Chad Ford Extremely High on UK's Backcourt

[MWes11]

As I know we all are. He breaks them down individually. I thought this quote was telling:

On Tyler Ulis:

"I think he's got a legit shot at being the best player in college basketball this year. So does Jamal Murray, by the way. Kentucky's backcourt may have the best two players in the country in it. I'm dead serious."

Ford labeled Murray a 'potential NBA superstar' and the No. 1 point guard prospect 'and it's not even close,' according to one NBA general manager.

Full Article Below:

Despite where they play on the floor this season or whether they even play together, ESPN NBA Draft guru Chad Ford confirms what we all suspected: Kentucky has three point guards.

And three really good ones, apparently.

In ranking the best NBA point guard prospects, Ford included Jamal Murray, Isaiah Briscoe and Tyler Ulis all in the top 10.

1. Jamal Murray
Kentucky
Freshman
6-foot-5, 207 lbs

"He's so smart and he's so skilled," one NBA GM said. "He and [Tyler] Ulis are going to be a handful. Kentucky's backcourt is so much stronger than it was last year. That's kind of scary.

"Guys went nuts over D'Angelo Russell last year. I think Murray's a comparable talent. He doesn't have the sizzle of Russell. But I think he might be more fundamentally sound."

5. Isaiah Briscoe
Kentucky
Freshman
6-foot-3, 202 lbs

"He looked a ways behind both Ulis and Murray" one GM said. "I think he'll get a lot of minutes but probably not playing the way we want to see him play. But look, it might not matter. Trey Lyles played out of position for them all year last year and he went in the lottery. He's a really good player, and he's going to score for them. I'm just not sure he's going to get that needed experience at the point."

8. Tyler Ulis
Kentucky
Sophomore
5-foot-9, 155 lbs

"I think he's got a legit shot at being the best player in college basketball this year. So does Jamal Murray, by the way. Kentucky's backcourt may have the best two players in the country in it. I'm dead serious."

Ford labeled Murray a 'potential NBA superstar' and the No. 1 point guard prospect 'and it's not even close,' according to one NBA general manager.

Murray, Briscoe and Ulis combined for 43 points, 11 rebounds and 26 assists in the Blue-White Scrimmage.

He also said with five more inches, Ulis, who dished out 15 assists, could be a top-five pick.

The Wildcats open the exhibition season Monday when they play host to Ottawa.

 

[BostonCat2001]

but frank mason is wayyyyyy better than all of these guys

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

 

[bigbluelou]

I love that skit. Need an Andy Samberg gif, too.

 

[meteordealer]

 

[bigbluelou]

 

[bigc45157]

This thread is gold.

 

[meteordealer]

 

[MWes11]

 

[hotelblue]

 

[bigbluelou]

THERE it is!

 

[FiveStarCat]

Those three guys and two random big bodies would probably be a top 15 team. Good thing instead of two random big bodies, we have a potential #1 pick, a former 5 star in his 4th season and several other talented players to complement them.

It took me pretty much all offseason to get over the Wisconsin loss, but I'm all aboard the hype train now.

 

[JerseyCat84]

@ this thread

 

[bigbluelou]

He really likes to play with that ding-a-ling.

 

[hoodro]

 

[Uk1111]

This team is so stacked and loaded it's ridiclous! I think many are underestimating and how epic this team could be if it gels and lives up to its potential.this could be an all time great team, and I pray that we go all the way, otherwise this will sting after last year's epic team couldn't close the deal.

Even if we don't pull it off, and it'll sting, I'm one of the realists who realise that the best team doesn't always win, and I'm just glad we're right in the mix for a NC every year!

It's funny to look back a few months ago when we were all freaking out about losing all those recruits, before Murray committed.

Thank God for Cal!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bodvar Bjarki]

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

3 of the top 8 NBA PG prospects on the same team has to be unheard of and will probably never happen again as long as you or I live.

I'm quite frankly embarrassed with this abundance of college basketball riches that Cal has assembled at UK and to be a native Kentuckian born and raised as well as a 3rd generation Cat fan.

But on 2nd thought its my birthright to not only not be embarrassed but to expect what is going on at UK these days.

 

[mccollums]

Good to read that Ford is saying and hearing stuff like this.... The talent is good enough where it's obvious to us non-experts.....I'm still tempering expectations a bit just because I want to see it first... I know they are going to be pretty good but hope the fan base is patient if they struggle with chemistry early.

Thinking back to young Cal teams.... will take a little time to learn the nuances of major college ball. like getting back on D, ball security, and ratcheting up the intensity of D. Good thing is that "we are everyone's super bowl" is true and teams play like crazed animals against us... so they'll figure it out.

I'm pretty excited about the 30 second shot clock too....should help speed the game up and be an advantage for us once the offense starts gelling...

 

[WildMoon]

I believe Murray is also fighting for #1 pick in NBA draft.

He's a reflection of steph curry, and right now he's the big name player.

Simmons is like magic/Lebron
Skal is like Davis.

Keep in mind, I'm not saying they are going to be like them. These are players they'll be compared too in terms of ceiling. I think only Murray physically matches up better than other two.

It'll be interesting to see who'll be number 1 pick.

 

[bssparks]

I'm telling you guys, Cal getting all three of these PG's to come in and split minutes is one of Cal's greatest recruiting accomplishments. If the front court can just be solid this year, there be some net cutting at the end of the year.

 

[true blue1]

I thank we have the best backcourt in America.

 

[bucsrule8872]

By March, I doubt there will be a team that will be able to contain our guards without playing zone against us.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

With all the shooters this team has, playing zone against UK will be suicidal.

 

[bucsrule8872]

With all the shooters this team has, playing zone against UK will be suicidal.

Exactly.

Pick your poison.

It should be fun to watch.

 

[Aike]

3 of the top 8 NBA PG prospects on the same team has to be unheard of and will probably never happen again as long as you or I live.

I'm quite frankly embarrassed with this abundance of college basketball riches that Cal has assembled at UK and to be a native Kentuckian born and raised as well as a 3rd generation Cat fan.

But on 2nd thought its my birthright to not only not be embarrassed but to expect what is going on at UK these days.

Deron Williams, Luther Head, Dee Brown.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

Deron Williams, Luther Head, Dee Brown.

I remember them in 2005 from Illinois.
Are you sure they all three came in as PGs?

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Poythress is going to love playing with these guys. I anticipate a lot of late first round talk for Alex by SEC play. By that time, he'll realize he's returned from the injury, and have likely stopped playing timidly.

Plus, he's going to bury some threes due to the guards finding him. I just hope he doesn't fall in love with the perimeter, and does what Cal needs him to do down low by finishing around the rim.

 

[Aike]

I remember them in 2005 from Illinois.
Are you sure they all three came in as PGs?

They were as much PGs as the three we have. Luther Head played more off ball beside those two. That team was nasty.