Hey Cat fans,
Tough end of the season, but Coach Cal really had your boys playing great ball at the end. Basketball is random sometimes.
This was the first time I watched UK while actually rooting for them in the tournament, and to see Twitter after they lost was eye-opening. You guys are really hated on by the media in the absolute worst way. The joy shared by college basketball personalities was pretty disgusting.
I'll at the Final Four networking and I usually hear some good rumors (mostly non-UK related), however if you guys want anything specific this weekend is where I personally get 50% of my information anyways.
Just @ me and I'll try and see what I can find out.
A few notes and I'll get out of your way and I'll try and respond when I can.
1. I think you guys will like what you all see out of your three signees over the next month when they're showcased. A whole lot of skill and scoring ability. Which is what this program needs-bucket getters. You all know about my closeness with Quickely. I think he actually may end up being the least impressive one you see. I've heard people saying the white kid going to UK is nasty. Think Devin Booker at UK. Less physical, maybe a little better shooter.
2. I'll be fascinated by the decisions of these UK guys. I think to Coach Cal's and UK's advantage. He's got two really smart set of parents in his corner. The Knox and Washington familes both get it, and will make a really good decision either way.
I think the biggest success Cal had this year is having this group love the stage of Big Blue Nation, even with some big ups and downs.
I'm going to make a prediction that Knox will be the first to return, which will create a nice chain reaction of good decisions.
At this point my guess of those leaving: Alexander, Diallo, Vanderbilt.
3. Right now is agent feeding frenzy. I know Excel thinks they're getting Alexander. Diallo had a lot of agent contact last year during his flirtation. I've always thought Vanderbilt was always looking ahead even in prep. I think him leaving would be a mistake. However I think he would be drafted way higher than you'd think right now though.
I also know that the Knox circle has rejected talks with Excel and two more agencies at this point (Kind of a BIG deal).
4. Supposedly Duke leads for E.J. Montgomery but that's also with Capel. Him leaving could change things. I think it's a blue blood battle with UK, Duke, UNC. It's not a lot by any means. Funny thing is that Vandy people say they'll get him. Tom Crean may get a courtesy look.
Cal will get himself another big guy if someone leaves. Remember that names always pop up in the spring. So don't overly focus on E.J. I would much rather have a Sophmore PJ Washington in a vacuum.
If UK returns Knox and PJ. I wouldn't worry about getting EJ or anyone else.
5. I still think there will be a staff shake-up. Would guess Barbee. That'll also have a negative impact with a current commit. See below.
By the way, Joel Justus is going to be a star. He's awesome, you all should want to keep him.
6. I'm not sure about the Hagan kid. I think he wants to be 2018, but he also wants UK, who wants him in 2019. I don't know. I'll dig a little. I've always said: You don't reclassify for some random school.
7. Something I'm a little more sure of. I'm not so sure you all will see your recent commit DJ Jeffries in a UK uniform. I know enough about Penny, and I think Penny is going to do some Penny stuff.
I also don't think he's all that good. Just me though.
Lastly, I hope you all will support Nova in the Final Four! Philly represents!
-Coach
Tough end of the season, but Coach Cal really had your boys playing great ball at the end. Basketball is random sometimes.
This was the first time I watched UK while actually rooting for them in the tournament, and to see Twitter after they lost was eye-opening. You guys are really hated on by the media in the absolute worst way. The joy shared by college basketball personalities was pretty disgusting.
I'll at the Final Four networking and I usually hear some good rumors (mostly non-UK related), however if you guys want anything specific this weekend is where I personally get 50% of my information anyways.
Just @ me and I'll try and see what I can find out.
A few notes and I'll get out of your way and I'll try and respond when I can.
1. I think you guys will like what you all see out of your three signees over the next month when they're showcased. A whole lot of skill and scoring ability. Which is what this program needs-bucket getters. You all know about my closeness with Quickely. I think he actually may end up being the least impressive one you see. I've heard people saying the white kid going to UK is nasty. Think Devin Booker at UK. Less physical, maybe a little better shooter.
2. I'll be fascinated by the decisions of these UK guys. I think to Coach Cal's and UK's advantage. He's got two really smart set of parents in his corner. The Knox and Washington familes both get it, and will make a really good decision either way.
I think the biggest success Cal had this year is having this group love the stage of Big Blue Nation, even with some big ups and downs.
I'm going to make a prediction that Knox will be the first to return, which will create a nice chain reaction of good decisions.
At this point my guess of those leaving: Alexander, Diallo, Vanderbilt.
3. Right now is agent feeding frenzy. I know Excel thinks they're getting Alexander. Diallo had a lot of agent contact last year during his flirtation. I've always thought Vanderbilt was always looking ahead even in prep. I think him leaving would be a mistake. However I think he would be drafted way higher than you'd think right now though.
I also know that the Knox circle has rejected talks with Excel and two more agencies at this point (Kind of a BIG deal).
4. Supposedly Duke leads for E.J. Montgomery but that's also with Capel. Him leaving could change things. I think it's a blue blood battle with UK, Duke, UNC. It's not a lot by any means. Funny thing is that Vandy people say they'll get him. Tom Crean may get a courtesy look.
Cal will get himself another big guy if someone leaves. Remember that names always pop up in the spring. So don't overly focus on E.J. I would much rather have a Sophmore PJ Washington in a vacuum.
If UK returns Knox and PJ. I wouldn't worry about getting EJ or anyone else.
5. I still think there will be a staff shake-up. Would guess Barbee. That'll also have a negative impact with a current commit. See below.
By the way, Joel Justus is going to be a star. He's awesome, you all should want to keep him.
6. I'm not sure about the Hagan kid. I think he wants to be 2018, but he also wants UK, who wants him in 2019. I don't know. I'll dig a little. I've always said: You don't reclassify for some random school.
7. Something I'm a little more sure of. I'm not so sure you all will see your recent commit DJ Jeffries in a UK uniform. I know enough about Penny, and I think Penny is going to do some Penny stuff.
I also don't think he's all that good. Just me though.
Lastly, I hope you all will support Nova in the Final Four! Philly represents!
-Coach