A up to date list that MARK POPE and staff has contacted in the transfer portal

[NerlensCat]

I didn't see Braden Smith on that list yet, but that is probably because he's still in the Sweet 16. I assume, whenever Purdue loses he would enter.

If you could pick 5 from this list including Braden Smith to that list. What 5 would you pick?

D.Dent	6'2 PG
L.Wilkerson	6'4 SG
D.Thomas	6'1 PG
M.Gwath	7'0 C
A.Folgueiras	6'9 PF
N.Davidson	6'10 PF
E.Freeman	6'8 F
K.Williams	6'8 W
Bol Bolen	6'10 PF
F.Collins	6'1 PG
T.Eaglestaff	6'6 SG

My 5 would be:

PG Braden Smith
PG Thomas
SG Lamar Wilkerson (Has a higher 3pt % than Eaglestaff)
W: Kam Williams
PF Nick Davidson (Stretch forward)

Replace Smith(until he is in the portal, why put him on a wish list) with Gwath and I am with you.

 

[NerlensCat]

I want Yaxel Lendenborg over anyone I've seen in the portal to date. Of those currently available, Dent, Gwath, and Williams look like potential starters next year. I also think we will get Max Green from Holy Cross, too, to take over the Kerr Kriisa role.

I was with you until you mentioned Green. We can get way better talent and experience for that position. He will be available next year if he moves on to higher competition and proves himself.

 

[catben]

What about Elijah Moore from Syracuse. On3 has him stating that he likes the UK program.

I don’t know anything about him.

 

[bnewt]

What about the Bailey kid that plays for Davidson? I thought we contacted him early. He looked great in his videos. Mobile and good. 6’10.

would prefer him over Davidson, he seems more fluid, mobile for a wingg forward

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

Folgers is the big man we have to get, his ability to play inside and hit 40%+ from 3 is great but his passing sets him apart , we could get him plus another big to start beside him.

 

[BlueBloodKyFan]

Folgers is the big man we have to get, his ability to play inside and hit 40%+ from 3 is great but his passing sets him apart , we could get him plus another big to start beside him.

I also said this along with Bailey from Davidson and Gwath. That gives you 3 stretch 4 and 2 in Bailey and Gwath be a stretch 5.

 

[catlogic15]

Anyone heard any more about the “absolute stud” we ostensibly already had locked up according to Matt Jones?

 

[cats#1again]

I want Yaxel Lendenborg over anyone I've seen in the portal to date. Of those currently available, Dent, Gwath, and Williams look like potential starters next year. I also think we will get Max Green from Holy Cross, too, to take over the Kerr Kriisa role.

Yaxel looked unstoppable at times. Juco transfer and nobody could check him

 

[Hank Camacho]

Yaxel looked unstoppable at times. Juco transfer and nobody could check him

Word. People just bounce off him like old school Barkley.

 

[Woodrow_Call_1998]

Idk what players we will end up with or favored to get but I do trust Pope with finding the right guys that fits his system. He’s really impressed me this year. He’s dealt with more injuries than any coach I recall in my lifetime at UK and done well in a historically great year for SEC basketball on top of that.

 

[DWDwildcat47]

I know everyone on here has a player they want to see us get and players they think we don't need, but it's not just about the ppg shooting percentage, it's also about the fit and character and culture, are they willing to actually sacrifice minutes and shots for the good of the team. How do you think we got this group who met all these requirements, so I'm willing to admit that this staff is smarter than me and will make the right decisions, how about you?

 

[catfan220]

I much prefer it to following high school recruiting. Things can only drag out for a couple months as opposed to a couple years.

Much better highlights/film to watch too

 

[catfan220]

It seems like an annual problem (biannual maybe if we find guys with multiple years of eligibility) will be getting a big man that can initiate the offense like Pope wants while also providing the necessary defensive impact to compete at the highest level. There are a decent number of the stretch big, usually European guys who can shoot and pass, and there are plenty of big bodied rim-rocking guys who mostly aren’t cut out for handling passing duties. Last year Ali was a defensive liability. This year Amari was an amazing find on short notice in year 1 but not an outside threat. The ones who satisfy all the above are either going to be gone to the NBA or unlikely to transfer because they’ll be a centerpiece (or highly coveted transfers). And realistically how many freshman can handle all that would be asked of them? Maybe Queen at Maryland this year? Maybe? It’ll be very interesting to see how Pope and his staff navigate this.