“Alex and Marcus," Calipari said, "they’re fighting for their lives now. … I love Marcus Lee and I love Alex Poythress, but if those other two are better, they’re playing.”
Cal's message to Lee and Poythress
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Unfortunately some get it and some don't. If Cal is questioning them in January, don't know if they will get it.
I hope he keeps starting Poythress/Willis in the front line. It might continue to cause early foul trouble for Alex, but I think the offense looks better when they're out there because both are competent scorers.
Briscoe also does better when he can penetrate a zone and have two or three shooters to kick it out to. He takes UK to another level when he's in there because of his penetration abilities. Folks knock his ability to shoot over the zone, but he actually does well finding gaps when UK is zoned.
As for Lee, I like him coming off the bench right now. Knowing Skal and Lee are there for support gives UK some added depth and additional fouls. It would be really nice to see our bigs actually go to the locker room at halftime without 2 fouls each.
Briscoe also does better when he can penetrate a zone and have two or three shooters to kick it out to. He takes UK to another level when he's in there because of his penetration abilities. Folks knock his ability to shoot over the zone, but he actually does well finding gaps when UK is zoned.
As for Lee, I like him coming off the bench right now. Knowing Skal and Lee are there for support gives UK some added depth and additional fouls. It would be really nice to see our bigs actually go to the locker room at halftime without 2 fouls each.
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But hasn't history shown the complete opposite to be true?
Cal was questioning Miller at this point during his senior year, and he was questioning WCS last year around this time. The list could go on and on for guys who Cal questioned during January only to see those same players perform and lead their teams deep into March/April.
These guys have been around. We know what we are going to get with each of them.
Not saying they can't improve just at this point you have to figure they aren't.
The biggest thing is they have to stop fouling on defense. They can't be effective if they can't stay on the court. Alex came out of the gates real strong last game, then he picks up his 3rd foul early and ends up playing a grand total of 15 mins. It can't happen.
Skal has the same issue. And last game Skal stays outta foul trouble and stays on the court and actually played quite well.
Not saying they can't improve just at this point you have to figure they aren't.
The biggest thing is they have to stop fouling on defense. They can't be effective if they can't stay on the court. Alex came out of the gates real strong last game, then he picks up his 3rd foul early and ends up playing a grand total of 15 mins. It can't happen.
Skal has the same issue. And last game Skal stays outta foul trouble and stays on the court and actually played quite well.
The spacing is better with Willis and Skal out there.
Willis and Poy are a better combo if we want to post up. Poy can play in the post and use his quickness and strength. He is going to have to continue developing his post moves. We can also run pick and rolls with Poy.
The biggest question mark to me is what to do with Lee on offense. He doesn't stretch the defense like Skal and Willis. He has a weak post up game and isn't real effective with pick and roll. I guess the pick and roll is the best option for him.
I am just glad to see Cal having options to explore. It will help us moving forward. Willis and Skal's elevated play should push Poy and Lee to at least improve their effort levels.
Willis and Poy are a better combo if we want to post up. Poy can play in the post and use his quickness and strength. He is going to have to continue developing his post moves. We can also run pick and rolls with Poy.
The biggest question mark to me is what to do with Lee on offense. He doesn't stretch the defense like Skal and Willis. He has a weak post up game and isn't real effective with pick and roll. I guess the pick and roll is the best option for him.
I am just glad to see Cal having options to explore. It will help us moving forward. Willis and Skal's elevated play should push Poy and Lee to at least improve their effort levels.
Each player has it's strengths and weaknesses.
Lee is a black hole with most offensive metrics. That said we are 6th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding % and he's a huge part of that. So you'd like to have him in there for that.
Lee is a black hole with most offensive metrics. That said we are 6th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding % and he's a huge part of that. So you'd like to have him in there for that.
I don't know where anyone noticed it, or not, but Skal is coming on pretty strong now....
We are almost at the end January. Alex has been here 4 years and Marcus 3 years. If they don't, "get it" by now, maybe they don't want to "get it." Alex maybe the biggest enigma of a player I have seen in my lifetime of following UK BB. He has all of the athleticism in the world, but he plays like he simply does not want to be on the court. Marcus has turned into nothing short of a fouling machine. I don't understand either of them at this point of the season. They know the team needs them to bring it every game, yet they don't seem to care. Neither of them have shown any fight what so ever. Alex had a great game against Alabama and as I watched his performance, I thought, "why cant he do that every time out." Then he follows that up with 2 clunkers. Alex will be gone after this season and I suspect Marcus will be as well. Although neither of them have zero chance to play in the NBA. Coach Cal has to be close to pulling his hair out with these two.
Alex's career kind of reminds me of Derek Hord's
All the talent in the word wrapped up in what appears to be a quieter / sensitive / smart guy who has little to no killer instinct and lacks consistency
I don't KNOW Poy -- but that's the impression I get ---
All the talent in the word wrapped up in what appears to be a quieter / sensitive / smart guy who has little to no killer instinct and lacks consistency
I don't KNOW Poy -- but that's the impression I get ---
With the Bigs Vandy has, today is huge for Marcus and Alex. Marcus must be able to defend the post. That aspect of his game has been the most lacking. He is a great off the ball defender and shot blocker, but he struggles guarding Big men on the block. Hopefully he can play smarter today and bring the energy to rebound.
Alex doesn't move his feet enough when he defends, then he uses a nudge or his hands to foul when he's out of position. He doesn't go hard for the whole time he's in the game either. He really needs to use his athletic ability to rebound and get to the rim today.
Alex doesn't move his feet enough when he defends, then he uses a nudge or his hands to foul when he's out of position. He doesn't go hard for the whole time he's in the game either. He really needs to use his athletic ability to rebound and get to the rim today.
