Humphries>Skal

[CatsRWild]

I agree with some we may just be using him wrong. With his skill set and thin frame he needs to catch it off the block to face up, high post or pic & pop instead of back to the basket against bigger defenders.

When Skal is posting up our offense is just a mess. Right now he can't catch and finish inside, turns it over and the lane's too clogged for our guards to "dribble drive" in to when he's on the block.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I'm not going to sugar coat it. I'm really concerned about Skal. Slumps and freshman adjustments are one thing and can be corrected. Yesterday Skal gave ZERO effort and that's just not acceptable. The telling part about his game right now is his complete inability to rebound and total lack of defensive presence. That's effort and desire, or the lack thereof. I hope he doesn't pack it in. He isn't enjoying playing right now and it's obvious. Cal has his work cut out.

I don't agree. If he really was giving zero effort, Cal would not play him even as much as he did. If there is one thing Cal doesn't abide, unless he can't afford not to like in 2013, is lack of effort. Teams noticed that he is soft and they are descending on him like the Lakota and Cheyenne on Custer. It has got in his head and until he snaps out of it, it will continue to be a problem for him and us.

 

[michaeluk26]

Good lord, I was reading the thread about Skal and then someone had to take a shot at the Harrison twins. Maybe the most underappreciated players I've ever seen at UK. By far my biggest pet peave on this board is taking shots at two of the most clutch players I've ever seen while taking UK to 2 final fours in the process.

 

[OHIO COLONEL]

I really feel for Skal as it seems like he has hit rock bottom as far as confidence and doesn't seem very happy at all. I hope this young man can get this turned around soon.

I'm not a medical doc or psychiatrist, but I wonder too about his confidence. He's only been in the country for what? 4, 5 years? He's young and he's playing in front of 23,000 yelling, screaming fans. Trying to live up to all the expectations based on his recruitment. I think there are times he looks scared, but again I'm not a doctor and I may be taking his facial expressions all wrong. And I kind of wonder about when Ulis got on him a few games ago and shoved him...Skal's face spoke volumes.

What's interesting is going back a year or so and reading some of the articles about him. That many b'ball experts and sportswriters can't all be wrong.

 

[BBUK]

Valid points or not. This thread should be pinned and used as an example for what a bashing a UK player thread looks like. It ought not be this way.

 

[UKCATSFREAK]

I don't buy the "He'll get it" argument. At first it was, "It's just nerves, he'll be fine.", then it was, "Just gotta work the freshman out of him, he'll improve.", now it's, "He'll be ready by the end of January.". You can keep sliding the timeline back and hold on to that hope, but Cal's players that are gonna develop respond by now, and Skal is doing things that you should learn way before the college game are no-no's.

It doesn't get worse than his stat line today, and I think Cal is moving on by Humphries and Willis getting extended run. I think we saw Skal's one and done status get burnt today like a football coach burning a redshirt.

We are just 10 games into the season. Keep sliding the timeline back? It's just been 10 games played so far, that's it! Cal's players that are going to develop respond by now? Really? I can't remember a single freshman that has reached any peak by Dec 14th. Not a single player. Hell, Teague didn't "get it" until the NCAA tourney.

Listen to what Cal has been saying. The kid has literally not played organized basketball in 2 years. Trust that Cal knows what he is doing or at least trust his track record. Give the kid some time to develop and get comfortable. Some of you are just so spoiled by how good we have had it with Cal here. You're just ready to throw a freshman away after 10 games of the season and call for his benching. Gimme a break. How bout be a real fan and support the kid instead of throwing him under the bus. Relax, its no where near time to start to panic with Skal. Is there concern? Maybe but give him some time to work through it and let Cal work his magic. I expect a big jump in his play after Camp Cal. If he is still playing like this come mid January, then we can start this conversation again. Until then, relax and support the kid. Last thing he needs from fans is this. I bet recruits just love reading how some fans turn on them after 10 games.

 

[BBUK]

We are just 10 games into the season. Keep sliding the timeline back? It's just been 10 games played so far, that's it! Cal's players that are going to develop respond by now? Really? I can't remember a single freshman that has reached any peak by Dec 14th. Not a single player. Hell, Teague didn't "get it" until the NCAA tourney.

Listen to what Cal has been saying. The kid has literally not played organized basketball in 2 years. Trust that Cal knows what he is doing or at least trust his track record. Give the kid some time to develop and get comfortable. Some of you are just so spoiled by how good we have had it with Cal here. You're just ready to throw a freshman away after 10 games of the season and call for his benching. Gimme a break. How bout be a real fan and support the kid instead of throwing him under the bus. Relax, its no where near time to start to panic with Skal. Is there concern? Maybe but give him some time to work through it and let Cal work his magic. I expect a big jump in his play after Camp Cal. If he is still playing like this come mid January, then we can start this conversation again. Until then, relax and support the kid. Last thing he needs from fans is this. I bet recruits just love reading how some fans turn on them after 10 games.

I wish I could give you ten likes for this post. Good job, I can't for the life of me see how a UK fan can turn on a player as quick as a few have on this site. Oh they'll state they hope they are wrong but that doesn't fix it in my book. Thanks again...

 

[Big_Blue_Skidoo]

I think the harsh reality is that Skal is a project, plain and simple. He just hasn't had the experience of playing enough basketball to have developed into the player he can be. They need to stop all the talk about being a top draft pick this year and take some pressure off him. Let him come off the bench and maybe he can relax and start playing better. He may actually be a 2 or 3 year player in the long run.

 

[BBUK]

I think the harsh reality is that Skal is a project, plain and simple. He just hasn't had the experience of playing enough basketball to have developed into the player he can be. They need to stop all the talk about being a top draft pick this year and take some pressure off him. Let him come off the bench and maybe he can relax and start playing better. He may actually be a 2 or 3 year player in the long run.

What a maroon. Not in Shawshank...

 

[UKCATSFREAK]

I wish I could give you ten likes for this post. Good job, I can't for the life of me see how a UK fan can turn on a player as quick as a few have on this site. Oh they'll state they hope they are wrong but that doesn't fix it in my book. Thanks again...

I'm right there with ya brother.

 

[Clive Gollings]

Doubters will be back on the Skal bandwagon soon enough.

People trashed Terrance Jones, people bashed the Harrison twins, and now I guess it's Skal's turn to get bashed for not living up to some fans high expectations and not developing as fast as their opinions says he should.

 

[BBUK]

Doubters will be back on the Skal bandwagon soon enough.

People trashed Terrance Jones, people bashed the Harrison twins, and now I guess it's Skal's turn to get bashed for not living up to some fans high expectations and not developing as fast as their opinions says he should.

I'd love to see these same people at their job where they are actually getting paid. I may bet a little bit they are not their employers best producers. They may be, but...

 

[Big_Blue_Skidoo]

Doubters will be back on the Skal bandwagon soon enough.

People trashed Terrance Jones, people bashed the Harrison twins, and now I guess it's Skal's turn to get bashed for not living up to some fans high expectations and not developing as fast as their opinions says he should.

I hope you're right, but he's shown nothing up to this point to expect that. Yeah people criticized TJ and the Harrison Twins for underachieving, but at least those players produced something. It absolutely boggles my mind how a 6' 11" player that is considered to be a top 5 draft pick can play a game with 0 points, 0 rebounds and foul out in 13 minutes of play. He's almost being out rebounded on the year by Ulis. He is struggling mightily and one year in college may not be enough time for him to develop. And there's nothing wrong with that, ask Marcus Lee.

 

[Clive Gollings]

I hope you're right, but he's shown nothing up to this point to expect that. Yeah people criticized TJ and the Harrison Twins for underachieving, but at least those players produced something. It absolutely boggles my mind how a 6' 11" player that is considered to be a top 5 draft pick can play a game with 0 points, 0 rebounds and foul out in 13 minutes of play. He's almost being out rebounded on the year by Ulis. He is struggling mightily and one year in college may not be enough time for him to develop. And there's nothing wrong with that, ask Marcus Lee.

Clearly his worst game he was bothered by foul trouble. Even with his 0 point game against ASU, he's still averaging over 10PPG. His one knock is his rebounding, but with strength and adjustment to the college game, there's no doubt his rebounding numbers will come up.

 

[.S&C.]

The season is 1/3 of the way over. Some of you don't seem to comprehend that. We are a few weeks from January. He looks down right pitiful. Even if he improves from this point, I can't see him bring the juggernaut we all predicted.

No one is off of his bandwagon. Some of us are just calling it as it is happening, and others are hoping. There is a huge difference. Terrence jones wasn't trashed he had some bad games and some excellent games early on, even as a sophomore. Huge difference. The Harrison twins are also different. Those are t very good comparisons. This is a unique situations and some of our fans are going to have understand it sooner or later. I'm all for Skal, but it is what it is.

 

[Clive Gollings]

Jones and the Harrison twins were bashed constantly here. After every down game (sound familiar), they were open game for some folks. It's a spot on comparison. And clearly some are off his bandwagon ie this thread.


It's fine, I'm not going to sell a player to fans. Skal will be ok, and like I said he'll come along sooner than later just like a few of our other players have done in recent past.

 

[TheDude73]

I'm not a medical doc or psychiatrist, but I wonder too about his confidence. He's only been in the country for what? 4, 5 years? He's young and he's playing in front of 23,000 yelling, screaming fans. Trying to live up to all the expectations based on his recruitment. I think there are times he looks scared, but again I'm not a doctor and I may be taking his facial expressions all wrong. And I kind of wonder about when Ulis got on him a few games ago and shoved him...Skal's face spoke volumes.

What's interesting is going back a year or so and reading some of the articles about him. That many b'ball experts and sportswriters can't all be wrong.

You don't have to be trained to identify a lack of effort. And enough with all of these other diplomatic responses. The fact is, as of this day, Skal is and has been worthless on the floor for the Cats. He really brings nothing to the table in his current state. It's time some of you (not directed at OH Col) dump the "only say nice things" mantra and start telling it like it is, which is that he's starting to show signs of being a bust recruit.

Any draft projections currently published are merely pining off of speculation that Cal will whip him in to shape, or that he will eventually "figure it out". Mark my words, if he keeps playing like this, come February his name won't be on ANY draft boards - not even 2nd round - regardless of how awesome he was in the summer of 2015.

Disclaimer: I in no way want Skal to fail, and I too have hopes that he'll come around. But as of today, I'm leaning more towards "bust". That could change, but he needs to show at least 50% effort in a game, and soon.

 

[TheDude73]

I wish I could give you ten likes for this post. Good job, I can't for the life of me see how a UK fan can turn on a player as quick as a few have on this site. Oh they'll state they hope they are wrong but that doesn't fix it in my book. Thanks again...

Interesting when being critical of a player's drive and effort is spun into "turn on". So we're all supposed to just fart flowers and perfume when a player stinks up the court? Sounds boring.

Fans, like players, need to grow some damned skin. Enough with this sensitive whining and protection of players. Maybe tough criticism is what they need to get going.

 

[TheDude73]

Doubters will be back on the Skal bandwagon soon enough.

People trashed Terrance Jones, people bashed the Harrison twins, and now I guess it's Skal's turn to get bashed for not living up to some fans high expectations and not developing as fast as their opinions says he should.

SMH. "Bashed"? "Trashed"? As far as I see and know, everyone here fully supports Skal and the team, which is why we are open with our concerns around one of our guys. I think people are saying they're concerned, seeing little to no effort. Maybe some people don't express it in the best way, but I've not seen anyone in this thread "bash" or "trash" or even give up on the kid. All of us want him to succeed, but many of us are starting to question whether he's ready for this stage. Absolutely nothing wrong with this.

 

[Clive Gollings]

I agree, there's nothing wrong with constructive criticism. There has clearly been Skal bashing here and the call in shows. He's still averaging over 10 PPG and 2 BPG in just over 21 MPG. . Everyone agrees his rebounding numbers need to come up and they will when he gets stronger and learns to adapt to the college game. He barely played the past two years in HS, and prior to that he didn't have much experience. The talent is there.

Like I said, some people went all in on giving up on T. Jones. Some hate the Harrisons to this day despite them talking UK to the FF the only two years they were here. I'm starting to see the same with Labissiere. The young man has the talent but peole need patience for him to develop.

But again, constructive criticism is fine. He needs lower body strength, box out, and a higher motor to go after rebounds. If he got around 7 rebounds a game no one would say a word. Also, he needs to keep his hands straight up and not bring them down on defense causing so many fouls. This is all fixable stuff that many other freshman big men have struggled with.

IMO his fouling is his worst problem right now. His per 40 min stats are pretty good. ~20 PPG, ~7RPG and ~4BPG. 58FG% and 74FT%.

 

[BBUK]

Interesting when being critical of a player's drive and effort is spun into "turn on". So we're all supposed to just fart flowers and perfume when a player stinks up the court? Sounds boring.

Fans, like players, need to grow some damned skin. Enough with this sensitive whining and protection of players. Maybe tough criticism is what they need to get going.

Dude, dude, dude...take a chill pill. No whining and no protection 10 games does not a season make. See me nearer the 25 game mark and let's talk. You sound like a few I've known (some close to me.) Need some of that tough love or tough criticism. Yeah, that's the ticket BUT, when they were growing up and coming along it was...why are you so tough on me? Mostly toughness is relative. Be who you are and be consistent. My skins thicker than most on this site at least and I don't go sniffing other peoples jocks (or farts). What I won't do is compromise right and wrong. At this point and time those calling for benching Skal or calling him a project or bust......are WRONG. if you fit in that category...not a thing I can do about it. Be Good

 

[TyCatPrice14]

I'm not a medical doc or psychiatrist, but I wonder too about his confidence. He's only been in the country for what? 4, 5 years? He's young and he's playing in front of 23,000 yelling, screaming fans. Trying to live up to all the expectations based on his recruitment. I think there are times he looks scared, but again I'm not a doctor and I may be taking his facial expressions all wrong. And I kind of wonder about when Ulis got on him a few games ago and shoved him...Skal's face spoke volumes.

What's interesting is going back a year or so and reading some of the articles about him. That many b'ball experts and sportswriters can't all be wrong.

Here's the problem though, at most we will only have Skal for 1 year, (basically at most 30 games left) if we are getting him for 4 years to develop this wouldn't even be talked about, but if your going to be a one and done you better make your first year count and give a good effort. I hate that the NBA drafts on potiental becuase there are so many better overall players out there. Half the time potential type players don't turn out anyways, AD, KAT, Randle, Cousins, Bledsoe were all proven players and deserved to go one and done.... Should Goodwin, Orton, Teague, the Twins, Liggins, Lamb Etc. left as early as they did? Majority of them were good players but no way in hell NBA ready and are all flirting with the D-League. Skal will be that way too if he leaves after one year and continues to only get barely any better.

 

[pauled]

I think the kid will be fine, he's gonna get it figured out.. And we need to quit eating our own!

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

Cal sticks by certain players every year. As even experts have pointed out, if Cal had played Ulis over Harrison we most likely would have won another National Championship. But, long-term perhaps from a recruiting perspective, maybe Cal has to do what he does in order that highly ranked players know that he has their back.

Vitale said, and I completely agree, unless Skal develops by the end of the season this team will be very good but not outstanding. Humphries is a decent player but I am not sure he is elite either. I still wonder why we don't see Skal and Humphries in there together at times but at the present Skal is totally lost.

The Harrisons got us to the final four..otherwise is nonsense. People have revisionist memory where they only remember the last game and now see how Ulis is now. It's clear to see that they lost in the final four because Cal changed how they played..he pulled the ball out, which we never did all year long. They lost because they didn't feed Towns continually on possessions. Has nothing to do with the twins.

And your judgement on Humphries..first he's 17, he's one of the youngest players on the court every game. He's going to develop infinately. It doesn't take a guru to see this. At the moment he doesn't play him because he's not effective among smaller quick teams.

As far as Vitale comment...why does this team have to be as good as 2010, 2012, or 2015...all they have to do is beat who's in front of them at the end of this year..it doesn't matter if those other teams were better.