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Drew Franklin (Bamba)

Wait, I thought Matt's rock solid "source" told him we aren't getting Bamba?


You obviously didn't hear what he said at all because "rock solid source" was never mentioned and in fact, he said the exact opposite and that this would be a test for this source. No need to spin his words around, we get that you don't like him.
 
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To be fair to Jones, he said one of his sources made him not as confident about Bamba, not that we weren't getting him. Hate on him and his show all you want (he annoys the heck out of me at times), but at least be fair.

With that said, I sure as hell hope Drew is right as we need Bamba in a very bad way for next year.


Guys love to twist his words to fit their butthurt narrative on MJ.
 
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A little OT but having to do with recruits, sources, Twitter, etc.:

What is the story with GregNJ on Twitter? DannySallee on Twitter?

I have seen their Twitter handles pop up numerous times when posters ask on here for potential recruiting sources to follow. Are they connected at the AAU level? Coaching level? High school level?

NJgreg was a mod and insider on TBK. I can honestly say out of asking him 100 times he's right the vast majority. He's definitely got some connections especially in the northeast i believe.

Jones is mildly connected to a few guys but mostly UK news. He doesn't have sources around the league in different circles. He gets one sided info and that's usually not the best source for a lot of these guys. Yes he has taken others work and reported it as his own. He's had pay accounts at other sites.

It is what it is.
 
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I think I've heard that Randle has said that he was always going to UK and never waivered. If true, you gotta wonder where all the rumors of him going elsewhere came from. Or am I getting him mixed up with MKG?


No, you're right. Hardly anyone, except MJ, thought that Randle was coming to UK. It was believed that he was going to KU, partly because he didn't like the Twins. Which was a bunch of BS obviously. MKG was the 1st to commit in that class. I think he was a junior when he committed.
 
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Per Evan Daniels: If Mohamed Bamba was currently in the NBA his wingspan would rank No. 1 (7-9) among starters and his standing reach would rank No. 2 (9-6).
Was more excited about this till I remembered Shagari had an 8 foot wingspan and a 9'8" standing reach.

But don't get me wrong I still think Bamba will be a stud.
 
Yes, but after Matt said that he was convincing him, Drew made sure to say that it's not a situation where he already knows it's a done deal, but said he is very confident. Whatever that means.
It means UK is dealing with a 17 year-old young man who likes the attention but still has to make a choice that will disappoint some people. The 17 year-old version of me would not have done well in the same situation.
 
No, you're right. Hardly anyone, except MJ, thought that Randle was coming to UK. It was believed that he was going to KU, partly because he didn't like the Twins. Which was a bunch of BS obviously. MKG was the 1st to commit in that class. I think he was a junior when he committed.
He was a junior when he committed because he called into espn and said he was going to uk. It was the same day Brandon knight committed live on espn. I believe it was march 14 and the reason I believe mkg did it on that day was because he was the day his dad was killed.
 
covering his bases by saying he hears Texas but thinks UK. that way, regardless of what happens he can say "I told ya so."
Or........maybe that's because no one knows where Bamba's going yet....including Bamba.
 
Or........maybe that's because no one knows where Bamba's going yet....including Bamba.

Which is the very reason I don't usually follow this stuff closely. Face it, maybe some of these guys have good sources and maybe they don't. But, when someone says that he is almost certainly ours according to most but one person who should know says he isn't coming to UK, well, they really can't lose! If he comes or doesn't come, MJ and Drew can say, "Yep, we were right."

In the end, this is pure entertainment. It has very little real meaning other than maybe I feel better that we get Bamba, but then again, maybe I don't because we may not get him. [winking]
 
Facts:

There is a group of people on here that have such a strong disdain or jealousy towards MJ that they become completely irrational when discussing him.

It is obvious that MJ has some very well connected sources and very often has inside info that the average joe is not privy to.

To argue otherwise is foolish

I would never engage in debate about this with one of said individuals because it would be a complete waste of time
 
I don't even think you have to be a fan of Matt or the show to believe he's more well connected than the average message board poster. I mean, in his position, he would almost have to take an active role NOT to develop some sources, and he's proven to be too savvy as businessman for that.

I mean, if you really think he's gone to the effort of poaching premium information from other sites in the past, but won't just ask the numerous people he rubs elbows with on a daily basis about inside information, you're making quite the mental leap. That's like stealing from a dumpster but not eating for free at the restaurant your best friend owns.
 
MKG committed to Kentucky at the end of his Junior season in High School, so he did never waiver but he was a Cat way before his senior year.

7 years ago today actually. OT but the reason I know is through a tweet showing up on my Timehop where I wrote about the possibility of getting 3 great playerss in the class, MKG, Teague, and Quincy Miller (I was right but instead we got AD instead of Miller, that turned out ok :smiley:
 
NJgreg was a mod and insider on TBK. I can honestly say out of asking him 100 times he's right the vast majority. He's definitely got some connections especially in the northeast i believe.

Jones is mildly connected to a few guys but mostly UK news. He doesn't have sources around the league in different circles. He gets one sided info and that's usually not the best source for a lot of these guys. Yes he has taken others work and reported it as his own. He's had pay accounts at other sites.

It is what it is.

NJ Greg is also a sensitive little bitch. Blocked me on twitter cause I made fun of Cardale Jones after he proclaimed his greatness.
 
Which is the very reason I don't usually follow this stuff closely. Face it, maybe some of these guys have good sources and maybe they don't. But, when someone says that he is almost certainly ours according to most but one person who should know says he isn't coming to UK, well, they really can't lose! If he comes or doesn't come, MJ and Drew can say, "Yep, we were right."

In the end, this is pure entertainment. It has very little real meaning other than maybe I feel better that we get Bamba, but then again, maybe I don't because we may not get him. [winking]


But that's not what happened and that's not what either of them said. They're not recruiting experts and don't claim to be. They simply tell people what they hear. That's all. It's not about being right or wrong, so they don't care about their "accuracy" like a recruiting scout would. So many people get offended that by him or just don't like him for some reason and try to turn him and his guys into something they're not and don't claim to be. They just run a fan website and radio show. Like you said, it's just entertainment. I disagree with you about it being that they're right or wrong but agree with you that it's just entertainment.
 
I don't even think you have to be a fan of Matt or the show to believe he's more well connected than the average message board poster. I mean, in his position, he would almost have to take an active role NOT to develop some sources, and he's proven to be too savvy as businessman for that.

I mean, if you really think he's gone to the effort of poaching premium information from other sites in the past, but won't just ask the numerous people he rubs elbows with on a daily basis about inside information, you're making quite the mental leap. That's like stealing from a dumpster but not eating for free at the restaurant your best friend owns.

Because that's not how RECRUITING information is gathered. To have the right method to actually make an educated opinion on the matter you need.

A. Connections to the recruiting world itself.

B. Connections to other programs.

C. Connections to this program.

He's not rubbing elbows with studs and their posse on the AAU circuit. He's not rubbing elbows with other coaches and coaching staffs. He's not rubbing elbows with other verified sources with direct contact to other staffs. He's getting one sided information directly from his sources at UK. That is absolutely not the way to gather this info and present it as anything other than one sided fluff.

Families know who he is. He's a Kentucky media person. They're not going to talk to him in that kind of detail. It also hurts him with other coaching staffs.

Matt is connected to information from within this program. He's also connected to Louisville. But as far as recruiting he just doesn't have that kind of angle and really never worked toward that. Yes, he has had other premium information from other sites and used to as his own. If you were someone who personally whitnessed that, you'd understand.

My issue with Jones has always been, don't claim to be a recruiting source. You're not. Just be what you are and it would work out better.
 
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This is not true at all. Randle was viewed by most as likely to go to Kentucky until the very end when people thought Kansas could be a real player. That was obviously never true. Randle was always going to Kentucky.

Only on Jones show can you hear "My source, who should know, says we aren't getting Bamba" and "We feel great about Bamba. That other source wasn't any good" in the same week. He doesn't have connections.
What does it matter.
 
Because that's not how RECRUITING information is gathered. To have the right method to actually make an educated opinion on the matter you need.

A. Connections to the recruiting world itself.

B. Connections to other programs.

C. Connections to this program.

He's not rubbing elbows with studs and their posse on the AAU circuit. He's not rubbing elbows with other coaches and coaching staffs. He's not rubbing elbows with other verified sources with direct contact to other staffs. He's getting one sided information directly from his sources at UK. That is absolutely not the way to gather this info and present it as anything other than one sided fluff.

Families know who he is. He's a Kentucky media person. They're not going to talk to him in that kind of detail. It also hurts him with other coaching staffs.

Matt is connected to information from within this program. He's also connected to Louisville. But as far as recruiting he just doesn't have that kind of angle and really never worked toward that. Yes, he has had other premium information from other sites and used to as his own. If you were someone who personally whitnessed that, you'd understand.

My issue with Jones has always been, don't claim to be a recruiting source. You're not. Just be what you are and it would work out better.

All I said was that he's more connected than message board posters and that he's not some random nobody making baseless predictions. He isn't the best source of recruiting information, but someone who is connected to the staff and knows when they "feel good" about a kid is better than reading Rafters or guessing.

He also talks often with some of the national guys like Daniels. That counts for something. Those who act like he knows absolutely nothing and shouldn't be listened to go way too far in the wrong direction.
 
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He was a junior when he committed because he called into espn and said he was going to uk. It was the same day Brandon knight committed live on espn. I believe it was march 14 and the reason I believe mkg did it on that day was because he was the day his dad was killed.

Actually it was 7 years ago today
 
All I said was that he's more connected than message board posters and that he's not some random nobody making baseless predictions. He isn't the best source of recruiting information, but someone who is connected to the staff and knows when they "feel good" about a kid is better than reading Rafters or guessing.

He also talks often with some of the national guys like Daniels. That counts for something. Those who act like he knows absolutely nothing and shouldn't be listened to go way too far in the wrong direction.

Yea he's more connected than an average board poster. But it's like saying my Honda isn't a Ford. Well neither is your chevy.

If Jones has a solid grip from inside of UK, he might get a good lead from them true. He might also get BS they float to him because he's media.

The best sources will never be big media guys. I've learned that over a long period of time. It's 90% fluff bs. Parents, handlers, and coaching staffs usually put out false info or lead them into a sea of nothing.

I have 3 guys that I know for a fact work the AAU scene and coach themselves, and also work for other programs in evaluation. Those are real knowledgeable insiders with access to these kids from multiple angles. all I'm saying is Jones isn't close to that mold. I wouldn't necessarily listen to any of his recruiting info unless I had no way of obtaining it from guys that actually have the real sources.
 
NJgreg was a mod and insider on TBK. I can honestly say out of asking him 100 times he's right the vast majority. He's definitely got some connections especially in the northeast i believe.

Jones is mildly connected to a few guys but mostly UK news. He doesn't have sources around the league in different circles. He gets one sided info and that's usually not the best source for a lot of these guys. Yes he has taken others work and reported it as his own. He's had pay accounts at other sites.

It is what it is.
Would say this is accurate
 
I don't even think you have to be a fan of Matt or the show to believe he's more well connected than the average message board poster. I mean, in his position, he would almost have to take an active role NOT to develop some sources, and he's proven to be too savvy as businessman for that.

I mean, if you really think he's gone to the effort of poaching premium information from other sites in the past, but won't just ask the numerous people he rubs elbows with on a daily basis about inside information, you're making quite the mental leap. That's like stealing from a dumpster but not eating for free at the restaurant your best friend owns.
I think people are jealous of him
 
But that's not what happened and that's not what either of them said. They're not recruiting experts and don't claim to be. They simply tell people what they hear. That's all. It's not about being right or wrong, so they don't care about their "accuracy" like a recruiting scout would. So many people get offended that by him or just don't like him for some reason and try to turn him and his guys into something they're not and don't claim to be. They just run a fan website and radio show. Like you said, it's just entertainment. I disagree with you about it being that they're right or wrong but agree with you that it's just entertainment.

For the most part, we agree. However, MJ's ego is huge. We all know that. He is arrogant and will take an opportunity to crow that he was right. He does it all the time. But, I don't listen to it so it really has no effect on me![winking]
 
I'd rather ready about Bamba instead of Matt&Drew.

So saying that, Bamba knows that Cal is the best big man program and 2nd place is distant.

So, once Bamba commits, all the other bigs can feel good about getting a shot at the 4. Even SKJ.
 
:joy:

Oh not this again.

I also think Matt at the Shiver has terrible sources. Am I jealous of him?

This kind of post always comes up with Matt. Everyone's just jealous. Come On.
We agree on most things I have noticed, chill man. I did not say everyone is jealous of him, but those who act like the guy is just another message board poster seem to be jealous, and maybe that does not include you. I know the dude has sources though, I mean Cal's phone number is in his contact list; yet some on here act like he knows nothing, I dont get that.
 
We agree on most things I have noticed, chill man. I did not say everyone is jealous of him, but those who act like the guy is just another message board poster seem to be jealous, and maybe that does not include you. I know the dude has sources though, I mean Cal's phone number is in his contact list; yet some on here act like he knows nothing, I dont get that.

My beef was clearly stated. He's not connected to recruiting circles and having Cals phone number doesn't mean much. Cal doesn't even know where these guys are going more than half the time until he gets a phone call or watches the commitment.

I'm as chill as can be mate.
 
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I don't even think you have to be a fan of Matt or the show to believe he's more well connected than the average message board poster. I mean, in his position, he would almost have to take an active role NOT to develop some sources, and he's proven to be too savvy as businessman for that.

I mean, if you really think he's gone to the effort of poaching premium information from other sites in the past, but won't just ask the numerous people he rubs elbows with on a daily basis about inside information, you're making quite the mental leap. That's like stealing from a dumpster but not eating for free at the restaurant your best friend owns.
This.

Does rubbing elbows with the coaching staff and personally knowing some of the full-time recruiting analysts mean that you'll suddenly become an oracle? Of course not.

Does it clue you in on a few more recruitments than if you didn't have those connections? Of course.

Yeah, Matt is arrogant, he can dish it out better than he can take it (clowning on Ryan, etc), he knows little about football, and he knows even less about music outside of two craptastic genres (really cheesy country and early 90s hip hop).

He seems like the guy who probably talks on his phone at the gym. He has what in some circles would be described as a "punchable face". I completely get why some people don't take to him. He's got a lot of characteristics which could rub you the wrong way.

What I don't get is the outright hatred or the bizarre denial that he could know anything behind the scenes. Gonzo already hit this one on the head; you'd have to be mentally lacking to be in Jones' current position and not learn anything. And for all the ways you can rag on Matt, stupid he is not.
 
Does anyone actually know if we're getting Bamba?

I've read 93 different stories on this. I still can't get a good feel for where he's going.

Bamba to UK makes the most sense. His relationship with Green, his dream of being a pro, his posse loves Cal, and our record with big men of course.

From the guys I've asked and the general feel around, I think UK is definitely the best bet. No way to know anything for sure though, his people aren't putting a lot out there.

Duke is the program to beat but they've got Carter and 2 other bigs. Texas isn't getting Bamba imo. I'd be shocked.
 
Bamba to UK makes the most sense. His relationship with Green, his dream of being a pro, his posse loves Cal, and our record with big men of course.

From the guys I've asked and the general feel around, I think UK is definitely the best bet. No way to know anything for sure though, his people aren't putting a lot out there.
I always respect your thoughts Morg, I really think we need this dude if we're winning number 9 next season.
 
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