Frontcourt

[JonathanW]

With Oscar returning, that clears up our biggest frontcourt question. There still are decisions by Brooks and Toppin. And I suppose Collins could change his mind. But what are the thoughts on adding a frontcourt transfer NOW?
Potentially we have Oscar, Ware, Collins, Toppin, Brooks, Livingston

IMO,
- we are not adding a strict 5 (Kofi, etc...), unless it is a marginal guy because Ware decides to move on. We aren't playing 2 centers for long periods of time (it's not 1984). I know we did in 2015, but Towns likely assumed WCS was leaving. And WCS could defend a 4 (except in final game). And very good players are not coming here to be a backup when they can to start for another top 10-20 team.
- Livingston looks more like a 3 than a 4. He makes me think MKG w/ an ok (30-33%) 3pt shot. I know many of you love the idea of playing him at the 4. But Cal likes length especially for defense, and going 6'7 at the 4 ain't it, especially if you don't have to, and we have depth there and I don't think he will be better than those options.
- I think many are overlooking Collins. I correctly predicted his limited PT this year, after all summer we heard was how great he and Hopkins were. He's not going to be Bam out there next year, but he should be some bigger and stronger. I think enough so that his elite athleticism will show out. And he is skilled. So I predict he will be our starting 4, giving us the rim protector we need for our guards to play tight M2M.
- I can't see any situation where Brooks, Toppin, and Collins all 3 return. Just not enough minutes to keep all 3 happy. Brooks options are overseas or transfer. I suppose Toppin could be happy enough to go 2nd round maybe. Collins only option would be to transfer, or maybe go 2nd round and play in G-league.
- Broome is probably looking elsewhere now. He doesn't look to have 4 skills.
- We may still have interest in Lofton, and if so it would guarantee at least 1 of above 3 leaves.

Prediction:
- Oscar, Ware, Collins, Toppin, Livingston (3), transfer we've not yet discussed not good enough to consider starting (Ware level)
Oscar 32mpg
Ware 4mpg
Collins 22mpg
Toppin 20mpg
unk transfer 2mpg

Livingston 15mpg at the 3

Also, I think we will see 3pt attempts by Oscar, Toppin and Collins (2/gm each, maybe 3 for Collins)
Per game:
Oscar 15 pts, 12 reb, 0.6-1.8 from 3, 1 blk
Collins 12 pts, 7 reb, 0.85-2.4 from 3, 2.5 blk
Toppin 8 pts, 5 reb, 0.65-2.0 from 3
Ware 2 pts, 1 reb
transfer 2 pts, 1 reb
Total 39 pts, 26 reb, 4 blk, 2.1-6.2 (33.9% from 3)

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Oscar, Toppin & Collins shooting 3s along with a returning Wheeler...could be brick city USA and Oscar will average 20 rebounds a game grabbing all those misses.

On the front court personnel, I have no clue. I wish we could get a good transfer to start at the 4 because I feel we can do better than Brooks & Toppin there. Just IMO.

 

[JC CATS]

With Oscar returning, that clears up our biggest frontcourt question. There still are decisions by Brooks and Toppin. And I suppose Collins could change his mind. But what are the thoughts on adding a frontcourt transfer NOW?
Potentially we have Oscar, Ware, Collins, Toppin, Brooks, Livingston

IMO,
- we are not adding a strict 5 (Kofi, etc...), unless it is a marginal guy because Ware decides to move on. We aren't playing 2 centers for long periods of time (it's not 1984). I know we did in 2015, but Towns likely assumed WCS was leaving. And WCS could defend a 4 (except in final game). And very good players are not coming here to be a backup when they can to start for another top 10-20 team.
- Livingston looks more like a 3 than a 4. He makes me think MKG w/ an ok (30-33%) 3pt shot. I know many of you love the idea of playing him at the 4. But Cal likes length especially for defense, and going 6'7 at the 4 ain't it, especially if you don't have to, and we have depth there and I don't think he will be better than those options.
- I think many are overlooking Collins. I correctly predicted his limited PT this year, after all summer we heard was how great he and Hopkins were. He's not going to be Bam out there next year, but he should be some bigger and stronger. I think enough so that his elite athleticism will show out. And he is skilled. So I predict he will be our starting 4, giving us the rim protector we need for our guards to play tight M2M.
- I can't see any situation where Brooks, Toppin, and Collins all 3 return. Just not enough minutes to keep all 3 happy. Brooks options are overseas or transfer. I suppose Toppin could be happy enough to go 2nd round maybe. Collins only option would be to transfer, or maybe go 2nd round and play in G-league.
- Broome is probably looking elsewhere now. He doesn't look to have 4 skills.
- We may still have interest in Lofton, and if so it would guarantee at least 1 of above 3 leaves.

Prediction:
- Oscar, Ware, Collins, Toppin, Livingston (3), transfer we've not yet discussed not good enough to consider starting (Ware level)
Oscar 32mpg
Ware 4mpg
Collins 22mpg
Toppin 20mpg
unk transfer 2mpg

Livingston 15mpg at the 3

Also, I think we will see 3pt attempts by Oscar, Toppin and Collins (2/gm each, maybe 3 for Collins)
Per game:
Oscar 15 pts, 12 reb, 0.6-1.8 from 3, 1 blk
Collins 12 pts, 7 reb, 0.85-2.4 from 3, 2.5 blk
Toppin 8 pts, 5 reb, 0.65-2.0 from 3
Ware 2 pts, 1 reb
transfer 2 pts, 1 reb
Total 39 pts, 26 reb, 4 blk, 2.1-6.2 (33.9% from 3)

I think 1 point you made is very true on this board and with fans on general. Collins is being overlooked. He could be one of the better players in the country if he can get stronger and add a little to his offense.

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

The tv remote replacement industry will be on high alert during college hoops next season if we see Toppin/Collins/Oscar firing from outside.

Oscar needs to master the 15-ft baseline jumper or being money from the elbow before he extends that far. Most of these bench guys in the NBA who make you go, "How is he in the league?" are the guys who hit those shots in their sleep. That's why they're out there.

 

[W1LDCAT22]

With Oscar returning, that clears up our biggest frontcourt question. There still are decisions by Brooks and Toppin. And I suppose Collins could change his mind. But what are the thoughts on adding a frontcourt transfer NOW?
Potentially we have Oscar, Ware, Collins, Toppin, Brooks, Livingston

IMO,
- we are not adding a strict 5 (Kofi, etc...), unless it is a marginal guy because Ware decides to move on. We aren't playing 2 centers for long periods of time (it's not 1984). I know we did in 2015, but Towns likely assumed WCS was leaving. And WCS could defend a 4 (except in final game). And very good players are not coming here to be a backup when they can to start for another top 10-20 team.
- Livingston looks more like a 3 than a 4. He makes me think MKG w/ an ok (30-33%) 3pt shot. I know many of you love the idea of playing him at the 4. But Cal likes length especially for defense, and going 6'7 at the 4 ain't it, especially if you don't have to, and we have depth there and I don't think he will be better than those options.
- I think many are overlooking Collins. I correctly predicted his limited PT this year, after all summer we heard was how great he and Hopkins were. He's not going to be Bam out there next year, but he should be some bigger and stronger. I think enough so that his elite athleticism will show out. And he is skilled. So I predict he will be our starting 4, giving us the rim protector we need for our guards to play tight M2M.
- I can't see any situation where Brooks, Toppin, and Collins all 3 return. Just not enough minutes to keep all 3 happy. Brooks options are overseas or transfer. I suppose Toppin could be happy enough to go 2nd round maybe. Collins only option would be to transfer, or maybe go 2nd round and play in G-league.
- Broome is probably looking elsewhere now. He doesn't look to have 4 skills.
- We may still have interest in Lofton, and if so it would guarantee at least 1 of above 3 leaves.

Prediction:
- Oscar, Ware, Collins, Toppin, Livingston (3), transfer we've not yet discussed not good enough to consider starting (Ware level)
Oscar 32mpg
Ware 4mpg
Collins 22mpg
Toppin 20mpg
unk transfer 2mpg

Livingston 15mpg at the 3

Also, I think we will see 3pt attempts by Oscar, Toppin and Collins (2/gm each, maybe 3 for Collins)
Per game:
Oscar 15 pts, 12 reb, 0.6-1.8 from 3, 1 blk
Collins 12 pts, 7 reb, 0.85-2.4 from 3, 2.5 blk
Toppin 8 pts, 5 reb, 0.65-2.0 from 3
Ware 2 pts, 1 reb
transfer 2 pts, 1 reb
Total 39 pts, 26 reb, 4 blk, 2.1-6.2 (33.9% from 3)

I really hope Collins does take that leap next year. If he does then look out. I would actually be excited for a lineup like this, IF Big O can extend and be more consistent with his shot.

5 - Collins
4 - Tshiebwe
3 - Livingston
2 - Reeves
1 - Wallace

Or my hope, bringing in a kid like Tyrese Hunter from Iowa State, who was only a freshman this season and a 4* out of high school.

5 - Tshiebwe
4 - Livingston
3 - Reeves
2 - Wallace
1 - Hunter or another "scoring" PG

Toppin, Collins, CJ, Wheeler

But to answer your question, I wouldn't mind nor think it would be a bad idea to bring in another frontcourt player, as long as we take priority in finding a PG first.

 

[G-PIP]

If you like potential, I think Collins has loads of it as a PF. How much of it he reaches next season seems hard to guess. If he added something like 20 lbs. of good weight I think he could be a good option at Center right away (although that spot is taken for UK next season).

 

[Cawood86]

Oscar, Toppin & Collins shooting 3s along with a returning Wheeler...could be brick city USA and Oscar will average 20 rebounds a game grabbing all those misses.

On the front court personnel, I have no clue. I wish we could get a good transfer to start at the 4 because I feel we can do better than Brooks & Toppin there. Just IMO.

Brooks is what he is....him coming back does not increase UK's chances of a FF or title.

 

[DreadLox]

The tv remote replacement industry will be on high alert during college hoops next season if we see Toppin/Collins/Oscar firing from outside.

Oscar needs to master the 15-ft baseline jumper or being money from the elbow before he extends that far. Most of these bench guys in the NBA who make you go, "How is he in the league?" are the guys who hit those shots in their sleep. That's why they're out there.

I'm not clear what you mean by "master". Tshiebwe hit a fine percentage of those jumpers from the circle around the FT line. Two points don't care where they're shot from.

Not in response to you, I'll add that I'm really not clear why he returned. He was the fastest center in the country and he was quick enough to lead us in steals. He's not built like a ballet dancer, but he's more mobile and quicker than Zion Williamson who would be playing if his body let him.

 

[JonathanW]

I'm not clear what you mean by "master". Tshiebwe hit a fine percentage of those jumpers from the circle around the FT line. Two points don't care where they're shot from.

Not in response to you, I'll add that I'm really not clear why he returned. He was the fastest center in the country and he was quick enough to lead us in steals. He's not built like a ballet dancer, but he's more mobile and quicker than Zion Williamson who would be playing if his body let him.

I correctly predicted Zion's weight (causing injuries, or simply blowing up) would greatly diminish his NBA impact. But you have to admit he was explosive in a way few have ever been at that size, at any size. I think he was quicker than Oscar, his quick-twich muscles were amazing, as was his leaping at his size. Problem is "at his size", since what goes up that forceful, must also come down that forceful (knees, ankles, feet). Also Zion could put the ball on the floor better than Oscar.
Barkley would have had the same problems, but he instead quickly shed a lot of pounds once in the league, and was quite a durable player.

But yeah, I think Oscar was good around the elbow. But maybe that's not far enough out for teams. His form and arc looks good, but his release is a bit slow. I see him stepping out to the top of the key for 3's off screens. 2 per game, 1 per half isn't a lot, but can show he is capable.

 

[bigbluedon]

The Lofton kid would be a huge help. Who knows what our coach is thinking. He is so intent on getting kids to the pros he doesn’t recruit to help the team. Get certain kids as many minutes as you can and have backups that are not so good so you dont have to play them. Only problem is foul trouble and injuries happen and our idiotic coach is left helpless. I am done hoping he will ever do things the sensible way that will benefit UK.

 

[Kybluedude]

I agree OP. Even though Cal can’t always duplicate the caliber of players of 2012, especially AD, I never have understood him getting away from a similar size and skill type of his championship squad.

Like you said. A 4 in the mold of Jones- 6 9 athletic stretch 4. Teague at pg- solid build- could shoot- calm no turn over leader. MKG type 3 and Lamb type. Solid guys like Miller off the bench. Like I said can’t get that type talent at each spot but upgrade any position when you can.
More than anything though just stick with the core style structure that won you a title.
Plenty of players out there to at least resemble the physical make up of that team. No AD maybe but competent guys and maybe a better 1,2or 3. Can recruit toughness and confidence. We have had plenty of great players but our roster has had holes.
Why change when you had the winning formula? Get as close to it as you can Cal!

 

[JonathanW]

Oscar, Toppin & Collins shooting 3s along with a returning Wheeler...could be brick city USA and Oscar will average 20 rebounds a game grabbing all those misses.

On the front court personnel, I have no clue. I wish we could get a good transfer to start at the 4 because I feel we can do better than Brooks & Toppin there. Just IMO.

Patterson was 0-4 his first 2 years at UK from 3.
He made 34% as a JR, attempting almost 2/gm.

I saw McCarty putting up lots of 3's his Prop48 year, and he was horrible, probably made 10% of them. But as a Soph he made 38%.

Gimel Martinez his 1st 2 years made 3-18 (16%), then his last 2 years made 36-97 (37%).

Mark Pope made 5-20 (25%) as a Soph at Washington, then his 2 years at UK made 37-89 (41%)

Toppin hasn't attempted a lot, but has made 8-23 (34%).
And Collins form looks good.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Patterson was 0-4 his first 2 years at UK from 3.
He made 34% as a JR, attempting almost 2/gm.

I saw McCarty putting up lots of 3's his Prop48 year, and he was horrible, probably made 10% of them. But as a Soph he made 38%.

Gimel Martinez his 1st 2 years made 3-18 (16%), then his last 2 years made 36-97 (37%).

Mark Pope made 5-20 (25%) as a Soph at Washington, then his 2 years at UK made 37-89 (41%)

Toppin hasn't attempted a lot, but has made 8-23 (34%).
And Collins form looks good.

I am fine with Toppin shooting around 20-25 again next season but he did bank in a couple of those shots you reference.

Wheeler did shoot better from 3 last season in the 2nd half of the season, but I know people do not want him shooting them ever either.

Next year's team does not seem to have any good shooters, other than injury prone CJ.

 

[JonathanW]

I am fine with Toppin shooting around 20-25 again next season but he did bank in a couple of those shots you reference.

Wheeler did shoot better from 3 last season in the 2nd half of the season, but I know people do not want him shooting them ever either.

Next year's team does not seem to have any good shooters, other than injury prone CJ.

Good shooters, currently only CJ
I think we definitely add one (whether Sharpe or transfer), but think we add another shooter (transfer) as well.

And I think others are capable (in order, Wallace, Livingston, Toppin, Collins, Wheeler, Oscar) I was tempted to put Oscar (whom we've not seen attempt one) in front of Wheeler, his form is just attrocious. I think those guys are capable of making 30-34%. And if you can't make 30%, then don't shoot them.

Wheeler improved, HOWEVER that was because he was not being guarded out there, AND because 2 of his 11 makes in SEC play were banked in. At least Toppin's form looks ok.