Well hopefully Lee and Ulis come back. I'm ready for another crack at perfection.
Early Look - next year's roster
- Thread starter BlueNotes
- Start date
UK likely gets Bolden or keeps Lee, not both. If Lee came back, he'd play next year. SKJ's learning curve might be longer than Skal's, precisely why Calipari is pursuing Bolden.
Cal's never over-recruited a position historically unless he didn't feel confident about the immediate impact of an incoming freshman. Someone might point to Bledsoe/Wall, but Cal sold those guys on playing together. It's clear to me Cal feels SKJ will be a complementary player early on in his career, which shouldn't surprise anyone - WCS, Lee, Dakari, and Orton all had the same role as freshmen.
I'd love for Ulis to return but I don't see it happening unless he just wants a title that bad.
If he did come back though...
We need a shooting SF (maybe VJ King) and a banger C(Bolden)..
Do you think King would play over Gabriel, Matthews, or even Willis?
I'd love to pick up that kid. He can play, plus it would piss off Louisville fans something fierce.
I think Bolden is a lock if Lee leaves. Cal's singled in on the kid and has even mentioned UK's desire for "one more big". If Lee goes, Bolden is coming.
The newest part of the equation is the fact that Cal will have two solid seniors in Willis and Hawkins. Both with be in the rotation and both have earned Cal's trust. Willis is a helluva 6th man to have coming off the bench and provide instant offense. Hawkins is also more than capable of playing strong minutes in the rare moments Fox or Monk need a breather. Factor in the development of Matthews/Mulder and things get very interesting from a depth level next year.
I agree, there is a numbers crunch but if Bolden decides he wants to come on board then Cal will work it somehow. He stated that he was looking for one more, a post player; I would assume there is a plan.
Alex hasn't applied for a red shirt and with the new rules, I'm not sure he can now. He is playing as a senior. He is done at UK after this season.
I know his Dad wanted him to become a doctor. I stand behind my statement. We will see what Alex does at the end of the season. I expect you will be the one eating crow! How do you like it served?
If he can play some defense then yes i do.imo you will see Matthews and Willis only get a few min a game..maybe 5-8mpg..Now if Willis wants to get his ass to work and add some weight and muscle he might play more..I think he's lazy..body looks same after 3 years or very little change..That means he's not putting in work..
I don't see how Ulis could improve his draft stock the way he's playing this season. Also, if next year's class is as good as advertised, I see Willis, Lee, Matthews on the outside looking in.
Ulis could try to graduate early, and it would be very tempting to have the opportunity to play in the backcourt with Fox and Monk. I could see Calipari encouraging him to leave, however. On the contrary, I could see Calipari suggest to Briscoe that he needs another year of development.
Sometimes guys want to come back for a shot at a title -
Jones
Patterson
WCS
It happens sometimes. Ulis might be one of those rare guys. Probably the only reason he'd consider coming back, actually. It's unlikely at this point, however.
Jones
Patterson
WCS
It happens sometimes. Ulis might be one of those rare guys. Probably the only reason he'd consider coming back, actually. It's unlikely at this point, however.
Which is fine. I think UK will continue to look to him the rest of the year as their post presence. I'd wager he finished the season on a high note and gets drafted somewhere in the 40s.
This is how I see it:
Starters
G Fox- lock
G Monk- lock
G/F Ulis or Briscoe or Gabriel or Matthews
F Willis or Lee or Bolden or Killeya-Jones
F Adebayo- lock
There's a very small chance that Ulis is back. There's a very small chance that Briscoe returns. If one returns, they obviously start with Fox and Monk in the backcourt.
If Lee returns, he is no lock to start. Probably sixth man. I don't see us having both Lee and Bolden. Bolden has more upside than Lee, IMHO. He could start. Same with SKJ.
I don't think Ulis, Briscoe, or Lee come back. But I think we add Bolden.
I think we start the season with Fox, Monk, Matthews, Willis, and Adebayo starting. Gabriel and either SKJ or Bolden take over as the starter by season's end. Those guys plus Hawkins give us our rotation, regardless of who starts.
The team is going to be built around Fox, Monk, and Adebayo. The other roles will be largely complementary. Those three are the stars, and whoever fits best with them will play the most.
Just my way too early take on next season.
Starters
G Fox- lock
G Monk- lock
G/F Ulis or Briscoe or Gabriel or Matthews
F Willis or Lee or Bolden or Killeya-Jones
F Adebayo- lock
There's a very small chance that Ulis is back. There's a very small chance that Briscoe returns. If one returns, they obviously start with Fox and Monk in the backcourt.
If Lee returns, he is no lock to start. Probably sixth man. I don't see us having both Lee and Bolden. Bolden has more upside than Lee, IMHO. He could start. Same with SKJ.
I don't think Ulis, Briscoe, or Lee come back. But I think we add Bolden.
I think we start the season with Fox, Monk, Matthews, Willis, and Adebayo starting. Gabriel and either SKJ or Bolden take over as the starter by season's end. Those guys plus Hawkins give us our rotation, regardless of who starts.
The team is going to be built around Fox, Monk, and Adebayo. The other roles will be largely complementary. Those three are the stars, and whoever fits best with them will play the most.
Just my way too early take on next season.
I asked SKJ about the possibility of adding Bolden and he said that him and his future teammates are working hard for that to happen. It was on one of his periscopes from tonight.
That's awesome.
Bolden
Bam
SKJ
Gabriel
Humphries
Wynyard
Willis
That's a great frontline. You get a little bit of everything with that group.
Side note: contrary to what some believe, I don't think UK needs any more guards. Hawkins, Mulder, and Matthews are more than capable of giving UK solid minutes off the bench since Fox and Monk will likely play about 35 minutes/game. I think Hawkins will provide some solid depth off the bench. One has to imagine that Mulder will also be a tad better next season.
He's coming to UK to improve and I think he understands that he won't be playing major minutes early on. Willis, Hawkins, Lee and others have been fine with that. I don't see Tai transferring.
Good take and I agree. I think Hawkins will play next year and be the first one Cal turns to as far as guard depth. Lots of folks calling for his possible transfer, but he's going to play next year.
Sometimes you can read what Cal is thinking.. occasionally he'll give "tells." He let the "cat" out of the bag with Bolden essentially. I know it would be a scholarship issue -- but Lee and Bolden aren't interchangeable at their positions -- much different.
I also think Cal is always looking ahead. He may be thinking of the recruiting potential IF he can get Ulis drafted as a Sophomore. We'd never hear the end of "we put a 5'9' kid in the league after his sophomore year!" But, I'm sure like with the Twins -- he'd be pleasantly surprised if he comes back. If you try to read between the lines with Cal -- he's already dubbing Fox as "The General" -- meaning he's poised the play PG next year.. unless of course Ulis returns.
I also think Cal is always looking ahead. He may be thinking of the recruiting potential IF he can get Ulis drafted as a Sophomore. We'd never hear the end of "we put a 5'9' kid in the league after his sophomore year!" But, I'm sure like with the Twins -- he'd be pleasantly surprised if he comes back. If you try to read between the lines with Cal -- he's already dubbing Fox as "The General" -- meaning he's poised the play PG next year.. unless of course Ulis returns.
All Briscoe needs is a good J...Can Cal & UK develop that better than pro league?
Uh lets see. I don't know. Probably because he's never going to see major mins with us and he's going to continue to be recruited over.
So Willis should have transferred after his first season. He was never going to play major minutes.
![[eyeroll]](http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/img/emoticons/rolleye/rolleye0011.r191677.gif "Eye roll [eyeroll]")
I think that Ulis will do the post season NBA combines and see what his status is / if there's any interest. While it's possible he might come back - I really think he will draw NBA interest. Remember, leadership skills also count in the NBA. He's got them.
Poythress - goes to D league or Europe
Briscoe - drafted
Labissiere - drafted
Murray - drafted
Ulis - I think drafted
Lee - might do the graduation transfer - I hope not - I just like him (but I understand that he would likely be in a tough spot rotationally)
So I think six leave and six come in
Poythress - goes to D league or Europe
Briscoe - drafted
Labissiere - drafted
Murray - drafted
Ulis - I think drafted
Lee - might do the graduation transfer - I hope not - I just like him (but I understand that he would likely be in a tough spot rotationally)
So I think six leave and six come in
Believe it or not, there is still a place for the 4 year player in Cal's system. Just because a guy doesn't play much as a Freshman and Sophomore doesn't mean they should leave. Hawkins and Willis should be gone by that line of logic.
Well I get your point with Willis and Hawkins, but its a different situation. They were never as highly rated as Hump and Tai, and they're KY boys. BTW, I know Willis was a high 4star early on but then dropped. Still Hump and Tai were rated higher. Humphries was rated in the 30's in this years class before reclassifying right? My point is. A lot of people think Tai and Hump can eventually get to the NBA, and I'm sure they believe they can. I just don't see either one getting minutes. We're going to keep getting a couple stud bigs each year. We know they wont be getting mins next season. And next year it'll probably be Ayton, Bamba, and Vanderbilt. Then with SKJ returning they'll be the odd men our yet again. Or what about their SR years? Its WAY early but we'll get a couple studs then too. We probably get Marvin Bagley and a couple kids who rise up the rankings. I just think it makes sense for one to leave.
1. We NEED Bolden. Bam is not a low post scorer and we need a low post scorer for next year's team in order for it to be the team everybody wants. It's no accident that Alex gives us some post offense and we roll Vandy. Cal's offenses at UK are predicated on post scoring and playing inside out basketball.
2. This is not mentioned a lot but Lee is a different dude much like WCS. For over a year he went and visited sick kids at the hospital on his own. Cal and the athletic department didn't find out until he was a soph last year. He is from Cali and has that stereotypical laid back demeanor so I have no clue what he will do but he doesn't think or act like a normal 21 year old.
3. I agree Poythress, Ullis, and Murray likely gone but if Briscoe can't hit a 15 footer consistently he isn't going to be a 1st rounder even in this horrible draft. Will he come back with a 2nd round grade? That's the million dollar question! IF Briscoe returns then Hawkins may leave because he would likely be put behind Matthews as the 5th guard in a 5 guard rotation. Finally I think the abrupt ending our recruitment of Kobi Simmons may indicate one of the guards Ullis or Brisoce the staff expected to be gone may no longer be leaving.
2. This is not mentioned a lot but Lee is a different dude much like WCS. For over a year he went and visited sick kids at the hospital on his own. Cal and the athletic department didn't find out until he was a soph last year. He is from Cali and has that stereotypical laid back demeanor so I have no clue what he will do but he doesn't think or act like a normal 21 year old.
3. I agree Poythress, Ullis, and Murray likely gone but if Briscoe can't hit a 15 footer consistently he isn't going to be a 1st rounder even in this horrible draft. Will he come back with a 2nd round grade? That's the million dollar question! IF Briscoe returns then Hawkins may leave because he would likely be put behind Matthews as the 5th guard in a 5 guard rotation. Finally I think the abrupt ending our recruitment of Kobi Simmons may indicate one of the guards Ullis or Brisoce the staff expected to be gone may no longer be leaving.
Murray- gone (drafted, lottery pick)
Poythress- gone (doubtful that he applies for a medical hardship).
Labissiere- gone (drafted on potential).
Ulis- gone (what more could he do to prove he is ready for the pros next season?)
To me, that leaves Briscoe and Lee as the only potential returnees (of the top six). It's very likely both will bolt.
We add Bolden and we are good to go.
Mix the six elite Frehsmen in with Willis, Matthews, and Hawkins to give us a great 8-man rotation. Humphries and Wynyard give us superb depth inside. Mulder gives us depth and maturity on the perimeter.
Should be another contender.
Poythress- gone (doubtful that he applies for a medical hardship).
Labissiere- gone (drafted on potential).
Ulis- gone (what more could he do to prove he is ready for the pros next season?)
To me, that leaves Briscoe and Lee as the only potential returnees (of the top six). It's very likely both will bolt.
We add Bolden and we are good to go.
Mix the six elite Frehsmen in with Willis, Matthews, and Hawkins to give us a great 8-man rotation. Humphries and Wynyard give us superb depth inside. Mulder gives us depth and maturity on the perimeter.
Should be another contender.
Bam can be a low post scorer. Just because he is on a team with guards that have no clue how to feed the post does not mean he can not post up. When I watched his game the other night, I watched him working in the post while his guards threw the ball around the perimeter. No effort to feed him the ball.
Also, KAT was not a low post threat until Cal turned him into one. And Randle wanted to float out on the perimeter as well before Cal got him.
Don't be fooled by Skal's performance this season, Bam is nothing like Skal.
At 6'10, 255 and great hands and feet Bam will absolutely be able to become a low post threat.
But I agree we need Bolden. We need another guy that can be a low post threat.
I hope you're right and honestly I'm not a Bam expert. Randle and Towns were both highly skilled basketball players who happend to also be great athletes. Poythress and Lee are great athletes who play basketball. Not sure which group Bam ultimently falls into but I hope it's the former and not the latter.
Dom and Willis for sure. Mathews also......3 good players with experience in the system.
Hump, TW, and Mulder who have extended practice time in system.
Ulis would be the icing (& the cake)
Give me those 7 and add 6 recruits....if another returned,I rather have Briscoe for 8.
Yep this is how I'm looking at it until we know for sure from the guys that will test the waters. Willis(with a strong finish by him) might even get a look this year...with the new rule and the way they will be able to work out for teams without losing eligibility is now, you just never know.
Ranking the six expected to go in the order of who I would like to see return:
1. Murray
2. Ulis
3. Briscoe
4. Labissiere
5. Poythress
6. Lee
In order according to the likelihood that they return:
1. Lee
2. Briscoe
3. Ulis
4. Labissiere
5. Poythress
6. Murray
1. Murray
2. Ulis
3. Briscoe
4. Labissiere
5. Poythress
6. Lee
In order according to the likelihood that they return:
1. Lee
2. Briscoe
3. Ulis
4. Labissiere
5. Poythress
6. Murray
Last edited:
Similar threads
