How many portal players do we take?

[BleedBlue13]

These players aren’t in a specific order but if we bring in 3 starters as everyone expects how many more do we take?
1. Oweh
2. Jasper
3. Portal Center
4. Portal PF
5. Portal PG
6. Chandler
7. Lewis
8. Noah
9. Moreno
10. Garrison
11. Perry

Now barring injuries which of course will happen that still leaves 4 open spots. Playing 10 players is always a stretch if healthy and now we can have 15. Which of these guys end up 10-15? Do we bring in 2-3 that will not play at all next year? I feel like after bringing in 3 starters maybe we take 1 more good one max? Even at that to me Moreno Noah and Perry are like 10-11-12. Just gonna be a very fine line in having continuity while improving our talent and chances every year. Maybe I’m seeing this wrong and some of you can help me out. Now if all of the players buy in then who cares and that’s amazing but how many teams will have 3 squads that can all play? The last of those squads who batting injuries won’t see the floor for meaningful minutes all year?

 

[BleedBlue13]

The main reason I listed them out like this is to show everyone that will get frustrated when we don’t take someone. We have a limited number of spots and coach has to identify a few in what will end up being thousands.

 

[catfan220]

These players aren’t in a specific order but if we bring in 3 starters as everyone expects how many more do we take?
1. Oweh
2. Jasper
3. Portal Center
4. Portal PF
5. Portal PG
6. Chandler
7. Lewis
8. Noah
9. Moreno
10. Garrison
11. Perry

Now barring injuries which of course will happen that still leaves 4 open spots. Playing 10 players is always a stretch if healthy and now we can have 15. Which of these guys end up 10-15? Do we bring in 2-3 that will not play at all next year? I feel like after bringing in 3 starters maybe we take 1 more good one max? Even at that to me Moreno Noah and Perry are like 10-11-12. Just gonna be a very fine line in having continuity while improving our talent and chances every year. Maybe I’m seeing this wrong and some of you can help me out. Now if all of the players buy in then who cares and that’s amazing but how many teams will have 3 squads that can all play? The last of those squads who batting injuries won’t see the floor for meaningful minutes all year?

I could imagine a couple of the last slots going to a big man prospect, maybe international, or a transfer with potential like Jacob Toppin coming from a small school. Or even one of these D2 late-bloomer type guys.

 

[BleedBlue13]

Yeah that’s best case scenario I think because 2-4 players are gonna have to be sold on almost no playing time. To me that’s a harder ask than to bring in a top portal player who will start and get 20+ mpg.

 

[megablue]

These players aren’t in a specific order but if we bring in 3 starters as everyone expects how many more do we take?
1. Oweh
2. Jasper
3. Portal Center
4. Portal PF
5. Portal PG
6. Chandler
7. Lewis
8. Noah
9. Moreno
10. Garrison
11. Perry

Now barring injuries which of course will happen that still leaves 4 open spots. Playing 10 players is always a stretch if healthy and now we can have 15. Which of these guys end up 10-15? Do we bring in 2-3 that will not play at all next year? I feel like after bringing in 3 starters maybe we take 1 more good one max? Even at that to me Moreno Noah and Perry are like 10-11-12. Just gonna be a very fine line in having continuity while improving our talent and chances every year. Maybe I’m seeing this wrong and some of you can help me out. Now if all of the players buy in then who cares and that’s amazing but how many teams will have 3 squads that can all play? The last of those squads who batting injuries won’t see the floor for meaningful minutes all year?

Based on your list, assuming the 3 portal players are Seniors, how many Freshmen do we recruit next year ??

 

[BleedBlue13]

Well all the buzz is Thomas from unlv as our potential PG I think he has two years left. I just don’t see how we avoid losing players that most would like to keep. I know we are in on a lot of top freshmen in the 26 class. We may not have a lot transfer out this year but I suspect we will next year unless like you said we bring in 3-4 senior transfers this year. It’s why I think the Max Green’s of the world can’t happen we already have players in that mold that aren’t good enough to start but also way too good to just sit the bench and not play at all.

 

[Fox2monk]

These players aren’t in a specific order but if we bring in 3 starters as everyone expects how many more do we take?
1. Oweh
2. Jasper
3. Portal Center
4. Portal PF
5. Portal PG
6. Chandler
7. Lewis
8. Noah
9. Moreno
10. Garrison
11. Perry

Now barring injuries which of course will happen that still leaves 4 open spots. Playing 10 players is always a stretch if healthy and now we can have 15. Which of these guys end up 10-15? Do we bring in 2-3 that will not play at all next year? I feel like after bringing in 3 starters maybe we take 1 more good one max? Even at that to me Moreno Noah and Perry are like 10-11-12. Just gonna be a very fine line in having continuity while improving our talent and chances every year. Maybe I’m seeing this wrong and some of you can help me out. Now if all of the players buy in then who cares and that’s amazing but how many teams will have 3 squads that can all play? The last of those squads who batting injuries won’t see the floor for meaningful minutes all year?

4-5 IMO. I know they want 4 at least.

 

[SkyPrince1]

Supposedly we're going to have to figure out some way to get to 15 if we want to participate in revenue sharing.
I was reading up on this and apparently the NCAA is adding scholarships across the board in all sports because the non revenue players are supposedly not going to be seeing any of the revenue sharing.
Men's basketball is adding 2 but I think baseball is adding 9.

 

[BleedBlue13]

So it looks like 3 that will start from day 1 being a PG C and PF, 1 more backup likely another PF. Then 3 that will never play because nobody is going 10-15 deep with actual playing time. Garrison being able to play backup 4 would go a long way in being able to bring in another top shooter. Otherwise you have 2 McDonald’s all American backup centers and that won’t happen.

 

[SkyPrince1]

So it looks like 3 that will start from day 1 being a PG C and PF, 1 more backup likely another PF. Then 3 that will never play because nobody is going 10-15 deep with actual playing time. Garrison being able to play backup 4 would go a long way in being able to bring in another top shooter. Otherwise you have 2 McDonald’s all American backup centers and that won’t happen.

I think the center position is yet to be determined.
No one knows how Pope is going to play this one.
There's several anti Garrison people on here that will tell you a starting 5 is a must.
Nick Davidson would probably be the perfect compromise.
He gives you what Carr does but is rugged enough to provide depth at the 5

 

[BleedBlue13]

Pope did make a comment earlier about Garrison shooting more 3’s next year. That leads me to think he may get some backup 4 minutes. I think that’s the only way it can work if we bring in a center. You still have 3 on the roster that can play the position but Moreno isn’t just 3rd string and buried on the bench.

 

[JonathanW]

So it looks like 3 that will start from day 1 being a PG C and PF, 1 more backup likely another PF. Then 3 that will never play because nobody is going 10-15 deep with actual playing time. Garrison being able to play backup 4 would go a long way in being able to bring in another top shooter. Otherwise you have 2 McDonald’s all American backup centers and that won’t happen.

I think there will be, has to be, a top 3pt shooter added (>40%)!! Even if the PG is one (like Agbim).


But you are right, nobody is going 13-15 deep, unless all 15 are mediocre players all with equal likelihood of winning PT. That should never be UK!

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

PG
C
SG/SF
PF
Shooter
I think they take 5

 

[know1]

Depends on how many of our players leave, but I'm going to take a guess and say 4-5.

 

[BleedBlue13]

We are for sure strongest at sg/sf with Oweh Chandler and Jasper one more top shooter to that group makes us very strong there. I think PF is gonna be the toughest to fill getting 1-2 guys there that can do what we need cause there just aren’t that many of them.

 

[L.O.D.]

Need starting PG , starting Center if Garrison bolts as I expect , and PF. Then 2 shooters . We need 5 total.

 

[tubbyrulz]

I could easily see a Pg, athletic wing, 2 PF, and a center. Maybe another scoring guard if Otega leaves and maybe another center is Garrison leaves but I don’t expect that.

 

[jeffky]

Need starting PG , starting Center if Garrison bolts as I expect , and PF. Then 2 shooters . We need 5 total.

Why would Garrison bolt ?

 

[Mrwildcats03]

Do we need to bring in a starting point? I wouldn't mind Acaden starting as a freshman, he's a lot of people's favorite PG in the class

 

[CatFanInIlliniLand]

I could imagine a couple of the last slots going to a big man prospect, maybe international, or a transfer with potential like Jacob Toppin coming from a small school. Or even one of these D2 late-bloomer type guys.

Bring in the next Nazr

 

[PastorofMuppets34]

Fully expect 4 main targets with late cherries on top of 1-2 more gel fill in gap players (like Almanor late last cycle), assuming no one transfers. Numbers of course change if people transfer or if Pope is able to convince a few more studs to come here together.

2 Studs ready to start (some combination of PG, PF, and C)
1 Prolific Shooter (probably weak on defensive side) at SG or SF
1 Solid but not spectacular Rebounding Dog that's tough as nails at PF, C

then the glue guys and projects, in-state guys who want to wear the jersey and willing to sit the bench, D-2 late bloomers, etc.

 

[The_Catfather]

In addition to an experienced guard and 2-3 bigs, we need a bigger, athletic wing that can guard SEC studs, help out on the boards and finish in transition. That's something this year's team lacked. Kam Williams fits that bill. And he shoots over 40 percent from 3. Would love to add him and Dedan Thomas, then focus on big men and a project or two to round out the roster.

 

[Kyhoward]

I ran into Otega's parents in the concourse after the Illinois game. They said that he loves Lexington, the university, and the entire coaching staff. Their eyes lit up as they talked about CMP. I asked, but probably should not have, about Otega coming back and his dad did not definitively say he would but the impression I got was he was coming back. I don't think he is going to transfer and the only possibility of him leaving would be for the NBA.

 

[JwUKFan11]

There will be a transfer or 2 that comes as surprising to some of our fans. I keep seeing “Why would Garrison transfer” Well most of the teams in the country have a player that leaves and nobody thinks they should.

 

[olehosk]

There will be a transfer or 2 that comes as surprising to some of our fans. I keep seeing “Why would Garrison transfer” Well most of the teams in the country have a player that leaves and nobody thinks they should.

Good point.

And for some reason I get the feeling we might see Perry transfer for a fresh start. He is really tight, might be better off with less of the pressure he gets from being all time leading scorer (greatest shooter ever).

 

[JwUKFan11]

Good point.

And for some reason I get the feeling we might see Perry transfer for a fresh start. He is really tight, might be better off with less of the pressure he gets from being all time leading scorer (greatest shooter ever).

He could, I’d hate to see it but nobody is safe. Hopefully he sees how well he could fit once he gets his feet under him.

 

[olehosk]

He could, I’d hate to see it but nobody is safe. Hopefully he sees how well he could fit once he gets his feet under him.

I believe Noah turns into our version of Cam Spencer. He has carved out a nice role.

And Chandler is starting to look explosive.

 

[catlogic15]

Good point.

And for some reason I get the feeling we might see Perry transfer for a fresh start. He is really tight, might be better off with less of the pressure he gets from being all time leading scorer (greatest shooter ever).

Probably would be in his best interest.

 

[JimboBBN]

I’ve said four for a while now

5 return
3 freshman
4 transfers

Could be an insanely deep team next season. Assuming out 11th and 12th guys are Noah and Perry. Both of whom have a good amount of SEC experience already.

 

[yabbadabbadoo]

Imma say 5

 

[G-PIP]

Bring in the next Nazr

Late blooming NJ high school star Najai Hines fits the bill. Looks sort of like a 6'10" Chuck Hayes.

 

[SkyPrince1]

Good point.

And for some reason I get the feeling we might see Perry transfer for a fresh start. He is really tight, might be better off with less of the pressure he gets from being all time leading scorer (greatest shooter ever).

I think he definitely gives it another year.

 

[bucsrule8872]

My prediction:

5 return- Oweh, Garrison, Chandler, Noah, and Perry.

3 Freshmen- Johnson, Moreno, and Lewis.

That leaves 7 scholarships open.

I believe Pope will fill 5 of those spots from the Portal early on and then waits to see what happens later in the Spring/Summer with those last two “extra” scholarships we now have. Probably doesn’t use them unless someone too good to pass up comes along.

So, I’m guessing we sign 5 from the Portal.

1. Starting PG
2. Starting PF/C
3. Starting/Reserve Wing Shooter
4. Reserve Stretch PF
5. Reserve PF/C

PG Portal/Lewis/Perry
SG Oweh/Johnson
SF Portal/Chandler/Noah
PF Portal/Portal
C Garrison/Portal/Moreno

I could also see Johnson starting with Oweh (moving Oweh to the 3 spot) or Garrison moving to the 4 and getting a guy more like Williams (passing big man) from the Portal to play the 5.

Of those currently in the Portal, I would like to get Thomas, Dix, and Davidson as potential starters.

But I would rather Pope wait and see who enters the Portal after the tourney. Get some guys with tourney experience. Those guys are valuable (see Butler).

Edit: if Pope can convince a Kentucky kid (like Green) that has lots of upside to come here and try to crack the rotation, he’ll take them for the 14th scholarship.

 

[bucsrule8872]

So right now, my five would probably be:

PG Thomas(UNLV)
Wing Dix(Iowa)
Big Davidson(Nevada)
Stretch 4 Freeman(D2 kid)
Big Dynes(Youngstown St.- Kentucky kid)

Plus Green(Holy Cross- Kentucky kid).

PG Thomas/Lewis/Perry
SG Oweh/Johnson/Green
SF Dix/Chandler/Noah
PF Davidson/Freeman
C Garrison/Dynes/Moreno

This will likely change before tomorrow. LOL!

 

[UKcats1988]

I’d guess around 4ish

 

[billoliver40]

We have 6 gone for sure.
Best case scenario 6 returning (highly doubtful), and some folks are pointing to 15 schollies. You guys have to correct me on that. Soooooo....
6 returnees, 3 signees.....

Leaves 6 transfers.
I'm guessing we have one more freshman...
So 5.

 

[bucsrule8872]

We have 6 gone for sure.
Best case scenario 6 returning (highly doubtful), and some folks are pointing to 15 schollies. You guys have to correct me on that. Soooooo....
6 returnees, 3 signees.....

Leaves 6 transfers.
I'm guessing we have one more freshman...
So 5.

I wonder if we will take another Freshman (assuming Ament goes elsewhere)?

Maybe a reclass or a late riser in the ranks?

Or a foreign player?

 

[Bleedin Blue in Ohio]

I don't believe Coach Pope will have more players than this past team. Hard to manage more than 12 quality players. So here is who this years team is losing and who is their replacement. I think Pope will try to get more athletic and taller without losing the shooting ability.

Amari Williams - Malachi Moreno
Andrew Carr
Ansley Almonor
Jaxson Robinson - Jasper Johnson
Koby Brea
Lamont Butler - Acaden Lewis
Possibly Kerr Kriisa -

I think they will sign 4 portel players and try to fill the spots still open with the goal of getting more height and athletic ability while always looking at 3pt shooting and +30%.

 

[billoliver40]

If he sticks with 12 then assuming everyone returns: Oweh, Perry, Noah, Chandler, Garrison and yes Kriissa, add in the 3 signers and we are looking at 3 portal players.

I'm sticking with 5. I think we lose 2.

 

[Jazzycat]

5-6 Portal players will come in to complement 3 freshmen and 4 returning players.