Diallo doesn't need guarantee of first round pick to remain in draft

[kyjeff1]

"I almost feel like most on here would be okay with it if Cal drop kicked a baby."

Your words. What am I not comprehending?

#doesntevenknowtheirownwords

What you aren't comprehending is basically you guys will buy anything Cal sells and are besides yourselves if anyone dares disagree with anything Cal says or does.
Drop kicking a baby would be a horrid crime, but some on this board would excuse it the same way UL fans are making Pitino's transgressions out to be nothing.

 

[thevaliantx]

Maybe I missed it kyjeff, but what do you think Cal should have done, or should do now? Should he have got it in writing that he would play? Not sure if that is even legally binding, but it's a reasonable stance if it is. Should he have told him he can't come to the team early at all? Again, another reasonable enough idea. But outside of that, what could he have done to avoid this?

It would be a start, legal binding or not. Hold a person to their principles, or lack of, if you can't take them to court. Would Diallo want something like that hanging over his head? It would have a negative effect on his draft status whenever that might be. But I'll bet a million dollars that Calipari would never do that, because the NBA is John's second love (just behind his wife).

 

[brianpoe]

@brianpoe / @mdlUK.1 so you two crzies had my post taken down, i served you pretty bad, if i was you, id have removed it to.... Probably. I embarrassed the mess out of you two. Hope you two learned a valuable lesson, IF YOU'RE GONNA HIT THE KING, YOU BETTER KILL THE KING. Also, stay out of folks buisness, and no more loggin on to your computer and getting on this website just to seek out folks that have a different opinion so you can call them names and flex your cyber muscles (BWAAAAAHAHAHA) and bully them. I had to bend both of you over my knee and embarrass you two little crazy kids but i believe you learned your lesson.

From now on, others opinion on this board should be respected, and posters who show they can think for themselves should be encouraged AND applauded. Not everyone thinks just like you two but thats what makes the world go around.

Stay out of trouble you two.

WTH are you talking about?

I have no idea what post you are referring to and I'm not a mod.

You talk about respect yet revert to mocking and name calling?

You want to discuss with this 47 year old "kid", I'll be your huckleberry.

 

[kyjeff1]

Maybe I missed it kyjeff, but what do you think Cal should have done, or should do now? Should he have got it in writing that he would play? Not sure if that is even legally binding, but it's a reasonable stance if it is. Should he have told him he can't come to the team early at all? Again, another reasonable enough idea. But outside of that, what could he have done to avoid this?

I am under the impression that Cal told HD to do this, check it out, experience it, come back, play a season at UK then go pro. That's my gut feeling. I hope that's what this is, but I don't want THIS program to allow this to happen again if in fact HD goes pro right now.
What I would like to see Cal do in this situation is tell the kid to come here, practice with the team, go through all the NBA water testing BS, then give it hell in your one season here.
To me, that's the right thing to do for the kid AND the program.
But I'm not good with allowing kids to come here for a few months, practice, possibly not even go to class (that's a rumor we keep hearing that is, hopefully, not true) then jump without ever slipping on a UK jersey. I hate the one and done thing, I wish the NBA would change it, but zero and done is a joke that I would rather not see here.
Just my opinion, it ain't crying, it's an opinion.

 

[thevaliantx]

I am under the impression that Cal told HD to do this, check it out, experience it, come back, play a season at UK then go pro. That's my gut feeling. I hope that's what this is, but I don't want THIS program to allow this to happen again if in fact HD goes pro right now.
What I would like to see Cal do in this situation is tell the kid to come here, practice with the team, go through all the NBA water testing BS, then give it hell in your one season here.
To me, that's the right thing to do for the kid AND the program.
But I'm not good with allowing kids to come here for a few months, practice, possibly not even go to class (that's a rumor we keep hearing that is, hopefully, not true) then jump without ever slipping on a UK jersey. I hate the one and done thing, I wish the NBA would change it, but zero and done is a joke that I would rather not see here.
Just my opinion, it ain't crying, it's an opinion.

If Diallo truly wasn't going to class, then Calipari needs to do the right thing and publicly call the kid out on it, and publicly decry taking on players mid-season. Otherwise, he's just started a troubling trend in his quest to pad the OAD numbers. It needs to be "program first".

 

[mdlUK.1]

What you aren't comprehending is basically you guys will buy anything Cal sells and are besides yourselves if anyone dares disagree with anything Cal says or does.
Drop kicking a baby would be a horrid crime, but some on this board would excuse it the same way UL fans are making Pitino's transgressions out to be nothing.

Lol, now the argument is that we believe everything Cal says?

Are you saying he is lying about Diallo? What else is he lying about? What are all these lies Cal is telling?

 

[brianpoe]

It would be a start, legal binding or not. Hold a person to their principles, or lack of, if you can't take them to court. Would Diallo want something like that hanging over his head? It would have a negative effect on his draft status whenever that might be. But I'll bet a million dollars that Calipari would never do that, because the NBA is John's second love (just behind his wife).

You have no idea what the arrangement was, so why are you even saying this?

I'm starting to agree with a couple others on here, how can you not be a troll with these kinds of posts?

 

[Bluesnky]

If Diallo truly wasn't going to class...

Where do you get this dumb shit?

 

[brianpoe]

I am under the impression that Cal told HD to do this, check it out, experience it, come back, play a season at UK then go pro. That's my gut feeling. I hope that's what this is, but I don't want THIS program to allow this to happen again if in fact HD goes pro right now.
What I would like to see Cal do in this situation is tell the kid to come here, practice with the team, go through all the NBA water testing BS, then give it hell in your one season here.
To me, that's the right thing to do for the kid AND the program.
But I'm not good with allowing kids to come here for a few months, practice, possibly not even go to class (that's a rumor we keep hearing that is, hopefully, not true) then jump without ever slipping on a UK jersey. I hate the one and done thing, I wish the NBA would change it, but zero and done is a joke that I would rather not see here.
Just my opinion, it ain't crying, it's an opinion.

I'm sure that is what Cal expected. With the caveat that HD could remotely obtain a first round guarantee and Cal would be ok with it. Seems as though he was right in his assumption as we have not seen any 1st round talk regarding Diallo.

Cal has rarely been ok with players leaving without a 1st round guarantee (Twins and Ulis are the scenarios I think he was ok with).

If he leaves knowing he's not a 1st, then I would guess Cal would not be thrilled.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

What you aren't comprehending is basically you guys will buy anything Cal sells and are besides yourselves if anyone dares disagree with anything Cal says or does.
Drop kicking a baby would be a horrid crime, but some on this board would excuse it the same way UL fans are making Pitino's transgressions out to be nothing.

You're becoming unhinged dude.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I am under the impression that Cal told HD to do this, check it out, experience it, come back, play a season at UK then go pro. That's my gut feeling. I hope that's what this is, but I don't want THIS program to allow this to happen again if in fact HD goes pro right now.
What I would like to see Cal do in this situation is tell the kid to come here, practice with the team, go through all the NBA water testing BS, then give it hell in your one season here.
To me, that's the right thing to do for the kid AND the program.
Just my opinion, it ain't crying, it's an opinion.

First, this is the second time you've seemed to imply I said you were crying. Never did. Also, I've read your post a couple times, and can't see a difference in what you said happened here and what you would like Cal to do. What am I missing?

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Where do you get this dumb shit?

It's becoming an hysteria where people are starting to assume a negative aspect to everything with this kid. This one is wildly inappropriate based on a "rumor".

 

[kyjeff1]

Lol, now the argument is that we believe everything Cal says?

Are you saying he is lying about Diallo? What else is he lying about? What are all these lies Cal is telling?

Where did I ever say Cal was lying?
Again, you aren't comprehending. Done trying to explain something very simple.

 

[mdlUK.1]

Where did I ever say Cal was lying?
Again, you aren't comprehending. Done trying to explain something very simple.

You're telling me we believe everything Cal says. What do you mean if you're not saying he's lying?

 

[kyjeff1]

First, this is the second time you've seemed to imply I said you were crying. Never did. Also, I've read your post a couple times, and can't see a difference in what you said happened here and what you would like Cal to do. What am I missing?

Never did say you were the one that made the crying comment. It was a general statement in my response to you. It was said, and echoed a few pages back.
I never said Cal was at fault for anything. I just don't want "zero and done" to become the new thing here. Nothing more.

 

[kyjeff1]

If Diallo truly wasn't going to class, then Calipari needs to do the right thing and publicly call the kid out on it, and publicly decry taking on players mid-season. Otherwise, he's just started a troubling trend in his quest to pad the OAD numbers. It needs to be "program first".

I probably shouldn't have even brought the skipping class thing up, I can't imagine it's true. If it is, I fully believe Cal will handle it.

 

[Aike]

I said there's a lot of crying going on by grown men. And there still is.

 

[morgousky]

I said there's a lot of crying going on by grown men. And there still is.

Aike I'm gonna ask you because no one else will touch this. It's just a simple question. There's no motive or intention behind it. Not set up to necessarily be a hypothetical.

If a small trend started where Cal opened the door to a player or two every few years who wanted to be in college, participate somewhat in the experience, but he didn't want to risk playing (whether it be at first or understood as the entire year), would you accept it?

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Aike I'm gonna ask you because no one else will touch this. It's just a simple question. There's no motive or intention behind it. Not set up to necessarily be a hypothetical.

If a small trend started where Cal opened the door to a player or two every few years who wanted to be in college, participate somewhat in the experience, but he didn't want to risk playing (whether it be at first or understood as the entire year), would you accept it?

I did answer this.

 

[thevaliantx]

Where do you get this dumb shit?

If you would like to continue discussion with me, try acting a little more civil. There is no other option.

 

[kyjeff1]

You're becoming unhinged dude.

Let me rephrase.
1) I am not a fan of the zero and done
2) I do not believe Cal told the kid to come here, practice then go pro without ever playing for UK.
3) I believe Cal told HD to go through the NBA pre draft work out/water testing process, return to uk and play in 17/18
4) last, but not least, I believe there is a portion of our fanbase that workshops the ground that Cal walks on, if Cal ever made "zero and done" a thing here at UK, they would defend it to the hilt, simply because it's something Cal came up with.
But, if it was something Self/Roy/k came up with, it would be immediately looked down on by the same people because Cal isn't doing it.
I love the things Cal has done here, I'm a big Cal guy, I think he's a boss. But that doesn't mean I am ging to agree with everything he does.
If HD stays in the draft this year I won't like it, if it becomes the norm here(doubtful) I REALLY won't like it.
But it's not like I'm going to boycott the program, I just won't like seeing our program go down the "zero and done" road.
That's it. I don't think that means I'm coming unhinged.

 

[Aike]

Aike I'm gonna ask you because no one else will touch this. It's just a simple question. There's no motive or intention behind it. Not set up to necessarily be a hypothetical.

If a small trend started where Cal opened the door to a player or two every few years who wanted to be in college, participate somewhat in the experience, but he didn't want to risk playing (whether it be at first or understood as the entire year), would you accept it?

If someone came in the summer/fall and refused to play for no clear reason? I wouldn't support that.

What if they were nursing an injury like Giles was or like Vanderbilt could be next year? I might view that differently.

I wouldn't want anyone coming to UK on a basketball scholarship who had no intention of playing.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Let me rephrase.
1) I am not a fan of the zero and done
2) I do not believe Cal told the kid to come here, practice then go pro without ever playing for UK.
3) I believe Cal told HD to go through the NBA pre draft work out/water testing process, return to uk and play in 17/18
4) last, but not least, I believe there is a portion of our fanbase that workshops the ground that Cal walks on, if Cal ever made "zero and done" a thing here at UK, they would defend it to the hilt, simply because it's something Cal came up with.
But, if it was something Self/Roy/k came up with, it would be immediately looked down on by the same people because Cal isn't doing it.
I love the things Cal has done here, I'm a big Cal guy, I think he's a boss. But that doesn't mean I am ging to agree with everything he does.
If HD stays in the draft this year I won't like it, if it becomes the norm here(doubtful) I REALLY won't like it.
But it's not like I'm going to boycott the program, I just won't like seeing our program go down the "zero and done" road.
That's it. I don't think that means I'm coming unhinged.

Fair enough, but I completely disagree that there are many people that think like what you described. I think the hypothetical is ludicrous. It's never going to get that far. Cal has zero incentive to waste schollies on players that are iffy about playing. If this happens, it will be the last.

 

[Bluesnky]

If you would like to continue discussion with me, try acting a little more civil. There is no other option.

So you pulled it out of your ass. That's what I figured. Thanks.

 

[kyjeff1]

Fair enough, but I completely disagree that there are many people that think like what you described. I think the hypothetical is ludicrous. It's never going to get that far. Cal has zero incentive to waste schollies on players that are iffy about playing. If this happens, it will be the last.

I don't think Cal would do it either, but it's something to talk about.
But I do think there are some that get bent if someone disagrees with something Cal does or says.
There are people that will go along with Cal no matter what he does and they can't stand it when others speak out against him.

 

[brianpoe]

I don't think Cal would do it either, but it's something to talk about.
But I do think there are some that get bent if someone disagrees with something Cal does or says.
There are people that will go along with Cal no matter what he does and they can't stand it when others speak out against him.

I think there are some that are simply using common sense.


Facts:

Assuming we did not lose a potential recruit due to HD's commitment (which it doesnt seem we did) then this deal was nothing but zero risk and all reward if HD played next season.

He certainly did help our players get better, Fox said so himself.

He hasn't signed with an agent or declared. Yet some posters dont want him to even come back and others want Cal's head on spike before a decision is made..????

There are not many kids who meet the 2 eligibility requirements for the NBA, so it's not going to be a trend.


Posters that are whining about this really have no argument unless they can prove we actually lost another SG. And please, some of you, spare me the tuition, room and board for 4 whole months - total nonissue.

We can all be frustrated because we thought we had a stud 2g next year, that absolutely makes sense.
- He may still stay. Great
- He may leave with a 1st Round guarantee. Be stupid to stay.
- He may leave without a 1st Round guarantee. That is a kick in the balls and I do not wish him good luck. In fact I dont really wish many of our players that leave too early much luck except for special circumstances -

Tyler Ulis: couldnt get any higher than his accolades and Cal had Fox.

Twins: It just seemed like time to go with them and Cal, along with Ulis coming on - and especially if Booker were to stay.


Didnt root for him but...
Daniel Orton: Screwed us not finishing course work, was a prick to Cal - but a genius for declaring with that double secret knee injury.

Otherwise, I get these kids have their own lives to lead but Cal is totally prepared with the lottery OAD's recruiting wise. These others mess up the next season's rosters.

The misplaced distaste for the OAD should be directed at the wanna be OAD's that are not, but leave any way.

 

[KyFaninNC]

So you dont think he helped Fox get better? You don't think his good friend Bamba realized that Cal is willing to back his word of helping kids realize their dreams regardless of situation. Do you think that is what he sees when he sees K play Giles and watch the kids draft stock fall 20 spots? Just because Bolden wasn't as advertised. Do you not think that it helps with all top recruits right now Cal looks like the most honest coach ever. So I disagree

Maybe. Bamba should already know that. Who cares. Cal's reputation was there without HD contributing to it.

Do you think we really needed to cater to HD for one semester to get Bamba? If so, that is NOT how we should recruit.. Honestly, I hope HD stays in the draft, I don't particularly want him now.

 

[morgousky]

If someone came in the summer/fall and refused to play for no clear reason? I wouldn't support that.

What if they were nursing an injury like Giles was or like Vanderbilt could be next year? I might view that differently.

I wouldn't want anyone coming to UK on a basketball scholarship who had no intention of playing.

No injury. Just wanted to enjoy the experience, gain some practice time, use the resources, take advantage of the Kentucky effect etc. Say they committed with the agreement that they "were open minded" to suiting up, but weren't sure if they should risk it. And also say Calipari accepted it and felt it was their choice and it's not his job to demand they play, he still must recruit them.

The reason that I suggested it's not a hypothetical is because the question is meant to be a statement. I'm implying that I do believe there's a vocal minority on this board who would accept and have no problems with it what so ever. They'd cite "that's how it works today" and tell me to get off their lawn.

It's pathetic to me actually.

 

[kyjeff1]

I think there are some that are simply using common sense.


Facts:

Assuming we did not lose a potential recruit due to HD's commitment (which it doesnt seem we did) then this deal was nothing but zero risk and all reward if HD played next season.

He certainly did help our players get better, Fox said so himself.

He hasn't signed with an agent or declared. Yet some posters dont want him to even come back and others want Cal's head on spike before a decision is made..????

There are not many kids who meet the 2 eligibility requirements for the NBA, so it's not going to be a trend.


Posters that are whining about this really have no argument unless they can prove we actually lost another SG. And please, some of you, spare me the tuition, room and board for 4 whole months - total nonissue.

We can all be frustrated because we thought we had a stud 2g next year, that absolutely makes sense.
- He may still stay. Great
- He may leave with a 1st Round guarantee. Be stupid to stay.
- He may leave without a 1st Round guarantee. That is a kick in the balls and I do not wish him good luck. In fact I dont really wish many of our players that leave too early much luck except for special circumstances -

Tyler Ulis: couldnt get any higher than his accolades and Cal had Fox.

Twins: It just seemed like time to go with them and Cal, along with Ulis coming on - and especially if Booker were to stay.


Didnt root for him but...
Daniel Orton: Screwed us not finishing course work, was a prick to Cal - but a genius for declaring with that double secret knee injury.

Otherwise, I get these kids have their own lives to lead but Cal is totally prepared with the lottery OAD's recruiting wise. These others mess up the next season's rosters.

The misplaced distaste for the OAD should be directed at the wanna be OAD's that are not, but leave any way.

Yeah, I never wanted UK to be "one and done U", but I get why guaranteed first rounders should go.
But the non first rounders that are jumping ship is ridiculous to me (aside from Ulis).
But the "kick in the balls" that you referred to is where I'm at. I want HD to at least play one year here, because I like to see UK win. I know, I know, it's stupid, but I care about UK, not NBA draft picks.
If HD is good enough to go in the 1st round after one season at UK, then so be it, but to leave and not even play, after refusing to play, yeah, I'm not good with that and I can't believe there are people that are okay with that. But hey, everybody has their own opinions.

 

[morgousky]

Yeah, I never wanted UK to be "one and done U", but I get why guaranteed first rounders should go.
But the non first rounders that are jumping ship is ridiculous to me (aside from Ulis).
But the "kick in the balls" that you referred to is where I'm at. I want HD to at least play one year here, because I like to see UK win. I know, I know, it's stupid, but I care about UK, not NBA draft picks.
If HD is good enough to go in the 1st round after one season at UK, then so be it, but to leave and not even play, after refusing to play, yeah, I'm not good with that and I can't believe there are people that are okay with that. But hey, everybody has their own opinions.

If all that truly matters is draft placement, as so many like to claim, then the slippery slope college basketball has been on for a while could slide further. What does that mean, I've got no idea. Personally I feel the thread has morphed into a good discussion.

I totally understand allowing Cal to clean this house and use the OAD to do it. We've benefited greatly from it. As long as Cal is here I want it to stay put. But that doesn't mean I like the rule or the system in and of itself. I don't. UK had no choice, Cal and the OAD saved this program.

The thing is, I'm consistent. UK first and foremost is my concern. So if you flip that coin over, I'll let Cal and the players families worry throughout the day about their individual lifestyle choices away from the program. I'll worry about this roster, and this situation is scary from that POV.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Yeah, I never wanted UK to be "one and done U", but I get why guaranteed first rounders should go.
But the non first rounders that are jumping ship is ridiculous to me (aside from Ulis).
But the "kick in the balls" that you referred to is where I'm at. I want HD to at least play one year here, because I like to see UK win. I know, I know, it's stupid, but I care about UK, not NBA draft picks.
If HD is good enough to go in the 1st round after one season at UK, then so be it, but to leave and not even play, after refusing to play, yeah, I'm not good with that and I can't believe there are people that are okay with that. But hey, everybody has their own opinions.

If I've given the impression that I'm ok with it, let me disabuse you of that notion. I'm not. I think it will stink if he stays in the draft ESPECIALLY if he's gonna be 2nd round. I just think since there is nothing we can do about it, there isn't a lot of point in ranting about it. If I thought Cal was in any way a part of his doing this, or that he would allow it to happen again, then I'd be for a huge outcry. But given there is still a chance he comes back, there are a lot of bashing comments that people can't take back if they are wrong about this. A lot of assuming is going on.

 

[morgousky]

If I've given the impression that I'm ok with it, let me disabuse you of that notion. I'm not. I think it will stink if he stays in the draft ESPECIALLY if he's gonna be 2nd round. I just think since there is nothing we can do about it, there isn't a lot of point in ranting about it. If I thought Cal was in any way a part of his doing this, or that he would allow it to happen again, then I'd be for a huge outcry. But given there is still a chance he comes back, there are a lot of bashing comments that people can't take back if they are wrong about this. A lot of assuming is going on.

Personally, I just don't think he's leaving. But the situation has a bad taste to it imo.

 

[KopiKat]

No one LIKES this system but it is what it is. It's not going to change until the NBA changes the rule.

Correct, but even then it would depend HOW the NBA changed the rule. Say for example the NBA went with a "two year" rule, requiring players be removed from high school two years instead of just the current one before being eligible for playing in the league . . .

Somebody like a Diallo could still find themselves in a prep school situation, and with the aid of reclassification, or even not, join a program mid season, though less likely perhaps, with the same play or not play, stay or not stay result.

These conditions, no mistake about it, are created almost entirely by the restrictions the NBA has placed on age (time to entry) requirements. But also, and very complex, and something few people are willing to concede or take the effort to comprehend the effects, salary restrictions on players in their first 3 seasons (rookie caps). If none of these restrictions existed, players would remain in college simply because there would be no benefit to NBA franchises/GMs to study the option of new talent vs. re-signing back-up league veterans in their late twenties or older. The LAST THING they want to re-live is the horror days of going to the open bargaining table with newly drafted lottery picks, only to ink deals with those newcomers at rates almost equal to some of the best talent already in the league. Glen Robinson says hi.

But that WAS the reality when players stayed in school. THAT IS the reality required to have them stay in school. Anything else is fantasy.

 

[Blue Decade]

I'll say it again...

Many posters set themselves up for this potential disappointment by hearing what they wanted to hear and ignoring what they didn't.

Diallo said in his initial press conference when asked about the possibility if he would declare for the draft that him and he said him and Cal would have that conversation at the end of the season.

I'm still not sure why so many put their head in the sand and ignored this. This was NO DOUBT always the plan between him and Cal.

+1

 

[Blue Decade]

I can't believe Cal has been here for 8 years and we are still having discussions about whether he is a good coach vs just a great recruiter.

Even here. Some of the less talented teams he got them to final fours lol.

The mob mentality always seems to go in predictable cycles. The season just ended, so this is the part of the year when Calipari gets 2nd-guessed here. They typically love him every November, right after he signs a bunch of 5 star high school players. If we don't win the NC, they typically 2nd-guess him in April. If he signs Bamba, they will love him again. But if he misses on Bamba, there will be more 2nd-guessing. Meanwhile, Diallo is doing what he said all along from the very beginning that he would do. But it's a low point of the year for basketball news, so Calipari is getting slammed over Diallo. If Diallo pulls out of the draft, everyone will be fine again.

 

[The_Answer1313]

We lost nothing while Diallo was here. Well, we could have used his help, and by all accounts he was ready to contribute, so he chose to put the future over the present.

For sure, what UK will lose in this situation (if Diallo elects to not come back) is its reputation as THE place to play. To be honest, it is no longer the mecca that it was in the 90's or going way back to the Rupp years. No debating that, things do change. The problem is that Calipari has managed to change the facet of the program in such a way that recruits just look at it as a doormat to something greater. Obviously it's not my money and I'm not in charge, but I think UK should never stoop to the level of taking on a player mid-season who doesn't guarantee that he will be back the following year. For me, it's a matter of principles. The college game was never intended to be a feeder league for the NBA.

Have you seen our rosters the past 8 years?

I'm pretty sure this is still the place to play.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

First, this is the second time you've seemed to imply I said you were crying. Never did. Also, I've read your post a couple times, and can't see a difference in what you said happened here and what you would like Cal to do. What am I missing?

You gave two options that are reasonable – a verbal commitment that Diallo would not go pro if his stock is low; or, not take Diallo at all.

Of those two options, I think Calipari is wise enough to know if he’s getting played, especially by an 18 year old. If it was clear that Diallo was hellbent on staying in the draft, Cal would have known back in December when the recruitment manifested with Diallo committing to UK.

I simply don’t buy the option that Diallo could somehow catch Cal napping on this one. If Diallo stays in the draft, Cal knew it was a strong (almost definite) possibility. Right now, it’s hard to gauge simply because we’re all speculating on what Hami will do next, however, and thus the preliminaries of this arrangement are impossible to currently pinpoint. If Hami returns, the whole thing suddenly looks like genius. If not, the fans will have some lingering questions, and rightfully so.

I’m not advocating a full blowback on Cal and the coaching staff, but perhaps communicating the scenario to fans (or future scenarios like this one) would be wise. If UK is going in this direction, why not prep the fans/media the way he’s done with everything else?

 

[sefus12]

See this is what bothers me.

If it's ok for Diallo to do this, then you can't say others can't follow suit. So if 3-5 guys per year want to just wait it out, you'd have no problem with it, right?

No, I would have a problem if that occurred. Under any other circumstance we've had, guys come in during the summer, work hard, and play for their year/years. This was an odd/unique/one-off situation and Cal chose to take the gamble on it. I don't think it's something you'll see come up again.

But I'm also not upset about it. We made a good run this year and got beat in the Elite-8 by the best team in the tourney on a last second shot after some very questionable officiating. There's no way to say how Diallo would have impacted things. If Cal accepted him on the team knowing he wouldn't be playing this semester and knowing that he would be testing the waters after the year and thought he would come back next year, i'm fine with that. I really hope the kid comes back, but if he doesn't I'm not going to lose sleep over it or be upset at him. I also hope Cal will learn his lesson and not take that chance again (though publicly he'll say nothing but good things about Diallo).

 

[mdlUK.1]

You gave two options that are reasonable – a verbal commitment that Diallo would not go pro if his stock is low; or, not take Diallo at all.

Of those two options, I think Calipari is wise enough to know if he’s getting played, especially by an 18 year old. If it was clear that Diallo was hellbent on staying in the draft, Cal would have known back in December when the recruitment manifested with Diallo committing to UK.

I simply don’t buy the option that Diallo could somehow catch Cal napping on this one. If Diallo stays in the draft, Cal knew it was a strong (almost definite) possibility. Right now, it’s hard to gauge simply because we’re all speculating on what Hami will do next, however, and thus the preliminaries of this arrangement are impossible to currently pinpoint. If Hami returns, the whole thing suddenly looks like genius. If not, the fans will have some lingering questions, and rightfully so.

I’m not advocating a full blowback on Cal and the coaching staff, but perhaps communicating the scenario to fans (or future scenarios like this one) would be wise. If UK is going in this direction, why not prep the fans/media the way he’s done with everything else?

I might be happier if he doesn't come back just so I don't have to see people calling him Hami.

 

[Blue Decade]

No, I would have a problem if that occurred. Under any other circumstance we've had, guys come in during the summer, work hard, and play for their year/years. This was an odd/unique/one-off situation and Cal chose to take the gamble on it. I don't think it's something you'll see come up again.

But I'm also not upset about it. We made a good run this year and got beat in the Elite-8 by the best team in the tourney on a last second shot after some very questionable officiating. There's no way to say how Diallo would have impacted things. If Cal accepted him on the team knowing he wouldn't be playing this semester and knowing that he would be testing the waters after the year and thought he would come back next year, i'm fine with that. I really hope the kid comes back, but if he doesn't I'm not going to lose sleep over it or be upset at him. I also hope Cal will learn his lesson and not take that chance again (though publicly he'll say nothing but good things about Diallo).

There are still so many variables at this point. We don't know what Diallo will do. We don't know where Bamba and Johnson will sign. Regardless, I like the 9 man core of our next roster that is already assured. There will be some questions and some developmental challenges, but it's a top 10 team even without Bamba. As long as Vanderbilt is healthy.