Let me first say I am an old timer and get that out of the way. But College Basketball and recruiting has changed so much in recent years. It used to be kids went to schools because they wanted to play for good ole State U. Or they went to the school because of it's Basketball Traditions. Or they went to play for this Coach or that Coach. Now every player seems to have handlers or shoe companies and everything is a Business decision. Now it is all about positioning yourself to get to the Pro's as fast as you can. From AAU to reclassifying to transferring to another team,it is all about getting there. Now I am not bashing this for I like it when these kids make it. But they just go out there and ball. The team they are doing it on matters little to them. So it seems. I miss the days of winning one for good ole STATE U.
How things have changed
- Thread starter etowncatfan
- Start date
I wonder how much things have really changed? The book Raw Recruits reveals a lot of corruption from the 80's. We even find out that UNC was running a diploma mill for athletes back 20 years ago and long before that they were paying street agents in NYC to funnel players to good ol state u (otherwise known as UNC).
I get what you are saying but I submit that is was longer ago than you think.In the 60's kids from Kentucky wanted to play at UK.there were 1000's of rims and nets nailed on barns,woodsheds and poles around the state and UK probably never lost a game on any of them.Even at that time players like Pat Riley were coming to UK for business reasons,it just took longer to get to the next level,kids can do it faster now so the competition is greater and they are looking for every edge they can get as soon as they can get it.The time it takes to get there is the only real difference
First of all, don't listen to the many here who will tell you the programs don't matter. They matter greatly.
Cal would not have been able to get all of these kids at Memphis. He knew it, that's why he left. All of that aside.
At programs like UK, it's mainly about business right now. That's only because that's how Cal recruits. But that's not the only reason they come here.
Most of college basketball, 95%, is about the program, coaches, and tradition. Kentucky will more than likely fall back into this category after Cal. 4 stars aren't thinking about shoe deals.
So I just enjoy the ride while it's here. Tomorrow will be something different. If it's discouraging to you, think about this. We never had claim to NBA greats. That was UNC and We now have that.
When it's all over, and we become a little more traditional, we'll be glad this happened this way.
For some reason I'd like to hear @Aike opinion on all of this.
Cal would not have been able to get all of these kids at Memphis. He knew it, that's why he left. All of that aside.
At programs like UK, it's mainly about business right now. That's only because that's how Cal recruits. But that's not the only reason they come here.
Most of college basketball, 95%, is about the program, coaches, and tradition. Kentucky will more than likely fall back into this category after Cal. 4 stars aren't thinking about shoe deals.
So I just enjoy the ride while it's here. Tomorrow will be something different. If it's discouraging to you, think about this. We never had claim to NBA greats. That was UNC and We now have that.
When it's all over, and we become a little more traditional, we'll be glad this happened this way.
For some reason I'd like to hear @Aike opinion on all of this.
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Given the choice between maximizing my future and taking care of my family and entertaining fans from good ole State U. I'd choice the former every time.
Also, of the top 20 players of the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 classes, can you say which of those players had/have "handlers"? Can you name the "handlers"?
Also, of the top 20 players of the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 classes, can you say which of those players had/have "handlers"? Can you name the "handlers"?
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Things haven't changed, the Internet has just made things a whole lot more transparent.
A
anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y
Guest
Are those Big Baller Brand on their feet? Is Lavar Ball a time traveller?OP's favorite UK team.
UK players come due to Cal. The players everyone still come due to the coach for the most part.
I understand where the op is coming from. I've had similar thoughts. I think we have to consider the fact that these are still just kids; easily influenced and doing their best. We look at them differently because of the shorter college careers and big money at stake. But at the end of the day, this collection of talented young men can become team players and want to win it all more than we might think. They don't like to lose and they don't want their college experience to end that way. Big money changes everything but kids still love the game and love to win.
If I was 18 and considered a one and done I would be trying to get to the NBA as soon as possible.
I do
Think one thing that sets Cal apart is the brotherhood/family he sells to recruits.
And he means it. Some of the most loyal kids that come back and remain part of the uk family are the guys that we're here one year.
That is the awesome part.
And if you don't think these kids love playing at uk, even if it is just 9 months, go watch the video of Ball after ucla loss vs fox/bam after uk loss.
Most of the kids buy in and learn to be about their brother next to them.
I do
Think one thing that sets Cal apart is the brotherhood/family he sells to recruits.
And he means it. Some of the most loyal kids that come back and remain part of the uk family are the guys that we're here one year.
That is the awesome part.
And if you don't think these kids love playing at uk, even if it is just 9 months, go watch the video of Ball after ucla loss vs fox/bam after uk loss.
Most of the kids buy in and learn to be about their brother next to them.
It all started to go to shit when players stopped wearing Chuck Taylor's.
Actually, I'm old enough to have seen Pat Riley and the Runts play at Memorial Colesium And the last eight years has been my favorite era of Kentucky basketball.
Actually, I'm old enough to have seen Pat Riley and the Runts play at Memorial Colesium And the last eight years has been my favorite era of Kentucky basketball.
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