Cal has a Problem

[Stonewall12]

Briscoe should be coming off the bench.

 

[CBBCrazy]

It's a tough subject that a lot of Kentucky fans are starting to see.

Like most have said, he's a players first coach. There has always been (we just haven't seen it) two groups of players under Cal.

A. Recruits the top20. They get the burn, they get the minutes. They have long leashes. They are apart of his plan.

B. Lesser recruits. In-state kids. Transfers. They have a short leash, and to get significant minutes they need to really come out of no where and be a star. They are there as practice bodies and a backup plan for fouls/injuries

I always knew that A players got the spotlight and were better suited to run our team. But last night was the very VERY rare example where they just mailed it in, and most of them should have been on the bench for the B players. But we didn't see that. Last night was honest to God the first time since Cal has been here that I thought he got it very wrong. Winning games should be top priority, not protecting his brand as an NBA-players coach.

His philosophy on this works great if you bring the same high level talent in year after year. When you didn't get what you thought you got like this year, it raises eyebrows. There are players on the bench that outplay some of these 5* recruits if given the same amount of rope. That is where I get frustrated, UK and winning should be the goal. I am not an NBA fan and will never be, so I am a bit skewed in my thinking.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Why do I keep seeing people say Briscoe isn't a OAD? he's borderline 1st round right now. If he wants to go, he's gone. And we've seen players with way, WAY less stock make the jump.

Why all of a sudden do the briscoe's of the world not leave UK as a OAD? Color me super confused.

Well it's no guarantee he wont make it (I hope he does), and there's certainly more time to make it happen (in terms of solidifying a first round spot) but I think it's important to remember these mock drafts have been made early in the season, before any of his weaknesses have been established. Poythress had the same bump as a frosh, and his stock slowly slumped away as the season progressed when it became clear that he wouldn't offer anything to an NBA team.

At this point during Andrew Harrison's freshman year, he was in the same position as Briscoe, and as far into the draft express mock draft system as January of his sophomore year, Harrison was projected as the 26th pick. None of that mattered. He's in the d-league, mainly because he doesn't have a real NBA skill set. Where would Briscoe play in the league? Although he's a high level defender, I'd be surprised if that's the element that lands him a roster spot. Nothing's certain, however. Stranger things have happened (like Rodrick Rhodes being selected in the first round in the late 90s).

The early projections for the 2nd and 3rd tier guys aren't really reliable. So when I say he isn't likely a OAD, it doesn't mean I don't think he'll make the jump as much as it means he won't make an NBA roster if he makes the jump. Unless he miraculously develops a jump shot in the next 70 days, Briscoe likely won't be on an NBA team next season. He may still go, which would technically make him a OAD, but I'd be really surprised if he makes a roster. Just my opinion, of course, and I hope I'm wrong.

 

[CUT-NETS]

I think cal uses those moments to prove he will let your son work through anything. People don't understand why cal is such a great recruiter. He completely sells out to the player. He even goes against common logic in doing so, and he's ALWAYS recruiting. always recruiting. Always recruiting. Last night he didn't do what you suggested because he's still recruiting.

I personally think he takes it too far sometimes, like last night. But these guys have egos.

S&C you are speaking my language tonight man. Ive said it for years that what Cal means by "I can't hide you here" is "Regardless of the mistakes you make, Im going to play you and play you and play you. Thats my promise. I will not bench you for your mistakes. I will give you this year to showcase yourself and if you do as I say and play well I can get you drafted in the first round. If you play poorly and don't rise to the occasion, sorry, I can't hide you because Im still going to play you"


And yes, he does it to the detriment of the team at times. But what a recruiting tool right? "Hey, Coach Cal is going to give you every opportunity to get to the league." Great for the players, not so great for the team. After all, its player's first

 

[CUT-NETS]

His philosophy on this works great if you bring the same high level talent in year after year. When you didn't get what you thought you got like this year, it raises eyebrows. There are players on the bench that outplay some of these 5* recruits if given the same amount of rope. That is where I get frustrated, UK and winning should be the goal. I am not an NBA fan and will never be, so I am a bit skewed in my thinking.

Excellent post and absolutely spot on. Im literally not sure if Briscoe is actually better than Hawkins. I just think Briscoe happens to have more stars by his name. If you were to strip away knowledge of their star-rankings and simply watch them play for a few games I have no idea how you would come away saying that Briscoe is far and away the better player.

Knowing what I know now, I take a 3rd year, mature Hawkins over a first year Briscoe all day and everyday.

Cal simply can't afford the "look" of playing a kid like Hawkins over Briscoe. What does that say to the next 5* recruit? "Hey come here and you might get outplayed by a 3*?" Thats Cal's mindset. He's not going to do anything to deter the next big time recruit, even if its momentarily to the detriment of the team.

 

[Nubb16]

We got a really big probably

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

S&C you are speaking my language tonight man. Ive said it for years that what Cal means by "I can't hide you here" is "Regardless of the mistakes you make, Im going to play you and play you and play you. Thats my promise. I will not bench you for your mistakes. I will give you this year to showcase yourself and if you do as I say and play well I can get you drafted in the first round. If you play poorly and don't rise to the occasion, sorry, I can't hide you because Im still going to play you"


And yes, he does it to the detriment of the team at times. But what a recruiting tool right? "Hey, Coach Cal is going to give you every opportunity to get to the league." Great for the players, not so great for the team. After all, its player's first

Care to come out from behind the fence on the grassy knoll long enough to actually offer a suggestion for correction?

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Excellent post and absolutely spot on. Im literally not sure if Briscoe is actually better than Hawkins. I just think Briscoe happens to have more stars by his name. If you were to strip away knowledge of their star-rankings and simply watch them play for a few games I have no idea how you would come away saying that Briscoe is far and away the better player.

Knowing what I know now, I take a 3rd year, mature Hawkins over a first year Briscoe all day and everyday.

Cal simply can't afford the "look" of playing a kid like Hawkins over Briscoe. What does that say to the next 5* recruit? "Hey come here and you might get outplayed by a 3*?" Thats Cal's mindset. He's not going to do anything to deter the next big time recruit, even if its momentarily to the detriment of the team.

Fair enough. So you'd play Hawkins over Briscoe. Is that your major beef with Cal; that you think he plays inferior players over guys you perceive to be more talented?

I will say this, I don't think Briscoe should be starting anymore, not after that debacle at LSU. I would also start Hawkins and a case could be made for more minutes for Mulder as well based on the fact that UK needs a third threat from the perimeter - on the court at all times.