We need a DUDE..

[Basscat1987]

While I think we can be competitive next year, I’m not sure we can be one of those teams able to compete for a title without having atleast 1 dude. Preferably a guard. I’m not complaining, I’m glad cow is gone and we have a fresh start and pope’s first season isn’t a be all end all, but I’m curious who is the dude out there for us to still get?

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

 

[MrHotDice]

While I think we can be competitive next year, I’m not sure we can be one of those teams able to compete for a title without having atleast 1 dude. Preferably a guard. I’m not complaining, I’m glad cow is gone and we have a fresh start and pope’s first season isn’t a be all end all, but I’m curious who is the dude out there for us to still get?

Remember, their are dozens being told by the NBA to go back to school. Thats probably were the Dude lies.

 

[Creed Bratton]

I get what you are saying but in the last 5 years we have had at least 12-13 guys who got drafted and 7-8 play significant minutes in the league and what good has it done us?

 

[TheDude73]

You rang?

 

[AzubuikeandFitch]

While I think we can be competitive next year, I’m not sure we can be one of those teams able to compete for a title without having atleast 1 dude. Preferably a guard. I’m not complaining, I’m glad cow is gone and we have a fresh start and pope’s first season isn’t a be all end all, but I’m curious who is the dude out there for us to still get?

There's several available if everything goes to plan and a couple guys become available following the draft combine.

So long as the staff can add a few more complimentary pieces before then UK should have a competitive team.

 

[wardlow]

Are Brea and Osobor DUDES? I think they are. I’d prefer to have two more proven guards and a big man dude. Brea/osobor/curry?

 

[jrpross]

Remember, their are dozens being told by the NBA to go back to school. Thats probably were the Dude lies.

They have to enter the portal by tomorrow though don’t they?

 

[ukpence]

Based on Mark's interview on KSR, I feel like a lot of the guards we're trying to get are exploring the NBA draft. It might be a while, but I think we will get at least go to guy, maybe two.

 

[JeffEngland]

I will be happy with 5 good players on the floor who play together. Having said that, Jordan Ivy Curry may be a dude for us to watch closely.

 

[fredmanthecatfan]

He abides.

 

[jrpross]

Are Brea and Osobor DUDES? I think they are. I’d prefer to have two more proven guards and a big man dude. Brea/osobor/curry?

Osobor yes. Brea would be a nice piece but he didn’t even start for Dayton last year.

I get what the OP is saying. We need a guy that could be all-conference. A Kadary Richmond or Johnell Davis. Osobor is a beast though. He’d fit the bill I think.

 

[Elliott Tim]

Opinion is relative.

 

[wardlow]

Osobor yes. Brea would be a nice piece but he didn’t even start for Dayton last year.

I get what the OP is saying. We need a guy that could be all-conference. A Kadary Richmond or Johnell Davis. Osobor is a beast though. He’d fit the bill I think.

I didn’t realize Brea didn’t start for Dayton

 

[Creed Bratton]

Osobor yes. Brea would be a nice piece but he didn’t even start for Dayton last year.

I get what the OP is saying. We need a guy that could be all-conference. A Kadary Richmond or Johnell Davis. Osobor is a beast though. He’d fit the bill I think.

I recall 2 guys who will be lottery picks not starting either. Sometimes coaches don't start the best players.

 

[kyrx]

You rang?

 

[jrpross]

I recall 2 guys who will be lottery picks not starting either. Sometimes coaches don't start the best players.

Most coaches aren’t as stubborn and behind the times as…

Well, ya know…

 

[cbrwalt]

While I think we can be competitive next year, I’m not sure we can be one of those teams able to compete for a title without having atleast 1 dude. Preferably a guard. I’m not complaining, I’m glad cow is gone and we have a fresh start and pope’s first season isn’t a be all end all, but I’m curious who is the dude out there for us to still get?

If only we had someone who has hit a game winning shot in the final four

 

[MachineHead1]

I get what you are saying but in the last 5 years we have had at least 12-13 guys who got drafted and 7-8 play significant minutes in the league and what good has it done us?

The difference being that Pope can actually coach them

 

[RMorris33]

If only we had someone who has hit a game winning shot in the final four

I think the OP is saying we need 5 unproven freshmen to play major minutes while they simultaneously count down the days until the NBA draft

 

[MakinMusic]

I agree and I’m not referring to NBA talent necessarily. We need one or two straight dawgs who can play and play with attitude.

 

[Creed Bratton]

I think the OP is saying we need 5 unproven freshmen to play major minutes while they simultaneously count down the days until the NBA draft

and who look like this in the pregame huddle

 

[Catfan2226]

The roster Pope is putting together is more team oriented. A dude isn't necessarily required. We will be fine.

 

[jwildcattrester]

Johnell Davis

 

[ukwild#41]

Osobor is definitely a dude, top inside scorer to hit portal. Brea may not be a dude but was the top 3 point shooter in the country. Sheppard had a slightly higher % but Brea had much higher volume. Robinson should almost qualify as a dude and is a 3 level scorer. If UK locks these 3 up that should be a top 10 roster and another true scoring PG would be the only other need and possibly a backup big

 

[NociHTTP]

I think the OP is saying we need 5 unproven freshmen to play major minutes while they simultaneously count down the days until the NBA draft

 

[jwildcattrester]

Davis is testing the NBA Draft waters again for the second straight year while also entering the portal. Davis is a worker who went from averaging 3.2 points per game as a freshman to averaging 18.2 as a senior and being named the co-American Athletic Conference Player of the Year. He is one of the best scorers in the portal and has turned himself into an elite shooter, knocking down 41.4 percent of his 3s this past season. He plays bigger than his size and is a strong outside-of-his area rebounder, averaging 6.3 boards per game.

After playing on a balanced scoring team during FAU’s 2023 Final Four run, Davis showed this season he could be a high-usage scorer. He’s good off the catch, and as a righty who prefers to drive left, he also can put the ball on the floor to score at all three levels. He was at his best in big games, averaging 20.8 points against the six high majors on FAU’s schedule and scoring a season-high 35 points against Arizona. Davis is also a willing passer when he gets downhill.

 

[jwildcattrester]

Davis is a DUDE

 

[trueblujr2]

Osobor yes. Brea would be a nice piece but he didn’t even start for Dayton last year.

I get what the OP is saying. We need a guy that could be all-conference. A Kadary Richmond or Johnell Davis. Osobor is a beast though. He’d fit the bill I think.

And Reed and Dillingham didn't start for UK....what's your point?

 

[ThrowBackCat9]

 

[BigKari]

Osobor is definitely a dude, top inside scorer to hit portal. Brea may not be a dude but was the top 3 point shooter in the country. Sheppard had a slightly higher % but Brea had much higher volume. Robinson should almost qualify as a dude and is a 3 level scorer. If UK locks these 3 up that should be a top 10 roster and another true scoring PG would be the only other need and possibly a backup big

Brea isn’t an elite shot creator, but he’s much more advanced at getting his own than Reed was in Cal’s offense. He’s like a better shooting Kellan Grady who only shoots 3s. I wouldn’t say he’s one dimensional because he’s such a good shooter that he can and does manipulate defense, so I love that about him. But he’s definitely a shooting specialist. He’s got good size and shooting is so valued that he will get some NBA run. But again, he is a shooting specialist who was having success manipulating A10 defenses. I have no doubts about his catch and shoot ability at the SEC and NBA levels. He has some size and physicality to guard but will have to step that up in SEC. So that’s my only worry, does he become one dimensional at a higher level of play? Will he be able to create for himself against more athletic defenses and will he be able to guard his position?

 

[trueblujr2]

I didn’t realize Brea didn’t start for Dayton

Jaxson Robinson didn't start for Pope last year but still played the most minutes and was the leading scorer and is a borderline NBA pick who we covet.

 

[jrpross]

And Reed and Dillingham didn't start for UK....what's your point?

They didn’t start because their coach was an idiot.

Yeah there are exceptions but GENERALLY the best players play. Brea is more of a specialist. Although I do think he’s starter worthy, he works really well as a spark off the bench. I love that, but as to your response, he’s nowhere beat as good as Dillingham or Sheppard.

 

[USMC Cat]

I get what you are saying but in the last 5 years we have had at least 12-13 guys who got drafted and 7-8 play significant minutes in the league and what good has it done us?

OP just means we need... A 'dude'.

Roster currently has experience and swag, and clamp down defense, but a bonafide killer (a guy to drop 8 straight in crunch time) and this team is going to be special.

 

[Elliott Tim]

I recall 2 guys who will be lottery picks not starting either. Sometimes coaches don't start the best players.

Ala Red Aurbach.

 

[JASUN74]

While I think we can be competitive next year, I’m not sure we can be one of those teams able to compete for a title without having atleast 1 dude. Preferably a guard. I’m not complaining, I’m glad cow is gone and we have a fresh start and pope’s first season isn’t a be all end all, but I’m curious who is the dude out there for us to still get?

I honestly think we have a few Dudes already and it’s only going to get better. These guys are vets who’ll work their butts off together for six months to get ready to bring Kentucky back. I’m as excited as I’ve been in a long time. Now I do believe we may end up get a couple more superstars with this bunch but I’m happy as can be as of right now.

 

[JASUN74]

I agree and I’m not referring to NBA talent necessarily. We need one or two straight dawgs who can play and play with attitude.

We 1000% have that as of right now. Any add ons are in the plus column.

 

[cathouse]

 

[EliteBlue]

Brea isn’t an elite shot creator, but he’s much more advanced at getting his own than Reed was in Cal’s offense. He’s like a better shooting Kellan Grady who only shoots 3s. I wouldn’t say he’s one dimensional because he’s such a good shooter that he can and does manipulate defense, so I love that about him. But he’s definitely a shooting specialist. He’s got good size and shooting is so valued that he will get some NBA run. But again, he is a shooting specialist who was having success manipulating A10 defenses. I have no doubts about his catch and shoot ability at the SEC and NBA levels. He has some size and physicality to guard but will have to step that up in SEC. So that’s my only worry, does he become one dimensional at a higher level of play? Will he be able to create for himself against more athletic defenses and will he be able to guard his position?

Klay Thompson comparison iyo?

 

[Basscat1987]

I see some people commenting about Brea being the one. The number i saw showed him at the 92nd ranked player in the portal. So while I would love to have him, not sure how he can be the type of impact player I’m referring to if he barely cracks the top 100 in the portal.