Chances Oscar Returns?

[kyjeff1]

It's strange to me that we get crushed by the pick and roll... and rarely use it ourselves. Oscar could certainly set a helluva pick at the top of the key, roll to the basket himself, and let our guards create from there. Hope you are doing well, Jeff.

How ya been?

Yeah, I think the PNR is one of the hardest plays to guard, but it's not like Oscar is some oaf that can’t move. Seems to me his issue is recognition and knowing where to be, more than anything and yes, you're right, why aren't we using the PNR??? Why aren't we using cutters, or running action that makes a defense rotate a big man over to guard a point guard? That stuff happens to us all the time and it works.

In that 2015 Wisconsin loss, they were easily able to get whoever they wanted rotated over to guard Decker and he worked those guys over. Booker was the one they targeted the most.

With the talent we have had come through here, we should be so much better offensively. I think Cal goes to his post stuff too much.

Good to chat with you Zac, don't be a stranger.

 

[kyjeff1]

I didn't say it was his fault (although his defense is on him). Cal doesn't know how to build a roster. Cal isn't going anywhere, so this is Oscar's fate, IMO.

DJ Wagner needs to be our guy. Ball in hand at all times, driving to the basket. We haven't had a player like him sine Fox. I fear Oscar is going to clog the lane again.

Again, I LOVE Oscar. But he does not work in what Cal does, and there is stuff behind the scenes we obviously don't know too (the weird comments, his injury, etc.).

Sounds like DJ isn’t going to be the only/best stud we have. I think Dillingham and Edwards are going to need the ball as much as DJ does. Edwards is the highest rated player if I'm not mistaken.

I would love to have Oscar back, but not if Cal is just going to make the guards stand around out on the perimeter so whoever can force feed the post. The 23/24 team needs to be about spreading the court and dribble penetration. Use Oscar in the paint when it’s there.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Sounds like there is a good chance Tshiebwe comes back for one more shot at something.

Here is the question: is he back to win a title or is he back to show he can be an NBA player by shooting 3’s?

Will him shooting 3’s make this team better? Maybe. It could help spread the floor and clear the lane, if he can make them consistently. But if he bricks more than he makes, what happens then?

 

[Festivus Miracle]

It's strange to me that we get crushed by the pick and roll... and rarely use it ourselves.

It seemed as though we went away from it somewhat after Oscar was called for a couple of moving screens.

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

Can’t imagine how good Oscar would be next year under Izzo. Probably NPOY again since he’d have Xavier Booker and others around him.

 

[Festivus Miracle]

Can’t imagine how good Oscar would be next year under Izzo. Probably NPOY again since he’d have Xavier Booker and others around him.

Just about to post the exact same thing. Izzo seems the perfect fit for Oscar.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Oscar is 24. It's time for him to move on from college. If he doesn't try to make it to the NBA now, he may never make it.

@Chitown Terry , this post looks dumber every time I come back to it.

Congrats on having the most imbecilic post on this board since the season ended.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

I’ve always thought Oscar was leaving. But in the last day or so we’ve had the Greenberg weird interview, bradyjames saying it was 50/50, and Branham this morning including this in a Dickinson article “Yet although signs have been pointing to a Tshiebwe exit, things could be shifting back in favor of the Wildcats.”

Regardless of whether he’s the best fit or best eventual option and that whole discussion. If this really is up in the air I could see it holding up everything else.

 

[FinancialPlannerZac]

How ya been?

Yeah, I think the PNR is one of the hardest plays to guard, but it's not like Oscar is some oaf that can’t move. Seems to me his issue is recognition and knowing where to be, more than anything and yes, you're right, why aren't we using the PNR??? Why aren't we using cutters, or running action that makes a defense rotate a big man over to guard a point guard? That stuff happens to us all the time and it works.

In that 2015 Wisconsin loss, they were easily able to get whoever they wanted rotated over to guard Decker and he worked those guys over. Booker was the one they targeted the most.

With the talent we have had come through here, we should be so much better offensively. I think Cal goes to his post stuff too much.

Good to chat with you Zac, don't be a stranger.

Doing alright, Jeff! Hanging in there. Was recently diagnosed with a pretty rare cancer at the ripe age of 37 at the turn of the new year, and have been going through treatment. Still working though and staying optimistic. Life is strange sometimes.

I'm with you though. Why don't we run some newer action or things that work against us? Of course, this is the gripe with many about Cal. I remember being at the Texas A&M game right before half for the last shot. Cal makes one of the hand motions we all have seen. Buzz Williams literally watched him make that hand signal, showed the same signal to his team on the floor, and you could see all five Aggies move to a certain position. They knew exactly what we were running, and naturally, a brick was thrown up at the buzzer. I'm hopeful for the recruits we have coming in, that are more Cal's "style". But like everyone, I'm ready to see a really solid UK team from start to finish.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Doing alright, Jeff! Hanging in there. Was recently diagnosed with a pretty rare cancer at the ripe age of 37 at the turn of the new year, and have been going through treatment. Still working though and staying optimistic. Life is strange sometimes.

I'm with you though. Why don't we run some newer action or things that work against us? Of course, this is the gripe with many about Cal. I remember being at the Texas A&M game right before half for the last shot. Cal makes one of the hand motions we all have seen. Buzz Williams literally watched him make that hand signal, showed the same signal to his team on the floor, and you could see all five Aggies move to a certain position. They knew exactly what we were running, and naturally, a brick was thrown up at the buzzer. I'm hopeful for the recruits we have coming in, that are more Cal's "style". But like everyone, I'm ready to see a really solid UK team from start to finish.

Sorry to hear that. You’ll be in my prayers. Hope everything works out.

That’s wild about Cal. I mean, he’s so stubborn he won’t even change up his play signals. Good Lord, we are doomed.

 

[Wildcats1st]

I'm for 4 guards/wings and Bradshaw. Especially if we can get another shooter to put be Reeves (assuming he comes back).

Uh yeah that’s not winning a title. Not coming close. You have to have a legit PF who can bang with me or your team is getting bounced first weekend.

 

[kyjeff1]

Doing alright, Jeff! Hanging in there. Was recently diagnosed with a pretty rare cancer at the ripe age of 37 at the turn of the new year, and have been going through treatment. Still working though and staying optimistic. Life is strange sometimes.

I'm with you though. Why don't we run some newer action or things that work against us? Of course, this is the gripe with many about Cal. I remember being at the Texas A&M game right before half for the last shot. Cal makes one of the hand motions we all have seen. Buzz Williams literally watched him make that hand signal, showed the same signal to his team on the floor, and you could see all five Aggies move to a certain position. They knew exactly what we were running, and naturally, a brick was thrown up at the buzzer. I'm hopeful for the recruits we have coming in, that are more Cal's "style". But like everyone, I'm ready to see a really solid UK team from start to finish.

Heck with basketball, are you okay???

I wouldn't wish cancer on my absolute worst enemy. What you are going through is easily tougher than anything I have ever been through.

Man, I'm so sorry you are going through this. I hope you come out of this stronger than you went in.

Is there anything you need?

Damn man, I hope you’re going to be okay, I know we have had our differences, but you're a great poster and I bet an even better man in person. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

 

[dl51344]

I hope Oscar returns. He give me a reason (after being 78 yr old life long fan) a reason to keep watching a Cal coached team.

 

[FinancialPlannerZac]

Sorry to hear that. You’ll be in my prayers. Hope everything works out.

That’s wild about Cal. I mean, he’s so stubborn he won’t even change up his play signals. Good Lord, we are doomed.

Thank you, sir! We're hanging tough!

 

[FinancialPlannerZac]

Heck with basketball, are you okay???

I wouldn't wish cancer on my absolute worst enemy. What you are going through is easily tougher than anything I have ever been through.

Man, I'm so sorry you are going through this. I hope you come out of this stronger than you went in.

Is there anything you need?

Damn man, I hope you’re going to be okay, I know we have had our differences, but you're a great poster and I bet an even better in person. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Hey man, I really appreciate that! All is well. I still live a good life and am grateful for everyday. Just trying to be here as long as possible for my wife. She's my absolute best friend and this has been tougher on her than me. I don't have any kids thankfully, that would make things a lot tougher. I'm honestly handling the treatment really well, and so far chemo is working. Trying to shrink stuff down to where I can have surgery. I'm always an optimist (as I think you've seen on this board haha), so I'm planning on sticking around for a long time.

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Can’t imagine how good Oscar would be next year under Izzo. Probably NPOY again since he’d have Xavier Booker and others around him.

I like Oscar and I want him to exceed and I also think a coach like Izzo would be very good for him and he would compliment the team. That is a solid idea.

 

[Sejonesy]

You gotta get a shot blocker, bradshaw isn’t a shot blocker like of people think. He doesn’t have good time and kinda just roams around, calipari has to have a elite rim protector for his teams to be great

Shot blocking such an overrated stat. On ball defense and rebounding much more important. Cal doesn’t need a shot blocker, he needs better on ball defenders than he has had the last few years.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

Shot blocking such an overrated stat. On ball defense and rebounding much more important. Cal doesn’t need a shot blocker, he needs better on ball defenders than he has had the last few years.

Shot blocking allows for you to have room for error on the perimeter, look at UConn with that big white guy they had he literally made teams scared to go to the rim when he was in, cal teams need a elite shot blocker, especially since he likes switching everything

 

[JLoad22]

Shot blocking such an overrated stat. On ball defense and rebounding much more important. Cal doesn’t need a shot blocker, he needs better on ball defenders than he has had the last few years.

Don't have to have a shot blocker but have to have a guy down low that people are scared to go in there on. Guards went straight to the hoop all day long knowing they could easily get a shot off against Oscar and company.

 

[AzubuikeandFitch]

Cal and staff need to focus all efforts on Dalton Knecht and Kel el' Ware. Both would fit in nicely with the pieces we already have. We'd have very solid rotation of about 7-8 guys with some serviceable bench players in Theiro, Reed, and Lance Gramps Ware.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

I don't get what accepting immigration has to do with Oscar living away from Wildcat lodge.Really he is a member of the team and should be held to the same rules as the other players.
Not sure why you even brought up the last 2 paragraphs.I know plenty of hard working Americans and as for culture,I'm sure there was plenty of room for Oscar and his teammates to be tolerant of each other's beliefs and space.Its when something is forced on somebody that problems occur.Anyway,if your on the team,you stay at the lodge regardless of how much NIL you get or who you are,that's how it should be period.

I was just speculating as to positive reasons why Oscar might want to live on his own. I made no attempt to imply anything about anyone else.

I do not want to force players to live together if there’s a major cultural clash. And given the team’s feelings about Oscar’s religion (or so they claim) I would argue that Oscar had cultural clash with his teammates. If his teammates are violating the tenants of his religion in his bedroom (assuming a shared dorm) why would you try to force them to live together anyway?

 

[Catfan2226]

I was just speculating as to positive reasons why Oscar might want to live on his own. I made no attempt to imply anything about anyone else.

I do not want to force players to live together if there’s a major cultural clash. And given the team’s feelings about Oscar’s religion (or so they claim) I would argue that Oscar had cultural clash with his teammates. If his teammates are violating the tenants of his religion in his bedroom (assuming a shared dorm) why would you try to force them to live together anyway?

Trust me I understand what your saying but Wildcat lodge is for the team and as a member of the team,Oscar should abide by the same rules.I believe toleration from all parties involved would hopefully be much better from the players.

 

[kyjeff1]

Hey man, I really appreciate that! All is well. I still live a good life and am grateful for everyday. Just trying to be here as long as possible for my wife. She's my absolute best friend and this has been tougher on her than me. I don't have any kids thankfully, that would make things a lot tougher. I'm honestly handling the treatment really well, and so far chemo is working. Trying to shrink stuff down to where I can have surgery. I'm always an optimist (as I think you've seen on this board haha), so I'm planning on sticking around for a long time.

You certainly have a great attitude about it.
I hope you get through this and get back to a normal life.

 

[FinancialPlannerZac]

You certainly have a great attitude about it.
I hope you get through this and get back to a normal life.

Thank you, Jeff! We will keep on, keepin' on! In the meantime trying to go on as many trips, and concerts, and UK basketball games as possible in the meantime! Go CATS!

 

[kyjeff1]

Thank you, Jeff! We will keep on, keepin' on! In the meantime trying to go on as many trips, and concerts, and UK basketball games as possible in the meantime! Go CATS!

Stay in touch

 

[jauk11]

Cal is the one who needs to move on,

What position does he play?

 

[jauk11]

If he returns will he learn how to defend the pick and roll and how not to bring the ball down low in the post?

If not, he can leave for all I care.

He has put up huge scoring/rebounding numbers in two years and we have 1 SEC Tournament and 1 NCAA Tournament win.

Yeah, any fool could see that him going 2 for 12 in the last tourney game was the reason we lost the game.

 

[77blueuk]

Shot blocking such an overrated stat. On ball defense and rebounding much more important. Cal doesn’t need a shot blocker, he needs better on ball defenders than he has had the last few years.

I can still see Anthony Davis, who only shot about 1/10 on offense, pounding his chest and saying "this is MY court"; as he swatted away one shot after another on the way to the NCAA title. AND, how many shots were altered, that don't count in the stats? Shot blocking can be a big time stat, imho.

 

[megablue]

Regarding how I feel about Bradshaw at the 4, or any other incoming player at any position, I simply think it best to wait and see how they play and then form an opinion. They have to show me what they are capable of ...

 

[UKAlum84]

He's done well getting awards for himself.

But this does not always mean that UK will get past a couple of games in the tourney....

I dont see the rationale for keeping him again. He can make an impact in the NBA.

 

[Bluesbrother]

My sources are telling me he will definitely return unless he doesn’t. If he doesn’t return then it’s 100% he is gone and not coming back, that’s what I’m hearing at least.

I like those odds.

 

[JLoad22]

He's done well getting awards for himself.

But this does not always mean that UK will get past a couple of games in the tourney....

I dont see the rationale for keeping him again. He can make an impact in the NBA.

He averaged 21 and 20 in his three tournament games. Him being blamed for tournament failure is beyond absurd.

 

[NociHTTP]

He's done well getting awards for himself.

But this does not always mean that UK will get past a couple of games in the tourney....

I dont see the rationale for keeping him again. He can make an impact in the NBA.

I can still see Anthony Davis, who only shot about 1/10 on offense, pounding his chest and saying "this is MY court"; as he swatted away one shot after another on the way to the NCAA title. AND, how many shots were altered, that don't count in the stats? Shot blocking can be a big time stat, imho.

Oscar is a net negative. Gives up as many points under the basket as he scores, and can't create his own shot resulting in the D shutting down the perimeter game.

 

[bookerfan66]

Our guards went to shit the last 2 seasons in the tourney.How is that Oscar's fault?

 

[UKAlum84]

I think this is something the coach has to address. You have the NPOTY, a decent supporting cast, and yet you cant get past Kansas St or St Peters. Im not saying you are wrong for thinking Oscar would be good for us. Im saying the team as a whole could not beat unknowns....The unknowns developed better for some other reason and beat UK. Call it being hungry or better team chemistry or etc... It's no good to have this amount of talent and still lose crucial games. Something must be changed, otherwise I think we get the same results.

 

[Smashcat]

 

[kyjeff1]

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The Rockets are obviously trolling Oscar, they purposely gave him a jersey that has their team name backwards. They only give those out to the guys that have no shot, everybody knows that.

 

[NociHTTP]

I think this is something the coach has to address. You have the NPOTY, a decent supporting cast, and yet you cant get past Kansas St or St Peters. Im not saying you are wrong for thinking Oscar would be good for us. Im saying the team as a whole could not beat unknowns....The unknowns developed better for some other reason and beat UK. Call it being hungry or better team chemistry or etc... It's no good to have this amount of talent and still lose crucial games. Something must be changed, otherwise I think we get the same results.

Because CCC is an NBA hopeful babysitter, and not a coach interested in NCAA championships.

 

[track42]

Oscar has to return for us to have a chance.The freshmen are talented but have to have some experience around them.

 

[Smashcat]

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