Diallo Entering Draft... Not hiring agent

[brianpoe]

. It's an embarrassment and only ads to the false perception that Kentucky is just a one and done program with no regard for college athletics. .

There is no reason to be embarrassed, that makes zero sense. UK didnt push him out.

Somewhere in these 23 pages it might have been touched on but Brian Poe's perspective of Cal HAD to take him , well I'm partially on board with that line of thinking but I think Cal should have made it clear to him , YES we will welcome you with open arms to do one of two things -- you either come in and play this season and test the waters OR you come in and play next season and test the waters , this third option of coming in and reaping huge benefits from being part of the team and program while never suiting up once just doesnt cut it with me . But last time I checked the program is bigger than me and I'll cheer for whoever we run out there , but make no mistake its HARD to get fired up and take a liking to recruits and fly all the country in support of the team when stuff like this happens . If that makes a bad fan or yet another troll then OK . I'll still sleep fine tonight. None and done just doesnt cut it with me .

If I had to guess, the scenario went along these lines:

Diallo and his coach both say he isnt ready this year. Cal doesnt play him. (The truth could be he didnt want to expose his flaws, and that's fine too.)

But the kicker is that he was always going to try the combine and impress enough for a high or at least 1st round pick.

Cal obviously knew the circumstances and took his chances.

Now if the kid is 2nd round or lower and still leaves, I'd think Cal would not be happy.

Who knows.

 

[ManitouDan]

And some people need to accept the truth that no time in the history of the U of Ky had such talent pass thru in a 8 year span and only won 1 title. Some simply wont accept you can be a true UK fan and still be pissed we didnt win a title with a couple of the the most talented teams ever assembled here . But you even mention it ............................ troll TROLL ..... troll ...... troll ..... Cal hater ........ troll etc etc etc

 

[Mojocat]

I think you changed the narrative from one topic to another , but I'll play along . I'll still be a fan , I'll still be glued to set most nights when the Cats play , and I'm loyal to the Cats 100 % , I'm loyal to Cal 90% or something like that , I see UK as far bigger than Cal and all this tinkering he is doing with recruiting , some on here seem so entirely loyal to Cal they seem to put UK second in the big picture . Oh well I woke up this am hoping not to be histrionic but blew it . And some can say tinkering is a poor choice of words but our guy isnt following a script here , he is writing his own book . I truly hope it works out . So far So good.

yeah, I wasn't clear - I wasn't talking about you being histrionic, wasn't including you in the "usual crowd" of complainers. But, have to say, I haven't read most of this thread, and am not familiar generally with your posts, so I can't say which side of this debate you're usually on - I'm only talking about the particular post I responded to....

And some people need to accept the truth that no time in the history of the U of Ky had such talent pass thru in a 8 year span and only won 1 title.

to this I have to make the same point I always make: the people making this point 'need to accept the truth' that: that talent is all freshmen and we essentially start over every single year. this isn't Dean Smith stockpiling talent and routinely losing early in the NCAAT with junior and senior All America led teams.

It's been said before, but worth repeating: in the beginning Cal's critics said "only an idiot would try to win with freshmen dominated teams". Until he won a title, and since then the criticism has shifted to "what kind of coach can't win more titles with this freshman talent!".....

 

[brianpoe]

And some people need to accept the truth that no time in the history of the U of Ky had such talent pass thru in a 8 year span and only won 1 title. Some simply wont accept you can be a true UK fan and still be pissed we didnt win a title with a couple of the the most talented teams ever assembled here . But you even mention it ............................ troll TROLL ..... troll ...... troll ..... Cal hater ........ troll etc etc etc

Not true Danny. The "titles only" people whine about this.

Even Cal says we should have won at least 1 or 2 more.

The talent though was mostly 18 year olds...people see the kids in the NBA at 23 and think they were that here.

And even with that, I blame Cal's coaching, injuries, refs, and poor shooting to losing titles way more than the OAD players that got us there.

 

[jameslee32]

The hand wringers are getting a lot heat from the pumpers , will be interesting to see how the pumping goes if Ky loses 10-15 games next year . Easy to set back now and say " Cal has got this " stop worrying , but if Bamba doesnt come , I dont see a roster that is that is a huge threat in a league where you have to be 10-15 points better than the opponent to win. Wish it were different ( fair) !

Hard to say but 15-loss Cal has a nice ring to it.

 

[bthaunert]

Ok, since Rupp's 4th and last in 1958, we have had 4.

And it was 20 years between 58 and 78.

18 years between 78 and 96. We got spoiled by winning so quick in 98.

But then another 14 years between 98 and 2015.

So people need to stop acting like we win a NC every couple of years.

I agree. I was more pointIng out that the NCAA tournament started in 1939.

 

[_NWO_Reloaded_]

Guys. He'll be back. Hell son. He's just getting feedback, and that's it. He'll be a lotto pick in the 2018 draft. He's not leaving. Cal probably told him to go through the combine and get his feedback. But like I said he'll be back. Makes no sense why he wouldn't

 

[TheFolker]

I would feel more confident in his returning if not for the long tweet.

 

[Jbapp1978]

I swear if he stays in the draft and UK gets nothing out of this deal honestly people have to look at CAL and say WTF!

naw Cal is only intrested in winning championships even though he said it was not his job. No Cal has a MAJOR flaw and that is fans, and school pride, and tradition do not matter. Cal is only here to make recruits rich. That is his dream/legacy, to get 6-8 drafted in one draft, and to have the all star game be all his recruits. Who wants to brag about that when all ANYONE has to say is yea, all that talent and all the all stars but nothing to show for it but 2012.

 

[Farsight]

New Term, If Diallo goes to the draft, he's not a One and Done, he's a None and Done. Because he hasn't played a minute.

 

[USMC Cat]

New Term, If Diallo goes to the draft, he's not a One and Done, he's a None and Done. Because he hasn't played a minute.

How many minutes did Kanter play?

 

[Farsight]

How many minutes did Kanter play?

I guess he's a none and done too lol

 

[ZaytovenCat]

Doesnt matter, calendar year.

I get what you are saying, but with the year wait and age limit, I'm not sure it will be that common.

Kids this age usually need as much time in school as possible to qualify.

How do we know that Cal asked him to play?

Cal said himself that he asked him. This came out around like the SEC tournament or before. Could be wrong.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

How many minutes did Kanter play?

Not the same.

 

[The_Answer1313]

It's my understanding Cal left it up to the player.

Which IMO is different than Cal asking and the player saying no.

 

[sefus12]

naw Cal is only intrested in winning championships even though he said it was not his job. No Cal has a MAJOR flaw and that is fans, and school pride, and tradition do not matter. Cal is only here to make recruits rich. That is his dream/legacy, to get 6-8 drafted in one draft, and to have the all star game be all his recruits. Who wants to brag about that when all ANYONE has to say is yea, all that talent and all the all stars but nothing to show for it but 2012.

Do you (and others) not understand that if the players buy into Cal's system (playing for each other and not themselves), then that leads to good teams who have the chance to win it all?

It's 100% BS when people say Cal doesn't care about winning. Maybe, just maybe, Cal's "player's first" attitude actually leads to great teams. If you take a look at his success you may even see that. But if all you care about are titles, you will only be happy once every 15 or 20 years. History pans that out no matter who the coach. If that is you, be ready to bitch and moan and whine and cry a heck of a lot more than you are happy.

 

[Aike]

Unfortunately players and the people around them do the same thing. Hear what they want to hear.That is why there are 50-75 players thinking they will get 1 of 32 guaranteed deals.

Which is why it is so important to have a guy like Cal in your corner. He gets the real info.

 

[Bluesnky]

And some people need to accept the truth that no time in the history of the U of Ky had such talent pass thru in a 8 year span and only won 1 title. Some simply wont accept you can be a true UK fan and still be pissed we didnt win a title with a couple of the the most talented teams ever assembled here . But you even mention it ............................ troll TROLL ..... troll ...... troll ..... Cal hater ........ troll etc etc etc

It really seems as though some of you would be happier with Cal's tenure if he did it with less talent. He could probably even have just one title and just two final fours and you would be happier. Just as long as you could be saved from the let down.

 

[MWes11]

SIAP, but Diallo said this about a month ago. Yes, things can change, but I believe he will be here next year...

"I'm going to be one of the guys that's still here (next season), so definitely have to step it up and be a leader," he said. "I'm just happy that I'm in the position that I am right now."

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

Do you (and others) not understand that if the players buy into Cal's system (playing for each other and not themselves), then that leads to good teams who have the chance to win it all?

It's 100% BS when people say Cal doesn't care about winning. Maybe, just maybe, Cal's "player's first" attitude actually leads to great teams. If you take a look at his success you may even see that. But if all you care about are titles, you will only be happy once every 15 or 20 years. History pans that out no matter who the coach. If that is you, be ready to bitch and moan and whine and cry a heck of a lot more than you are happy.

You make a great point. This is what I felt for the longest time. Just seems to me like the last year or so it's changing a little. Cal darn sure hates to lose but he seems to be euphoric when he sits in the green room and counts his draft picks. His HOF status and NC may just be enough to hold him over while he tries to fill the NBA All Star roster with his former players.

 

[Bluesnky]

Cal darn sure hates to lose but he seems to be euphoric when he sits in the green room and counts his draft picks.

He ought to pout and mutter about how those players won't be there to help him earn his incentive bonuses.

 

[sefus12]

You make a great point. This is what I felt for the longest time. Just seems to me like the last year or so it's changing a little. Cal darn sure hates to lose but he seems to be euphoric when he sits in the green room and counts his draft picks. His HOF status and NC may just be enough to hold him over while he tries to fill the NBA All Star roster with his former players.

He's happy because that's what the recruits see/want to hear. Going top-5 in the draft is more important to those recruits than winning a national title. Some hate to hear that, but it's the truth. Cal is simply honest enough to both recognize that and play to it, all while getting a bunch of superstars to play for their teammates' as opposed to themselves for their one year of college. It's kind of amazing when you think about it, yet some on here just want to bitch and cry.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

He ought to pout and mutter about how those players won't be there to help him earn his incentive bonuses.

He don't even have incentive bonuses for reaching any round of the NCAA Tournament. Look it up. He gets eight million or more every year. They published this during the tournament if you care to take a look. You don't get it, I understand that.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

He's happy because that's what the recruits see/want to hear. Going top-5 in the draft is more important to those recruits than winning a national title. Some hate to hear that, but it's the truth. Cal is simply honest enough to both recognize that and play to it, all while getting a bunch of superstars to play for their teammates' as opposed to themselves for their one year of college. It's kind of amazing when you think about it, yet some on here just want to bitch and cry.

I get it. I totally agree as I replied to your post. I just think his priorities are changing. Not saying he doesn't want another title, just saying he's good with whatever happens.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

He don't even have incentive bonuses for reaching any round of the NCAA Tournament. Look it up. He gets eight million or more every year. They published this during the tournament if you care to take a look. You don't get it, I understand that.

You know who has incentive bonuses? Coaches who aren't good enough to get the salary regardless.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

You know who has incentive bonuses? Coaches who aren't good enough to get the salary regardless.

I agree 100%. Cal's at the helm and he does what he wants. I just think his focus has gone from 'titles and Lottery picks' to 'Lottery picks and NBA All Stars'.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

There is no reason to be embarrassed, that makes zero sense. UK didnt push him out.





If I had to guess, the scenario went along these lines:

Diallo and his coach both say he isnt ready this year. Cal doesnt play him. (The truth could be he didnt want to expose his flaws, and that's fine too.)

But the kicker is that he was always going to try the combine and impress enough for a high or at least 1st round pick.

Cal obviously knew the circumstances and took his chances.

Now if the kid is 2nd round or lower and still leaves, I'd think Cal would not be happy.

Who knows.

I thought about your question from yesterday Brian. I think the best move by Cal would have been to offer him for next year only. He had a built in excuse for not taking a second semester addition. He could have simply said he tried it with TW and prefers to bring kids in for full seasons. Cal could have continued recruiting a 2 guard. I really think Cal wanted this kid so bad he was willing to accept almost any constraint.

 

[MWes11]

Can you imagine if Diallo stays in the draft? Cal can then tell recruits that if you come to Kentucky I can get you drafted by enrolling for 1 semester and being a practice player without playing in a single game. Marketing genius.

I kid, but seriously.

 

[Bluesnky]

He don't even have incentive bonuses for reaching any round of the NCAA Tournament. Look it up. He gets eight million or more every year. They published this during the tournament if you care to take a look. You don't get it, I understand that.

Is he for some reason supposed to stomp his foot and pout on draft night?

 

[HoptownCat93]

Think how much better Briscoe got this year by just getting feedback. Diallo will get feedback from people he probably will listen to more than Cal just because they hold the keys to his future. On top of that, practicing a few months gives him a leg up on knowing what it will take to be successful in college.

 

[MWes11]

Think how much better Briscoe got this year by just getting feedback. Diallo will get feedback from people he probably will listen to more than Cal just because they hold the keys to his future. On top of that, practicing a few months gives him a leg up on knowing what it will take to be successful in college.

Don't think Briscoe got better because a couple NBA execs told him he needs to shoot the ball more efficiently. Anyone could see that. Briscoe got better because he knew the system and put in the work in the off season. Not because of NBA execs.

 

[morgousky]

**looks at thread title.

** deep sigh

** clicks into thread

**deeper sigh

 

[Dablueman]

Ok everybody knew he would be doing this or should have. He is projected 22 2018 but we think he is actually going to stay in the draft in 2017? Come on guys

 

[brianpoe]

I thought about your question from yesterday Brian. I think the best move by Cal would have been to offer him for next year only. He had a built in excuse for not taking a second semester addition. He could have simply said he tried it with TW and prefers to bring kids in for full seasons. Cal could have continued recruiting a 2 guard. I really think Cal wanted this kid so bad he was willing to accept almost any constraint.

Only Cal really knows.

But i dont think you ever say no to the #1 SG in a weak guard class an no guards returning.

Cal obviously did not think that another guard was worth not taking this risk.

Unless you think Cal has poor judgement on recruiting it seems pretty clear to me.

As I have said, if he stays in the draft knowing he is not a 1st rounder....then I'd bet Cal would be a little upset, but not sure he would regret it.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

Is he for some reason supposed to stomp his foot and pout on draft night?

I've already answered this in another post and you totally misunderstood my comments. No surprise there.

 

[MWes11]

Serious question here... do you get any sort of prize if you start a thread and it hits 1,000 replies?

Asking for a friend.

 

[Bluesnky]

I've already answered this in another post and you totally misunderstood my comments. No surprise there.

I understand perfectly. It's just that your point is exceptionally dumb and highly speculative.

 

[KYFOSSIL]

And some people need to accept the truth that no time in the history of the U of Ky had such talent pass thru in a 8 year span and only won 1 title. Some simply wont accept you can be a true UK fan and still be pissed we didnt win a title with a couple of the the most talented teams ever assembled here . But you even mention it ............................ troll TROLL ..... troll ...... troll ..... Cal hater ........ troll etc etc etc

Some are trolls, some have agendas others are haters some like yourself just don't understand the concept of a team. Basketball is a team sport and takes time to gel. What Cal has accomplished with the turnover is incredible. Raw talent without purpose, cohesiveness or experience is an AAU all star team that cannot b be competitive. Cal takes less that a year and makes them as competitive as teams that take 4 years to build. Stars and potential alone do not make a team. Most of the talent that went to the NBA after 1-2 years have taken a couple of NBA years to develop. If you just focus on what raw talent has passed through and ignore the results you'll never be satisfied.

 

[shaudyshaud]

A lot of strong comments in this thread for a situation that we don't know if he is leaving or staying . At least wait until he signs with an agent for the overtop reaction. Even if he leaves I won't turn on Cal because of this . It is what it is

 

[Rockford]

Not even a 1000 post thread yet.

Come on boys, we are just getting started slamming our knees into our foreheads.

PICK IT UP!!!!!!!