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Get to know this guy. He could be our next pg

It's going to be getting guys like this - and a good fit chemistry-wise as well as personality wise collectively, here at Kentucky moving forward. Would love to see a quality player like him enter the portal and come play for us. Been watching him all year long. Would be a great pickup.

I think there's going to be a lot of interest in the portal from a lot of players, with the way Pope's system works, his style, and positive mentality. Pope stands in stark contrast to the "me first" coaches that are strewn throughout college hoops nowadays.
 
Walter McCarty, James Blackmon, Kyle Macy, Marquis Teague, Trey Lyles. Mike Flynn were Indiana boys too. Macy transferred from Purdue.
Yes they were but comparing them isn’t close. Smith had done fantastic things there and is established and beloved at Purdue. Only NIL could affect that and I think the money required isn’t worth it. Just my $.02.
 
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Walter McCarty, James Blackmon, Kyle Macy, Marquis Teague, Trey Lyles. Mike Flynn were Indiana boys too. Macy transferred from Purdue.
None of them were working on Purdue legend level status entering their senior season. And, none of them were getting the NIL money that Smith will get from Purdue. There's no chance Braden Smith leaves Purdue. Zero. I've heard at least a dozen interviews with that kid. He'd stay a decade if you let him.
 
Yes they were but comparing them isn’t close. Smith had done fantastic things there and is established and beloved at Purdue. Only NIL could affect that and I think the money required isn’t worth it. Just my $.02.
NIL and style of play.
 
The freshman guards we have are not very physical. The guards are coming next year, while upgrade they will still be having the freshman body. We need from portal someone physical that can complement Oweh physicality but also can shoot for outside and pass the ball .

If we get 6 ft that cannnot defend we are in trouble….
 
He was starting on last year’s Purdue team that lost to UCONN in Title game. Averaged 12 pts 7 assists . 16 and 8 this year.
Purdue was in that title game because they had a 7'5" center that nobody could guard.
Look what purdue is this year without Edey.

Also, 2 years ago, that same team was a 1 seed that lost to 16 Farleigh Dickinson.

Braden smith is not the answer at point if you want to be successful in the SEC.
 
Agree to disagree. Simply zero basis to even speculate that Smith would leave. Beyond a pipe dream. And besides, yes, he's a fine player. But there's others out there.
In your world there may be zero basis but according to several recruiting experts and analysts on the premium board there is ample basis for his transferring to UK.
 
Agree to disagree. Simply zero basis to even speculate that Smith would leave. Beyond a pipe dream. And besides, yes, he's a fine player. But there's others out there.
We're going to need length and athletic ability actoss the board. Johnson and Lewis are nice starts. Lewis only 6'2" but very crafty.
 
Think about this for a second. In Pope's offense, your pg is the center and your actual pg needs to cut to the basket and finish. A 6' guard is going to get stuffed over and over trying to do that in this league.

A short pg puts you at a huge disadvantage
 
Purdue was in that title game because they had a 7'5" center that nobody could guard.
Look what purdue is this year without Edey.

Also, 2 years ago, that same team was a 1 seed that lost to 16 Farleigh Dickinson.

Braden smith is not the answer at point if you want to be successful in the SEC.
If Pope wants him, that’s enough for me.
 
In your world there may be zero basis but according to several recruiting experts and analysts on the premium board there is ample basis for his transferring to UK.
Who knows in college sports anymore? I just wouldn't spend much time speculating on it much. He's gonna get a bag from Purdue and end up as one of their all-timers. Probably what these 'rumors' are all about; fattening the bag.
 
Think about this for a second. In Pope's offense, your pg is the center and your actual pg needs to cut to the basket and finish. A 6' guard is going to get stuffed over and over trying to do that in this league.

A short pg puts you at a huge disadvantage
Mark Sears is 6’1
 
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If Pope wants him, that’s enough for me.
If Pope wants him, it tells me he wasn't paying attention. Braden Smith would get owned in this conference.

After going through this conference season, the very first thing you learn is you need length, size, athletesism and great shooting, Braden is missing most of those traits.

Don't believe everything you read.
 
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