DVR'd the game, finally watched it. A couple of thoughts.

[BigBlueFanGA]

We're playing an outside-in game too much. That does remind me of 2013, but that's where that comparison ends. We have much more talent and depth on this team.

We played much better with Skal off the floor. He is a great kid with a great story, but I believe even more firmly that he must earn his minutes. On the bright side, I did see more fight from him than I had seen before. He will be a good player one day. I just hope it's when he is still here.

We lack a dependable front court. Lee and Poythress are almost there. One more guy has to step up. We have to have a strong rebounder.

A lot of what I saw last night was OSU playing and shooting way over their heads. Overall, I was less concerned after watching the game than while reading the posts as the game was on. The BBN does not like surprise losses and we over react a bit. Neither UCLA nor OSU will play that well again this year.

I have no idea why Cal played such a short bench, other than the intensity OSU was playing with may have given him pause. We needed one more rebounder and scorer. Who knows, Humphries and Willis could have changed the entire tone on the court. They could have also made things worse but you never know unless you try.

I think we'll be fine come NCAAT time. This may be a 2011 type year. I wouldn't be surprised to see Murray go off for 50. The kid has a switch that can go off and he becomes a scoring machine.

Ok, swing away, that's how I saw it.

 

[dmaso44]

Our guys need to stop playing like

And start playing like

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Our guys need to stop playing like

And start playing like

Yep, that could help too.

 

[jedwar]

I dVRd it too. Didn't watch. Deleted.

 

[bigc45157]

I like his take; it's much more positive than where my mind is wandering, in regards to this team.

The scary thing about teams playing hot, is that in the SEC you KNOW this will happen quite often. Our young guys must come to expect this and find ways to weather the storm.

I know we aren't going to go 18-0 this year, but I hope we're not in the 9-9/10-8 range either.

 

[docholiday51]

We put up a ton of circus shots in the first half and got way behind, had we not done that we would have had more of a chance to pull it out in the second half. we are not good enough to overcome a really bad half even against a just decent team which is what OSU has

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I dVRd it too. Didn't watch. Deleted.

I think that was a mistake. Watching it changed my perspective that had been formed by the posts on here. It was worth it just to see Murray ring up 27 in the second half.

 

[docholiday51]

I like his take; it's much more positive than where my mind is wandering, in regards to this team.

The scary thing about teams playing hot, is that in the SEC you KNOW this will happen quite often. Our young guys must come to expect this and find ways to weather the storm.

I know we aren't going to go 18-0 this year, but I hope we're not in the 9-9/10-8 range either.

You are right 9-9 10-8 is on the table for this team, I hope that is not the case but it is not out of the question

 

[Derbyman32]

For this team to be better they need to exert tremendous effort and learn to play a lot smarter the whole 40 minutes. Turning it on for a few minutes will not work with so many minuses this year. With that said I have not given up but I am expecting to be upset more then most seasons because to be good we have no room for anything less then 100% and I know that will be hard to achieve.

 

[Bluest Member]

I thought I saw Skal giving a harder effort in the 1st half too,but when I look at the stats I don't see much better results yet. I think (just my opinion),that is has to do with Calipari changing his game to back to the basket,and playing against big,stronger post players
I haven't given up yet,but hope we see some improvements soon.

 

[jedwar]

I think that was a mistake. Watching it changed my perspective that had been formed by the posts on here. It was worth it just to see Murray ring up 27 in the second half.

I may watch on Billionths site. Listening while driving was painful lol. Sounded like awful play till the 10 minute mark of 2nd half.

 

[nighthawks8]

We're playing an outside-in game too much. That does remind me of 2013, but that's where that comparison ends. We have much more talent and depth on this team.

We played much better with Skal off the floor. He is a great kid with a great story, but I believe even more firmly that he must earn his minutes. On the bright side, I did see more fight from him than I had seen before. He will be a good player one day. I just hope it's when he is still here.

We lack a dependable front court. Lee and Poythress are almost there. One more guy has to step up. We have to have a strong rebounder.

A lot of what I saw last night was OSU playing and shooting way over their heads. Overall, I was less concerned after watching the game than while reading the posts as the game was on. The BBN does not like surprise losses and we over react a bit. Neither UCLA nor OSU will play that well again this year.

I have no idea why Cal played such a short bench, other than the intensity OSU was playing with may have given him pause. We needed one more rebounder and scorer. Who knows, Humphries and Willis could have changed the entire tone on the court. They could have also made things worse but you never know unless you try.

I think we'll be fine come NCAAT time. This may be a 2011 type year. I wouldn't be surprised to see Murray go off for 50. The kid has a switch that can go off and he becomes a scoring machine.

Ok, swing away, that's how I saw it.

 

[nighthawks8]

i think its time to ditch the 3 guard lineup.we have no chemistry at all we need to play the two big guys at center skal is no center we may be slower but we will be tougher i love tyler ulis but he is not or ever will be an nba player.matthews needs more time .its gonna be a tough year

 

[DS849]

We put up a ton of circus shots in the first half and got way behind, had we not done that we would have had more of a chance to pull it out in the second half. we are not good enough to overcome a really bad half even against a just decent team which is what OSU has

A lot of OSU points were put backs by not being blocked out due to too many trying to block the shots instead of blocking out.

 

[Smashcat]

I did see more fight from him than I had seen before. He will be a good player one day. I just hope it's when he is still here.

Definitely showed more fight. I hope he keeps bringing it, doesn't give up, and has a big game where he gets a much-needed confidence boost.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Personally, I think we should modify our offensive game plan. We should not post up as much. We need to spread the floor and open up the lanes. Labissiere needs to play outside the paint. Lee should play off the block on the weak side. Poythress should be able to play both ways. Our bigs need to improve their ball handling out on the perimeter, though.

Our bread and butter, if we want to win, should be our guard play.

That is just my opinion. Cal knows better than we do about his team. He knows what they need to do. Most likely we will look back in March and shake our heads at how silly we were for thinking we were smarter than the coaching staff. Seems like we do it just about every season with Cal.

 

[sluggercatfan]

We're playing an outside-in game too much. That does remind me of 2013, but that's where that comparison ends. We have much more talent and depth on this team.

We played much better with Skal off the floor. He is a great kid with a great story, but I believe even more firmly that he must earn his minutes. On the bright side, I did see more fight from him than I had seen before. He will be a good player one day. I just hope it's when he is still here.

We lack a dependable front court. Lee and Poythress are almost there. One more guy has to step up. We have to have a strong rebounder.

A lot of what I saw last night was OSU playing and shooting way over their heads. Overall, I was less concerned after watching the game than while reading the posts as the game was on. The BBN does not like surprise losses and we over react a bit. Neither UCLA nor OSU will play that well again this year.

I have no idea why Cal played such a short bench, other than the intensity OSU was playing with may have given him pause. We needed one more rebounder and scorer. Who knows, Humphries and Willis could have changed the entire tone on the court. They could have also made things worse but you never know unless you try.

I think we'll be fine come NCAAT time. This may be a 2011 type year. I wouldn't be surprised to see Murray go off for 50. The kid has a switch that can go off and he becomes a scoring machine.

Ok, swing away, that's how I saw it.

I dvr'd it also...Wiped it out before watching it again...The first time was enough and really didn't intently watch it after the first 10 minutes...With the way Cal wants the roster to turn over every year this is going to happen when he misses on the elite of the elite...The talent we have is no better than probably 20 teams in the country and then when it's young on top of it...not good.

 

[sluggercatfan]

We're playing an outside-in game too much. That does remind me of 2013, but that's where that comparison ends. We have much more talent and depth on this team.

We played much better with Skal off the floor. He is a great kid with a great story, but I believe even more firmly that he must earn his minutes. On the bright side, I did see more fight from him than I had seen before. He will be a good player one day. I just hope it's when he is still here.

We lack a dependable front court. Lee and Poythress are almost there. One more guy has to step up. We have to have a strong rebounder.

A lot of what I saw last night was OSU playing and shooting way over their heads. Overall, I was less concerned after watching the game than while reading the posts as the game was on. The BBN does not like surprise losses and we over react a bit. Neither UCLA nor OSU will play that well again this year.

I have no idea why Cal played such a short bench, other than the intensity OSU was playing with may have given him pause. We needed one more rebounder and scorer. Who knows, Humphries and Willis could have changed the entire tone on the court. They could have also made things worse but you never know unless you try.

I think we'll be fine come NCAAT time. This may be a 2011 type year. I wouldn't be surprised to see Murray go off for 50. The kid has a switch that can go off and he becomes a scoring machine.

Ok, swing away, that's how I saw it.

Skal earned his minutes the day he signed his LOI...nba guy

 

[Blueaz]

i think its time to ditch the 3 guard lineup.we have no chemistry at all we need to play the two big guys at center skal is no center we may be slower but we will be tougher i love tyler ulis but he is not or ever will be an nba player.matthews needs more time .its gonna be a tough year

wow...last year many thought Ulis should nave been in over Harrison and NOw Matthews greater than Ulis...our fans; the pain just never stops

 

[bucsrule8872]

We're playing an outside-in game too much. That does remind me of 2013, but that's where that comparison ends. We have much more talent and depth on this team.

Agreed. Our talent level is much better.

2012-13:

G Harrow- 4-star, mid-major talent, first year in the system.
G Mays- 3-star, mid-major talent, first year in the system.
G Goodwin- 5-star, 1st rounder.
F Poythress- 5-star, 4 year player in his first year.
F Cauley-Stein- 4-star, raw talent in his first season.
6 Wiltjer- 5-star, shooter who couldn't guard a barn.
7 Polson- 2-star, walk on.

(Not mentioning Noel, since he got injured.)

2015-16:

G Ulis- 5-star, one of the best PGs in college, second year in the system.
G Briscoe- 5-star, projected 1st round pick.
G Murray- 5-star, projected lottery pick.
F Poythress- 5-star, fourth year in the system.
F Labissiere- 5-star, projected top 5 pick.
6 Lee- 5-star, third year in system.
7 Matthews- 4-star, expected to be drafted.
8 Willis- 3-star, third year in system.
9 Humphries- 4-star.
10 Hawkins- 3-star, third year in the system.

Way more talent, way more experience, and way, way more depth than 2013.

I just can't see us being that bad this season.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Skal earned his minutes the day he signed his LOI...nba guy

Please explain.

 

[docholiday51]

Agreed. Our talent level is much better.

2012-13:

G Harrow- 4-star, mid-major talent, first year in the system.
G Mays- 3-star, mid-major talent, first year in the system.
G Goodwin- 5-star, 1st rounder.
F Poythress- 5-star, 4 year player in his first year.
F Cauley-Stein- 4-star, raw talent in his first season.
6 Wiltjer- 5-star, shooter who couldn't guard a barn.
7 Polson- 2-star, walk on.

(Not mentioning Noel, since he got injured.)

2015-16:

G Ulis- 5-star, one of the best PGs in college, second year in the system.
G Briscoe- 5-star, projected 1st round pick.
G Murray- 5-star, projected lottery pick.
F Poythress- 5-star, fourth year in the system.
F Labissiere- 5-star, projected top 5 pick.
6 Lee- 5-star, third year in system.
7 Matthews- 4-star, expected to be drafted.
8 Willis- 3-star, third year in system.
9 Humphries- 4-star.
10 Hawkins- 3-star, third year in the system.

Way more talent, way more experience, and way, way more depth than 2013.

I just can't see us being that bad this season.

You make a good case in this post, your roster breakdown makes sense. I have two thoughts on the matter and I'll probably get blasted for one of them

1.If someone told you that we would have a player score 33 points yesterday how much would you have been willing to wager that we would win?

2.Is it possible that (from a production standpoint) Skal turns out to equal Harrow?

 

[ManitouDan]

Heck Harrow had flashes of brilliance . Harrow had some good games .. Skal has been a wet stone hung around the teams neck for several weeks now . I wish that wasn't so but the kid is playing terrible ball right now . So no I don't think its a reach at all to compare the two.

 

[brianpoe]

Personally, I think we should modify our offensive game plan. We should not post up as much. We need to spread the floor and open up the lanes. Labissiere needs to play outside the paint. Lee should play off the block on the weak side. Poythress should be able to play both ways. Our bigs need to improve their ball handling out on the perimeter, though.

Our bread and butter, if we want to win, should be our guard play.

That is just my opinion. Cal knows better than we do about his team. He knows what they need to do. Most likely we will look back in March and shake our heads at how silly we were for thinking we were smarter than the coaching staff. Seems like we do it just about every season with Cal.

Just because we spread it pout doesnt mean the defense will. Until we hit shots there wont be much of a spread.

 

[brianpoe]

Please explain.

Slugger has hated on Cal and the OAD for a long, long time. Not sure we have had a coach in any sport he has ever liked.

 

[Aike]

This is pretty good analysis. I watched live and was never freaking out. OSU hit some tough shots. They also got some lucky bounces that they followed with dagger threes.

That being said, we took our share of loose shots. We failed to secure rebounds. We lost 50/50 balls that were within our grasp.

The first paragraph is part of the game and sometimes there is nothing you can do. The second part is fixable.

We will probably fix most of it. Historically under Cal, that's what we've done.

Even that John Wall team had a couple of narrow escapes versus bad teams. Two differences being that we actually did escape, and people were so giddy about Billy G. being gone that criticism was somewhat muted.

Cal's formula is pretty simple. Get the most talented players he can, and get them to play together, playing simple winning basketball.

Sure, these guys have some flaws. But their biggest flaw right now is failure to make enough simple basketball plays. Hang in there, guys. Might be more fun than you think.

 

[bucsrule8872]

This is pretty good analysis. I watched live and was never freaking out. OSU hit some tough shots. They also got some lucky bounces that they followed with dagger threes.

That being said, we took our share of loose shots. We failed to secure rebounds. We lost 50/50 balls that were within our grasp.

The first paragraph is part of the game and sometimes there is nothing you can do. The second part is fixable.

We will probably fix most of it. Historically under Cal, that's what we've done.

Even that John Wall team had a couple of narrow escapes versus bad teams. Two differences being that we actually did escape, and people were so giddy about Billy G. being gone that criticism was somewhat muted.

Cal's formula is pretty simple. Get the most talented players he can, and get them to play together, playing simple winning basketball.

Sure, these guys have some flaws. But their biggest flaw right now is failure to make enough simple basketball plays. Hang in ther, guys. Might be more fun than you think.

This is the biggest thing, IMHO.

Cal has even said the same thing in his interviews. The guys have to make the easy plays. They are making the game harder than it really is by trying to make "wow" plays instead of just making plays.

 

[Aike]

This is the biggest thing, IMHO.

Cal has even said the same thing in his interviews. The guys have to make the easy plays. They are making the game harder than it really is by trying to make "wow" plays instead of just making plays.

Take Skal, for instance. At least 3 times each half, he needs to get deep post position and shoot that little hook. He needs to become so adept at it that it always forces the defense to collapse, which then leaves Murray open from three.

I've heard so much whining about how Skal can't do that. Well that's bull. I saw him do it yesterday. He just doesn't do it consistently.

Yes, the easy way is to just spot up Skal for jumpers. But somebody on this team has to be able to stick the ball in on the block. Our 7 foot elite offensive prospect seems like the best choice.

So what if he's not good at it. Keep working. Get better. The alternative is that we spend the season as a weak-willed team that lives and dies with the jumper.

Get good at it and come March, the defense is relieved when Skal steps out and shoots from the elbow. And he confidently sticks it in their eye.

It's a process. 3 months to go. Patience is a virtue.

 

[crestcat]

A lot of OSU points were put backs by not being blocked out due to too many trying to block the shots instead of blocking out.

You can look like an AA playing against UK. Stay on the weak side and get the put backs. Its what Cal teams do, two men go for the block and no one goes for the rebound

 

[aceman509]

You can look like an AA playing against UK. Stay on the weak side and get the put backs. Its what Cal teams do, two men go for the block and no one goes for the rebound

It's what Cal teams do in the non-conference. I'm convinced that Calipari tells his big guys, especially incoming freshman, to go all out and block everything they can. It teaches them how to block without fouling, when to leave their feet etc. Then by March we only have one guy go for the block and the other big is there to box out and clean up the rebound. Only once in March have I see a Cal team get completely exposed trying to block shots and that was last year vs. Notre Dame when it felt like Auguste had about ten of them. Lucky for us he gave up about 10 baskets to Towns on the other end that game.

 

[utbb01]

I'm a Wake guy but I marvel at Cal and his ability to constantly recruit and do in 5 months what it takes others years to do. As an outsider I'm truly amazed at how Cal coaches for the season rather than individual games. I think last year should be tossed out cause that was just an incredible team and it can't expect to be the norm even for you guys who sit at the apex of college bball. Cal has his hands full with this team but he knows it and he tells anyone who'll truly listen the same. Most folks think its coach speak but I think Cal is always forthright and honest with his assessments of his teams. Your team this year reminds me of two years ago when it took Cal till late Feb/early March to get them where he wanted them. Now that team lost double digit games I think but were a WCS injury from cutting down the nets. This team isn't defending the way Cals teams normally do.Ulis isn't pressuring the way he did last year due to playing 38 minutes this year. Skal does need to face up to be more effective individually but the best thing for Kentucky is for him to grow and fight to be good on the block. That will also make him tougher and better defensively and that's what's missing the most. A true anchor defensively. I understand fans frustrations but I also recognize that teams take time to learn each other and then learn the coaches expectations!! Building a team is like preparing a great Thanksgiving dinner and you don't need 8/9 guys bringing turkeys!!! Murray and Ulis have to bring turkeys!!! And Poythress has to bring a ham!! Skal, Briscoe, Lee must bring macorni & cheese, stuffing and greens!!! Matthews, Willis & Humphries/Tai has to bring plates, silverware and drinks. Now you're ready to eat!!

 

[sluggercatfan]

Please explain.

THINK about it...you will get it

 

[sluggercatfan]

Slugger has hated on Cal and the OAD for a long, long time. Not sure we have had a coach in any sport he has ever liked.

Don't hate the o/d, but can you deny that the guys who for the greater part come here for cal
To get them to the league ASAP and mostly their freshman year. Can you also deny that he doesn't give the guys all the rope that they can get to achieve whereas some guys get no rope...I am just saying factual stuff and for the most part it works, hell some of the guys have no business going and go anyway. The team winning --what the fans want--and guys going early in the draft--what Cal wants--can coexist when he has the elite of the elite and this year he doesn't and it is going to happen from time to time because some guys just don't pan out and you'll have seasons like it looks like this one is going to be...we just have to live with it...that's all...by the way I like MS just thing he is in over his head...time will tell

 

[brianpoe]

Don't hate the o/d, but can you deny that the guys who for the greater part come here for cal
To get them to the league ASAP and mostly their freshman year. Can you also deny that he doesn't give the guys all the rope that they can get to achieve whereas some guys get no rope...I am just saying factual stuff and for the most part it works, hell some of the guys have no business going and go anyway. The team winning --what the fans want--and guys going early in the draft--what Cal wants--can coexist when he has the elite of the elite and this year he doesn't and it is going to happen from time to time because some guys just don't pan out and you'll have seasons like it looks like this one is going to be...we just have to live with it...that's all...by the way I like MS just thing he is in over his head...time will tell

can you deny that the guys who for the greater part come here for cal to get them to the league ASAP and mostly their freshman year?
.
This is our recruiting strategy, we have the top classes and most wins during the implementation of this "strategy"



Can you also deny that he doesn't give the guys all the rope that they can get to achieve whereas some guys get no rope?

Most coaches give better players more rope than lesser players who obviously haven't proven themselves in practice to be better than those playing. Why would you allow a lesser player with more chance to continue to screw up or lack ability to provide other intangibles than a better player?



The team winning --what the fans want--and guys going early in the draft--what Cal wants--can coexist when he has the elite of the elite and this year he doesn't and it is going to happen from time to time because some guys just don't pan out and you'll have seasons like it looks like this one is going to be...we just have to live with it...that's all.

Definitely the risk of our recruiting strategy.



CMS.... agree, who knows?