Could it be Mulder's Time?

[HipTer]

In looking at a replacement for Willis, what about the forgotten man - Mychal Mulder? Mulder was a SF in Junior College, and was a good rebounder. His length and athleticism is comparable to Mathews, but he has a history of being a better shooter. Plus Mulder has a lot of college experience, although at a lower level (but still much higher competition level than high school). Maybe Mulder could help stretch the floor some too, while still maintaining a respectable rebounding presence.

Of course, Calipari and his staff know the best options for any given scenario. Just throwing it out there for discussion. Desperate fan grasping at straws.

 

[docholiday51]

I think Cal will have to use some combination of Humphries,Hawkins ,Matthews and Mulder along with some creative game planning. the problem is that Cal likes change about as much as he does going to lunch with Doug Sirmons or Pat Adams

 

[maysvilleky]

No...Cal hasn't used Mulder in a while. Humphries, Skal, Matthews, and Hawkins will take up the minutes.

 

[CatPhight]

Dom Hawk Time!

 

[KA4Prez]

Maybe in an emergency. Mulder hasn't played any meaningful minutes in over a month. We will see more Hawkins, Humphries, Matthews and Skal before we see any Mulder, IMO.

 

[KerzKat21]

Mulder gave us some good minutes, i think it was the LSU game, then has barely played since. i understand he's a liability on defense but at least he can grab some boards and shoot..

 

[HipTer]

Of course, Calipari is not looking for the player that is the closest match to what Willis provided. He's going to use the player combination giving the team the best chance to win. But, from the choices available, Mulder's reputation prior to coming to UK would suggest he might be the closest thing (I said closest, not the same or even comparably close at this time) to what Willis provided in the way of shooting and rebounding from a forward spot. Obviously, potential and demonstrated performance are two different things. Just saying in the "next man up" approach, maybe Mulder could be part of the puzzle and buy UK some time until Willis is back.

 

[Catsfan28]

I think there is a possibility if he can consistanly knock down the three and rebound. We have to have a third shooter on the floor or our guards have shown to have trouble getting in the lane. They will pack the paint and dare anyone not named Murray or ulis to shoot

 

[NCukcat62]

No. The rotation will be,until Poythress and Willis come back, is Ulis Murray briscoe Matthews, Lee, Hawkins humphries, and Skal. When poythress and Willis come back, the only guys I want playing is Hawkins Lee and humphries.

 

[cats2010]

Nothing against the Kid personally but as a player I see little value that Matthews brings to the floor for us, At least with what he has shown this year. If not mistaken, the last 4 12-15 foot shots he has taken have not even drawn iron. He is a worse shooter than Briscoe. As another poster just stated, Mulder has only seen extended playing time once this year and performed quite well. Maybe he doesn't practice well, or Cal doesn't like his defense but honestly Skal has gotten way more playing time than he has deserved this year so why not Mulder. I too think he could be a serviceable replacement for Willis. It wasn't that long ago this board was saying If Cal Trusted Willis he would play more than he was, sometimes kids just need to be given the chance to show what they can do and that does not mean, playing spot minutes here or there.

 

[Kybluedude]

Good thought. We have to have that corner/ wing 3 shooter to open the floor for Tyler Briscoe and Jamal. Michaels been here long enough to know the system. Has great spirit and enthusiasm. Give him a chance. Springy as well.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

So we are going to a 4 guard attack? Lol

 

[Cats192]

Cal keeps putting Hawkins, Matthews, Humphries, etc in before Mulder.
If Cal had faith in Mulder, he would have gotten time by now.

 

[Catsfan28]

So we are going to a 4 guard attack? Lol

We kind of already are. We are basically playing a point guard three wings and post... Willis may be 6'9 but he isn't doing anything in the post besides the elbow set that we run

 

[Cats192]

We kind of already are. We are basically playing a point guard three wings and post... Willis may be 6'9 but he isn't doing anything in the post besides the elbow set that we run

He rebounds well. He's got the length to be OK on defense.

 

[AGEE11]

Worth a shot. Look what happened when Willis and Humphries were pressed in to action...

Mulder can shoot and rebound which will help us on offense. His D is scary bad, but a zone could protect him somehwat

 

[Cats192]

Worth a shot. Look what happened when Willis and Humphries were pressed in to action...

Mulder can shoot and rebound which will help us on offense. His D is scary bad, but a zone could protect him somehwat

Again, Derek had to earn PT. Cal isn't just throwing you out there to see if you can play.

 

[liveblue92]

I think it would be a good idea. It's gonna be pretty damn ugly on offense without Derek out there. Opponents are not gonna let our guards get to the rim. We have ZERO post play offensively. I don't even wanna see Skal out of his warm ups to be honest. I know I'm being pessimistic but good lord, this might be rough.

 

[G-PIP]

Well OP, looks like Cal stated on his radio show tonight that he's talked to Mulder and told him they need him and he might be the "next man up." Now whether Mulder: a.) is ready for the opportunity, b.) gets the opportunity, and c.) has any in game success helping fill the void of Willis' loss, we'll have to wait and see. But it's certainly not a crazy notion that he could contribute.