A couple weeks ago, inside someone's thread, I created a long reply containing a paragraph of what Cal should say to each player after the season. Many of you seemed to like/agree-with what I wrote, one even saying Cal should print this off and read it to each player.
But now I'm posting this from the other perspective. Not exactly the players perspective, but as a dad of 2 boys roughly the age of these kids/players, from from a Dad's/Parent's perspective of what I would say if it was my son. Me (the UK fan) wants every one of them to return, and can come up with justifiable reasons why each should or might return (except Rob).
Rob D - You have nothing left to prove. And I think the coaches will agree. Just keep working at it, getting better, getting stronger, and I know you will be a success in the league next year.
Hart - I know it's been a frustrating year for you. You played "walk-on minutes" this year. And I'm sure you saw in practice and the coaches told you what you need to work on to improve and to be able to be a contributing player. They probably want you stronger, quicker, and to defend better. But I doubt it will happen over 1 summer. So are you ok next year also being near the end of the bench, maybe playing a bit more next year but probably topping out at 5 mpg? And a positive scenario being you start contributing as a JR, and then more as as SR. If not, then I would understand wanting to transfer elsewhere so that you can do what you've always have dreamed about doing. Who knows, maybe you go to a lesser school and prove how good you can be, and if you really liked being at UK could transfer back here.
Burks - I know you didn't play as much as you would like this year, especially after some of the guys returned from injuries. But I think you both showed the coaches some good ways you can contribute as well as good effort, but you also showed some areas you need to improve. But I know how hard you work, and believe in you that you will improve those areas this summer, and can be a big part of next year's team. You will have a year of experience over those incoming FR, just like Adou had on you this past year. And I hope you have a step forward next year like Adou did, I think you can if you work hard and are given the chance. But I do think you need to discuss with Cal & the other coaches what they see your role next year being, AND ask what types of promises may have been made to FR coming in, OR if Aaron returns how might he affect your opportunities. Because if your skill and contribution and effort dictates you deserve 30 min then you should get 30 min, if they dictate you deserve 20 min then you should get 20 min, but if they dictate you only deserve 5 min then you should get only 5 min. And then after those discussions (& what you believe from them), whatever you decide is best for you I support.
Onyenso - I want you to do what is best for you, don't worry about me/us. But you don't get re-do's, so I think you know if UK and their coaches is the right place for you to develop and get better or not. Advisors are there to advise you, but not to tell you what to do. But it was a crowded situation this year with you and Trey and Aaron and Z. And next year there are 2 new FR who play around the rim joining. If you are the only experienced front court player then I believe you will have a good role. But if there is 1 more (returnee or transfer), then I think it's important for you to ask the coach(es) how they see you and the others fitting in together. If there are 2 more, I think it will be like this year and you may not play as much as you would like, so that may not be the best place for you.
Theiro - I know last year was tough. But you worked hard last summer and showed the coaches what you can do. I love how much you improved. And if you work hard again this summer (especially on shooting) I think you have a very high ceiling. But I guess the one thing to ask Cal is does he see you more as a 3/SF or 4/PF next year? And maybe his answer will partly depend on how much you improve your shot and your ballhandling. But with how you've progressed there, I see no reason to look elsewhere. But I think you are getting close enough to ready, to "test the draft waters" and get feedback from the NBA teams on what they think you need to improve on most (if I'm applying for a job, do I ask my current employer or my future employer what skills I need to make that next step). But even if they tell you they might consider you in the 2nd round, you are rough/unpolished enough that they would have you spending next year in the G-league, so I don't see a benefit to leaving unless they surprising tell you they like you in the 1st round.
Bradshaw - I know this past year did not go as you expected, all turning south when you broke your foot at the McD game. Those 19-24 year olds were a lot stronger and more physical than the 15-19 yr olds you've played against in HS. And I'm sure playing vs Grown-Men in the NBA is even more challenging in that area. So you obviously need to get stronger, get a bit more size on you, while still maintaining your quickness and skills. If you think UK is the place to do that at, or if you think another school is, I support you either way. But don't leave because of how much you played, because I'm not sure your performance should have gotten you any more playing time. But I guess the one thing to ask Cal is does he see you more as a 4/PF or 5/C next year? I don't think you want to be a 5/C. And then how does he see you fitting in with the other wrt who plays where.
Edwards - I know this year was not the outcome you expected. You entered the season projected as a top 5 pick, then was projected not even to be drafted, and now are projected a late 1st or early 2nd round pick. You definitely should go through the draft process and see what teams say & think. Then decide if you think you can significantly improve your draft position by working hard this summer and having a much better 2nd year (like you showed in a few games late). I just don't want you to go too soon and be lost in the shuffle with a bunch of other "potential players" in the G-league. Cal certainly gave you every opportunity to succeed. But only you can make that happen.
Wagner - I know your ankle issues, even when you played, you weren't the same player that I know you are and can be. It's a shame you didn't get to show them all how good you are. I also am sure you didn't like sharing the backcourt with 3 other good players. But that's what the NBA is, everyone there is good. That competition every day will push you harder, get you better. But I still think you should go through the draft process and see what teams say & think. And then decide if you think that draft position is good enough or if you think you can significantly improve it by playing at UK another year. And yeah, maybe your decision is also affected by what Reed does.
Z - The NCAA and UK admissions office both really screwed you over this past year. But what's passed is past. Once Cal started giving you opportunities you often, but not always, did show what you can do. And I saw improvement in the little things that don't show up in stats, like knowing where to be. But your skills did show. I think you should go through the draft process and see what teams say. If you can get drafted in the 1st round go for it. But if not, I think you will really show everyone next year how good you are and can be. And then that summer NBA teams will be fighting over you.
Reed - There are a lot of considerations for you. First of all, your mom and I are fine, you don't have to worry about taking care of us, we just want you to do what's best for you and your future. Your mom and I both spent 4-5 years at UK and loved our time there. Maybe you have, or haven't. But you can only be a kid once, and once you go pro you have to start adulting (living alone probably in a big city with lots of distractions, paying bills, etc...). So if you've enjoyed "the college experience", I would understand wanting to have that 1 more year. Also that would get you 1 year closer to getting a degree (which we both did), because you never know how things will go, and so it's good to have that to fall back on. I also know it's been your dream to wear the UK blue and hit that game winning shot and win a championship for the team you've followed your whole life. And you got to do some of that, but not all of it. But there are no guarantees, even if you stay 4 years you might not win a championship, most players (even at UK) don't. I do think you should go through the draft process, see what teams tell you. They may decide you need to get stronger and quicker to effectively play vs Grown-Men. They may want to see more from you on creating your own shot. But they might also be willing to wait for you to develop in those areas while with them. But something to consider is that while the rookie contract is very nice, the one that will set you and your kids and maybe even their kids for life is that 2nd contract. So wrt the money, you want to maximize your career earnings, by increasing the chances of a larger 2nd contract. But if you do return to UK, I think you need to speak with Cal and get his confirmation that this will be your team to run.
IMO, we get back Theiro (90%), Burks (80%), then the water gets cloudy with Hart (60%), Reed (60%), Z (40%), Bradshaw (35%) Wagner (30%), Edwards (25%), Onyenso (25%), Dillingham (<1%).
I don't think we return both Reed and Wagner. It's one or the other, with 10% chance neither.
I also don't think we return both Onyenso and Z. And maybe add Bradshaw to that (just 1 of the 3).
If we lose Burks, I think it's tampering, with some school offering him a big NIL deal even though not in the portal.
But now I'm posting this from the other perspective. Not exactly the players perspective, but as a dad of 2 boys roughly the age of these kids/players, from from a Dad's/Parent's perspective of what I would say if it was my son. Me (the UK fan) wants every one of them to return, and can come up with justifiable reasons why each should or might return (except Rob).
Rob D - You have nothing left to prove. And I think the coaches will agree. Just keep working at it, getting better, getting stronger, and I know you will be a success in the league next year.
Hart - I know it's been a frustrating year for you. You played "walk-on minutes" this year. And I'm sure you saw in practice and the coaches told you what you need to work on to improve and to be able to be a contributing player. They probably want you stronger, quicker, and to defend better. But I doubt it will happen over 1 summer. So are you ok next year also being near the end of the bench, maybe playing a bit more next year but probably topping out at 5 mpg? And a positive scenario being you start contributing as a JR, and then more as as SR. If not, then I would understand wanting to transfer elsewhere so that you can do what you've always have dreamed about doing. Who knows, maybe you go to a lesser school and prove how good you can be, and if you really liked being at UK could transfer back here.
Burks - I know you didn't play as much as you would like this year, especially after some of the guys returned from injuries. But I think you both showed the coaches some good ways you can contribute as well as good effort, but you also showed some areas you need to improve. But I know how hard you work, and believe in you that you will improve those areas this summer, and can be a big part of next year's team. You will have a year of experience over those incoming FR, just like Adou had on you this past year. And I hope you have a step forward next year like Adou did, I think you can if you work hard and are given the chance. But I do think you need to discuss with Cal & the other coaches what they see your role next year being, AND ask what types of promises may have been made to FR coming in, OR if Aaron returns how might he affect your opportunities. Because if your skill and contribution and effort dictates you deserve 30 min then you should get 30 min, if they dictate you deserve 20 min then you should get 20 min, but if they dictate you only deserve 5 min then you should get only 5 min. And then after those discussions (& what you believe from them), whatever you decide is best for you I support.
Onyenso - I want you to do what is best for you, don't worry about me/us. But you don't get re-do's, so I think you know if UK and their coaches is the right place for you to develop and get better or not. Advisors are there to advise you, but not to tell you what to do. But it was a crowded situation this year with you and Trey and Aaron and Z. And next year there are 2 new FR who play around the rim joining. If you are the only experienced front court player then I believe you will have a good role. But if there is 1 more (returnee or transfer), then I think it's important for you to ask the coach(es) how they see you and the others fitting in together. If there are 2 more, I think it will be like this year and you may not play as much as you would like, so that may not be the best place for you.
Theiro - I know last year was tough. But you worked hard last summer and showed the coaches what you can do. I love how much you improved. And if you work hard again this summer (especially on shooting) I think you have a very high ceiling. But I guess the one thing to ask Cal is does he see you more as a 3/SF or 4/PF next year? And maybe his answer will partly depend on how much you improve your shot and your ballhandling. But with how you've progressed there, I see no reason to look elsewhere. But I think you are getting close enough to ready, to "test the draft waters" and get feedback from the NBA teams on what they think you need to improve on most (if I'm applying for a job, do I ask my current employer or my future employer what skills I need to make that next step). But even if they tell you they might consider you in the 2nd round, you are rough/unpolished enough that they would have you spending next year in the G-league, so I don't see a benefit to leaving unless they surprising tell you they like you in the 1st round.
Bradshaw - I know this past year did not go as you expected, all turning south when you broke your foot at the McD game. Those 19-24 year olds were a lot stronger and more physical than the 15-19 yr olds you've played against in HS. And I'm sure playing vs Grown-Men in the NBA is even more challenging in that area. So you obviously need to get stronger, get a bit more size on you, while still maintaining your quickness and skills. If you think UK is the place to do that at, or if you think another school is, I support you either way. But don't leave because of how much you played, because I'm not sure your performance should have gotten you any more playing time. But I guess the one thing to ask Cal is does he see you more as a 4/PF or 5/C next year? I don't think you want to be a 5/C. And then how does he see you fitting in with the other wrt who plays where.
Edwards - I know this year was not the outcome you expected. You entered the season projected as a top 5 pick, then was projected not even to be drafted, and now are projected a late 1st or early 2nd round pick. You definitely should go through the draft process and see what teams say & think. Then decide if you think you can significantly improve your draft position by working hard this summer and having a much better 2nd year (like you showed in a few games late). I just don't want you to go too soon and be lost in the shuffle with a bunch of other "potential players" in the G-league. Cal certainly gave you every opportunity to succeed. But only you can make that happen.
Wagner - I know your ankle issues, even when you played, you weren't the same player that I know you are and can be. It's a shame you didn't get to show them all how good you are. I also am sure you didn't like sharing the backcourt with 3 other good players. But that's what the NBA is, everyone there is good. That competition every day will push you harder, get you better. But I still think you should go through the draft process and see what teams say & think. And then decide if you think that draft position is good enough or if you think you can significantly improve it by playing at UK another year. And yeah, maybe your decision is also affected by what Reed does.
Z - The NCAA and UK admissions office both really screwed you over this past year. But what's passed is past. Once Cal started giving you opportunities you often, but not always, did show what you can do. And I saw improvement in the little things that don't show up in stats, like knowing where to be. But your skills did show. I think you should go through the draft process and see what teams say. If you can get drafted in the 1st round go for it. But if not, I think you will really show everyone next year how good you are and can be. And then that summer NBA teams will be fighting over you.
Reed - There are a lot of considerations for you. First of all, your mom and I are fine, you don't have to worry about taking care of us, we just want you to do what's best for you and your future. Your mom and I both spent 4-5 years at UK and loved our time there. Maybe you have, or haven't. But you can only be a kid once, and once you go pro you have to start adulting (living alone probably in a big city with lots of distractions, paying bills, etc...). So if you've enjoyed "the college experience", I would understand wanting to have that 1 more year. Also that would get you 1 year closer to getting a degree (which we both did), because you never know how things will go, and so it's good to have that to fall back on. I also know it's been your dream to wear the UK blue and hit that game winning shot and win a championship for the team you've followed your whole life. And you got to do some of that, but not all of it. But there are no guarantees, even if you stay 4 years you might not win a championship, most players (even at UK) don't. I do think you should go through the draft process, see what teams tell you. They may decide you need to get stronger and quicker to effectively play vs Grown-Men. They may want to see more from you on creating your own shot. But they might also be willing to wait for you to develop in those areas while with them. But something to consider is that while the rookie contract is very nice, the one that will set you and your kids and maybe even their kids for life is that 2nd contract. So wrt the money, you want to maximize your career earnings, by increasing the chances of a larger 2nd contract. But if you do return to UK, I think you need to speak with Cal and get his confirmation that this will be your team to run.
IMO, we get back Theiro (90%), Burks (80%), then the water gets cloudy with Hart (60%), Reed (60%), Z (40%), Bradshaw (35%) Wagner (30%), Edwards (25%), Onyenso (25%), Dillingham (<1%).
I don't think we return both Reed and Wagner. It's one or the other, with 10% chance neither.
I also don't think we return both Onyenso and Z. And maybe add Bradshaw to that (just 1 of the 3).
If we lose Burks, I think it's tampering, with some school offering him a big NIL deal even though not in the portal.
