The freshman 5 stars that plan on coming here and staying one year and then going to the NBA, or the transfer portal guys that weren't good enough out of high school to get recruited by UK, but now say "I've got a year left and I've always wanted to wear that UK jersey" knowing that playing for us will help their draft stock? I'm not criticizing either, but I know there has been tons of discussion about players "using" UK. Aren't they all?
Welk, of course they could be seen as using UK to get paid. They will get more NIL money here, most likely. The transfer portal guys need the exposure they'll get from UK in order to make scouts and NBA teams know who they are and what they can do.
But here's your mistake and assumption- you think the primary issue for UK fans is found in players using UK for the exposure they'll get. But that's not the real issue. The real problem is that we never see the potential of those players realized, yet they leave before they get a chance to win for UK, and if they don't win the lottery, they'll be pushed out and then transfer down the road. But ideally, the players do well, get better, win big, and then leave for the NBA when the time comes.
But look at the 6 players we have right now. Are these guys all certain to only play ONE season at UK?
Andrew Carr- grad
Collin Chandler- freshman
Travis Perry- freshman
Amari Williams- senior
Lamont Butler- senior
Otega Oweh- junior
So, 3 of these guys will be one and done. 1 has 2 years possibly remaining and the other 2 have 4 years remaining. Will they all use all of their eligibility? Unlikely. Will they be pushed out the door, whether they win or lose? No.
So, I don't mind helping these players have an NBA career. I do mind guys who walk in with one eye on their own performance and the other eye on the NBA, and having little concern, if any, about the University of the Kentucky. The system that pushes guys out after 1 season to make room for the next crop is what irritates me.