Ben Roberts: Mark Smith visiting UK next week; not bothered by Baker commitment

[Smashcat]

Ben Roberts‏@BenRobertsHL 5m5 minutes ago
Mark Smith says Jemarl Baker's recent commitment to UK doesn't change his recruitment at all. Still very interested. Visiting UK next week.

Fletcher Page‏@FletcherPage 3m3 minutes ago
Smith said he will visit Kentucky and Ohio State next week and will make a decision shortly after. He recently visited Michigan State

 

[ThroughBlue]

Smith AND Baker > Johnson?

 

[Mike-D]

Smith AND Baker > Johnson?

I'm assuming that we are still recruiting Smith in a pinch that we don't get Johnson and/or Knox.

 

[Smashcat]

Baker and Johnson>Baker and Smith.

 

[ThroughBlue]

Baker and Johnson>Baker and Smith.

I'm not feeling as confident in some that we are landing Johnson

 

[Smashcat]

I'm not feeling as confident in some that we are landing Johnson

Would love to have that experience.

 

[Jamal Mercer]

Baker and Johnson>Baker and Smith.

This. Give me the junior all day over another unproven freshman.

 

[Jamal Mercer]

...

 

[ThroughBlue]

Would love to have that experience.

We are the favorite with him

 

[track42]

I don't ask for much so I'll take all 3.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Mentioned this in a thread last week. Get all these guys and play the platoon again.

Yeah, I know Cal said never again, that it hurt recruiting. But what will it do to recruiting if he has 13 guys who are highly rated and sits 4/5 of them?

Play the platoon and make everybody somewhat happy. Then when only 3/4 guys leave, you have plenty of experience returning with the need to only add 2/3 studs to that group to have potentially a powerhouse squad. Anyone think Cal can't land 2/3 studs from the '18 class? Seems like a golden opportunity to me for a good to great year coming up and then a "can't miss" the following year.

 

[ubtrapper]

I'm not feeling as confident in some that we are landing Johnson

Me either. I hope we land him but I don't have a good feeling.

 

[JohnnyGentle]

smith seems a little more versatile than baker or johnson. big frame and good off the dribble, kinda like thornwell

 

[EclipsingYou]

Just when I thought I had everything figured out...

I guessed Smith & Baker was a first to commit gets the scholarship deal.

I thought Johnson and Bamba were priorities 1-1,785.

I assumed Knox has already told Cal thanks, but no thanks.

Would we have a scholarship for Smith assuming Bamba and Johnson commit plus Bam announces he is gone for good? *Apparently yes, spelled out below*

Is Smith's offer contingent on Johnson? I love Smith as a prospect, but Johnson is a plug and play starter. The type of player I hope Smith can be as a SO after improving.
Scholarships:
WG
SKJ
TAI
Diallo
Green
Vanderbilt
Richards
Washington
Baker
Shai
(Doubtful) Bam
I guess that is only 10 if Bam leaves now that I look at it. Bamba, Johnson, and ? left to fill.
Maybe Mark Smith will fill that 13th spot for that last scholarship.
That would be beyond crazy. We could fill 2 top 10 teams with those 13...

I didn't realize we had room for Bamba, Johnson, and Bam as of right now. A commitment by Smith may finally end the Bam debate from a scholarship standpoint if we are on Cam and Bamba like white on rice, as thought.

Surely, Calipari would make Smith wait for Bam to decide before announcing.

Green, Diallo, Johnson, Wg, Bamba (Or whoever you start. Too many choices) plus Shai, Baker, Smith, Vanderbilt, Washington, Richards, SKJ, and Tai.

I mean, seriously... I think the following 2 teams would be ranked preseason top 10...
Random Team 1. Shai, Diallo, Johnson, Washington, Richards, & Baker, Tai + 6 scrubs
Random Team 2. Green, Smith, Vanderbilt, WG, Bamba, & SKJ + 7 scrubs

God Bless Coach Calipari! If he actually gets Mark Smith, Cam Johnson, and Mohamed Bamba to commit, with those other 9 players already signed on, this team will be his masterpiece, if he were an artist. It would be my favorite preseason team since Calipari's arrival and OF COURSE I remember 2015. 2015 happened due to players returning. This team will have happened through Calipari being a complete BA with no mortal equivalent in the area of recruiting high quality young men that aren't afraid of a challenge or playing the best collegiate players in practice every day.

2017-2018 Kentucky Wildcats "John Calipari's Mona Lisa"?

Add Smith, Cam, and Bamba? I think so...

 

[UKcatXXXL]

we are def not getting Knox so everyone should assume that when posting

it ain't happenin

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

If we get Smitb and Biker that would be awesome. I am hesitant just because recruits always say they're not affected by other recruits but it's not a bad sign that he supposedly feels that way.

 

[EclipsingYou]

I agree. The Knox ship has sailed. He is a good player, but not really at a position of need if you look at our currently predicted roster.

Cameron Johnson is the player we need knocking down shots at the 3, not Knox. Johnson is such a talented player that you hope Knox can improve enough during the year to match Johnson's output from day 1 on campus as a RS JR. Plus, we really need experience and having the better collegiate player than potential NBA player might be a nice change to see.

All in my completely worthless opinion as always.

 

[lkc1234]

Mentioned this in a thread last week. Get all these guys and play the platoon again.

Yeah, I know Cal said never again, that it hurt recruiting. But what will it do to recruiting if he has 13 guys who are highly rated and sits 4/5 of them?

Play the platoon and make everybody somewhat happy. Then when only 3/4 guys leave, you have plenty of experience returning with the need to only add 2/3 studs to that group to have potentially a powerhouse squad. Anyone think Cal can't land 2/3 studs from the '18 class? Seems like a golden opportunity to me for a good to great year coming up and then a "can't miss" the following year.

You can forget the platoon. Not going to happen.

 

[EclipsingYou]

Sadly, Calipari is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT against platooning.

I think the compromise will be having a quick trigger and sticking with who is hot. We will prob see lots of games with 10 or more players getting minutes, but whoever is best that night will get the majority, while seeing only 3-4 minutes on a different night.

Players like Baker didn't commit expecting to be a starter, he wanted the opportunity to show his talent on the world's largest stage. I think that our roster is absolutely loaded with players whose thoughts are quite similar to Baker's. I'm sure if Baker hit a few 3's backing up Diallo, Calipari won't purposely yank him to limit his minutes to 10-12 to make sure Diallo gets his. I look for similar situations at every position on the court to happen on a game by game status.

No platooning, but tons of opportunities given.

 

[bucsrule8872]

We get Smith, Johnson, and Bamba and we are in business. We will have a very good team.

G Green/Alexander
G Diallo/Baker/Smith
F Vanderbilt/Johnson
F Washington/Gabriel/Killeya-Jones
F Bamba/Richards/Wynyard

That's 13 scholarships.

Not sure who starts, but I think Cal plays his usual 8 to 9-man rotation. So probably Green, Diallo, Johnson, and Alexander at the guard spots. Vanderbilt, Washington, Gabriel, Bamba, and Richards inside.

If Bam returns and we get all those guys, what kind of monkey wrench does it throw into the works? Do we see Gabriel, SKJ, or Wynyard leave?

Really would like to see Bam and Bamba together. It's doubtful that happens, though.

 

[IL Wildcat]

I'll take em all. But if you make me pick between Johnson and Smith, it's Johnson. Smith may end up being great, but Johnson is a proven commodity. I love the fact that he's proven himself to be a 40+% shooter from 3 in a major conference, and as one of the few bright spots on that team. Imagine what he could do with better looks when he's not the primary focus of every scouting report.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

We get Smith, Johnson, and Bamba and we are in business. We will have a very good team.

G Green/Alexander
G Diallo/Baker/Smith
F Vanderbilt/Johnson
F Washington/Gabriel/Killeya-Jones
F Bamba/Richards/Wynyard

That's 13 scholarships.

Not sure who starts, but I think Cal plays his usual 8 to 9-man rotation. So probably Green, Diallo, Johnson, and Alexander at the guard spots. Vanderbilt, Washington, Gabriel, Bamba, and Richards inside.

If Bam returns and we get all those guys, what kind of monkey wrench does it throw into the works? Do we see Gabriel, SKJ, or Wynyard leave?

Really would like to see Bam and Bamba together. It's doubtful that happens, though.

Please let this happen.

 

[westerncat]

I think Cal is trying to build his perfect team. Just get Johnson and we are good . Get Bamba and he has a very great team.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

Smith fits into our style of play a lot better than Johnson.... Smith can play the dribble drive but Johnson isnt a great enough ball handler to effectively attack the rim.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Smith fits into our style of play a lot better than Johnson.... Smith can play the dribble drive but Johnson isnt a great enough ball handler to effectively attack the rim.

I think Cal likes CJ's length and the fact that he's proven he can shoot in 2 yrs of D1 ball. Smith is still an unknown.

 

[Bobcat94]

Smith and Johnson will play 2 totally different positions. Smith will be a 2g and Johnson will be a SF in our system. You really could take both but that probably won't happen. I really want Johnson next year. He and Bamba and I like our team alot.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

I just don't see the need for both. Save that ride for next season. Otherwise where are the scholarships coming from next season? Maybe 3 one and dones, and thats if Bamba comes

 

[JFCats22]

Not sure why Cal is still interested in Smith.

Seems like he is tying but an awful lot of scholarships that will carry over into 2018/2019. Unless he assumes some combo of Tai, SKJ, or Wenyen are going to be gone.

 

[SpartanJD]

smith seems a little more versatile than baker or johnson. big frame and good off the dribble, kinda like thornwell

Some MSU guys say Smith kind of reminds them of Denzel Valentine in high school. Very versatile.

 

[shutzhund]

You can forget the platoon. Not going to happen.

Thank goodness.

 

[UK_fan_41102]

Maybe Cal takes Johnson and Smith or maybe it's a whoever commits first type of deal.

 

[EclipsingYou]

I doubt that you make that kind of proposition to Smith and Johnson. Johnson is a take no matter what that will be counted on to play big minutes.

Smith is more of a luxury that will have a hard time making a bigger impression as a FR than Charles Matthews did a couple years back.

Smith is a great player as a FR, but a JR Johnson with experience, 42% 3 point shooting, 82% FT shooting, 4.5rpg, all while leading his team in steals and playing good defense in the ACC is on a different level.

Johnson is what I hope Smith is able to mature into, talent wise, as a SO.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

We get Smith, Johnson, and Bamba and we are in business. We will have a very good team.

G Green/Alexander
G Diallo/Baker/Smith
F Vanderbilt/Johnson
F Washington/Gabriel/Killeya-Jones
F Bamba/Richards/Wynyard

That's 13 scholarships.

Not sure who starts, but I think Cal plays his usual 8 to 9-man rotation. So probably Green, Diallo, Johnson, and Alexander at the guard spots. Vanderbilt, Washington, Gabriel, Bamba, and Richards inside.

If Bam returns and we get all those guys, what kind of monkey wrench does it throw into the works? Do we see Gabriel, SKJ, or Wynyard leave?

Really would like to see Bam and Bamba together. It's doubtful that happens, though.

Or just Bamba. UK would be set with him. Getting Johnson or Smith on top of Bamba would act as icing.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Not sure why Cal is still interested in Smith.

Seems like he is tying but an awful lot of scholarships that will carry over into 2018/2019. Unless he assumes some combo of Tai, SKJ, or Wenyen are going to be gone.

Might be a case where he wants the cream to rise amongst the freshmen guards. Sign as many of the best players you can for the backcourt, and play the ones that are immediately ready. Not always a safe bet as to who that will be, especially when dealing with guys who are not perceived to be OAD lottery picks.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I just don't see the need for both. Save that ride for next season. Otherwise where are the scholarships coming from next season? Maybe 3 one and dones, and thats if Bamba comes

I like this approach better. If UK lands Bamba, they will likely lose (this scenario based on landing Smith/Bamba).

1. - Bamba
2. - Diallo
3. - two of Richards/Washington/Vanderbilt/Green
4. - Gabriel

Bring back a core of something like Alexander, Smith, Green, Baker, Wynyard, SKJ, Washington (for example) and add three to four legitimate top 25 guys to go with them. Even if one more guy returns from option the third option 3., UK would still have five scholarships to give to the next class.

I'm not sure what the problem is.

 

[Thompkins4uk]

I doubt that you make that kind of proposition to Smith and Johnson. Johnson is a take no matter what that will be counted on to play big minutes.

Smith is more of a luxury that will have a hard time making a bigger impression as a FR than Charles Matthews did a couple years back.

Smith is a great player as a FR, but a JR Johnson with experience, 42% 3 point shooting, 82% FT shooting, 4.5rpg, all while leading his team in steals and playing good defense in the ACC is on a different level.

Johnson is what I hope Smith is able to mature into, talent wise, as a SO.

I'm not a recruiting guru, but Mark Smith is a guy that we definitely want and that's why Cal is still on him! He's a complete player. You don't see many high school players who are 6'5 230, can handle it, shoot it, pass it, drive, jump. He's Briscoe with a jump shot with range and mad hops, we need him and we can't let another school get him!

 

[spotter34]

I'd love to get Smith. I really like Johnson though too but I love Smith's versatility. With his strength, size, and quickness he can effectively guard 3, maybe even 4 positions in a pinch. He can pull up off the bounce or spot up for his shot with good range. He is a good ball-handler and passer. I just think he'd be one of those guys Cal could plug in anywhere on the perimeter and he'd be effective. He reminds me alot of one of the players that I really hated Cal missed on, Gary Harris at MSU. I just think he'd leave everything out on the court and Cal loves that.

Johnson has experience and has proven he can score but I'm not sure about his toughness or ball-handling. I'm just scared he could find himself in Cal's doghouse because of this. He can shoot that's for certain but we all know how demanding Cal is on the other side of the ball and I'm not convinced he'd perform well there. Could be wrong for sure but that's just how I see it.

 

[UK_fan_41102]

I doubt that you make that kind of proposition to Smith and Johnson. Johnson is a take no matter what that will be counted on to play big minutes.

Smith is more of a luxury that will have a hard time making a bigger impression as a FR than Charles Matthews did a couple years back.

Smith is a great player as a FR, but a JR Johnson with experience, 42% 3 point shooting, 82% FT shooting, 4.5rpg, all while leading his team in steals and playing good defense in the ACC is on a different level.

Johnson is what I hope Smith is able to mature into, talent wise, as a SO.

I don't think Cal is giving them an ultimatum or anything, but he's probably not going to wait on one over the other. Yes Johnson would be nice to have because of his experience at this level, but do you tell Smith to wait while Johnson decides?

 

[EclipsingYou]

With 3 years of experience practicing at a big conference program, expecting Smith to make as big an impact as Johnson isn't very fair to Smith.

Johnson would have been the top returning scorer in the ACC had he stayed. Is Johnson quick enough to guard 6'2" PGs? Heck no! He is a 6'8" SF who does a great job guarding players at the 3 4, or 5. Read some of Kevin Stallings comments concerning Johnson's DEF and how he stayed on the floor regardless of how his shot was falling because of his DEF.

Also, I agree 100% with the idea of signing 13 legitimate players. At most, I could see 6 early entries if we sign Bamba and Johnson, but realistically think the number is closer to 4.

So, Cal returns 9 players and gets to focus on 3-4 studs for 2018 instead of having to replace an entire team like this season. I think that'd work just fine.

Bring back 9 players (and #9 title ) & add Smart, Langford, and either Bagley or Williamson and call it a day while all the other teams fight back the tears lol.

After having to recruit 6+ players in each class, I wonder what Calipari would be able to accomplish with only 3 spots to fill. Would prob make life a lot easier for him.

 

[Dablueman]

With 3 years of experience practicing at a big conference program, expecting Smith to make as big an impact as Johnson isn't very fair to Smith.

Johnson would have been the top returning scorer in the ACC had he stayed. Is Johnson quick enough to guard 6'2" PGs? Heck no! He is a 6'8" SF who does a great job guarding players at the 3 4, or 5. Read some of Kevin Stallings comments concerning Johnson's DEF and how he stayed on the floor regardless of how his shot was falling because of his DEF.

Also, I agree 100% with the idea of signing 13 legitimate players. At most, I could see 6 early entries if we sign Bamba and Johnson, but realistically think the number is closer to 4.

So, Cal returns 9 players and gets to focus on 3-4 studs for 2018 instead of having to replace an entire team like this season. I think that'd work just fine.

Bring back 9 players (and #9 title ) & add Smart, Langford, and either Bagley or Williamson and call it a day while all the other teams fight back the tears lol.

After having to recruit 6+ players in each class, I wonder what Calipari would be able to accomplish with only 3 spots to fill. Would prob make life a lot easier for him.

To be honest record number of early entries. A relatively down year in hoops next season. We could be looking at 10 in 19. With Bamba and our shooting getting lined out Vanderbilt being MkG part 2 this years team will be young but come March seeing that group mature and it maybe sooner that later with the built in Chemistry Green, Diallo, and Bamba would have a really good chance of making a 2014 tourney run maybe even win it if they stay healthy. Which 14 didn't do when they lost WCS.