I really don't get the fans that are ticked off about diallo, he planned this all along ,we will be absolutely fine with or without him ,if he leaves Cam Johnson is more then likely coming if not we still have him and more then likely Johnson coming in ,even if we don't get bamba we are going to be a great team! (I think we get him) I think this team with what we have now will be one of uks most athletic ,underrated shooting teams that Cal has had with tremendous length ,so just let dust settle and then everyone will be happy ,I'm happy without amother player I think this team is a top 5 team right now ! No additions or subtractions!
17/18 CATS
- Thread starter chaisey
- Start date
I don't think Diallo returns but if we get Johnson and Bamba we would be a top 15 team who could make a run in March.
They are ticked off because he never had any intention of playing for UK...not one intention
Players will have to step up if we don't add anyone else ready to contribute from day one.
We have six 5-stars and three 4-stars. That's more talent than most programs have during a "great" season.
It just might be time for Cal to prove his mettle by turning these "lesser" talented guys into great players.
There is no reason why they can't be molded into a contender.
I do think we really need Johnson, though. With him, I really like this team and their potential. He gives them some experience/leadership. That's what we really need.
We have six 5-stars and three 4-stars. That's more talent than most programs have during a "great" season.
It just might be time for Cal to prove his mettle by turning these "lesser" talented guys into great players.
There is no reason why they can't be molded into a contender.
I do think we really need Johnson, though. With him, I really like this team and their potential. He gives them some experience/leadership. That's what we really need.
Plans change and you might hate it and whine about it but it happens. I would say Cal will handle it differently in the future if it does happen.
I'm ticked, because I think he would have helped this yr. The one that just ended.
That is reasonable. I'm not sure everyone understands the level of talent comprised in the 9 players already signed and sealed for our next team. As long as Vanderbilt is healthy, we already have the core of a contending team in place. Without Bamba, but with Diallo or Johnson, we are easily a top 10 team. With Bamba, we would be 1 of the favorites for the NC.
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anon_013cn8yrfncx2
Guest
OP You made one salient point .. Cal's teams are always underrated on shooting (on this board) .. and for a very good reason
Johnson would be a great addition due to his skill set and experience. However, lets be honest. He is coming from a program with different expectations than UK. The leadership required with a team primarily comprised of freshmen is a heavy burden. Here we know everything you do is analyzed at great lengths. Hopefully, this is a challenge he wants to embrace.
You say that until he comes back, then what?
Not near the problem that its being made out to be. Alexander is ranked as high as 15 which is higher than Booker and Lamb. he has showed a deadly outside shot in a few events this spring as well as winning the three point shooting contest at the Derby festival both Friday night to reach the finals and sat at half time of the game. He was 2 for 2 at the game where he dominated all of Louisvilles recruits. Baker moved up in several rankings to the low 50s a guard who more than held his own against Duval in AAU ball best three point shooter in the class. Plus and I am surprised so many people miss this about the kid Vanderbilt has dang neat pg handles. He can provide depth at 2 guard we get Johnson there is another capable of playing the position. That is as much or more depth at guard than 2010, 2011, 2012 (lamb and Miller had to give Teague his breaks) and well honestly only 15 had more depth at guard.
Just not seeing the problem people have with this team even without Bamba. No real glaring weaknesses. Playmaking pg who can hit the 3? Check. A long athletic 2 guard who can shoot the 3 guard all three wing positions with his length? Check! A true wing forward who is back to playing at the level he was when he was ranked top 3 has a PG handle and passing defends like MKG with insane length can play 3 positions at a high level? Check. A pf who was considered one of the best if not the best rebounders in the country shot the 3 at 38 percent in HS can play the 3,4 and 5 in a pinch? Check! A five who is 7 ft tall 250 lb had the best standing vertical at the hoop summit one of 5 best shot blockers in HS and plays with a Magloire like chip on his shoulder.
As for back ups. Alexander slides over a PG rated higher than our starter in one of the rankings. 2 guard Baker best three point shooter in the country Vanderbilt and Johnson back up here too. SF Johnson and washington and in a pinch Gabriel backs this up. Pf Gabriel and Jones backs this up Vanderbilt can slide over here as well being 6ft9 and great length. Center Jones who is not getting the credit he deserves go watch last season's blue white game and tell me he won't be a better back up than Vargus was. Washington can also play this in a pinch and Tai didn't kill us when he played this season.
So for example inside play or lack of debth of inside play was a weakness on the last two teams particularly rim protection this team doesn't have that problem. So why are we just not going to be good? We are young but it hasn't been youth that got us beat in the tourney it has been injury and match up problems. So why
Side note if Jones has learned to defend look out he may start at the five. Youngest player on the team late bloomer already shown a shot out to 18 feet and a deadly baseline jumper. Been written off way to early by our fan base Gabriel as well or does no one remember him scoring 25 and blocking 3 shots against LSU has the ability just needs the confidence a second season should give him that remember this is a guy K wanted really badly. We right now without Bamba and Diallo are a top 15 team with Johnson top 20 without him. With Diallo or Bamba a top 10 team with both top 5. Now that is end of the season rankings youth will have us lose a few early.
