Maybe Wilson would be the starting PF next season, but I wonder how you could be so sure about that now. Based on recent history there will be over 1,600 Div. I players in the portal after the season? All the best PFs in CBB with eligibility are likely to enter?
So, if UK can get the top PF (or one of the very top PFs) from the portal is Pope going to say “no” because he signed Wilson? I do think that was the way Calipari operated, and maybe we’re conditioned to that, but do you think Pope will do the same? And if you do think that, is it because of the amount of NIL money spent or because no proven experienced PF from the portal could outperform a projected draft pick freshman still developing his body, skills and game?
Personally, I think UK will bring in one of the top PFs from the portal regardless of whether they sign Wilson or any other freshman PF. Based on the way/speed that Pope plays, at least two PFs almost have to play major minutes. I think a very talented freshman with high upside potential is great to pair with a proven highly productive veteran. And I believe we would agree that determining which one starts should be based on their impact on the team winning games, not recruiting rankings or preseason draft pick projections, right?