Bamba + Johnson = still 7 to 9 losses next year in a down year for college ball.

[Wildcat-in-STL]

He made 78 threes, so I'll take that. 4.5 reb and 2.3 assists is ok too. Not great, but enough to keep him on the court shooting like that.

I'll take him too but I just hope people realize that if he comes... he's a role player and I'm 90% certain he'd be a backup unless there is an injury . Some on this site are treating him like he's going to be a savior for us next season if he comes here.

 

[Hjack]

* Perhaps one transcendent player.
* No veteran leadership.
* At least four freshmen starters.
* UK would have tons of talent, and be in the discussion for a Final Four, and have a shot to make some noise in the tournament, but still...

Edit: some of you missed the fact that this thread was started this morning after a 40-0 thread was created (one that has since been deleted by the mods).

In that context, I was merely trying to point to reality. Before any other late-comers pile on, please understand that no where in my initial point did I negate UK's chances at a title. I merely countered the naïve thread someone else started with a more realistic thread.

After reading your comments, the major question I have is why was the 40-0 thread deleted?

 

[Hjack]

Nobody ever truly knows what Cal's teams are gonna be like until they play some games.

Probably, including Cal.

 

[morgousky]

I'll take him too but I just hope people realize that if he comes... he's a role player and I'm 90% certain he'd be a backup unless there is an injury . Some on this site are treating him like he's going to be a savior for us next season if he comes here.

You're underselling him.

He's a long athletic 6'8 guard who can hit at a 42% clip. He made around 80 threes. A Role player he is not, and he's got 3 years ACC experience. We have none of those qualities on this roster right now. This is similar to Rodney Hood transferring to Duke.

He's not a savior, but he could easily save us in the tournament when no one else can throw it in the ocean, which happens to us every other year.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

You're underselling him.

He's a long athletic 6'8 guard who can hit at a 42% clip. He made around 80 threes. A Role player he is not, and he's got 3 years ACC experience. We have none of those qualities on this roster right now. This is similar to Rodney Hood transferring to Duke.

He's not a savior, but he could easily save us in the tournament when no one else can throw it in the ocean, which happens to us every other year.

How can a player be more than a role player if he doesnt create shots for himself? He's basically an open layup / dunk or catch and shoot player.

 

[bluinbville]

One has to like what we have seen from SGA so far,but I'm not so sure what we saw last night tell us much.That game didn't seem to me to have anywhere near the talent level of the other games I have seen,if you could make a lay up then you were good for at least 12 to 15.SGA did play under control and was clearly the best on the floor.

SGA was clearly better than the comp. The JBC killed the Derby Festival along with the Dapper Dan and several other all-star games.
Next year is going to be a crap shoot. No one knows what's going to happen.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

How can a player be more than a role player if he doesnt create shots for himself? He's basically an open layup / dunk or catch and shoot player.

Really, there aren't a lot of players that can create shots for themselves. You seem to be anti-CJ for some reason.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I'll take him too but I just hope people realize that if he comes... he's a role player and I'm 90% certain he'd be a backup unless there is an injury . Some on this site are treating him like he's going to be a savior for us next season if he comes here.

Well until Baker committed, we didn't really have a 3 pt shooter, so we really wanted him for that reason. But Baker is a freshman and we don't know if he can hit yet against D-1 competition, and CJ has shown he can.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Next year's team could easily be better than this year's team, especially if we get Bamba. You have the right to post negativity but you want to argue that nobody can respond to your post unless they agree to be negative with you? Get outta here.

Context is everything. You're still ignoring the context from which I presented this thread.

 

[morgousky]

How can a player be more than a role player if he doesnt create shots for himself? He's basically an open layup / dunk or catch and shoot player.

Creating your own shot in college is oversold and rarely seen. Monk didn't create space well, but he could shoot it anyway. Cam is 6'8. You don't have to go Kobe Bryant in college to shoot over 6'4 guards. He's already proven it.

As long as he can get some kind of seperation, like Monk, he can just shoot over them.

 

[Cardsstink]

Context is everything. You're still ignoring the context from which I presented this thread.

What I understand is that you threw out a negative thread topic and now want to argue with anyone that doesn't agree with you. Get over yourself.

 

[Supafuzz75]

If we get who we're trying to close out with,, we're looking at 5-8 losses at least.. I don't care how you spin it.. We'll be way young with not much experience.. We'll be good by NCAA time.. Anyone thinking we'll lose under 5,, well I don't know what to tell you but I know what I'd call you..

 

[WildMoon]

CJ has to be one of more overrated player in a while.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

CJ has to be one of more overrated player in a while.

Overrated how? Has anyone claimed he was AA material? Has anyone said he would average 20 pts a game? Maybe I am missing all these quixotic, over-the-top posts.

 

[track42]

CJ has to be one of more overrated player in a while.

I don't see where you are getting that at all.Other teams are going to pack it in against us next season and he could help us with that.I don't see anyone proclaiming him to be a 20 point scorer.

 

[WildMoon]

Overrated how? Has anyone claimed he was AA material? Has anyone said he would average 20 pts a game? Maybe I am missing all these quixotic, over-the-top posts.

I don't see where you are getting that at all.Other teams are going to pack it in against us next season and he could help us with that.I don't see anyone proclaiming him to be a 20 point scorer.

and, did i say any of that as a comparison...

no...

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

You also didn't answer my question. How is he overrated?

 

[WildMoon]

You also didn't answer my question. How is he overrated?

Because, it's better to assume he is a good practice body and not much more.

 

[IndyCat1995]

UNC just won the national title. They had 7 losses. Nothing about projecting a few losses has anything to do with negating UK's title hopes. I actually think UK will be one of the top 10 teams next season, maybe top 5 with Bamba.

fair

 

[bucsrule8872]

Because, it's better to assume he is a good practice body and not much more.

Respectfully disagree.

Hard to imagine a guy going from a starter in the ACC (albeit a terrible team) to a practice player, even at UK.

I expect him to be a rotation guy. I see him replacing Willis in that shooters role that Willis played the last two years.

Probably 7-8ppg in about 15-20mpg. 1-2 rebounds and 1 assist a game.

Last year he averaged about 6 attempts from 3 per game. Probably shoots 4-5 a game for us as our best 3 point threat. Hits a couple a game and maybe scores a 2 point basket from time to time.

He could develop into a little more than that, but that is what I am expecting if he comes.

I can't see him just being a practice player.

 

[Hoskins91]

You're underselling him.

He's a long athletic 6'8 guard who can hit at a 42% clip. He made around 80 threes. A Role player he is not, and he's got 3 years ACC experience. We have none of those qualities on this roster right now. This is similar to Rodney Hood transferring to Duke.

He's not a savior, but he could easily save us in the tournament when no one else can throw it in the ocean, which happens to us every other year.

He probably won't start and he's basically just a spot up shooter at this point. What else would you call that?

Rodney Hood was a five star player and he produced similar numbers as a freshman on a better team. Then was the second best player on a good Duke team. It's not fair to expect that.

 

[UKCATSFREAK]

I do think if UK gets Bamba that the defense has the potential to be dominant.

I agree with you, on paper anyway but we never know how well or how long it will take freshman to learn how to play defense.
Just to make a point, we said this last year before the season. Some said this the year before with Skal, Marcus, and Tyler. Fact is that it's only on paper. It doesn't always translate to being dominate on the college level. Of course, we all hope it does. I've really tried to curb my expectations with incoming players and teams since the Wisconsin loss. It's been difficult but if there is one thing I've learned, nothing is a given in this game, especially with freshman.

 

[morgousky]

He probably won't start and he's basically just a spot up shooter at this point. What else would you call that?

Rodney Hood was a five star player and he produced similar numbers as a freshman on a better team. Then was the second best player on a good Duke team. It's not fair to expect that.

Not the players necessarily themselves, the situations. Duke got a steal from that transfer situation and a player capable of doing damage. A tall shooter with experience is DAMN HARD to come by, especially when they are really good players individually. I'm sure if he could Johnson would already be signed by K. It would be stupid of UK to not prioritize a guy like him, especially given our GLARING issue.....

We have no one who can hit except Baker, a 4 star freshman.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

What I understand is that you threw out a negative thread topic and now want to argue with anyone that doesn't agree with you. Get over yourself.

I have no problem with people disagreeing with me, provided they at least try to grasp the point I’m making within the context I offer.

You seem disinterested in pursuing the meaning of my thread. That's unfortunate, as it doesn't seem to offer much potential for meaningful further discussions on your end.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Not the players necessarily themselves, the situations. Duke got a steal from that transfer situation and a player capable of doing damage. A tall shooter with experience is DAMN HARD to come by, especially when they are really good players individually. I'm sure if he could Johnson would already be signed by K. It would be stupid of UK to not prioritize a guy like him, especially given our GLARING issue.....

We have no one who can hit except Baker, a 4 star freshman.

Quade can shoot. That's at least two reliable perimeter threats.

 

[morgousky]

Quade can shoot. That's at least two reliable perimeter threats.

There's no way Baker will play much this season. I'll believe that when I see it.

Quade is a table setter. He's going to move the ball and get people involved. Don't see a ton of shooting from him around the perimeter.

Cam Johnson to me is a really important recruit right now. Moreso than Knox. This is the kind of guy that can help complete missing pieces and provide much needed experience.

We'll see.

 

[morgousky]

Because, it's better to assume he is a good practice body and not much more.

A 41% three point shooter who's is 6'8 and played 3 years in the ACC is a practice body???

 

[StevieJFTW07]

It depends on how many games John Higgin$ will be officiating.

 

[JRowland]

i think in that scenario UK would lose between 1 and 13 games. stepping off of my limb now.

 

[redbudman]

It is very easy for me imagine this team having an off night shooting, where Vando, Gabriel, Washington, and Diallo are just bricking one after another, and our usual post game is disrupted by foul trouble. Very easy for me to imagine the circumstances in which this team loses.

Gabriel hired an agent! He is gone!

 

[WildMoon]

A 41% three point shooter who's is 6'8 and played 3 years in the ACC is a practice body???

Yes, 16 - 17 team is a team with bunch of role players at best. He wasn't even the best player on an atrocious team.

 

[WildMoon]

Respectfully disagree.

Hard to imagine a guy going from a starter in the ACC (albeit a terrible team) to a practice player, even at UK.

I expect him to be a rotation guy. I see him replacing Willis in that shooters role that Willis played the last two years.

Probably 7-8ppg in about 15-20mpg. 1-2 rebounds and 1 assist a game.

Last year he averaged about 6 attempts from 3 per game. Probably shoots 4-5 a game for us as our best 3 point threat. Hits a couple a game and maybe scores a 2 point basket from time to time.

He could develop into a little more than that, but that is what I am expecting if he comes.

I can't see him just being a practice player.

I see that as second year here. Not next year.

 

[ZaytovenCat]

Fox/Bam/Monk weren't exactly transcendent players, keep in mind.

Bam - Never got the ball until the 2nd half of the season, and because of that had many struggles. It was only the last few weeks did he figure out how to body people for rebounds.
Monk - Turns out he WAS streaky.. Seemed to lose his confidence.
Fox - Probably the closest to being truly elite for the year.. but he did have injury troubles along with pretty poor mid-long range game. Also didn't defend until late in the season.

We won't have the experienced role players to pick up the slack next year like we did this year. I'd give anything for Willis and Hawkins back.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Yeah, that will be an issue. We'll definitely drop games. But we DO have a front court next year.. and we have SO many recruits coming in we can stand to have a dud or two. We could have really used SKJ this year* and his absence made it tough for rebounding and post defense.

*Did we ever get the final scoop on him or what happened?

 

[Ocornett]

My crystal ball is showing 3 - 5 loses. I think this team is going to be better than most think. Final Four Hang Number 9. Now everyone can get excited. Go Big Blue. Call me crazy but I'm not lazy or daisy.

 

[GonzoCat90]

I think you guys relying on a down class of recruits in which we land (at best) one of the truly elite 4-5 players are going to be disappointed.

It's easy to fall in love with them because they're our guys, but this year as a whole is pretty weak, and we missed some major talent at the top.

We have virtually no one back. I'd temper the expectations a bit and be hopeful that this sets the stage for a dominant 18 season with some pieces back and a few elite recruits sprinkled in.

6-10 losses. Sweet 16/Elite 8, maybe a Final Four with some breaks. Most of the country will be bad, but those of you counting on a title next year are just setting yourselves up to be angry.

 

[morgousky]

Yes, 16 - 17 team is a team with bunch of role players at best. He wasn't even the best player on an atrocious team.

But Cal can surround him with good players where he's only needed to do what we don't really have. We don't need him to play 3 positions and contribute across the board.

 

[railroadkat_1]

With Bamba+Johnson/Knox I think it's 4-6 L's. I think this team surprises some people especially if SKJ puts in work in the offseason and can find consistency.

Anybody still think we get Cam Johnson please read. Cam Johnson was paid in-home visits by TCU, Illinois, Ole Miss, Oregon, Rutgers, South Carolina, Florida and Michigan, in that order, before Easter dinner Sunday night.
I think we might get Bamba and I'm only guessing. Mark Smith still has interest in UK and I like that scenario. He is coming for a visit whenever he can work it out.

 

[EclipsingYou]

It is currently a dead period (Wait, does that apply to grad transfers?)

I FULLY expect for Calipari to have a face to face with Johnson between April 21st-23rd.

Why is he getting so many visits? Because he is one of, if not the best, grad transfers out there. Especially on the wing.

If Cal can convince him that he can teach him the quickness he needs to be able to guard "NBA 2s" and that Kentucky is his best chance of being drafted, I think it'd be hard for him to say no. That's why he's leaving in the first place. He wants to play in the NBA and feels someone other than Stallings is his best bet.

After 3 years experience at a major conference team, he is a BALLER. Would've been 2nd-3rd team all conference, had averaged 18ppg+, and been Pittsburgh's unquestionable leader.

He is ready to play at a top notch level on the largest stage RIGHT NOW. No FR learning curve. I know most think that Knox would be a better get or Cam would be a role player at best, but I STRONGLY disagree.

With Cam and Bamba, I think our SL is Green, Diallo, Johnson, Vanderbilt, and Bamba with one if the deepest benches I've ever seen. Calipari won't be able to keep Cam off the floor due to his interior DEF (Led Pitt in steals at the 3), 3 years experience, 42% 3 pt shooting while battling a DT each time he got the ball, 82% FT shooting, and high level basketball IQ.

Cam is light years ahead of where Willis was last year and I LOVED Derek Willis last year. Watch the Pitt @ UNC game and just imagine Johnson improving by a bit from last year. Would be a scary player.

Cam's 4.5rpg were impressive, I thought, due to the fact Pitt started 2 SR big men that scored 18ppg+ and played 30mpg+.

And by saying he doesn't have the quickness to guard "NBA 2s", he's MORE than capable of guarding 2s, 3s, or 4s in college and does a damn good job at it.

Johnson excites me almost as much as Bamba. It's rare to see a player that's starting to come along so strong in his game graduate in 3 years (3.9 GPA) and decide to transfer as a RS SO.

Somebody brought up Consensus AA Kyle Korver as a negative (?) example to compare Johnson to. I see a lot of Korver's game in Johnson, but think he is a step ahead on the other basketball intangibles besides shooting at this point in both their careers. Korver wasn't much of a defender in college. Johnson can more than hold his own.

 

[railroadkat_1]

It is currently a dead period (Wait, does that apply to grad transfers?)

I FULLY expect for Calipari to have a face to face with Johnson between April 21st-23rd.

Why is he getting so many visits? Because he is one of, if not the best, grad transfers out there. Especially on the wing.

If Cal can convince him that he can teach him the quickness he needs to be able to guard "NBA 2s" and that Kentucky is his best chance of being drafted, I think it'd be hard for him to say no. That's why he's leaving in the first place. He wants to play in the NBA and feels someone other than Stallings is his best bet.

After 3 years experience at a major conference team, he is a BALLER. Would've been 2nd-3rd team all conference, had averaged 18ppg+, and been Pittsburgh's unquestionable leader.

He is ready to play at a top notch level on the largest stage RIGHT NOW. No FR learning curve. I know most think that Knox would be a better get or Cam would be a role player at best, but I STRONGLY disagree.

With Cam and Bamba, I think our SL is Green, Diallo, Johnson, Vanderbilt, and Bamba with one if the deepest benches I've ever seen. Calipari won't be able to keep Cam off the floor due to his interior DEF (Led Pitt in steals at the 3), 3 years experience, 42% 3 pt shooting while battling a DT each time he got the ball, 82% FT shooting, and high level basketball IQ.

Cam is light years ahead of where Willis was last year and I LOVED Derek Willis last year. Watch the Pitt @ UNC game and just imagine Johnson improving by a bit from last year. Would be a scary player.

Cam's 4.5rpg were impressive, I thought, due to the fact Pitt started 2 SR big men that scored 18ppg+ and played 30mpg+.

And by saying he doesn't have the quickness to guard "NBA 2s", he's MORE than capable of guarding 2s, 3s, or 4s in college and does a damn good job at it.

Johnson excites me almost as much as Bamba. It's rare to see a player that's starting to come along so strong in his game graduate in 3 years (3.9 GPA) and decide to transfer as a RS SO.

Somebody brought up Consensus AA Kyle Korver as a negative (?) example to compare Johnson to. I see a lot of Korver's game in Johnson, but think he is a step ahead on the other basketball intangibles besides shooting at this point in both their careers. Korver wasn't much of a defender in college. Johnson can more than hold his own.

You make some good points! He will likely be a very late signee. Yes he's good and I would like to have him. There isn't anything not to like. He has a huge list and not sure how many visits he has left.

As far as Mark Smith Old Man K is trying to get DUKE in the picture. In one day during this weekend he will have visits from Mich St, Duke, Ohio ST, Illinois and UK and Cal in last!