Baker commits to UK!!!

[Jkwo]

Simple solution.......recruit kids that want a degree when
pro ball is out..........other schools do........and Cal is the
best recruiter.......so I've heard.

So you think those two guys I mentioned came in telling Cal that they were going to transfer after a year or two? And it doesn't really have to do with "pro ball" being out, since they weren't leaving for the draft. They went to get degrees in other places because they wanted immediate playing time, which Cal wouldn't guarantee them.

Loved Hawkins. Hope he turns out as good or better.

That still brushes over the point about freshman vs senior year expectations.

Year for year, they won't have the same expectations.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Just be glad Musberger Retired.

Adeeeebaaaayo

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Welcome young man

 

[WildMoon]

Can I be the voice of reason here? He's not going to play much other than being a practice player next year. Mulder was better and didn't play much. Does he fill a need? Yes. Is he good enough the next couple of year? Probably not good enough to get on the floor. Probably more like a Hawkins guy with better offense but worse defense. Just my opinion guys.

you probably shouldn't have said voice of reason, but i agree with you 100%.

When you hear the word shooter, people go crazy on this board. Its like shooting helps defensive performance, and all the aspect of basketball.

Hawkins at the end of the season became 3 and D...that would be nice to get from Baker. We probably see it junior or senior season.

 

[KentuckyCat420]

Being reported at 6'4 185 pounds.

Also, Jerry Meyer just said he thinks Baker is better than Johnson and Smith.

Jerry Meyer thought Austin Rivers was better then Anthony Davis.

Just sayin...

 

[Cefiro]

This is the type of player many on here have wanted for years. A multi year shooter.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I haven't seen him much other than clips on here and YouTube but i'm guessing that's where everyone else is forming their opinions from. He will never be Jamal Murray as few are. I know everyone attacking my opinion on the kid thinks he will be better than Jordan but I just do not. You really don't have to agree or disagree. My prediction is that he barely plays the next two years UNLESS he really has a break out Summer and shoots extraordinarily well.

Nobody has a problem with you giving your opinion, but you framed it as you being the voice of reason and stated, as a fact, that he wasn't as good as Mulder. Not an opinion, but a fact.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

you probably shouldn't have said voice of reason, but i agree with you 100%.

When you hear the word shooter, people go crazy on this board. Its like shooting helps defensive performance, and all the aspect of basketball.

Hawkins at the end of the season became 3 and D...that would be nice to get from Baker. We probably see it junior or senior season.

Are people really going crazy? We are told constantly that we don't get enough shooters. We get one, get excited about it, and now we are saying he's Michael Jordan and clearing space for the banner?

 

[canebreak]

This kid can play. He is better than Mulder already. No offense to Mulder. This kid has way better handle. He can drive because he shoots so well. I don't see Mulder at all. Mulder tried to get rid of ball as soon as he got it. This kid wants the ball and he shot is quick.

 

[KyFaninNC]

Hopefully he is not another SKJ. Cal suddenly figures out he can't defend and rides the pine.

 

[4UK]

His stroke is pure; as good, or better, than anyone I've seen in this class. His handle doesn't seem great, and that's probably a big reason he isn't ranked higher. But that shouldn't be an issue with this team. Vanderbilt and Washington have great handle for their respective positions and will be able to cover up some of his deficiencies in that area.

 

[BBUK]

I haven't seen him much other than clips on here and YouTube but i'm guessing that's where everyone else is forming their opinions from. He will never be Jamal Murray as few are. I know everyone attacking my opinion on the kid thinks he will be better than Jordan but I just do not. You really don't have to agree or disagree. My prediction is that he barely plays the next two years UNLESS he really has a break out Summer and shoots extraordinarily well.

I tend to like a lessened degree of expectations, especially for young people. It seems way too many posters liken every new recruit to a near impossible level of expectations that can never be obtained. No way can any player meet the expectation levels placed on many UK players. No need to keep doing that. (The definition of lunacy)

 

[Deli owl]

you probably shouldn't have said voice of reason, but i agree with you 100%.

When you hear the word shooter, people go crazy on this board. Its like shooting helps defensive performance, and all the aspect of basketball.

Hawkins at the end of the season became 3 and D...that would be nice to get from Baker. We probably see it junior or senior season.

I agree. It just seems like people go nuts over every recruit when they all will not play or pan out to those lofty expectations. There have been many UK players I didn't even like their games at all. It's okay.

 

[Hoskins21]

Baker is a solid player and had a great AAU season last Spring/Summer. He'll come in and provide depth as a freshmen. However, he's only going to get better, especially with all he will be going up against in practice. By the the time he's a junior, he'll be a really good player.

 

[Deli owl]

Just your opinion? How do know what this kid can or can't do? Have you seen him play? Voice of reason

I think I answered this in other threads. I've seen clips and that's about it. Still formed an opinion like you have I guess.

 

[willievic]

I love shooters! You can never have enough!

Do you prefer S&W, Ruger or Colt? All are made in the USA. God mad man, and S&W made all men equal.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[Deli owl]

Nobody has a problem with you giving your opinion, but you framed it as you being the voice of reason and stated, as a fact, that he wasn't as good as Mulder. Not an opinion, but a fact.

Well I did say it was just my opinion. Can't be more plain than that. I said the whole thing was my opinion. people read into things what they want but that's what was written.

 

[Deli owl]

I tend to like a lessened degree of expectations, especially for young people. It seems way too many posters liken every new recruit to a near impossible level of expectations that can never be obtained. No way can any player meet the expectation levels placed on many UK players. No need to keep doing that. (The definition of lunacy)

Exactly.

 

[willievic]

Baker is a solid player and had a great AAU season last Spring/Summer. He'll come in and provide depth as a freshmen. However, he's only going to get better, especially with all he will be going up against in practice. By the the time he's a junior, he'll be a really good player.

Jay, you must be kidding. Cal does not recruit players to be here 3 years.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[hotelblue]

he has crazy range if he can step into his shot. and a beautiful one it is too.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Kid is a Top 75 recruit. This is the kind of multi-year player that most teams out there are going after to build a contender around.

Teams like Villanova, Louisville, Virginia, Kansas have thrived with rosters built out of similar recruits. I can see Baker playing spot minutes next year when we need a zone buster and having a growing role throughout his career as he gains experience and strength. I love our adding guys like this - just hope we can get him to stick around.

 

[BlueVoodoo]

 

[JFCats22]

"I can't believe Cal signed a guy ranked in the 70's!" "He must not be any good."

Sincerely,

The guy who complains about players not staying more than 1 year at UK

 

[morgousky]

Nice to see. Hopefully Cal sold him on Kentucky and staying around. We need multiple year shooters and have for a long time. Maybe Cal is starting to open up a bit.

 

[BBUK]

Kid is a Top 75 recruit. This is the kind of multi-year player that most teams out there are going after to build a contender around.

Teams like Villanova, Louisville, Virginia, Kansas have thrived with rosters built out of similar recruits. I can see Baker playing spot minutes next year when we need a zone buster and having a growing role throughout his career as he gains experience and strength. I love our adding guys like this - just hope we can get him to stick around.

Yeah but the difference is Cal goes after them after he has his core. He keeps tabs on them to assure they are of a high character and some do tend to blossom (AD). These are recruits other teams start with in their recruiting process.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

welcome young man!

 

[Rhavicc]

I'll say it. Some of you all want to slobber all over UNC's junk after they win a title, but when we recruit the kind of players they recruit, some of you complain a bit.
Kid was easily my favorite option though. I think he'll be big time.

 

[Untouchables22]

Listen we needed shooting on the team next year in the worst way. Diallo, Alexander, and Vanderbilt are all poor shooters. That could change but if you don't want every team to zone you or play man and sink basically into the paint you need an above average marksman to balance out floor spacing. Once teams started respecting Hawkins outside shot our offense went super nova last year. This kid does that and as someone who has lobbied vehemently for us to recruit better shooting I'm thrilled we got this kid.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

This makes me happy. I was worried we weren't going to have enough 'Jamals' on the team this year.

 

[StubbornPenny]

I like the pickup. We've got plenty of scholarships to give, and for his freshman year all he has to do is bust a zone. If he stays 2-3 years after that and learns defense, he can be the upperclassman that leads the 2019 or 2020 class to a title. Good get. Hope he can hit 40%!

 

[OSOK]

Coach Cal could have a three guard offense next season. Baker will get 20/25 min per game.
All we need is Bam back and/or Bamba. If one or both sign or resign we will be top five easy.

 

[Crankdatmustard]

We will be moving away from the three guard offense with Vanderbilt. He has been the missing link since 2015.

 

[warddr]

"Jemarl is the best shooter in the country," Earl Watson Elite program director Ryan Silver said. "He has a relentless work ethic and is a proven winner."

http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1769972-jemarl-baker-commits-kentucky

 

[4UK]

I'll say it. Some of you all want to slobber all over UNC's junk after they win a title, but when we recruit the kind of players they recruit, some of you complain a bit.
Kid was easily my favorite option though. I think he'll be big time.

I like Baker a lot. But let's not confuse the situation. UNC started 5 McDonald's All-Americans. They didn't develop guys like Baker - they got some of the very best, and got them to stay more than 2 years.

 

[UK HEMINGWAY]

Cal is not taking Smith now. No need and no way he wants to tie up another scholly on him after getting Baker.

This is incorrect. He has an offer and uk would take him.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Well I did say it was just my opinion. Can't be more plain than that. I said the whole thing was my opinion. people read into things what they want but that's what was written.

Actually, that was my bad. I did not see that last part. So...Appy Polly Loggies.

 

[JFCats22]

This is incorrect. He has an offer and uk would take him.

Let's put some money down on it then....I don't believe there is any chance UK/Cal will still take Smith. Not happening.

 

[littlecreek]

Whether or not he is a multi year player remains to be seen. Just remember that Devin Booker was supposed to be here for more than 1 year. You don't have to be a starter at U.K. to be a first round pick

 

[WACB]

Great news!

 

[Crankdatmustard]

I recall Cal after the season saying that he told Booker's dad after three or four practices
"he is gone" said he had no idea how good he was until he got on campus.