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Here is what I THINK happens from here...

Tampa_cat54

Tampa_cat54

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Apr 22, 2011
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Not that anyone probably cares but here is my guess.

I think we already have Mackenzie Mgbako committed with an expectation that he will come off the bench at the 4 spot.

I think the staff is holding off on the announcement to not scare away Alvaro.

I think their dream scenario at the 4 right now is Alvaro/Mgbako.

I think we go after one more perimeter guy (a guy like Pierre if we want another playmaker/shot creator, or a 3&D guy, maybe Diabate but he's not a prolific shooter by any means.) Let's call this player "Portal A". Btw I hope it's Pierre. Hope we don't back away from him now that we have Lowe.

And then I think we still hunt for a rim protector. Let's call this player "Portal B"

So I think we are looking at (starters in bold):

PG: Lowe/Lewis/Perry
SG: Oweh/Jasper/Chandler
SF: (Portal A)/Kam Williams/Chandler/Noah
PF: Alvaro/Mgbako/Kam Williams (stretch 4 if needed)
C: Moreno/Garrison/(Portal B)

Yes I think Moreno starts, maybe not day 1 but I like his upside more than Garrison right now.

That would be 13 of our 15 scholarships used, and maybe we take a flyer on one more development piece just for the fun of it, hang onto one in case a recluse comes up this summer.
 
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Wonder how Chandler will feel about that proposed rotation.

And the will Richie play portion of our fanbase will not be happy either.

It's also bizarre to pay JJ 7 figures and not start him IMO. That money would have been better used elsewhere for a more experienced player.
 
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Lowe and Mgbako were the only 2 guys that I was meh about when their names were connected to UK…and it’s seeming like that will be who we end up with in addition to AF. I don’t expect many more additions outside of those 4 plus the returners….probably a similar season to this year with an E8 ceiling unless Lowe takes a huge leap, Mgbako fixes his attitude and motor, or Kam Williams (who I like) becomes a star.
 
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Dontworryboutit23 said:
I think they get Pierre/thomas/ mystery portal shooter. They get Alvaro, and then they go get a physical big
Click to expand...

It's been clear that Pope & Co have really prioritized getting a long rim protector this cycle. TBB & Gwath were legit misses, not saying that in a bad way, but moreso that it's clear they REALLY wanted a guy like that.

Don't think they walk away from that idea just yet.

Alvaro can be physical, and Moreno/Garrison are both big-bodied as well, but we need rim protection in the worst way!

Would much rather Pierre than Thomas for obvious reasons but wouldn't be angry about Thomas.
 
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UKWildcats1987 said:
Wonder how Chandler will feel about that proposed rotation.

And the will Richie play portion of our fanbase will not be happy either.

It's also bizarre to pay JJ 7 figures and not start him IMO. That money would have been better used elsewhere for a more experienced player.
Click to expand...
Really condescending to the portion of fans you refer to .. what type of fan calls out fans of the same team like that .. poor attitude person - you have no right to talk down your nose at anyone .
 
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UKWildcats1987 said:
It's also bizarre to pay JJ 7 figures and not start him IMO. That money would have been better used elsewhere for a more experienced player.
Click to expand...

Don't think so, Jasper will play A TON. And as you can see by this portal cycle, guards on NBA draft boards are going for way more than the $1 Million that was rumored that JJ got.

As far as value goes, I think that's pretty great, plus the fact that he is an in-state kid and we kept him away from a conference rival in Alabama.
 
bookerfan66 said:
The real problem to me is Garrison/Moreno at the 5. The sec will eat them alive.
Click to expand...
Unless they are waiting for a late 5 in the portal or International 5 then yes because one center in BG is a back up at best and MM is raw. Like I stated in other threads let’s see how he does in the Nike Hoop game next Saturday. He will be going up against a projected NBA prospect in Bogoljub Markovic, Reibe (UCONN) and Ruzic
 
Tampa_cat54 said:
It's been clear that Pope & Co have really prioritized getting a long rim protector this cycle. TBB & Gwath were legit misses, not saying that in a bad way, but moreso that it's clear they REALLY wanted a guy like that.

Don't think they walk away from that idea just yet.

Alvaro can be physical, and Moreno/Garrison are both big-bodied as well, but we need rim protection in the worst way!

Would much rather Pierre than Thomas for obvious reasons but wouldn't be angry about Thomas.
Click to expand...
The big guy for Florida chenyule, is the model of a big I want. Just go in the game rebound and defend. But I like, what you’re saying also.
 
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Tampa_cat54 said:
It's been clear that Pope & Co have really prioritized getting a long rim protector this cycle. TBB & Gwath were legit misses, not saying that in a bad way, but moreso that it's clear they REALLY wanted a guy like that.

Don't think they walk away from that idea just yet.

Alvaro can be physical, and Moreno/Garrison are both big-bodied as well, but we need rim protection in the worst way!

Would much rather Pierre than Thomas for obvious reasons but wouldn't be angry about Thomas.
Click to expand...


Who is Thomas?
 
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Dontworryboutit23 said:
The big guy for Florida chenyule, is the model of a big I want. Just go in the game rebound and defend. But I like, what you’re saying also.
Click to expand...

Oh 1,000%, I have said for weeks that Chenyelu and Malauch at Duke are literally the PERFECT bigs for what I would want. Or even a guy like Clifford Omoruyi from Alabama. Just long, lanky bigs who do the dirty work, protect the rim, rebound like crazy, and aren't worried about dropping 20 every night.
 
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Dontworryboutit23 said:
I think they get Pierre/thomas/ mystery portal shooter. They get Alvaro, and then they go get a physical big
Click to expand...
This is what I'm hoping for. I really like Pierre’s game. And imo we need a proven physical shotblocking 5 with some post moves.

I don’t like the idea of gambling on Garrison taking a huge leap or freshman Moreno to carry the entire
Load. It can work but feels like a bigger gamble than getting a proven commodity

I’d even like the idea of AF/Garrison at the 5 if we added Pierre and another 6’6 shooter for a small ball lineup
 
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Tampa_cat54 said:
Oh 1,000%, I have said for weeks that Chenyelu and Malauch at Duke are literally the PERFECT bigs for what I would want. Or even a guy like Clifford Omoruyi from Alabama. Just long, lanky bigs who do the dirty work, protect the rim, rebound like crazy, and aren't worried about dropping 20 every night.
Click to expand...
Our bigs are expected to pass to make the 5 out work. Maluach is the perfect archetype because he does those things like rebound and defend at an elite level, but Maluach can pass really well, which is why Duke is able to run 5 out with him. We won’t be able to really use the Somto Cyril archetypes unless they can pass. This is why I think you will see Pope have to be very selective about frontcourt players.
 
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Don't see Mgbako being here next season.

We need a Stretch 4 that can Post up AND make 3's that is decent on the defensive end. Also, a C that is a Banger that can rebound, defend the rim and dunk.

We get those 2 positions filled and we have PLENTY of perimeter players.

Like others have stated, Chandler will be a HUGE part of this team next season.
 
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I still think the best would be Alvaro/Garrison at PF top portal big/Moreno at Center. Can’t bring in a Center if Moreno and Garrison are there.
 
YL was a huge loss because that was the most open position to get a high end player. I could see Alvaro and then keep one more spot open for a while for a wild card.
 
ManitouDan said:
Really condescending to the portion of fans you refer to .. what type of fan calls out fans of the same team like that .. poor attitude person - you have no right to talk down your nose at anyone .
Click to expand...

Those fans don't care about winning. I do.
 
Tampa_cat54 said:
Not that anyone probably cares but here is my guess.

I think we already have Mackenzie Mgbako committed with an expectation that he will come off the bench at the 4 spot.

I think the staff is holding off on the announcement to not scare away Alvaro.

I think their dream scenario at the 4 right now is Alvaro/Mgbako.

I think we go after one more perimeter guy (a guy like Pierre if we want another playmaker/shot creator, or a 3&D guy, maybe Diabate but he's not a prolific shooter by any means.) Let's call this player "Portal A". Btw I hope it's Pierre. Hope we don't back away from him now that we have Lowe.

And then I think we still hunt for a rim protector. Let's call this player "Portal B"

So I think we are looking at (starters in bold):

PG: Lowe/Lewis/Perry
SG: Oweh/Jasper/Chandler
SF: (Portal A)/Kam Williams/Chandler/Noah
PF: Alvaro/Mgbako/Kam Williams (stretch 4 if needed)
C: Moreno/Garrison/(Portal B)

Yes I think Moreno starts, maybe not day 1 but I like his upside more than Garrison right now.

That would be 13 of our 15 scholarships used, and maybe we take a flyer on one more development piece just for the fun of it, hang onto one in case a recluse comes up this summer.
Click to expand...
Swap Garrison for Moreno and give it a go
 
We now have 2 PG's, 5 guys at the 2-3 spots (assuming everybody returns). If we get AF, we still need another stretch 4, preferably one that ala Carr can do some work in the low post. Also need another 5. Would still take Pierre, Thomas and one of the 2 of Bashir or Wilkenson (can't have too many shooters).
 
UKWildcats1987 said:
Wonder how Chandler will feel about that proposed rotation.

And the will Richie play portion of our fanbase will not be happy either.

It's also bizarre to pay JJ 7 figures and not start him IMO. That money would have been better used elsewhere for a more experienced player.
Click to expand...
I think Chandler has one of the larger jumps from Freshman to Sophomore in college basketball, being a 22 or 23 year old Sophomore. He was coming on good, he has all summer to work on his ball handling, his defense and rebounding. He is a guy that can jump out of the gym and we have not seen that yet. He will get stronger and with leg strength, faster. Noah will make a good leap as well. I think Pope works on these 2 guys a ton this summer and fall. I expect Noah to look thinner around the middle and way broader shoulders. He will pic up speed and agility. He has the offense, he can rebound, he just has to improve his defense. If we get 1 more scoring wing piece (6'5" to 6'7') guy like Pierre then great for us. I see all 3 freshman from this past year living up the challenge of making themselves better.
 
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Tampa_cat54 said:
Not that anyone probably cares but here is my guess.

I think we already have Mackenzie Mgbako committed with an expectation that he will come off the bench at the 4 spot.

I think the staff is holding off on the announcement to not scare away Alvaro.

I think their dream scenario at the 4 right now is Alvaro/Mgbako.

I think we go after one more perimeter guy (a guy like Pierre if we want another playmaker/shot creator, or a 3&D guy, maybe Diabate but he's not a prolific shooter by any means.) Let's call this player "Portal A". Btw I hope it's Pierre. Hope we don't back away from him now that we have Lowe.

And then I think we still hunt for a rim protector. Let's call this player "Portal B"

So I think we are looking at (starters in bold):

PG: Lowe/Lewis/Perry
SG: Oweh/Jasper/Chandler
SF: (Portal A)/Kam Williams/Chandler/Noah
PF: Alvaro/Mgbako/Kam Williams (stretch 4 if needed)
C: Moreno/Garrison/(Portal B)

Yes I think Moreno starts, maybe not day 1 but I like his upside more than Garrison right now.

That would be 13 of our 15 scholarships used, and maybe we take a flyer on one more development piece just for the fun of it, hang onto one in case a recluse comes up this summer.
Click to expand...
Among this projected roster, who can beat their defender and finish and/or make a play in the mid range/at the rim? A significant flaw in last year's team was a lack of consistent offensive options when teams pressed out and took away 3 point shot opportunities. Oweh was perhaps the most reliable option we had. Butler could beat his man, but struggled to finish.

Will Lowe, Lewis, and/or Johnson reliably offer this to the offense?
 
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ManitouDan said:
Really condescending to the portion of fans you refer to .. what type of fan calls out fans of the same team like that .. poor attitude person - you have no right to talk down your nose at anyone
Click to expand...
I wasn’t bothered by that statement. Why were you Dan?
 
qwesley said:
YL was a huge loss because that was the most open position to get a high end player. I could see Alvaro and then keep one more spot open for a while for a wild card.
Click to expand...
I thought so too, until I read that Yaxel’s mother is his biggest influence, and she really wants him to stay in the draft, and most folks expect him to do that. As good as it would have made everyone feel this morning to see “Yaxel commits to Kentucky”, to “get” him and devote $4 million of your NIL to him, only to find out in late May or whenever that he was staying in the draft and it’s too late to find a viable replacement at that time would be a worst case scenario.
 
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noncomposmentis said:
I thought so too, until I read that Yaxel’s mother is his biggest influence, and she really wants him to stay in the draft, and most folks expect him to do that. As good as it would have made everyone feel this morning to see “Yaxel commits to Kentucky”, to “get” him and devote $4 million of your NIL to him, only to find out in late May or whenever that he was staying in the draft and it’s too late to find a viable replacement at that time would be a worst case scenario.
Click to expand...
I agree but it is weird he committed this early. The NBA sites have been talking about him for a while. There is not much out there at that position unfortunately or center for that matter. .
 
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Tampa_cat54 said:
Not that anyone probably cares but here is my guess.

I think we already have Mackenzie Mgbako committed with an expectation that he will come off the bench at the 4 spot.

I think the staff is holding off on the announcement to not scare away Alvaro.

I think their dream scenario at the 4 right now is Alvaro/Mgbako.

I think we go after one more perimeter guy (a guy like Pierre if we want another playmaker/shot creator, or a 3&D guy, maybe Diabate but he's not a prolific shooter by any means.) Let's call this player "Portal A". Btw I hope it's Pierre. Hope we don't back away from him now that we have Lowe.

And then I think we still hunt for a rim protector. Let's call this player "Portal B"

So I think we are looking at (starters in bold):

PG: Lowe/Lewis/Perry
SG: Oweh/Jasper/Chandler
SF: (Portal A)/Kam Williams/Chandler/Noah
PF: Alvaro/Mgbako/Kam Williams (stretch 4 if needed)
C: Moreno/Garrison/(Portal B)

Yes I think Moreno starts, maybe not day 1 but I like his upside more than Garrison right now.

That would be 13 of our 15 scholarships used, and maybe we take a flyer on one more development piece just for the fun of it, hang onto one in case a recluse comes up this summer.
Click to expand...

If we want future H&S stars, Pope needs to develop Johnson and put him in the NBA ASAP!
Just saying! Eyes are on him. That's why I don't see him come off the bench playing 10-15 minutes.
That's what that lineup will produce!
 
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