Bolden transferring from Duke.

[Montana81]

Was never sure why Cal ever wanted Bolden. He wasn't that highly regarded on this board until he became a pawn in who would have the #1 recruiting class.

He turned out to match his early projection. Certainly Cal would have no interest now.

Maybe Cal was hoping he could get something out of Bolden at the 5 with Bam at the 4. Could explain the absolute mystery of not wanting Allen over Bolden as Allen was clearly a 4.

Bolden still has quite a bit of upside. 7'5.5 wingspan and a 9'5 standing reach. The kid is an albatross and he had the same personal trainer/mentor as Julius Randle. He has some tools.

His motor sucks though and he's a little on the slow side.

I actually think this is a kid Pitino might be able to do wonders with.

 

[anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y]

As a UConn fan who followed Hamidou recruiting closely I can practically guarantee you Bamba will be going to UK.

Quade Green, Hamidou, & Bamba all pretty much planned they were going to play together at UK. Cal made them wait so other schools think they have a chance thereby losing out on other recruits those schools had as backups.

Essentially Cal is screwing Duke's recruiting/current team roster making Duke think they have a chance with Bamba. They don't.

Greene, Hamidou, Bamba package was already set a few months ago.

I like the way the Husky talks. If you think about it, he's right on point. Wasn't Bamba with Quade Green at the Michigan State game in NYC? That's when Quade made up his mind about committing to UK. I've also heard Bamba mention Diallo as his point man on the day to day operations at UK. You know Hamidou is selling UK hard. Come on down big fella.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Who are these "UK fans" who throw up SKJ or Gabriel every time Bolden is mentioned? There is absolutely no comparison.

SKJ is a raw prospect that approached UK first and committed early. Gabriel was given tons of playing time, which only shrank after his game collapsed toward the end of the season.

Bolden meanwhile was the No. 1 center prospect in the class. He was touted far and wide as a lottery pick. He was supposedly dominant in early season practices, got rave reviews from scouts after the pro day workout, was penned in as a starter in pre-season, was posed in a photo with Okafor and Giles with the caption "Big Man U" (ludicrous in retrospect) on Duke's Twitter account.

Early in the season, when Bolden, Giles, and Tatum were injured, instead of wearing warmups or street clothes, they all dressed in matching tailored suits on the sideline at games in a ridiculous display of arrogance and snobbery. Just Duke's way of saying, these aren't just any injured kids on the sidelines, these are superstars.

Basically, Duke revved up this big hype machine about him, Giles and Tatum, and it all fell spectacularly flat in a way that must have been humiliating for him. Duke fans and other fan boards have shredded him for being lazy or overrated or inept, but I saw a kid that showed some promise when he was given the opportunity to play for more than a few minutes.

The reality is Bolden isn't lazy or overrated - he just got in K's doghouse early, and when Duke's season was going South, K settled into his 7 man rotation and 1 big with 4 outside shooters, and from that point forward, Bolden - and Giles to some degree - were toast.

 

[bucsrule8872]

True, if Bamba wants to play the 4, we'd probably start Hump or Richards if he's ready, but I would suspect not. Gabriel backing up Bamba. Vanderbilt and Washington sharing the 3 spot. Green and Diallo at 1 and 2. Knox would really complicate things and I don't think we get him and Bamba. Too many bodies fighting for 2 spots.

Green already said that if he gets Knox and Bamba here, like he is trying to do, then he expects the starters will be:

G Green
G Diallo
F Knox
F Bamba
F Richards

This is from our likely starting PG, and a guy who has played with these guys. He knows who the best guys are. Knox does not complicate, IMHO. Those five start, Gabriel, Vanderbilt, and Washington fight for minutes on the wing, while one of Humphries(if he is back), SKJ, and Wynyard backup the inside. Alexander backs up the guards.

I like that starting five, even though it's all Freshmen. They will take their lumps early, but could be very good come March.

Personally, I think Knox goes elsewhere (Duke or UNC) and either Washington or Vanderbilt starts at the 3.

 

[brianpoe]

One thing I've heard Bamba talk about is the need to play with a good PG. We have one. Duke doesn't.

Of course kids say a lot of things.

Bamba has stated that Duval is the best PG in the class. He likes his game a lot, luckily he likes Quade as friend more.

If Duke gets Duval and either Allen/Kennard stays and Bamba chooses Duke, they would have the best starting 5, no bench whatsoever.

 

[Cats192]

I don't think Transfers affect any of the decisions.

I think we get Bamba regardless.
I think they get Knox regardless, unless MJP recruits him to Mizzou.

I prefer to see Duke lose both Bolden and Allen

 

[Rupp'sRunt]

As a UConn fan who followed Hamidou recruiting closely I can practically guarantee you Bamba will be going to UK.

Quade Green, Hamidou, & Bamba all pretty much planned they were going to play together at UK. Cal made them wait so other schools think they have a chance thereby losing out on other recruits those schools had as backups.

Essentially Cal is screwing Duke's recruiting/current team roster making Duke think they have a chance with Bamba. They don't.

Greene, Hamidou, Bamba package was already set a few months ago.

So you're theory here is Cal has told Bamba not to announce his commitment to UK, giving him time to Change his mind? I doubt that

 

[catdance]

Remember that song from the 70's? "Hello, it's me again........", I believe by ELO.

Todd Rundgren. sp?

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Same could happen with SKJ or Wynyard or even Hump..
Other coaches will use that for negative recruiting

None of those guys are transferring yet, and none of them were projected to go as high as #7 in the 2017 draft. Big difference, especially considering Calipari has put 30 UK guys in the NBA (not counting this year).

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Duke is toast next year..

Save your laughter for when Bamba picks UK. If Duke lands him, they'll be fine. If not, they'll have some major issues. The next two weeks should tell the tale, and I'll be hoping like you that Bamba lifts up the UK hat and places it gently on his head on decision day.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I just bet they have have Bamba. Bolden had minutes galore coming next year....unless they landed Bamba. No way he transfers unless he knows someone is coming in to take his minutes. Guys we're screwed if we don't get Bamba and Bam leaves. Heck we may lose Bam, Hump and lose Bamba.

You've stated that position now about three or four times. Why don't you wait and see before jumping to conclusions. A week ago, most of you who are now worried were all but certain UK was landing Bamba. Nothing's changed. We knew Bolden/Jeter were transferring for the last few months.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I'm banking on Cal selling him on much better competition in practice at UK than he'd get at Duke.

So you're banking on both Cal and K convincing him? Does Bamba get to play at two schools next season simultaneously?

 

[redbudman]

I don't like this at all, as that tells me they have Bamba in the bag.

They DO NOT have Bamba in the bag! He is ours! And for one big reason! Quade Green! Mark it down!

 

[Cardsstink]

So you're banking on both Cal and K convincing him? Does Bamba get to play at two schools next season simultaneously?

Yep. He's that versatile.

 

[Cardsstink]

They DO NOT have Bamba in the bag! He is ours! And for one big reason! Quade Green! Mark it down!

Hope so. We roll next year with Bamba.

 

[anon_q409idbs5m40a]

I don't think Transfers affect any of the decisions.

I think we get Bamba regardless.
I think they get Knox regardless, unless MJP recruits him to Mizzou.

I prefer to see Duke lose both Bolden and Allen

The transfer with Bolden has been in the works for a while, so you're probably right.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Not sure he signed his LOI within the signing period.

I don't think that matters once he laces them up for a team

 

[anon_q409idbs5m40a]

Lol, not happening. TJ mentioned something about this a while back. I guess it was about a month ago. Said "Cal wouldn't even let Bolden walk onto the team at this point", which I get. Cal can't let it appear to be okay to choose against UK, go to Duke, and decide that after they don't like it there, he will let them transfer to UK. Can't do that.

I started hearing rumors down here about midway through the season. It was apparent that all was not well with Mama Bolden.

 

[blubo]

Updated 247 story says bolden hasn't decided for sure.

http://247sports.com/Bolt/Sources-Duke-C-Marques-Bolden-pondering-a-transfer-52114502

 

[wromanp7]

Okay, when will Bolden be announcing which set of dates he's deciding between to announce whether he is, or isn't, transferring from Duke?

Also, when do think he will have a follow up announcement to reveal the next set of dates to discuss he may have changed his mind?

Does anyone even care?

I assume the reason this thread is 5 pages is for no other reason than it's fun to watch.

 

[the stat man]

If they can bring him in and get him eligible, that will be quite the magic trick. But maybe they can.

In my opinion the kid could only play in two places next year Duke or Kansas, any place else and he would not be qualified by the NCAA , if he goes to Duke he gets lessons in flopping and slapping the floor. IF he goes to Kansas he gets lessons on how to slap women around , and kick their cars !!

 

[Cat Ballou]

I suspect there are those within Duke program who don't like the timing or optics of this on the biggest basketball weekend of the year, right before their biggest rival plays for a championship with a team full of juniors and seniors and no OADs. Has Roy ever had a kid transfer out of the program?

I suspect by later in the week, when everyone's attention has moved on to spring football or baseball or whatever, we'll hear something.

Please, sweet Baby Jesus, just once let one of these transfers or their parents come out and rip K and Capel. The Thornton camp was shut up pretty quick. Sulaimon definitely didn't talk. Ojeleye is one of the few other recent transfers that have cast any shade at K.

 

[UKUGA]

Edgar Allen Poe wished he could write a poetic tragedy this beautiful.

I'm sure he's heard basketball's thumping in his head for months.

 

[KMKAT]

Bolden still has quite a bit of upside. 7'5.5 wingspan and a 9'5 standing reach. The kid is an albatross and he had the same personal trainer/mentor as Julius Randle. He has some tools.

His motor sucks though and he's a little on the slow side.

I actually think this is a kid Pitino might be able to do wonders with.

Yep, Pitino would tear him down for 3.5 years, and have him produce his final year only to hate playing basketball ever again.

This is the Pitino way.

 

[KMKAT]

I suspect there are those within Duke program who don't like the timing or optics of this on the biggest basketball weekend of the year, right before their biggest rival plays for a championship with a team full of juniors and seniors and no OADs. Has Roy ever had a kid transfer out of the program?

I suspect by later in the week, when everyone's attention has moved on to spring football or baseball or whatever, we'll hear something.

Please, sweet Baby Jesus, just once let one of these transfers or their parents come out and rip K and Capel. The Thornton camp was shut up pretty quick. Sulaimon definitely didn't talk. Ojeleye is one of the few other recent transfers that have cast any shade at K.

The simple fact that you leave the 'greatest' program ever put together and the holy grail K ought to be enough noise to tell kids that program may not be all its promoted to be.

Now if K cried on Bamba's last face-2-face, well, you can't compete with that!

 

[jarms24]

Has Roy ever had a kid transfer out of the program?

Why would anyone want to transfer out of there when they get free high end rental cars, drugs, guns, and it's a diploma mill. It's as lavish as playing in the NBA.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Save your laughter for when Bamba picks UK. If Duke lands him, they'll be fine. If not, they'll have some major issues. The next two weeks should tell the tale, and I'll be hoping like you that Bamba lifts up the UK hat and places it gently on his head on decision day.

Still a super young team. That doesn't bode well when you have to play in the ACC every year.

While I agree this might move the Bamba needle to Duke, I'm not sure it matters when it comes to their title hopes next year. Overloaded onthe #2, a thin AND inexperienced front court, Coach K's age and health issues, Allen's head problems..

 

[qwesley]

He needed a coach that would make him tougher to make up for the lack of quick twitch. Duke is not that place.

 

[Montana81]

Yep, Pitino would tear him down for 3.5 years, and have him produce his final year only to hate playing basketball ever again.

This is the Pitino way.

Maybe so. More than anything the kid needs a motivator and Pitino's the best in the country at getting guys to play hard consistently.

 

[railroadkat_1]

Surely Bamba can see how badly K used Bolden and Giles. Giles was the consensus number 1 pick, before K got him. Now when is he going? Bolden was a sure one and done. Now he is going to be at least 3 years out of HS before going into the draft. Why in the world would Bamba go to Duke?

The Ratface sells the snake oil. If Bomba goes to Duke he will play center so W. Carter can plat the power forward Bamba so desires.

 

[RipThru]

Same could happen with SKJ or Wynyard or even Hump..
Other coaches will use that for negative recruiting

No comparison with Wynyard and Hump.

 

[poppycat]

No comparison with Wynyard and Hump.

Rankings and hype.........no
But fans expectations and disappointment and transfer rumors..a big yes.
Not likely, but we could have 3 transfers for those looking for PT.

 

[RipThru]

No one would blink an eye if Hump or Wynyard transfers, locally or nationally.

 

[docholiday51]

So you're theory here is Cal has told Bamba not to announce his commitment to UK, giving him time to Change his mind? I doubt that

He learned that from Tubby on his recent trip to Memphis

 

[Ryan Lemonds Diary]

Will he drag it out again and have another announcement gathering? Will anybody care?

I bet he is regretting listening to Momma Bolden. If the rumor was true and he did go along with Jeff Capel who had him to hold off his announcement to keep UK from getting Jarrett Allen then I hope he ends up playing for Johnny Jones at Poop U.

 

[Bkocats]

Did he say something negative about Cal or UK when he commited to Duke?

not sure if it was him or his momma
IIRC Bolden wanted UK - momma wanted Duke. Momma won

 

[Bkocats]

Really didn't care for him following Brad the day before he picked Duke. Total dick move.

yes it was
but I'll tell you this - all this crap he did? I really have a gut feeling it was scripted by a certain asst coach at Duke.
If I'm wrong, okay - apologies and all that, but Capel has no scruples when it comes to this stuff. You think K is the one recruiting the OADs? Nope, it's Capel; he makes the promises to get them there.

just my opinion, of course

 

[Cawood86]

Bamba has stated that Duval is the best PG in the class. He likes his game a lot, luckily he likes Quade as friend more.

If Duke gets Duval and either Allen/Kennard stays and Bamba chooses Duke, they would have the best starting 5, no bench whatsoever.

I don't know who the other starter would be for them. But UK would likely have Green, Diallo, JV/PJ Richards. Not sure duke could throw a better one than that out there unless they had Knox. I personally don't think Duval ends up at duke.

 

[Bkocats]

Wounder how many college basketball writers are burning midnight oil tonight writing stories about Bolden and all these transfers. How duke had the #1 class and preseason #1 in every poll. How K choked with all that talent and coast the potential #1 pick millions of dollars for playing him when he was clearly injured and a shell of his former self.


How many?

good question
Or, the stories will be how these kids coming up now simply don't have the work ethic and one can't blame K. He tried his best to help them, but you can only lead a horse to water, etc.

 

[Cawood86]

good question
Or, the stories will be how these kids coming up now simply don't have the work ethic and one can't blame K. He tried his best to help them, but you can only lead a horse to water, etc.

K is the teflon Don. If his team had won then the articles would be flowing like the Mighty Mississippi. Since they choked and faded, they are all in hiding. Some of them had already crowned them and labeled the best team in college basketball "by far".
These guys are cowards and blowhards. If Cal's team had flamed out like that, the negative articles would be overwhelming.