Adding Cameron Johnson, Jemarl Baker/Mark Smith, & Mohamed Bamba makes us a HUGE favorite to win #9

[EclipsingYou]

After losing Fox, Monk, Briscoe, and probably Bam, I would have NEVER guessed that I would be even MORE excited for next year's team than the one we just saw lose on a buzzer beater that cost us a national title (likely), but with Calipari as coach, anything is possible.

Quade Green, Hamidou Diallo, Cam Johnson, Mohamed Bamba, Nick Richards, Wenyen Gabriel, Isaac Humphries, Jemarl Baker, Shai Alexander, Jarred Vanderbilt, PJ Washington, and SKJ could very well equal 2015 as the greatest collection of talent ever on a single college basketball team, IMO.

It doesn't have the overall star power of 2012, but that will not even matter. Calipari will have assembled a team full of high energy, highly skilled, and highly motivated players on a team that sports exactly ZERO weaknesses that I can see. Johnson. WG, Hump, Diallo, and SKJ as experienced players to add to yet another #1 overall recruiting class with Bamba, Green, Richards, Washington, Vanderbilt, Alexander, and Baker.

Green, Diallo, and Vanderbilt are decent shooters. Johnson and Baker are assassins. Johnson and Vanderbilt give us true Small Forwards that we have lacked on the last several teams. Unbelievable backup players for every position except for possibly PG. The greatest front court in college basketball with a CRAZY amount of depth.

As another bonus, AT MOST I see 6 players that could leave after a single year, but probably closer to 4 (Diallo, Bamba, Johnson likely and possibly any of Vanderbilt, Richards, WG, and Hump).

Calipari will have built a team that creates a base that will set him up for the next 3 years. Instead of having to replace everyone like we are used to, we can return a couple starters and a few talented bench players and focus on recruiting the most talented OAD players to come in and fill 3 or 4 positions on the next years team.

I couldn't be more excited. Bring it home, Coach Cal. Cam Johnson and Bamba are projected as locks by most everyone now. Then take the best shooter you can find that is willing to play backup for a year like Jemarl Baker or Mark Smith.

I would love to somehow steal Quentin Grimes over Baker or Smith, but not at the expense of Johnson.

I trust in Coach Cal 100%! No matter what ends up happening, next year will be a fun year with another great shot at winning the tournament anyways. I just hope that the team includes Mohamed Bamba and Cam Johnson above anybody else we are recruiting. Kevin Knox can't hold a finger to Cam Johnson.

In my completely worthless opinion, as always.

 

[UKcatXXXL]

I'd consider it to be a pumped up version of 2014 due to the overall balance at every position with more depth

 

[WildMoon]

I just think, as long as we get Bamba, we'll be huge favorite.

I'm just not sold on Smith/Baker/Johnson to suddenly become key pieces for our title run.

At the end of the day, Green, Diallo, Vanderbilt will play 30+ minutes in guard/forward position. You still have Shai Alexander backing up 1/2 for a little bit. PJ might even end up playing some 3. Bamba gives us that insane length in the middle to go along with our centers.

We are thin in backcourt, but it's still far more depth than 2012 team. We had Teague and Lamb was a back up PG.

 

[KA4Prez]

With Humphries and Gabriel, you have 2 guys who I'm not predicting to break out, but who will get zero credit nationally. However, if both put in the work, could be massively improved players going into next year. I hope both stay. Can't state enough how important it will be to have a few guys who have been through a full season before.

 

[UKcatXXXL]

SKJ too...........do we think he'll be here??

 

[WildMoon]

With Humphries and Gabriel, you have 2 guys who I'm not predicting to break out, but who will get zero credit nationally. However, if both put in the work, could be massively improved players going into next year. I hope both stay. Can't state enough how important it will be to have a few guys who have been through a full season before.

Yeah, this i agree. I think all 3 can break out (including SKJ). It all depends on how much of their game they work on.

WG was good freshman. He just couldn't become good college player. His number for freshman isn't all that bad, and he has a lot of opportunity to get better.

Even shooting. 32% isn't bad as a freshman. I would expect that to go to high 30s or low 40s his sophomore season. He attacked the basket decently, which can all improve.

We saw what Humphries can do against UNC. If he becomes confident with his midrange shot, that could be nightmare defending for opponents.

SKJ is agile PF that can also knock down midrange jumper. All these guys have skill set that can go a LONG ways to making us very good.

 

[UkCat11]

And the award to the most overhyped post award goes to..........

You cant give these guys outrageous expectations.

And I dont think we get all 3 because they'd have to split minutes with each other plus Diallo/Green. So it's pretty much pointless for all 3 to come.

Might be the favorite to win going into the year, but as we all know talent on the roster doesnt always reflect in the game, (Duke).

 

[UKcatXXXL]

Yeah, this i agree. I think all 3 can break out (including SKJ). It all depends on how much of their game they work on.

WG was good freshman. He just couldn't become good college player. His number for freshman isn't all that bad, and he has a lot of opportunity to get better.

Even shooting. 32% isn't bad as a freshman. I would expect that to go to high 30s or low 40s his sophomore season. He attacked the basket decently, which can all improve.

We saw what Humphries can do against UNC. If he becomes confident with his midrange shot, that could be nightmare defending for opponents.

SKJ is agile PF that can also knock down midrange jumper. All these guys have skill set that can go a LONG ways to making us very good.

Hump steps out and imagine Bamba or Richards or PJ etc. hanging around the rim........how would teams stop that

 

[Clark_MSC_Kent]

th.

I would love to somehow steal Quentin Grimes over Baker or Smith, but not at the expense of Johnson.

.

Isn't Quentin Grimes 2018?

 

[Brando Mac]

Honestly I think even just Bamba and one of those three guards makes us a legitimate contender.

 

[caneintally]

Yes it does simply. We might struggle a tad early and the SEC is loaded next season ( can't believe I am typing that ) and will get 6-7 teams in the dance but I still think we get a 2-3 seed in the tourney and be the best team in March.

 

[kmann0433]

We're gonna have a platoon-level crowded roster if Humphries/Wynyard/Gabriel/SKJ stay. Not saying they shouldn't or that they won't, but it makes me think the shakeup isn't over.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

Since when did CJ become a lock? Also we're neck and neck with Texas for Bamba according to recent reports (could just be smoke to add excitement to his announcement).

I don't get why everyone says this or that team is "the most talented college team ever assembled." I think people just think that sounds cool. 2015 was the best team ever assembled in recent memory and will be for a long long time.

 

[kywildcats4life]

We're gonna have a platoon-level crowded roster if Humphries/Wynyard/Gabriel/SKJ stay. Not saying they shouldn't or that they won't, but it makes me think the shakeup isn't over.

No way they all stay with the incoming FR bigs.

 

[brianpoe]

And it begins, just like clockwork...

 

[Smashcat]

Since when did CJ become a lock? Also we're neck and neck with Texas for Bamba according to recent reports (could just be smoke to add excitement to his announcement).

I don't get why everyone says this or that team is "the most talented college team ever assembled." I think people just think that sounds cool. 2015 was the best team ever assembled in recent memory and will be for a long long time.

Smart deserves a Nobel Prize if he can get Bamba after that awful season.

 

[HoptownCat93]

If we add Cam Johnson, I think I'd rather have Mark Smith than Baker at that point. We needs a shooter and Johnson will add that, and if we have that shooter I think we add Smith who is a better player.

I think Smith adds more to the team than Baker and has a larger upside. It seems like he can shoot well, pass well, pull down some rebounds, is longer, and can play solid defense. He could really be a true "6th man" that can come in and play the 1-3 depending on what we need at the time.

Now if we dont get Johnson, I feel like Baker is a must because we will need the shooting.

 

[StubbornPenny]

Not as hyped as OP, but with Bamba, Johnson Smith/Baker, we'll have our most complete, balanced roster since 2012. Neither Trey Lyles or Poy was ever a true 3.

I think we finally have a true 3 in Vanderbilt, and I bet Diallo can fill in too, maybe even Washington. No more 3 guard lineups or 6'1" small forwards.

Bamba is the true rim protector we've lacked for two years. We need him so bad.

 

[bucsrule8872]

We will be pretty competitive with those three added.

Bamba and Johnson are the most important recruits. They will likely start next season. We need Bamba on the defensive end, Johnson on the offensive end.

Baker and Smith will be good practice guys and will play a big role in 2-3 years.

 

[Smashcat]

And it begins, just like clockwork...

40-0, baby.

 

[JRowland]

Not the greatest collection of talent all things considered. Lot of good to really good players. Nowhere near an overwhelming favorite. But one of the favorites. Too much hyperbole but I agree it would certainly put UK right in the conversation. That team is not as good as '11-12 or '14-15 though.

 

[jameslee32]

No no no. Everyone knows Cal will never win another title and are not even close. Everyone knows this.

 

[Bluemoon725]

If that's how the roster finishes up, I'd happily take our chances with said team. College basketball is going to be down as a whole next year. Not a lot of star power coming in, and a number of high profile players graduating or putting their names in the draft.

Only rosters I can think of for sure that will be solid are Wichita State, and Louisville if they return both Donovan Mitchell and Deng Adel.

 

[ubtrapper]

If we add Cam Johnson, I think I'd rather have Mark Smith than Baker at that point. We needs a shooter and Johnson will add that, and if we have that shooter I think we add Smith who is a better player.

I think Smith adds more to the team than Baker and has a larger upside. It seems like he can shoot well, pass well, pull down some rebounds, is longer, and can play solid defense. He could really be a true "6th man" that can come in and play the 1-3 depending on what we need at the time.

Now if we dont get Johnson, I feel like Baker is a must because we will need the shooting.

Mark Smith has good size at 6'5 225lbs. I agree that Smith has more upside than Baker. Smith can light it up and has the size to fight through the lane and get fouled. I hope we get him.

 

[JwUKFan11]

No way we get Bamba, Johnson, and Baker. We'll be lucky to get 2. I think we get Johnson and then we just pray Bamba comes too.

 

[mj2k10]

Just no, and please stop with the over-hype.

Is there an All-American on the team? Or even a certain 1st team all-SEC player? Bamba would be a certain lottery pick, based just on potential, but is he going to play up to that as a Freshman? And beyond him, how many guys are we looking at who will be starting for NBA teams in 5 years? Any, besides Bamba? And who does the scoring for this team? Is Diallo good enough to score 15 per? Johnson? I don't know.

Don't get me wrong- it would be an exciting roster. But it will (regardless of how it ends up) be a blank slate, not some overwhelming title favorite.

 

[JonathanW]

OP has those blue tinted shades on.

I think many place too much emphasis on how many stars a player had coming out of HS. There are at most 2-3 players who will probably be leaving UK after next season. This is a down class.
- Green is on the smallish side, and while he does a lot (I think, I hope) that is greatly appreciated at the college level, his skill set may not be in as great a demand at the pro level. I think he is here 3-4 years.
- I think Diallo is one of those 2-3, but he has to be able to shoot the ball. If he shoots 42% overall, and 28% from 3, it would be hard seeing an NBA team taking him in the 1st. He is here 1-2 years.
- Bamba, he's not ours yet, but we are all hopeful. He would be the most likely to leave. He would be here 1 year.
- Richards, if Bamba doesn't play and then Richards plays 25+mpg then he could leave early. I've heard comparisons to WCS. I think he is here 2-3 years.
- Gabriel, he probably would have liked to go this year, might be considering testing the waters. Clearly he has work ahead of him though, but a lot of potential too. Unless he gets beat out of PT by Vanderbilt & Washington both, I think next year is it for him.
- Washington, everything I've read about him I like a lot. But I also think he may be a bit undersized for the NBA for his game. So he may need to be a dominant player before he can leave early = 2-3 years here.
- Vanderbilt, I think he might not see the court a lot as a FR, behind Gabriel & Washington, although we will play 2 of the 3 at a time some (maybe a lot if Bam doesn't return). He is here 2-3 years.
- Humphries, if he returns, next year might be it. After then I could see him going pro overseas, or transfering, or trying to make the NBA. You can't teach/develop a guy to be 7'0. I think if Bamba commits, then he goes overseas to play pro. If Bamba doesn't then Humphries and Richards will split C. Could be interesting to see them together some too. 0-1 more year.
- Johnson, IF we get him, and I do want him, is NOT a SF (although he can play there), he is a 2G (a tall one). I don't think he is a 1 year guy either. He might not start for us (would have to beat out Diallo). But I do think he plays 15-20 mpg (at both 2 & 3).

This team will be < this past season at the PG.
This team will be < this past season at the 2G.
This team will be = this past season at C.
So they will probably be > this past season at PF & SF.

The depth probably will be better than this past season, but the starters may be a bit worse (even if we add Bamba & Johnson).

 

[bucsrule8872]

If Berry, Jackson, and Bradley come back and UNC adds Knox, Allen and Jackson return and Duke adds Duval, UofL gets Mitchell and Adel back, and KU gets Graham and Mykhailiuk back, then that's your top four teams.

We might be in the top 5 with them with Bamba and Johnson added to what we have right now.

Jackson will leave for UNC. He has a ring and already bypassed the draft twice. Can't see him risking injury by coming back. I think the rest that I mentioned will return.

My top 5 and their starters:

1. UNC- Berry, Felton, Pinson, Knox, Bradley.
2. Duke- Duval, Jackson, Allen, Carter, Bolden.
3. UofL- Snider, Mitchell, Adel, Johnson, Spalding.
4. KU- Graham, Newman, Mykhailiuk, Preston, Azubuike.
5. UK- Green, Diallo, Johnson, Bamba, Richards.

 

[bucsrule8872]

OP has those blue tinted shades on.

I think many place too much emphasis on how many stars a player had coming out of HS. There are at most 2-3 players who will probably be leaving UK after next season. This is a down class.
- Green is on the smallish side, and while he does a lot (I think, I hope) that is greatly appreciated at the college level, his skill set may not be in as great a demand at the pro level. I think he is here 3-4 years.
- I think Diallo is one of those 2-3, but he has to be able to shoot the ball. If he shoots 42% overall, and 28% from 3, it would be hard seeing an NBA team taking him in the 1st. He is here 1-2 years.
- Bamba, he's not ours yet, but we are all hopeful. He would be the most likely to leave. He would be here 1 year.
- Richards, if Bamba doesn't play and then Richards plays 25+mpg then he could leave early. I've heard comparisons to WCS. I think he is here 2-3 years.
- Gabriel, he probably would have liked to go this year, might be considering testing the waters. Clearly he has work ahead of him though, but a lot of potential too. Unless he gets beat out of PT by Vanderbilt & Washington both, I think next year is it for him.
- Washington, everything I've read about him I like a lot. But I also think he may be a bit undersized for the NBA for his game. So he may need to be a dominant player before he can leave early = 2-3 years here.
- Vanderbilt, I think he might not see the court a lot as a FR, behind Gabriel & Washington, although we will play 2 of the 3 at a time some (maybe a lot if Bam doesn't return). He is here 2-3 years.
- Humphries, if he returns, next year might be it. After then I could see him going pro overseas, or transfering, or trying to make the NBA. You can't teach/develop a guy to be 7'0. I think if Bamba commits, then he goes overseas to play pro. If Bamba doesn't then Humphries and Richards will split C. Could be interesting to see them together some too. 0-1 more year.
- Johnson, IF we get him, and I do want him, is NOT a SF (although he can play there), he is a 2G (a tall one). I don't think he is a 1 year guy either. He might not start for us (would have to beat out Diallo). But I do think he plays 15-20 mpg (at both 2 & 3).

This team will be < this past season at the PG.
This team will be < this past season at the 2G.
This team will be = this past season at C.
So they will probably be > this past season at PF & SF.

The depth probably will be better than this past season, but the starters may be a bit worse (even if we add Bamba & Johnson).

If we get him, I think Johnson starts alongside Diallo. Both have the size to defend the 2 or 3. And with the way we switch, they will have to guard every position anyway. Johnson will be needed to stretch the defense with his shooting. That is especially important with Diallo starting, since Diallo isn't known for his shooting. Unless Washington and/or Vanderbilt show they can stroke the 3 (they aren't known for that), then I pencil Johnson in at the 3 spot next year. If we get Bamba and play him at the 4, then Johnson at the 3 is definitely the best strategy. Got to have shooters and we will only have Johnson and Green known for their outside shot. Teams will pack it in if we don't have at least two guys on the floor that can knock down the 3 consistently.

 

[3 fan]

Hump, SKJ Tai. Two of the three are gone

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

Smart deserves a Nobel Prize if he can get Bamba after that awful season.

I think recent Texas hype is smoke to build excitement for his announcement.

 

[railroadkat_1]

Not the greatest collection of talent all things considered. Lot of good to really good players. Nowhere near an overwhelming favorite. But one of the favorites. Too much hyperbole but I agree it would certainly put UK right in the conversation. That team is not as good as '11-12 or '14-15 though.

Justin what is your opinion on Bamba? Seems like everyone thinks he's already coming to UK! I read for the first time today maybe not. You never know. I hope he comes but if he doesn't come I hope Bam comes back. Richards is going to surprise some. I really like Baker at two guard, kid can stroke it.

 

[JRowland]

Justin what is your opinion on Bamba? Seems like everyone thinks he's already coming to UK! I read for the first time today maybe not. You never know. I hope he comes but if he doesn't come I hope Bam comes back. Richards is going to surprise some. I really like Baker at two guard, kid can stroke it.

Honestly I haven't read or heard anything that leads me to believe anyone has a firm grasp on what he's going to do, so all I can do is read the tea leaves and take the basketball recruiting gurus at their word. The majority opinion is that Kentucky is in the driver's seat but it's not done and it wouldn't surprise many if he picked Texas but Duke would be a surprise right now. Remember this, when a kid has really eliminated a school or has really settled on a school, word spreads like wildfire and the winds change. Nothing in the winds have changed, which tells me any outlier opinions are outliers. If Bamba has really decided he's not going to Kentucky (I don't think he has and here's why) then there would be other moving parts or a lot more chatter that point to that.

 

[BBNinSC]

Thanks OP. That gets me pumped for November. I'm a Kentucky fan and always shooting for the moon. That's what we do.

 

[GonzoCat90]

So a down class of recruits and some combination of fallback option guards that none of our fans have actually seen play is suddenly the greatest team ever?

No wonder so many here think Cal has underachieved.

 

[Deli owl]

After losing Fox, Monk, Briscoe, and probably Bam, I would have NEVER guessed that I would be even MORE excited for next year's team than the one we just saw lose on a buzzer beater that cost us a national title (likely), but with Calipari as coach, anything is possible.

Quade Green, Hamidou Diallo, Cam Johnson, Mohamed Bamba, Nick Richards, Wenyen Gabriel, Isaac Humphries, Jemarl Baker, Shai Alexander, Jarred Vanderbilt, PJ Washington, and SKJ could very well equal 2015 as the greatest collection of talent ever on a single college basketball team, IMO.

It doesn't have the overall star power of 2012, but that will not even matter. Calipari will have assembled a team full of high energy, highly skilled, and highly motivated players on a team that sports exactly ZERO weaknesses that I can see. Johnson. WG, Hump, Diallo, and SKJ as experienced players to add to yet another #1 overall recruiting class with Bamba, Green, Richards, Washington, Vanderbilt, Alexander, and Baker.

Green, Diallo, and Vanderbilt are decent shooters. Johnson and Baker are assassins. Johnson and Vanderbilt give us true Small Forwards that we have lacked on the last several teams. Unbelievable backup players for every position except for possibly PG. The greatest front court in college basketball with a CRAZY amount of depth.

As another bonus, AT MOST I see 6 players that could leave after a single year, but probably closer to 4 (Diallo, Bamba, Johnson likely and possibly any of Vanderbilt, Richards, WG, and Hump).

Calipari will have built a team that creates a base that will set him up for the next 3 years. Instead of having to replace everyone like we are used to, we can return a couple starters and a few talented bench players and focus on recruiting the most talented OAD players to come in and fill 3 or 4 positions on the next years team.

I couldn't be more excited. Bring it home, Coach Cal. Cam Johnson and Bamba are projected as locks by most everyone now. Then take the best shooter you can find that is willing to play backup for a year like Jemarl Baker or Mark Smith.

I would love to somehow steal Quentin Grimes over Baker or Smith, but not at the expense of Johnson.

I trust in Coach Cal 100%! No matter what ends up happening, next year will be a fun year with another great shot at winning the tournament anyways. I just hope that the team includes Mohamed Bamba and Cam Johnson above anybody else we are recruiting. Kevin Knox can't hold a finger to Cam Johnson.

In my completely worthless opinion, as always.

3 guys not getting Mulder minutes and Bamba.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

If Berry, Jackson, and Bradley come back and UNC adds Knox, Allen and Jackson return and Duke adds Duval, UofL gets Mitchell and Adel back, and KU gets Graham and Mykhailiuk back, then that's your top four teams.

We might be in the top 5 with them with Bamba and Johnson added to what we have right now.

Jackson will leave for UNC. He has a ring and already bypassed the draft twice. Can't see him risking injury by coming back. I think the rest that I mentioned will return.

My top 5 and their starters:

1. UNC- Berry, Felton, Pinson, Knox, Bradley.
2. Duke- Duval, Jackson, Allen, Carter, Bolden.
3. UofL- Snider, Mitchell, Adel, Johnson, Spalding.
4. KU- Graham, Newman, Mykhailiuk, Preston, Azubuike.
5. UK- Green, Diallo, Johnson, Bamba, Richards.

You have UNCheat as #1 without Jackson? Strongly disagree.

 

[bucsrule8872]

You have UNCheat as #1 without Jackson? Strongly disagree.

I can understand that.

It's close between the top four.

Also, might throw Oregon into the mix with everyone back.

 

[Mojocat]

After getting burned a bit on Mulder's alleged 3 point marksmanship - he shot 46.3% his second year of JC ball and in 2 years at UK he shot 34.26% from the 3 - I'm a little leery of Johnson's alleged shooting. I know he played in the ACC vs junior college. Still......

 

[TheDude73]

Every year some collection of our recruits makes us the favorite...now it's time to actually make it happen more than once in 10 years.