A question that no one is asking…

[Rockfly78]

With all the portal talk and rumors. Does anyone think that Kentucky loses anyone to the portal?

Kerr is probably gone

Oweh could command a huge sum of money (but I think he comes back)

BG, maybe.

I could see CC going back to BYU or something. Really depends on what his wives tell him to do.

 

[ImTheVillageIdiot]

With all the portal talk and rumors. Does anyone think that Kentucky loses anyone to the portal?

Kerr is probably gone

Oweh could command a huge sum of money (but I think he comes back)

BG, maybe.

I could see CC going back to BYU or something. Really depends on what his wives tell him to do.

Not based on Intel on my part, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose BG and Kerr. I expect everyone else back

 

[fatguy87]

It's hard to say these days. The portal is still a bit of the Wild West.

 

[true blue1]

Not based on Intel on my part, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose BG and Kerr. I expect everyone else back

I don’t understand why BG would even consider transferring.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Thought you were going to ask if I was the reason that Texas A&M's plane had a gas leak. The answer is no--not that sick and twisted but I'm not beneath having a stink bomb drop in their locker room prior to the game. Also letting you all know if there are chalk outlines with Wade Taylor IV jerseys all over the court prior to the game.....well I did that.

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

Man at this point where things are im be here or gtfo. Hate to lose

Oweh
Chandler
Noah
Perry-because Ky kid

We only can keep 5 off this team not counting Kerr (great energy, but who cares)

Keep the 4 and I'm thrilled. But get killers in the portal!

 

[ImTheVillageIdiot]

I don’t understand why BG would even consider transferring.

Not hoping he does. However, I could see it. He was expected to make a major progression over the year and I’m no so certain he played to a level that you can confidently pencil him as a starting 5 next year. On the other hand, the guy still has a world of potential and I would like to have him back. He really needs to put on a little weight and focus heavily on footwork all offseason.

 

[BlueSince92]

I'll believe anyone will transfer off this team when I see it.

 

[michaeluk26]

I honestly think they all come back. We're just used to mass exoduses every year with Cal.

 

[CrazyCat74]

I can't imagine anyone not wanting to play at UK for Coach Pope, and if you get the opportunity I can't imagine leaving for something else.

That said, money talks most of the time and this is a business now, unfortunately.

I'll root for Coach Pope and the name on the front of the jersey.

Names on the back of the jersey have a different feel for me now and it's not as important.

 

[MonsterMash79]

I don’t understand why BG would even consider transferring.

Wouldn’t hurt my feelings..

 

[K_TIME]

I don’t understand why BG would even consider transferring.

If pope pursues a starting center in portal that will decide if Garrison is back…and id pursue a center to be honest….the drop off from Amari to Garrison was pronounce

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

Think Krisa is gone and BG might leave. After that I would be shocked if any of them transferred

 

[dynastydreamuk]

Why wouldn't BG stay as a backup. He may think he can go be a starter at another major program but not at our level. So if he transfers to a bottom of a conference power program like Vanderbilt for example, do they pay him as much as we pay him as a backup.

If he gets $500 k here as a backup and $500 K to start at Vanderbilt for example, I'm still staying at UK. I just don't see him pulling large money and getting offered a starting roll at another big program.

Also he knows Pope seems to play his starting big 25 min so there are plenty of backup minutes especially if he improves.

He has much to improve on. He seemed to always hold the ball too long before deciding to pass or make a move. His handle needs work and finishing around the rim.

 

[fredmanthecatfan]

I’m always too optimistic, but I think everyone stays.

 

[RuppnRoll]

Simply, We need to get some players that's got some dog in them.
You watch those florida players 1-8, they all fight for the ball on EVERY rebound. They cut, hit the ground for loose balls, they just flat out hustle.
I don't know that UK has any players that do that on a regular basis. BG is one of the laziest players I've seen play at UK. He is a waste of size and definitely over rated talent wise. The true measure of him will be if he stays and accepts the challenge to get better ... or does another money grab.
The challenge for Pope will be learning how to get more hustle & fire out of the entire team.
My biggest concern for him is absolutely his passiveness.
Almost every team that beat us "out toughed" us. The hustle. What ever it takes mentality.
Just putting on the UK jersey doesn't do it.
Maybe less Mark Fox and more Rick Pitino mentality.

 

[Cleatortoises]

With all the portal talk and rumors. Does anyone think that Kentucky loses anyone to the portal?

Kerr is probably gone

Oweh could command a huge sum of money (but I think he comes back)

BG, maybe.

I could see CC going back to BYU or something. Really depends on what his wives tell him to do.

LDS banned the practice in 1890.
It's kind of rude, not funny.
I could see you smiling as you typed it.
That is why he may transfer, rubes.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

Why wouldn't BG stay as a backup. He may think he can go be a starter at another major program but not at our level. So if he transfers to a bottom of a conference power program like Vanderbilt for example, do they pay him as much as we pay him as a backup.

If he gets $500 k here as a backup and $500 K to start at Vanderbilt for example, I'm still staying at UK. I just don't see him pulling large money and getting offered a starting roll at another big program.

Also he knows Pope seems to play his starting big 25 min so there are plenty of backup minutes especially if he improves.

He has much to improve on. He seemed to always hold the ball too long before deciding to pass or make a move. His handle needs work and finishing around the rim.

The problem with BG as a backup(besides disappointing performance) is where does it leave Moreno? Listening to the end of the Pope show last night, Pope loves Malachi. He is the backup center imo.

You asked why would someone pay BG big money? One, the portal won’t be as crowded this year and theres a mass exodus of 5th years across the country. Also there are folks on here that think he has an NBA future….which is in very large part due to his high school ranking. A school paying for that “upside” is very possible. He has a daughter to provide for so he should look for the biggest payday possible imo.

 

[billoliver40]

Out on limb I would say Chandler and Garrison.

 

[PhattyJ4UK]

Just curious but why is Kerr thought to be a lock?

Thought he was fine with his role coming here so why would it change without a butler(still assume we get a starter) in front?

 

[BBNinSC]

Oweh seems to love it here and Coach Pope. He’s not had this kind of adulation and I can’t see him transferring. He’s a first team All-SEC player next season and important to our success.
I like Garrison, he has size and all the natural ability to be a special player. He has some growing up to do and more time with our coaching staff is going to turn this guy into an important player for us.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Just curious but why is Kerr thought to be a lock?

Thought he was fine with his role coming here so why would it change without a butler(still assume we get a starter) in front?

Lewis is coming n. JJ can play point. Perry can play pg. Competition is fierce.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

Just curious but why is Kerr thought to be a lock?

Thought he was fine with his role coming here so why would it change without a butler(still assume we get a starter) in front?

I would say there are a couple differences:
A) Butler was a nice player but not someone that was some superstar with crazy stats coming in
B) freshman Travis Perry being the developmental guy behind him was much less of a threat than Acaden Lewis would be

So if you improve PG1 and PG3 in your scenario, it would give less time for PG2.

From a money standpoint I also think they spend more on their next PG than they did Butler and I’m very confident they spent more on Lewis than Perry. Eventually it becomes a resource utilization decision process as there’s not some endless supply of money.

 

[gbl97]

Pope might intentionally underbid on this year's guys and pretend to be sad when they leave because he's nice. After this year, he should be able to get a whole different level of player in the portal.

 

[catlogic15]

I’m concerned about Garrison’s effort consistency as well. It’s not like he was learning as a freshman. Sometimes old habits are hard to break. And he’s a really bad passer for this system.

 

[SkyPrince1]

Only school I'm worried about with Garrison is Arkansas.
Cal has no HS bigs coming in and will definitely lose Aidoo and who knows with Z.
He wanted Garrison last year.

 

[trueblujr2]

Oweh seems to love it here and Coach Pope. He’s not had this kind of adulation and I can’t see him transferring. He’s a first team All-SEC player next season and important to our success.
I like Garrison, he has size and all the natural ability to be a special player. He has some growing up to do and more time with our coaching staff is going to turn this guy into an important player for us.

Oweh could get some All-American buzz next year, not just All-SEC. Especially with the way he's played of late, but He's also had to take a lot more on his shoulders with the injuries. He will be this teams leader next year. No reason for him to leave. The school or his agents should help him find some national NIL endorsements.

 

[BBNinSC]

Oweh could get some All-American buzz next year, not just All-SEC. Especially with the way he's played of late, but He's also had to take a lot more on his shoulders with the injuries. He will be this teams leader next year. No reason for him to leave. The school or his agents should help him find some national NIL endorsements.

I hope he is priority #1 for our coaching staff.

 

[The_Answer1313]

Wasn’t Owen pretty vocal about coming back.

Granted just words but I’d be surprised if he wasn’t back

 

[chevyman 50]

I don't think anyone knows for sure who might leave but I think everybody comes back I think they all love coach Pope.

 

[Rockfly78]

LDS banned the practice in 1890.
It's kind of rude, not funny.
I could see you smiling as you typed it.
That is why he may transfer, rubes.

It was a joke. Lighten up Francis. Shit was funny too

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I'm sure we will lose some, and im sure some will be unexpected.

I kind of wonder why Kerr is the big name to leave. He's coming off a pretty problematic injury, and I can't see any P5 program making him the lead guard for $1mil/year or something. He seemed to really enjoy his time here, almost taking on a little bit of a coaching/motivator role. Is the grass really greener for him next door? I know he might wind up being the 3rd string PG, but he can also slide over to the 2-spot.. and a guy with his motor is always welcome.

I kind of hope Mark Pope prioritizes him for that very reason. A guy like him can really rally the team, even if there's guys ahead of him more talented.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Here's the other thing on Kerr: He basically got a free season from Kentucky. Injured and done for after what, 10 games? He's been getting top-notch rehab in an elite basketball program. That doesn't mean someone has to be loyal and repay the favor.. but it might be something that's a factor.

IDK, I just sort of get the sense that someone like him might be perfectly fine to end his college career at UK, even if it means he's not getting the most playing time he could.

 

[chroix]

The Cal PTSD is thick in this one.

 

[Kuhldaddy]

Hoping BG leaves and we get a stud center and have Moreno play the backup BG role next season.

 

[trueblujr2]

Wasn’t Owen pretty vocal about coming back.

Granted just words but I’d be surprised if he wasn’t back

Thought he was as well, I can see him testing the waters to get feedback on what he needs to work on, but ultimately coming back. His long range jumper needs some work.

 

[JonathanW]

The odds of any specific team returning everyone eligible is pretty low.
So, we should expect 1, maybe 2, possible 3 gone from the 6 eligible to return.

Here are (IMO) odds of each one returning:
95% Noah (from KY, and I think showed Pope enough that he can contribute, and played enough that he can see himself having a role)
90% Perry (same as Noah, except showed less potential)
85% Oweh (he should "test the draft waters", maybe he shoots better for NBA teams, or another school could offer him a lot more NIL than UK)
70% Chandler (may be something to him moving closer to his fiancee in Utah)
50% Garrison (Pope likes him, but it has to be apparent he's not #1 C material, doesn't it? Would he be ok as #2 again w/ FR on his heels)
40% Kriisa (Does Pope want him as the #1 PG, is KK ok being #2 again maybe even sharing that with the FR)

Long shot:
10% Almonor (I suppose the NCAA could change this summer to a 5 seasons in 5 years rule)

 

[fabcat]

Florida has 4 bigs that play and some think we can’t have more than 2. We need Garrison to stay and add another 5. Moreno isn’t going to be ready to play 15-20 mins next year.

 

[trueblujr2]

I'm sure we will lose some, and im sure some will be unexpected.

I kind of wonder why Kerr is the big name to leave. He's coming off a pretty problematic injury, and I can't see any P5 program making him the lead guard for $1mil/year or something. He seemed to really enjoy his time here, almost taking on a little bit of a coaching/motivator role. Is the grass really greener for him next door? I know he might wind up being the 3rd string PG, but he can also slide over to the 2-spot.. and a guy with his motor is always welcome.

I kind of hope Mark Pope prioritizes him for that very reason. A guy like him can really rally the team, even if there's guys ahead of him more talented.

Yeah, I don't get the dissing on Kerr. I know he was labeled a head case at his other stops, but he's seemed to be anything but that in his time here. He's always over there on the bench cheering on his teammates. Nothing to indicate him being unhappy in any way. Plus he is experienced, regardless of what people think of him and would be a solid piece of the rotation next year whether he starts or not.

 

[Dead Cat Bounce]

IMO, an equally important question will be how readily Pope directs players to the portal. Soon enough, Pope will feel the pressure to win big at Kentucky, so he will have to maintain the strongest possible roster. Is he prepared to recruit over players and how he will manage the fallout when he does? I was impressed last summer that he managed the entry into the portal of some key players from his BYU squad that he chose not to bring forward. But there’s going to be tough breakups ahead, as there will be for every major program.