Charles Matthews surprising some people

[Rhavicc]

Apparently he's having a solid summer, and has been working on his game. Jon Rothstein decided to share that little bit of info with us. I really look forward to seeing this kid on the court. I knew for a long time that he had a lot he could offer this team. It's a testament to our talent to have a kid like Charles potentially coming off the bench (unless he's outplaying one of the 5 star players). I have high expectations for him.

 

[bookerfan66]

The news keeps getting better for this team.I can't wait for this season to get started.

 

[Smashcat]

Apparently he's having a solid summer, and has been working on his game. Jon Rothstein decided to share that little bit of info with us. I really look forward to seeing this kid on the court. I knew for a long time that he had a lot he could offer this team. It's a testament to our talent to have a kid like Charles potentially coming off the bench (unless he's outplaying one of the 5 star players). I have high expectations for him.

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Apparently he's having a solid summer, and has been working on his game. Jon Rothstein decided to share that little bit of info with us. I really look forward to seeing this kid on the court. I knew for a long time that he had a lot he could offer this team. It's a testament to our talent to have a kid like Charles potentially coming off the bench (unless he's outplaying one of the 5 star players). I have high expectations for him.

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He's also a good rebounder, as is Briscoe. I'm guessing Murray and Mulder aren't bad either. I expect out guards and wings to do lots of things.

 

[CatColumbia]

Isn't he the only newcomer on campus??? if so, not really surprising news...

 

[UKEE]

Isn't he the only newcomer on campus??? if so, not really surprising news...

Briscoe arrived on Wednesday.

 

[Rhavicc]

Isn't he the only newcomer on campus??? if so, not really surprising news...

Briscoe, Skal, and Mulder have also arrived. The only one yet to arrive is Murray, for obvious reasons.

That's per each of their twitters, or other reports by the way.

 

[Rhavicc]

He's also a good rebounder, as is Briscoe. I'm guessing Murray and Mulder aren't bad either. I expect out guards and wings to do lots of things.

It will be refreshing. Despite the Harrisons being big, strong guards, they rarely went for rebounds. All of our guards this time around are pretty aggressive rebounders. Matthews is possibly our best rebounding guard, I expect about the same from Briscoe and Murray (Murray picked up like30 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds in the Hoop Summit game, went home, played in the All-Canadian game, and grabbed 8 rebounds to go along with 28 points and 10 assists). Mulder is also a pretty good rebounder. Played small forward in JUCO, collected around 6 rebounds per game.

 

[bucsrule8872]

The competition between him and Mulder is worth keeping an eye on.

I think one will emerge to get most of the backup guard minutes behind Ulis, Briscoe, and Murray.

They might split time early on, but if one emerges as being a lot better than the other, then we will see one get most of the minutes.

I think Matthews emerges as the main guard off the bench.

It's great to have that competition, though. Should push everyone to get better.

 

[kyups01]

I said this a while back while talki ng with some friends...for some reason I get the Ben Mclemore (formerly of KU) feel with Matthews. He's coming in heralded but not heralded as others and is a top 50ish recruit my many.They have the same body type as well at this point the same age. Mclemore exploded for KU at out nowhere and became a lottery pick!

 

[Fitch44]

Ulis, Murray, Briscoe, Matthews and mulder will man the 1-3 spots.
Poy, lee and skal will man 4-5.
Hawkins, Willis and Tai with spot minutes.
#9 is the mission they are on.
Love them all, but have an extra good feeling about Matthews. Just feel like he will bring so much on both ends.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

What a terrible week for the trolls, the Cal-haters, the defeatists and hand-wringers. The dome shielding their dark, gloomy, cockroach-and-mold afflicted world is rupturing and the sunshine is pumping through the cracks.

Next reports: Alex Poythress is looking as explosive as ever and determined to play himself into the first round and avenge the 2014 Finals loss and Mulder is proving his 47 percent shooting percentage as a JUCO All America is not only legit, he's a complete ballplayer with valuable experience.

 

[UK_Johnny24]

I've always liked Mathews starting back when he was a 5star, but now I'm getting more jacked about him every day. This is gonna be another awesome year.

 

[Supafuzz75]

Not sure if Dave K posted this over here or not? Or if he got it from here? But from him.

"Tyler Ulis accompanied Booker a couple of weeks ago to a training camp out west. Reports coming in now from that experience are drooling with superlatives about Ulis. Things like: He has found another gear; Has really elevated his game; Can take over at will; A mighty mite that is mindful of Iverson."

 

[st-louie-blue]

Apparently he's having a solid summer, and has been working on his game. Jon Rothstein decided to share that little bit of info with us. I really look forward to seeing this kid on the court. I knew for a long time that he had a lot he could offer this team. It's a testament to our talent to have a kid like Charles potentially coming off the bench (unless he's outplaying one of the 5 star players). I have high expectations for him.

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Thanks, that is good news to hear.

 

[st-louie-blue]

Not sure if Dave K posted this over here or not? Or if he got it from here? But from him.

"Tyler Ulis accompanied Booker a couple of weeks ago to a training camp out west. Reports coming in now from that experience are drooling with superlatives about Ulis. Things like: He has found another gear; Has really elevated his game; Can take over at will; A mighty mite that is mindful of Iverson."

This is also good news. I hope we can keep Ulis on the team for at least two more years.

 

[Rhavicc]

Not sure if Dave K posted this over here or not? Or if he got it from here? But from him.

"Tyler Ulis accompanied Booker a couple of weeks ago to a training camp out west. Reports coming in now from that experience are drooling with superlatives about Ulis. Things like: He has found another gear; Has really elevated his game; Can take over at will; A mighty mite that is mindful of Iverson."

I read that as well before Dave went on his trip. Ulis showed flashes last year of having the ability to take over the game at will. It wasn't that often that we needed him to. He did it at Louisville, he did it at Texas A&M, and he scorched quite a few other teams.
The fact that reports actually compare him to Iverson is pretty insane. If he plays anything like Iverson, he has limitless potential despite his size.
I think Ulis has the kind of basketball IQ, ball handling skill, passing and shooting ability, speed, and so on to turn into that kind of special point guard. He has a very diverse arsenal when it comes to scoring the ball, but he doesn't look to score as much as he should. Maybe that changed with his new role on the team.
If NBA scouts see a semblance of Iverson in Ulis, his stock will blow up through the roof.

 

[Aike]

I think it's reasonable to expect Ulis/Briscoe/Murray to average around 30 minutes each, and for Matthews and Mulder to each be close to 15 mins. Of course it isn't communism, and those Matthews or Mulder numbers could trend toward zero if they aren't ready for prime time.

One thing of interest to me is whether one of the wings will steal time at the "4" from Lee or Willis.

 

[Rhavicc]

I think it's reasonable to expect Ulis/Briscoe/Murray to average around 30 minutes each, and for Matthews and Mulder to each be close to 15 mins. Of course it isn't communism, and those Matthews or Mulder numbers could trend toward zero if they aren't ready for prime time.

One thing of interest to me is whether one of the wings will steal time at the "4" from Lee or Willis.

I think it'll vary. Lee will see time at the 4 and 5. I think Mulder and Matthews could see time at the 4 in some cases, if we want to spread the floor out a bit more.

 

[hotelblue]

had our guards remained healthy our '97 team would have been my favorite all time. the whole roster was full of champs, and had potential to be one of the best perimeters ever at uk. it was an exciting team. we don't have quite the same experience but man this team is going to be fun to watch.

ulis/turner
briscoe/epps
murray/edwards
matthews/anderson
mulder/mercer

shep redshirted, they still had mills, we have hawkins. we can also add willis to the perimeter game.

 

[Willy4UK]

I'm ready to kill these teams right now.

 

[BlueRunner11]

Briscoe, Skal, and Mulder have also arrived. The only one yet to arrive is Murray, for obvious reasons.

That's per each of their twitters, or other reports by the way.

Yes, they are all there minus Murray. Saw them all there at my sons bball camp there last week.

 

[BigKari]

Been waiting for awhile for everyone to realize how good Matthews is. I figured it would take him getting here and getting on the court with the team, but most of you didnt like my Jimmy Butler comparison. Dude is super competitive and will improve alot here.

 

[Aike]

I think it'll vary. Lee will see time at the 4 and 5. I think Mulder and Matthews could see time at the 4 in some cases, if we want to spread the floor out a bit more.

Depends on the level to which guys bring it. If Matthews and Mulder are both balling, then I think we will see some 4 guard sets.

On the other hand, if Willis improves greatly and either Matthews or Mulder is slow to develop, then we will see Willis picking up extra minutes at the 4.

The bench is fairly unpredictable at this point. Lee will have to get minutes, but Matthews, Mulder, Willis, and I guess even Hawkins will be duking it out.

Of those 4, Matthews will be given the most rope by Cal.

 

[Aike]

Been waiting for awhile for everyone to realize how good Matthews is. I figured it would take him getting here and getting on the court with the team, but most of you didnt like my Jimmy Butler comparison. Dude is super competitive and will improve alot here.

A lot of us have been talking about Matthews for a long time.

 

[Hoskins91]

We'll see I guess.

 

[BigKari]

A lot of us have been talking about Matthews for a long time.

Right and I'm one of them. Some of our fans don't realize that he is a first round draft pick in 1-2 years.

 

[wild mandu]

I think it's reasonable to expect Ulis/Briscoe/Murray to average around 30 minutes each, and for Matthews and Mulder to each be close to 15 mins. Of course it isn't communism, and those Matthews or Mulder numbers could trend toward zero if they aren't ready for prime time.

One thing of interest to me is whether one of the wings will steal time at the "4" from Lee or Willis.

I might even say almost 35 mpg for Ulis, Murray, Poythress and Skal, especially by March. I think minutes might be taken from Briscoe, slide Murray to the 2 and bring in Matthews or Mulder at the 3. Still, a tight rotation.

If he works out as advertised, I want Skal out there over 30 mpg, like Davis was. Foul trouble, rest and blowouts would be the only time I take him out, honestly. Lee will get about 8-10. No more sharing the wealth, unless production in games dictates otherwise. But even if he's struggling, keep him in and let him learn.

 

[Aike]

I might even say almost 35 mpg for Ulis, Murray, Poythress and Skal, especially by March. I think minutes might be taken from Briscoe, slide Murray to the 2 and bring in Matthews or Mulder at the 3. Still, a tight rotation.

If he works out as advertised, I want Skal out there over 30 mpg, like Davis was. Foul trouble, rest and blowouts would be the only time I take him out, honestly. Lee will get about 8-10. No more sharing the wealth, unless production in games dictates otherwise. But even if he's struggling, keep him in and let him learn.

Teague average 32.6 in 2012 despite having virtually no backup. In the FF games he played 33 and 34 minutes.

The averages for the guards might be around 32, but I think 35 is pushing it. And you could be right. Ulis/Murray may play 32-33, and Briscoe may log 25.

Bottom line, I anticipate those three getting the bulk of the minutes at the 1-3 and playing about 90 minutes per night.

I agree that Skal will play every minute possible. Not sure that Poythress will play crazy minutes coming off surgery.

Might be something like 35 for Skal, 25 for Poy, and the other 20 "big man" minutes split Lee, Willis, and one of the wings in a small ball lineup.

 

[C1180]

Mathews was a 5 star before his injury and he dropped because of that injury. He is healthy again and perhaps ready to show that he is still a 5 star. I think UK just might have gotten a gem. He seems to be a good all around player and plays well on both ends of the court.

I am going to predict that he will be a better player than either of the Harrison twins. I would not be surprised if he started.

I love Ulis but I think there will be times when he will be abused by bigger guards and UK will have to go bigger by putting Briscoe at the point. When this happens either Mathews or Muldur will be used in the 3 guard lineup. I think there will be a more even distribution of playing time at the guard and SF positions than many are thinking. Like some other poster said IMO at times UK just might go to four guards.

 

[anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y]

One word: WILLIS!

 

[UK_Johnny24]

Don't expect much from Willis guys. I don't get what some people see in him. He wont do anything except get mop up minutes at the end of the game. Now Hawkins is a different story. I could see him being a big contributor if it weren't for us being so stacked in the backcourt. He's got some ability. But because of us being loaded he wont get too many minutes either. We'll have a 8man rotation pretty much with that rotation being Ulis, Briscoe, Murray, Poythress, Labissiere, Mathews, Mulder, and Lee. One of Mathews or Mulder could break away from the other and get the majority of the backup minutes at the 2/3, but I think both will be key contributors off the bench, and I think both will be really good players. Even if Wynyard comes in at Christmas I think it'll still pretty much be an 8 man rotation. You know unless Tai is just a beast or something. But I see Tai coming in and just getting his feet wet you know. Playing 4-5 minutes a game.

 

[UK_Johnny24]

Oh. And I don't see us running a 4 guard lineup. Cal may try it a time or 2, but it wont be something we do on a consistent basis. We have to much talent in the front court for that. Skal, Lee, and Poy!!!

 

[UK HEMINGWAY]

This kid is crazy athletic, and really long arms. Will be an elite defender and slasher from day one. Once his jumper comes along, look out. Its not bad, its just not real good yet. Will hustle like no other.

 

[Rhavicc]

This kid is crazy athletic, and really long arms. Will be an elite defender and slasher from day one. Once his jumper comes along, look out. Its not bad, its just not real good yet. Will hustle like no other.

Agreed. He's already an elite defender and slasher (with both hands). Finishes incredibly well around the basket through contact and passes really well. Once his jumper is consistent, look out. Love the energy the kid plays with also.

 

[bucsrule8872]

At the beginning of the season, I think we will see Cal play a lot of combinations.

By the end of the season, I think we will see the top six (Ulis, Briscoe, Murray, Poythress, Labissiere, and Lee) get the majority of the minutes.

I expect the guards to play between 30-35mpg and the bigs to play between 25-30mpg at the end of the season.

I think one of Matthews or Mulder will establish himself as the 7th man. He will fill in the leftover minutes (15-20mpg).

The others will play spot minutes based on situations.

 

[loublue22]

he had a rep as a bad shooter, but his form is excellent

 

[UK HEMINGWAY]

he had a rep as a bad shooter, but his form is excellent

He never really needed to be a shooter, was just so good at getting to the rim. He has a great work ethic and I'm sure he is improving his jumper as we type

 

[AnarchoNeoLuddite]

Ulis could not finish in traffic to save his life last year, Iverson lived in the paint
That comparison is insane

 

[Rhavicc]

Ulis could not finish in traffic to save his life last year, Iverson lived in the paint
That comparison is insane

Late to the party eh? Okay, let's try to cap off a couple of points you've missed. It was said that he elevated his game in the off season. That's incredibly important to note. We're speaking of Ulis' improvement in the post-season, based on reports.
Also, you're certainly overstating Ulis' effectiveness at the rim. He didn't take a high volume of shots at the rim. Nearly half of his shots were 3 pointers, which he drilled at a 42% 3PT%

 

[anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y]

Don't expect much from Willis guys. I don't get what some people see in him.

Late to the sarcam game?