to pay his mom's light bill? Take the kid gloves off. The industry of basketball doesn't treat these kids as children until it comes time to compensate them.

PAY EM.

in addition to this a lot of student athletes (at least at the top tier schools) are not allowed to miss class, while their colleagues are afforded the discretion by their professors to go to class when they see fit.

I'm not advocating them skipping class at all, rather, it's just more evidence of the mixed message that the NCAA sends its student-athletes

if these athletes want to make a smoother transition to the NBA, get rid of all these rules and if they make poor decisions then so be it, let them learn the hard way like anyone else

as for paying them, i definitely would endorse an idea like that, these schools make ridiculous sums of money from their athletic programs and it could even be an incentive for players to stay. Why tell a guy he's not old enough to go to the NBA, but he can join the army and kill people, i dont get it

[JellyBean]

If they keep getting quality players that are coachable and clean cut, Kentucky will be a top program for awhile.

[InspiredLebowski]

in addition to this a lot of student athletes (at least at the top tier schools) are not allowed to miss class, while their colleagues are afforded the discretion by their professors to go to class when they see fit.

I'm not advocating them skipping class at all, rather, it's just more evidence of the mixed message that the NCAA sends its student-athletes

if these athletes want to make a smoother transition to the NBA, get rid of all these rules and if they make poor decisions then so be it, let them learn the hard way like anyone else

as for paying them, i definitely would endorse an idea like that, these schools make ridiculous sums of money from their athletic programs and it could even be an incentive for players to stay. Why tell a guy he's not old enough to go to the NBA, but he can join the army and kill people, i dont get itTo be clear, I don't want the NCAA, a conference, or a specific school to compensate them. I want to entirely divorce amateur basketball from college athletics. Go the baseball route, kid wants to enter the draft straight outta HS? Cool, here's your contract offer. He wants to go to college. You're there at least 3 years.

The bastardization of post secondary education in lieu of athletics should seriously gross people out. Kids are enrolled in a lot of the schools we attended strictly because they're good ball players. Cite all the bullshit GPA stats you want, these kids are not at college to learn. THAT IS WHY COLLEGE EXISTS, NOT TO HAVE A GOOD BASKETBALL TEAM. They're already majoring in basketball. Make it real, make it a real job. I want these kids to make money off their talent but more than anything I want them to stop making a joke out of college.

[Burgz V2]

To be clear, I don't want the NCAA, a conference, or a specific school to compensate them. I want to entirely divorce amateur basketball from college athletics. Go the baseball route, kid wants to enter the draft straight outta HS? Cool, here's your contract offer. He wants to go to college. You're there at least 3 years.

The bastardization of post secondary education in lieu of athletics should seriously gross people out. Kids are enrolled in a lot of the schools we attended strictly because they're good ball players. Cite all the bullshit GPA stats you want, these kids are not at college to learn. THAT IS WHY COLLEGE EXISTS, NOT TO HAVE A GOOD BASKETBALL TEAM. They're already majoring in basketball. Make it real, make it a real job. I want these kids to make money off their talent but more than anything I want them to stop making a joke out of college.

very admirable, but man, do realize how impossible that seems? these amateur teams are hardly amateur anyways, everywhere you look there is a team sponsored by nike, a tournament by adidas etc. etc. These sponsorships have taken over the AAU circuit and the AAU circuit has taken the place of old fashioned college recruiting.

in terms of just basketball, the AAU game has begun to create a generation of players that only knows how to play when the ball is in their hands and i'm not particularly fond of that either

i've always been lukewarm to the baseball system, however, i agree it works in allowing players to see what they can make now and make an educated decision as to whether to sign or go to college. However, i think the existence of a proper farm system in baseball helps this though; a place where they can play and still get paid and realistically still have a shot of being a good player in the majors. Until that happens I think we are stuck with the same old system, possibly intensified.

the reasoning behind paying them make sense, sure, but i think it's a slippery slope. how would you differ how much players at Michigan St. make and say a school like Western Kentucky? I'm at a loss for ideas on that one.

btw, Purdue looking like contenders as early as 2013. If Hammons comes in in-shape they could possibly make some noise in the conference this year, last year was unfortunate with all the distractions

[wang4three]

To be clear, I don't want the NCAA, a conference, or a specific school to compensate them. I want to entirely divorce amateur basketball from college athletics. Go the baseball route, kid wants to enter the draft straight outta HS? Cool, here's your contract offer. He wants to go to college. You're there at least 3 years.

The bastardization of post secondary education in lieu of athletics should seriously gross people out. Kids are enrolled in a lot of the schools we attended strictly because they're good ball players. Cite all the bullshit GPA stats you want, these kids are not at college to learn. THAT IS WHY COLLEGE EXISTS, NOT TO HAVE A GOOD BASKETBALL TEAM. They're already majoring in basketball. Make it real, make it a real job. I want these kids to make money off their talent but more than anything I want them to stop making a joke out of college.

QFT

[SourPatchKids]

I predict no Kentucky in next year's final four.

[ukfan22]

I predict no Kentucky in next year's final four.

who knows

next year is a down year for college basketball, and we'll have a lot of talent. Not much depth, but 3-4 top 20 picks. I think Cal has proven what he can do by now. I'd take our team over anyone but maybe Indiana.

[ukfan22]

and I'm not even entirely sold on Indiana, because they looked amazing when they play us and kind of mediocre against pretty much everyone else. Watford especially would be the number one pick just based off his performances against UK, dude is unstoppable.

[Burgz V2]

and I'm not even entirely sold on Indiana, because they looked amazing when they play us and kind of mediocre against pretty much everyone else. Watford especially would be the number one pick just based off his performances against UK, dude is unstoppable.

Indiana has a great homecourt advantage and players who play great under pressure. They've been non-factors on the national stage for so long now that i think they still play down to some teams' level, but when it's time to play a national contender, they all of sudden step it up.

coming into this year they are going to be dangerous thats for sure, they have a good incoming class and retained their entire core from last season Plus Cody Zeller gonna be a Wooden/Naismith candidate right from the jump

[SourPatchKids]

http://kysportsbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Alex-Poythress.jpg
Alex Poythress, aka MKG 2.0.

[fatboy11]

They aren't going to dominate this season. This will be perhaps Calipari's weakest squad since he's been at UK.

Now, even if they don't "dominate", they obviously still have the talent to go to the Sweet 16.

[SourPatchKids]

They aren't going to dominate this season. This will be perhaps Calipari's weakest squad since he's been at UK.

Now, even if they don't "dominate", they obviously still have the talent to go to the Sweet 16.
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lu98w5fF2e1qccuauo1_500.jpg
As much as I hate, to admit it Kentucky has a legitimate shot to repeat as national champs.

[fatboy11]

As much as I hate, to admit it Kentucky has a legitimate shot to repeat as national champs.

They might not even be the best team in the SEC this year. Their freshmen class is not on par with 2011 or Cal's first year. Last year was a special group.

I could see Missouri and Florida being better than Kentucky this year. Though, admittedly, I could see Kentucky again being the best in the SEC. I don't see them repeating as national champs, though. That's hard enough to do with a full returning squad, let alone a group of lesser talented freshmen.

[Burgz V2]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lu98w5fF2e1qccuauo1_500.jpg
As much as I hate, to admit it Kentucky has a legitimate shot to repeat as national champs.

there are a lot of other teams that have been loading up on talent and kentucky is running with froshes once again.

With the field being much deeper Kentucky may not even get to the SEC finals this year tbh

[ukfan22]

there are a lot of other teams that have been loading up on talent and kentucky is running with froshes once again.

With the field being much deeper Kentucky may not even get to the SEC finals this year tbh

Vandy and Mizzou lost basically everyone, and Florida lost their best player and another starter in Irving. There are a few other solid teams, but no one near UK's talent level.

Not saying they will definitely win the league, but I think they should be considered the favorite. Especially if we get this Clanton transfer from UCF.

[SourPatchKids]

They basically brought in the perfect replacements for MKG and Davis(minus the uni). They also have plenty of upperclassmen to lead the team.

[Burgz V2]

Vandy and Mizzou lost basically everyone, and Florida lost their best player and another starter in Irving. There are a few other solid teams, but no one near UK's talent level.

Not saying they will definitely win the league, but I think they should be considered the favorite. Especially if we get this Clanton transfer from UCF.

i think the key, as is with a lot of UK teams, will be the PG play. I'm not entirely sold on Ryan Harrow and I seen anything from Goodwin to suggest he can be the same type of outside threat as lamb. Poythress is potentially an elite defender and so is Noel.

Mizzou lost some key players but the Oriakhi transfer makes their frontcourt pretty solid as they are getting Bowers back this season after missing all of last season.

Are they the favorite in the SEC?Sure, I would agree that statement. But like i was saying to the poster above, it's not as clear cut that they are the NATIONAL favourites, there's a lot of great talent out there.

[fatboy11]

Vandy and Mizzou lost basically everyone, and Florida lost their best player and another starter in Irving. There are a few other solid teams, but no one near UK's talent level.

Erving Walker wasn't Florida's best player. I expect them to be better without him. Yes, I actually mean that and should be held to that.

Missouri lost a lot, but they also have a lot of good transfers coming in. They still have Pressey and Dixon in the backcourt to go with Oriahki up front.

Missouri and Florida are easily as good as UK. Definitely Florida. And don't forget Tennesse. They return their whole team and they actually finished tied for 2nd in the SEC last season. Don't sleep on them.


Not saying they will definitely win the league, but I think they should be considered the favorite. Especially if we get this Clanton transfer from UCF.

How can you say in one sentence that no one in the SEC has talent near UK's, but then turn around and give yourself an out by saying you aren't saying they'll definitely win. If it's truly not close, they should definitely win, right?

[fatboy11]

They basically brought in the perfect replacements for MKG and Davis(minus the uni). They also have plenty of upperclassmen to lead the team.

Julius Mays (not SEC caliber), Kyle Wiltjer, and Ryan Harrow (like Wiltjer, only played one season of college ball) isn't exactly "plenty" of upperclassmen and their ability to lead is very much in question.

No one is denying that UK won't be good. They'll be a top program, but to consider this a lateral move and that they should be considered championship favorites is being a bit naive. I'd be impressed if they made to the Final Four again. I think Sweet 16 is more likely. Noel isn't nearly as good as Davis and Poythress isn't nearly as developed physically as MKG. Harrow, on the other hand, might actually be an upgrade over Teague.

[LBJMVP]

Hahahahahahahah no.

[ukfan22]

well it didn't go well

But they would have made the tourney if Noel hadn't got hurt, and they did finish second in the League. Perhaps it's a blessing, next year's team could be something else.

let's not forget, UNC and UF failed to make the tournament after their most recent titles as well

[Burgz V2]

This thread made me seem hella smart :lol

[ILLsmak]

I wonder what level of mediocrity the Cats would have to play at... and for how long before they stopped being able to pull a top 5 recruiting class every year.

-Smak

[KG215]

I thought it was very obvious Kentucky was vastly over ranked in preseason polls. None of their incoming recruits were going to be on the same level as Davis and MKG,, although Noel was getting close before he got hurt. It was the same thing that happened to UNC in 2010 and, to a lesser extent, this year. No team that loses basically every single starter/rotation player shouldn't sniff the top 20 let alone the top 5 in any preseason ranking. UNC had no business being a preseason top 10 team in 2010 or a top 15 team this year. 2010 just turned into a mega disaster because everyone kept getting hurt and missing chunks of games.

Anyway, I don't really see the big deal about Kentucky's season other than that it ended in a first round NIT loss. They lost their best player about midway through conference play. If Nerlens doesn't get hurt, they're comfortably a tournament team. I mean their ceiling would've been Sweet 16 (maybe Elite 8 with a good draw) but they would've won more games and comfortably made the tournament with Noel.

Next year is going to be interesting. Thought I heard Goodwin already said he's coming back, and if Poythress comes back that's going to be a shitload of talent and egos to manage next year, and there's only one ball. Even without Poythress and Noel it still won't be easy managing everyone.

[Burgz V2]

I wonder what level of mediocrity the Cats would have to play at... and for how long before they stopped being able to pull a top 5 recruiting class every year.

-Smak

They are one of the most storied basketball programs in NCAA history. Great coaches will always relish the opportunity to coach there, and players will always want to play there. This year was to be expected tbh because of the one and dones they've had for the last 2-3 years. You can't compete every year like that and not expect to have a lull eventually.

Those UK teams that made deep runs the last couple of years have had upperclassmen that were key to their success but those key upperclassmen (Darius Miller, Deandre Liggins, Josh Harrelson, Patrick Patterson etc etc) have gradually been phased out of their squad and they haven't had that presence since. This year guys like Harrow and Wiltjier weren't really battle tested enough to be relied on heavily, essentially putting all the pressure on the freshmen themselves. And let's face it, they aren't anywhere near Wall, Bledsoe, Cousins, Davis, MKG, Jones type talent level. Noel is the most talented player and in terms of impact he may have rivalled Davis, but let's just be honest, he is nowhere near as talented and dominant on both sides of the ball like Davis was.

Next year they will beast again and as long as Cal is there, the players talented enough to do a one and done will always have UK towards the top of their list.

[GOBB]

I thought it was very obvious Kentucky was vastly over ranked in preseason polls. None of their incoming recruits were going to be on the same level as Davis and MKG,, although Noel was getting close before he got hurt. It was the same thing that happened to UNC in 2010 and, to a lesser extent, this year. No team that loses basically every single starter/rotation player shouldn't sniff the top 20 let alone the top 5 in any preseason ranking. UNC had no business being a preseason top 10 team in 2010 or a top 15 team this year. 2010 just turned into a mega disaster because everyone kept getting hurt and missing chunks of games.

Anyway, I don't really see the big deal about Kentucky's season other than that it ended in a first round NIT loss. They lost their best player about midway through conference play. If Nerlens doesn't get hurt, they're comfortably a tournament team. I mean their ceiling would've been Sweet 16 (maybe Elite 8 with a good draw) but they would've won more games and comfortably made the tournament with Noel.

Next year is going to be interesting. Thought I heard Goodwin already said he's coming back, and if Poythress comes back that's going to be a shitload of talent and egos to manage next year, and there's only one ball. Even without Poythress and Noel it still won't be easy managing everyone.

:roll: Get the f*ck out of here with this crap. Sorry.

Probably the softest collection of top all americans in awhile. And even Noel wasnt that impressive prior to injury. Did you see them play? No fight, no heart.

[ukfan22]

:roll: Get the f*ck out of here with this crap. Sorry.

Probably the softest collection of top all americans in awhile. And even Noel wasnt that impressive prior to injury. Did you see them play? No fight, no heart.

He led the nation in blocks and was the likely conference POY and national DPOY

[ukfan22]

I thought it was very obvious Kentucky was vastly over ranked in preseason polls. None of their incoming recruits were going to be on the same level as Davis and MKG,, although Noel was getting close before he got hurt. It was the same thing that happened to UNC in 2010 and, to a lesser extent, this year. No team that loses basically every single starter/rotation player shouldn't sniff the top 20 let alone the top 5 in any preseason ranking. UNC had no business being a preseason top 10 team in 2010 or a top 15 team this year. 2010 just turned into a mega disaster because everyone kept getting hurt and missing chunks of games.

Anyway, I don't really see the big deal about Kentucky's season other than that it ended in a first round NIT loss. They lost their best player about midway through conference play. If Nerlens doesn't get hurt, they're comfortably a tournament team. I mean their ceiling would've been Sweet 16 (maybe Elite 8 with a good draw) but they would've won more games and comfortably made the tournament with Noel.

Next year is going to be interesting. Thought I heard Goodwin already said he's coming back, and if Poythress comes back that's going to be a shitload of talent and egos to manage next year, and there's only one ball. Even without Poythress and Noel it still won't be easy managing everyone.

I thank you for this reasoned post :cheers:

I agree that it will be interesting in regards to minutes next year, but I think Cal has changed his tactics after this season. He is going to get all the talent he can, and let them fight it out in practice, and the best man will get the most minutes. In the past, he's been keeping a short roster, but it worked out. It didn't this year, and that's going to change. He doesn't owe any of them anything, you're going to earn your minutes now.

[Balla_Status]

SEC was terrible this year.

[KG215]

I thank you for this reasoned post :cheers:

I agree that it will be interesting in regards to minutes next year, but I think Cal has changed his tactics after this season. He is going to get all the talent he can, and let them fight it out in practice, and the best man will get the most minutes. In the past, he's been keeping a short roster, but it worked out. It didn't this year, and that's going to change. He doesn't owe any of them anything, you're going to earn your minutes now.
2010 really humbled me. I think UNC was ranked as high as #8 or #6 in some preseason polls despite losing Hansbrough, Lawson, Green, and Ellington. Ed Davis came back, but he missed close to 15 games at the end of the year and in the NIT tournament; and other supposed to be key players like Tyler Zeller missed a pretty big chunk of games. And on top of that, Roy decided to try John Henson out at SF to start the season which was a disaster. He really came on strong at the end of the season after getting more comfortable playing PF, and was probably the biggest reason we were able to put something together and make the NIT championship game.

It felt like the world was ending and non-UNC fans were making fun of UNC for only being able to make the NIT a year after winning the national championship without putting anything into perspective.

[GOBB]

He led the nation in blocks and was the likely conference POY and national DPOY

Thats what he was known to bring coming from high school. Defensively he's good. While his light in the ass frame allows someone with size to establish position and beast him and he is still learning the nuances of defense outside of shotblocking. Offensively he was as raw as you can get. And I question that kids motor. How hard does he really work and want it? Periods in a game dude is just another tall kid out there. For all the hype about him? Thats not good.

And I dont even base any of this off of Anthony Davis last year. Isolating what the kid has done thus far in college and no progress was made offensively by him. So I wasnt impressed with him as a basketball player this season at all.

Dont get me started on the team. Soft. Hopefully next years class brings some toughness with them.

[JellyBean]

This had to be a frustrating season for coach Calipari. Well just watching the all-access on ESPN kind of gave us a clue but man this had to be a rough season for coach Calipari. But Kentucky will be back among the top 15 teams next season.

[ukfan22]

Thats what he was known to bring coming from high school. Defensively he's good. While his light in the ass frame allows someone with size to establish position and beast him and he is still learning the nuances of defense outside of shotblocking. Offensively he was as raw as you can get. And I question that kids motor. How hard does he really work and want it? Periods in a game dude is just another tall kid out there. For all the hype about him? Thats not good.

And I dont even base any of this off of Anthony Davis last year. Isolating what the kid has done thus far in college and no progress was made offensively by him. So I wasnt impressed with him as a basketball player this season at all.

Dont get me started on the team. Soft. Hopefully next years class brings some toughness with them.

You clearly did not watch Kentucky very much if you are questioning his motor:wtf:

for god's sake, he tore his ACL because he chased down a guy from behind on a fast break with his team down 15 w/ like 8 minutes left

[GOBB]

You clearly did not watch Kentucky very much if you are questioning his motor:wtf:

for god's sake, he tore his ACL because he chased down a guy from behind on a fast break with his team down 15 w/ like 8 minutes left

:sleeping

[ukfan22]

:sleeping

okay, good response

[ILLsmak]

They are one of the most storied basketball programs in NCAA history. Great coaches will always relish the opportunity to coach there, and players will always want to play there. This year was to be expected tbh because of the one and dones they've had for the last 2-3 years. You can't compete every year like that and not expect to have a lull eventually.

Those UK teams that made deep runs the last couple of years have had upperclassmen that were key to their success but those key upperclassmen (Darius Miller, Deandre Liggins, Josh Harrelson, Patrick Patterson etc etc) have gradually been phased out of their squad and they haven't had that presence since. This year guys like Harrow and Wiltjier weren't really battle tested enough to be relied on heavily, essentially putting all the pressure on the freshmen themselves. And let's face it, they aren't anywhere near Wall, Bledsoe, Cousins, Davis, MKG, Jones type talent level. Noel is the most talented player and in terms of impact he may have rivalled Davis, but let's just be honest, he is nowhere near as talented and dominant on both sides of the ball like Davis was.

Next year they will beast again and as long as Cal is there, the players talented enough to do a one and done will always have UK towards the top of their list.

Yea, but why? There are other storied schools that don't pull the type of recruits Kentucky does. I'm just asking, and I think it's a legit question, at what point would they no longer be a lock to be pulling like 4 top 15 players every year. "Always" you say? I don't know. Maybe...

-Smak

[GOBB]

okay, good response

Considering you addressed only a part of my post? :oldlol: