I’m happy

[HogFan2012]

Because we stuck you with a moron of a Coach ha ha

I don't like him either but I think he has actually tried some this year or got luck that the BoggieMan went out.
He did say he will have more players next year we were in a bit of a bind also with time getting players without compromising on the quality of the ones we got.

TB was our only returning player and he was already in the portal so we were in about the same boat except he took the players he recruited that is standard practice.

 

[m080470]

It's been an amazing season. We had a completely empty cupboard, coaching staff too. Thank God for the transfer portal but really amazing what was done on the fly. Cal had his core guys plus his recruiting class and our schedule was much tougher pre-SEC and SEC (Arkansas home and away was LSU, Texas, and Missouri). He would have lost.against Duke, Gonzaga, and Clemson but would have probably beaten Ohio State and would have been 5-13 or 6-12 in the SEC at best and we'd be praying Selection Sunday that they'd take our schedule and name into account to get a play in game. Other schools had established coaches, rosters and ton of NIL to spend like IU and UNC and were so poorly coached and constructed. This was a fantastic job no matter how you look at it.

 

[HogFan2012]

It's been an amazing season. We had a completely empty cupboard, coaching staff too. Thank God for the transfer portal but really amazing what was done on the fly. Cal had his core guys plus his recruiting class and our schedule was much tougher pre-SEC and SEC (Arkansas home and away was LSU, Texas, and Missouri). He would have lost.against Duke, Gonzaga, and Clemson but would have probably beaten Ohio State and would have been 5-13 or 6-12 in the SEC at best and we'd be praying Selection Sunday that they'd take our schedule and name into account to get a play in game. Other schools had established coaches, rosters and ton of NIL to spend like IU and UNC and were so poorly coached and constructed. This was a fantastic job no matter how you look at it.

But beat KY at KY and the fans were leaving before the game was over, so what's your point.
Can't do nothing about the schedule it is what it is.

All I'm saying is don't start saying OK good enough because you beat Troy and tomorrow actually have to play somebody.

 

[K_TIME]

We are playing with HOUSE money go out and play loose and free, if they do I like us to advance to next week

Why would a #3 seed vs #6 seed in round of 32 be "playing with house money?" Sounds like we are making excuses if we lose

 

[HogFan2012]

 

[m080470]

But beat KY at KY and the fans were leaving before the game was over, so what's your point.
Can't do nothing about the schedule it is what it is.

All I'm saying is don't start saying OK good enough because you beat Troy and tomorrow actually have to play somebody.

We know far more about him than you all do at this point. One f-king win in the last 4 (5 if u wanna throw Covid in there) years in the NCAA while he was coach here so yeah beating Troy is a huge improvement over where Cal had us. Go take your rah-rah BS for him back to your board. I'm thrilled you have him

 

[TOMCATS1990]

Why would a #3 seed vs #6 seed in round of 32 be "playing with house money?" Sounds like we are making excuses if we lose

Injuries first year head coach who inherited a depleted roster and throw it together in a month and a half. Not making any excuse we should win the game I just won’t be crushed if we lose. Next season I expect a deep run.

 

[HogFan2012]

We know far more about him than you all do at this point. One f-king win in the last 4 (5 if u wanna throw Covid in there) years in the NCAA while he was coach here so yeah beating Troy is a huge improvement over where Cal had us. Go take your rah-rah BS for him back to your board. I'm thrilled you have him

You sound angry bro.
If beating Troy made your year gratzzz.

 

[Ron Mehico]

You sound angered bro.
If beating Troy made your year gratzzz.

Arkansas has a tournament game in an hour and you’re on the Kentucky board. What a loser. Can you imagine a Kentucky fan doing that? 😂

 

[JoeBeeHall]

For starting from scratch this team has exceeded most peoples and some animals expetations.

 

[HogFan2012]

Arkansas has a tournament game in an hour and you’re on the Kentucky board. What a loser. Can you imagine a Kentucky fan doing that? 😂

I'm traveling to see family will probably miss the game. Will be on our forums for the game thread.

 

[MegaBlue05]

That just doesn't sound right. Most teams had injuries, look at AR and we started the year a bit shorthanded because of a bad coach decision.

Why on earth would BBN be stratified with a single T win over Troy? Really Troy!

Because the rational wing of BBN understands that our coach had to build an entire roster in a month that only included one guy who’d ever played for him before. No one on our team was anywhere near an NBA draft board. Most came from smaller schools.

My expectations were: win a game in the SECT, make the tournament and win a game. I expected a 6-10 seed.

I did not expect 9 top 15 wins, including victories over Duke, Florida, Louisville, Gonzaga, Texas A&M and Tennessee twice. I did not expect to earn a 3 seed in year 1. I feel like this team has overachieved and that’s without mentioning playing a sizable part of SEC play without our top 3 PGs.

 

[HogFan2012]

Because the rational wing of BBN understands that our coach had to build an entire roster in a month that only included one guy who’d ever played for him before. No one on our team was anywhere near an NBA draft board. Most came from smaller schools.

My expectations were: win a game in the SECT, make the tournament and win a game. I expected a 6-10 seed.

I did not expect 9 top 15 wins, including victories over Duke, Florida, Louisville, Gonzaga, Texas A&M and Tennessee twice. I did not expect to earn a 3 seed in year 1. I feel like this team has overachieved and that’s without mentioning playing a sizable part of SEC play without our top 3 PGs.

Sounds like excuses for a next game loss already WHY? You already showed you can play with anybody!!!!!!!
I will be pulling for KY and expect you to win.
Injuries are part of the game AR has it's share and is also short handed but I fear no team and expect to win with no true Coach.
Coach Cal before the game speech.
OK kids when you tip the ball off go get it and score!

 

[darrellm1234]

When I saw the bracket, I thought going to the elite was was where UK would go. Still think that is how far we could expect to go.

 

[BigRickWithTheBig___Suv]

We are in the National Tournament and won one, that's all you can ask for and we are there.

 

[Fox2monk]

I know this won’t be a popular opinion with a lot of you but I’m very happy with the season, even with a loss tomorrow. Before the season started I wanted to win one SEC tournament game and one NCAA game - basically an improvement over last year with little time to put together a team. If we were fully healthy I would’ve liked a sweet sixteen, but with us so banged up I’ll still be happy even with a loss and thank Pope for a great year. Future looks very promising.

Agree 100%. I would still be sad tomorrow because I don’t want to see this team go yet. Proud of them all. They wore the jersey with pride this year.

 

[BBUK]

In my best JLL impression: "Go Cat(s) go!!!"

 

[vhcat70]

You should be happy with New Mexico winning.

 

[sosoblue]

I expect us to win but if we lose go down fighting and give everything you got. Play with tenacity, pride, heart and enthusiasm.

 

[BigRickWithTheBig___Suv]

I expect us to win but if we lose go down fighting and give everything you got. Play with tenacity, pride, heart and enthusiasm.

Amen!

 

[actionjaksen]

That is the BBN spirit, not I'm satisfied with a win over Troy.

AR is injured and was/is the dog in both games so far.

I agree with this guy even though he is a Arkansas fan. Since when are we satisfied with 1st round win, especially being higher seed for Rd 2. Is it generational, maybe? I was in college when Pitino reigned.

 

[JoeBeeHall]

First Foulfest of the tournament.

 

[EastKYWildcat]

I agree in theory but once our game starts I will be devastated if get beat.

 

[Butters' Dad]

Because we stuck you with a moron of a Coach ha ha

Why are you trying to take credit for Calipari leaving on his own? Weird.

 

[L.O.D.]

Before Cal got to second week I could say I could get past losing tommorow. Now a loss tommorow is CATastrophy

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

You had time to buy players just needed to pony up the $$$$$$$.
You ended up with a decent team you might of got one or 2 better players but overall you can't really ride that dead horse anymore.

EDIT you know everything has and hasn't changed, no such thing as Blue Bloods anymore, and players usually follow the coach not the school. Same as when Cal left Memphis he took the players with him.

30-40 days to build a complete roster with little to no recruiting. You think Perry and Noah are starters at UK? They'd be buried deep on Calipari's bench. Butler was an amazing get as was Jaxson Robinson but, again last minute. Williams has been inconsistent at best. Garrison has lots of potential but, has been forced into a role he isn't ready for.
And don't get me started with defense for this bunch.
You made my point mentioning Calipari leaving Memphis. Dude is a carpetbagger snake oil salesman. You've got about 3-4 years of him and then he'll retire. Coaching basketball isn't his overwhelming passion anymore. He won his championship...at UK. Except for 2015 every team he's had came with at least one major flaw. You guys got lucky running into St. Johns. They hadn't faced many teams with good talent, length and speed.
I actually think Arky will beat Texas Tech as I haven't been sold on the Big 12 all year. But, I think the dream ends after that. You'll lose most of your team after this year and you'll get to start from scratch like we did this year. We'll see how that goes.

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

My final word on this subject is Pope gets a mulligan for this year but, he hasn't really needed it. This team has far out performed expectations, especially in the pre-conference schedule. Those thinking Cat fans are satisfied with anything less than being in the hunt for a Title are badly mistaken. All those banners hanging from Rupp's rafters speak loud enough. But, most of us are rational (for the most part) and realists. You can look at the quality of talent on this roster and easily see it has punched well above its class. Only a moron would look at this team and expect a Title run. The talent just isn't there yet and all the injuries are salt in the wound.
With the fan enthusiasm for Pope I don't expect NIL to be a real problem right away. So, he will get some quality talent in here. I'm not saying Pope gets a pass this time next year as the portal and NIL have changed everything. But, potential recruits and transfers have had a full year to see the product Pope puts on the floor. It's time to get this thing rolling and I fully expect much better results in 2026.

 

[Mike-D]

We finished 6th in the SEC, and let's just say we lose tomorrow. Will I be happy with the season? No. Will I be understandable with the injuries? Yes. Not gonna lower the bar.

 

[Fox2monk]

I would still be bummed. We should make the S16 as a 3 seed, even with the injuries.

That being said, it wouldn't change my opinion about the future of the program. I think we are heading in the right direction.

Maybe some injuries but no team is competing at this level without a PG. I mean Butler can barely do anything out there. It’s like we have a car and 2 cylinders are out of the motor in a race.

 

[Butters' Dad]

For starting from scratch this team has exceeded most peoples and some animals expetations.

I just asked my dog if he cared and he farted.

 

[MonsterMash79]

I know this won’t be a popular opinion with a lot of you but I’m very happy with the season, even with a loss tomorrow. Before the season started I wanted to win one SEC tournament game and one NCAA game - basically an improvement over last year with little time to put together a team. If we were fully healthy I would’ve liked a sweet sixteen, but with us so banged up I’ll still be happy even with a loss and thank Pope for a great year. Future looks very promising.

👆this

 

[MonsterMash79]

You had time to buy players just needed to pony up the $$$$$$$.
You ended up with a decent team you might of got one or 2 better players but overall you can't really ride that dead horse anymore.

EDIT you know everything has and hasn't changed, no such thing as Blue Bloods anymore, and players usually follow the coach not the school. Same as when Cal left Memphis he took the players with him.

Cal did a great job his first 6 - 7 years. He was hungry and the one &done was still a growing monster. Over the years though, teams started doing the same thing and beating Cal out on big recruits. Cals recruits don’t care about the school and tradition,it’s about the money. Arkansas had been down for so long and needed to resurrect their program. Cals ego is in full motion and hungry to prove everybody wrong. And that’s good for Cal, because at the end of the day it’s really ALL about Cal.. Surely he can win more than 1 championship with all the talent he’s had🤔 No hating here bro, he’s a good fit for you guys 👍

 

[HogFan2012]

Cal did a great job his first 6 - 7 years. He was hungry and the one &done was still a growing monster. Over the years though, teams started doing the same thing and beating Cal out on big recruits. Cals recruits don’t care about the school and tradition,it’s about the money. Arkansas had been down for so long and needed to resurrect their program. Cals ego is in full motion and hungry to prove everybody wrong. And that’s good for Cal, because at the end of the day it’s really ALL about Cal.. Surely he can win more than 1 championship with all the talent he’s had🤔 No hating here bro, he’s a good fit for you guys 👍

Not sure 2X 8's and 2X 16's and still going this year is being down in the last 5 years.

2021				Seed: 3
Indianapolis, IN	3/19/2021	South Regional	1st Round	Arkansas 85, (14) Colgate 68
Indianapolis, IN	3/21/2021	South Regional	2nd Round	Arkansas 68, (6) Texas Tech 66
Indianapolis, IN	3/27/2021	South Regional	Sweet 16	Arkansas 72, (15) Oral Roberts 70
Indianapolis, IN	3/29/2021	South Regional	Quarterfinals	(1) Baylor 81, Arkansas 72
2022				Seed: 4
Buffalo, NY	3/17/2022	West Regional	1st Round	Arkansas 75, (13) Vermont 71
Buffalo, NY	3/19/2022	West Regional	2nd Round	Arkansas 53, (12) New Mexico St. 48
San Francisco, CA	3/24/2022	West Regional	Sweet 16	Arkansas 74, (1) Gonzaga 68
San Francisco, CA	3/26/2022	West Regional	Elite 8	(2) Duke 78, Arkansas 69
2023				Seed: 8
Des Moines, IA	3/16/2023	West Regional	1st Round	Arkansas 75, (9) Illinois 63
Des Moines, IA	3/18/2023	West Regional	2nd Round	Arkansas 72, (1) Kansas 71
Las Vegas, NV	3/23/2023	West Regional	Sweet 16	Arkansas vs. (4) Connecticut

 

[tf4fun]

I think most of us hoped the same as you… however once the season began and we saw what we were capable of the sky was the limit. Now with one injury after another it won’t phase me when/if we lose. I think we have seen enough to know we are back on track. Portal opens Monday let’s grab Dix and Obi to start and let the rosterbating begin! Chasingwildcat got a jumpstart on that he’s gonna be worn out before Monday even gets here lol

I just hope Pope has enough NIL to close the deal on top portal players!

 

[MegaBlue05]

I agree with this guy even though he is a Arkansas fan. Since when are we satisfied with 1st round win, especially being higher seed for Rd 2. Is it generational, maybe? I was in college when Pitino reigned.

It’s called being realistic.

Fans who “expect” a national title or final four every year because the jerseys say Kentucky on the front while ignoring any extenuating circumstances don’t live in reality.

 

[know1]

I have really enjoyed this season. Moreso than any season for many years. I knew I would, though.

 

[UKAlum84]

We are good, in that we can compete with the best...at the same time we lose games that are winnable.

On top of that, injuries...What does coach pope do when your starters are playing hurt?

Its not a fluke to think Cal made it to the sweet 16. Im not mad at him, heck he took the team with him....He knew they could win games.