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Call me crazy, but I LOVE next year's roster as is. Bash Away.

E

EclipsingYou

Junior
Sep 23, 2003
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Last year we learned having the most talent does not equal a championship. I think that made Cal switch up his recruiting. I am not sure that all of these 5 star "losses" are really that big of a deal.

Look at Cal's championship team from 2012. How many 5 stars were on that team? 6 counting Wiltjer.

I think that is what Cal is creating for this year. Instead of trying to keep 9 players happy, he is going back to his 6/7 man rotation of cohesive players to work together non stop. Look at the roster as of today:

Skal (#1 Draft Pick FR)
Poythress (5 Star SR)
Mulder (All American JUCO)
Briscoe (5 star)
Ullis (5 star SO)
Bench
Lee (5 star JR)
Matthews (4 star FR)

THAT is the rotation currently, IMO.

Rewind to 2012...

AD (#1 Draft Pick FR)
Jones (5 star SO)
MKG (5 star FR)
Lamb (5 star SO)
Teague (5 star FR)
Bench
Miller (4 star SR)
Wiltjer (5 star FR)

To me, the team's have a VERY similar makeup. Other than MKG > Mulder, it is quite comparable, IMO.

Maybe Cal is going back to what he knows works instead of loading up on 5/6 5 stars every year.

You all do realize that our current team will still win 30 games plus with just this roster and have just as good a shot at a title as any other team, right?

If somehow Murray or Brown come our way and replace Mulder in the rotation, will we really be any less talented than our last NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP team?

Sure it sucks to miss out on players that everyone thought we were going to get, but in Cal I trust. Maybe he has other plans for next years roster that do not include all of these late signees.

I will stop rambling and leave you with this. Ullis, Briscoe, Mulder, Poythress, and Skal on the court together will be one of the most exciting teams Cal has EVER produced. Their games compliment each other EXTREMELY well and I cannot freaking wait.

That's all. Don't hurt me too bad...
 
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No bashing but the 2012 team was just special in every way.Anthony Davis will go down as one of the best ever and no way next year's team can compare to that.The 2011 one I could see.
 
bookerfan66 said:
No bashing but the 2012 team was just special in every way.Anthony Davis will go down as one of the best ever and no way next year's team can compare to that.The 2011 one I could see.
Click to expand...
2013 for me. Putting it together for a late run.
 
The only thing I truly see comparable is their HS rankings. Teague and Ullis are the only 2 in the starting 5 that I would even compare. The others all go in the way of 2012, and honestly, it's not even that close imo. And the bench goes in the favor of 2012 too and I don't think that is close either. You can't point to HS accolades when comparing rosters, especially when you're using HS accolades to describe a junior or senior. I'm excited to see what next years team can do, but let's not get carried away doing comparisons.
 
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I don't think it compares to the 2012 team but i think it's going to be better than some fans think
 
Davis had the best freshman season of all time. The awards and accolades show for it. Skal is an incredibly athletic center with a very nice offensive skillset, and blocks a lot of shots. NBA scouts compare Skal to Davis with slightly more offensive ability, and slightly less defensive ability overall, at this point in their careers.

As far as this team goes, we're going to be fine. We have a center that is solid from the 3 point line in, a PF that has the potential to do the same, but we'll see what he does. At the very least, we have an elite rebounder and elite athlete at PF. A 3 man that can shoot the lights out and is a superb athlete (Mulder), and two guards that can put up quite a few points, one able to bully into the lane and drill anything from mid-range, while also being a superb ball handler, and the other being incredibly quick and elusive with the ball, drills three pointers, has a nice floater/mid-range game, and likes to make our team run. Has the ability to run the team very efficiently at any pace.
 
I like our roster. As is, we have the make up of a Final Four contender. A lot will depend on how well guys like Skal, Briscoe, and Matthews live up to their potential, but we could say that every year.
 
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I have to call you crazy for comparing it to 2012.We will be solid but no way as good as 2012.
 
There is no way I would call you crazy, Cal can take a pig ear and make a silk purse. Its all good, we will not win 38 in a row in my lifetime but we will be there when it counts. I see a 3 guard offense that will be very effective.
 
hailtoyourvictor said:
Anthony Davis is one of the best college players I've ever seen play. You calling him "comparable" to anyone makes me question your credibility.
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Credibility? I have none and do not claim to!

For sure, AD was a once in a decade type talent.

Coming into college he was the consensus #1 player and future #1 draft pick.
Skal is also the consensus #1 player and future #1 draft pick as of today.

Those are BIG shoes to fill, but in the college game Skal has just as much of a chance to dominate as AD did. Probably will not reach that level, but heck who knows.

For comparison's sake, I am simply pointing out that both AD and Skal were/are the consensus #1 HS player and the probably next year's #1 draft pick. That's it.
 
I don't think it's a bad roster and I really like the idea of 3 skilled guards on the court at all times, but there are several question marks. How will Poythress play coming off his injury? Can he really handle 30+ minutes an entire season with limited bench help? Can Willis step it up and at least be a solid back-up/role player? Can Lee add the needed strength and not look lost at times? Can our backcourt shoot it good enough from the outside that it opens things up on the inside for Skal and Poy?

Would be nice to add one more impact player, and it isn't going to be in the frontcourt. It's really down to Brown and Murray stepping up, answering the call, and craving the opportunity to play on the biggest stage college basketball has to offer. We shall see.
 
I don't see it.

AD >>>> Skal
TJ >>> Poy
MKG >>>>>> Mulder
Lamb >>> Brisoce
Teague > Ulis

Miller >>>>>> Mathews
Wiltjer (Fr) < Lee (Jr)

Unfair to compare to AD
Poy has a ways to go to equal TJ's all around game
Not one MKG on the roster
If Briscoe gets within 10 % points Lambs 3% I'll be happy
Miller is better than every player on this year's bench
 
brianpoe said:
I don't see it.

AD >>>> Skal
TJ >>> Poy
MKG >>>>>> Mulder
Lamb >>> Brisoce
Teague > Ulis

Miller >>>>>> Mathews
Wiltjer (Fr) < Lee (Jr)

Unfair to compare to AD
Poy has a ways to go to equal TJ's all around game
Not one MKG on the roster
If Briscoe gets within 10 % points Lambs 3% I'll be happy
Miller is better than every player on this year's bench
Click to expand...
Not only is Miller better, he probably had more NCAA games under his belt than everybody on this team. A huge X factor on the 2012 team who Cal has never been able to replace with his OAD model.
 
I am in no way saying that the team will have the TALENT of the 2012 team, but it sure looks to have the same makeup. In college, AP at 100% can be just as good as TJ was for us. He has been here 4 years and has a lot to prove. I look for him to have a HUGE year.

As for Briscoe? Have you all seen Briscoe play? He will be an instant fan favorite. I may be crazy, but for the COLLEGE game I think Briscoe/Ullis can be just as effective as Teague/Lamb were for us in 2012.

I would have KILLED for this roster back in 2003-2009 LOL!
 
We've been so spoiled that our ability to think has been warped. If you think we can't win with next years roster then I encourage you to compare the current roster to Cal's teams at Memphis & with all of our teams under Tubby & to some other college programs that win.
 
Put me in the optimist category. I may have a different perspective from most, because I'd like to watch Hawkins, Willis and Lee get a chance to compete on a regular basis. I'm just not in the category of fan that thinks there is only one way to win a national championship - with a roster like last year's. Honestly, I think the crushing disappointment of not winning this year's tourney has soured many fans' outlook in general.
 
brianpoe said:
I don't see it.

AD >>>> Skal
TJ >>> Poy
MKG >>>>>> Mulder
Lamb >>> Brisoce
Teague > Ulis

Miller >>>>>> Mathews
Wiltjer (Fr) < Lee (Jr)

Unfair to compare to AD
Poy has a ways to go to equal TJ's all around game
Not one MKG on the roster
If Briscoe gets within 10 % points Lambs 3% I'll be happy
Miller is better than every player on this year's bench
Click to expand...

This is dead on. My only change would be Ulis being one greater than sign better than Teague. I love Ulis.
 
EclipsingYou said:
I am in no way saying that the team will have the TALENT of the 2012 team, but it sure looks to have the same makeup. In college, AP at 100% can be just as good as TJ was for us. He has been here 4 years and has a lot to prove. I look for him to have a HUGE year.

As for Briscoe? Have you all seen Briscoe play? He will be an instant fan favorite. I may be crazy, but for the COLLEGE game I think Briscoe/Ullis can be just as effective as Teague/Lamb were for us in 2012.

I would have KILLED for this roster back in 2003-2009 LOL!
Click to expand...



Makeup of the team:
TJ could dribble and shoot 3's - Poy has miles to go. Hope he has a great year as well.

MKG incredible on the floor, you have a juco transfer there, no contest

Briscoe, I like the kid, but as a 2g who needs hit outside shots and open the floor, that has not been his game, perfect for Lamb

I hope our duo PGs do well, but we will miss Lambs shot and hopefully Ulis can match the bulldog style Teague brought

You are hoping for huge things from kids that we have no idea:
Poy has not shown it and is coming off injury
Ulis is low volume scorer, ball distributor
Briscoe - flash PG playing 2g
Mulder - Juco
Skal hope he is as good as his ranking
Hoping Lee can break through
Hoping Hawkins gets a shot
Hoping Willis gets it together


Do not disagree about having this talent several years ago.
 
I'm go to keep telling you guys Mathews is going to surprise a lot of people. I think he could have been a 5 star if he had not got hurt.
 
CrustyCat said:
Put me in the optimist category. I may have a different perspective from most, because I'd like to watch Hawkins, Willis and Lee get a chance to compete on a regular basis. I'm just not in the category of fan that thinks there is only one way to win a national championship - with a roster like last year's. Honestly, I think the crushing disappointment of not winning this year's tourney has soured many fans' outlook in general.
Click to expand...

Another bullseye. I'm guilty of that. Not saying it's rational or the right way to think, but that's my mentality. It hurt and I don't like the way it felt.

Some use the phrase "cautiously optimistic." I'm "cautiously pessimistic" or another way to phrase it is "gun shy."
 
l
EclipsingYou said:
Last year we learned having the most talent does not equal a championship. I think that made Cal switch up his recruiting.
...
Click to expand...

Oh bullshit, Cal did not "switch up" anything.

He's still trying to recruit the same way, he still chased after and made offers to all the top 5 star one and done names in this class. The only difference is this year we're missing on an awful lot of them for some reason.

There's nothing intentional or planned about this, we just seem to be having really bad luck this recruiting season. Happens to every coach eventually, even the great ones.
 
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We need Murray, he would make a huge impact and maybe give us the best backcourt in the country. Add Skal, Lee and Poythress and that's a top 5 team, and much more comparable to 2012.

Go get Muray, whatever it takes.
 
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gracetoyou said:
We've been so spoiled that our ability to think has been warped. If you think we can't win with next years roster then I encourage you to compare the current roster to Cal's teams at Memphis & with all of our teams under Tubby & to some other college programs that win.
Click to expand...


Who says we can't win? That's why they play the games. I disagree with comparing a team with obvious holes (shooters, SF, depth at the 4 &5) and comparing them to our last national champion team with

Best player in college for who knows how long
#2 draft pick
A PF that could shoot, rebound, play very tough defense and post up.
A 50% 3 point shooter
The number #1 pg coming out of HS the year earlier


I think we can win some games, don't think we should be preseason #1, by years end I hope Cal has them playing great and making a run.
 
UK90 said:
Oh bullshit, Cal did not "switch up" anything.

He's still trying to recruit the same way, he still chased after and made offers to all the top 5 star one and done names in this class. The only difference is this year we're missing on an awful lot of them for some reason.

There's nothing intentional or planned about this, we just seem to be having really bad luck this recruiting season. Happens to every coach eventualy and Cal was wayyyyy overdue..
Click to expand...


Exactly, he offered every top kid out there, just didn't snatch all of them, going to plan B, C, whatever.
 
It is what it is, and likely isn't going to change. I don't see us adding anyone else. So it's either love it or leave it, and I don't see anyone choosing the later.

This team is going to get brutalized inside by every team that has ANY physicality at all. They are also really going to struggle to score. For all the talk about dribble drive, Cal loves to post the basketball, and there isn't a single player on this team who can post up and score consistently. On top of that, there isn't much perimeter shooting unless Willis and Mulder surprise. That's a bad combo.

For this team to be successful, I think Cal is going to have to go back to his Memphis roots. Play uptempo, pressure full court and get a lot of transition, junk baskets; basically muck the game up. If that's the direction they go, this could turn out to be a fun team to watch, though one with a limited ceiling.
 
I will always like a kid who puts on a UK uniform. Next years team can be sweet 16 good. The 2012 team would have beaten this year's team by 15 and next year's by 25. Davis is the most talented player ever to wear a UK uniform in my 60 years of watching.
 
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brianpoe said:
I don't see it.

AD >>>> Skal
TJ >>> Poy
MKG >>>>>> Mulder
Lamb >>> Brisoce
Teague > Ulis

Miller >>>>>> Mathews
Wiltjer (Fr) < Lee (Jr)

Unfair to compare to AD
Poy has a ways to go to equal TJ's all around game
Not one MKG on the roster
If Briscoe gets within 10 % points Lambs 3% I'll be happy
Miller is better than every player on this year's bench
Click to expand...

Shouldn't they at least play the same position or play a few college games before comparisons? lmfao
 
jameslee32 said:
Shouldn't they at least play the same position or play a few college games before comparisons? lmfao
Click to expand...


I would think so, but the statement was made "as of today they are comparable", I disagreed, as of today.

I always love when a long post goes on and someone reads the last one and makes a critical remark without understanding the initial point of discussion...
 
I glad we are getting away from over sized rosters. I like having an athlete at the 4,one true big man,and 3 guys with speed and offense playing the guard positions. It makes for a fast and explosive team instead of a plodding, grinder team. Speed kills in all sports. Especially college basketball
 
Last edited:
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EliteBlue said:
I glad we are getting away from over sized rosters. I like having and athlete at the 4 one true big man and 3 guys with speed and offense playing the guard positions. It makes for a fast and explosive team instead of a plodding, grinder team. Speed kills in all sports. Especially college basketball
Click to expand...


We can all dig that, if we can get buckets, I like this team in transition.
 
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I just don't see that many losses to this team. We might not go 38-1 but who will beat us. I just don't see it.
 
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