I Dont Know What Most Of You Expected From This Season

[KyCatFan]

But maybe you should have not raised your expectations so high. I said early on that some of you expected to much and that this isn't a title contending team. Pope put this team together in 2 months. He had no returning players here. Our lineup is filled with mostly former mid major players, freshman that aren't ready for major minutes, and a guy that hasn't played basketball in 2 years.

I believe I heard them say we have only had 7 games where we were healthy. We still have more top 15 wins than most any team out there while dealing with everything we have had to. It's a little early to be talking about if Pope is the right coach for the job. Give him time to build a team up of higher recruits and not judge him by this makeshift team that has exceeded a lot of preseason expectations while dealing with debilitating injuries.

After year 2 or 3 if we are still struggling, then by all means start questioning him as coach. I just think it's way to early for some of you to be so negative. This was the worst possible year to come into this conference and try to be successful. Even with our stumbles, there's still a shot at getting a pretty high seed in the tournament and see what happens. Hopefully this season was a fluke with how ridiculous the SEC was.

All of the constant negativity with what we've had to deal with this year has kept me off of this board a lot the past couple months after spending 20+ years on it religiously. I use to enjoy coming here but even the excitement of finally getting a new coach hasn't changed the environment around here. I think a lot of people need to take a break from this board and I might go back to doing it as well. I might check back in at tournament time.

 

[chattanoogawildcat]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this season.

 

[BIG BLUE GURU]

But maybe you should have not raised your expectations so high. I said early on that some of you expected to much and that this isn't a title contending team. Pope put this team together in 2 months. He had no returning players here. Our lineup is filled with mostly former mid major players, freshman that aren't ready for major minutes, and a guy that hasn't played basketball in 2 years.

I believe I heard them say we have only had 7 games where we were healthy. We still have more top 15 wins than most any team out there while dealing with everything we have had to. It's a little early to be talking about if Pope is the right coach for the job. Give him time to build a team up of higher recruits and not judge him by this makeshift team that has exceeded a lot of preseason expectations while dealing with debilitating injuries.

After year 2 or 3 if we are still struggling, then by all means start questioning him as coach. I just think it's way to early for some of you to be so negative. This was the worst possible year to come into this conference and try to be successful. Even with our stumbles, there's still a shot at getting a pretty high seed in the tournament and see what happens. Hopefully this season was a fluke with how ridiculous the SEC was.

All of the constant negativity with what we've had to deal with this year has kept me off of this board a lot the past couple months after spending 20+ years on it religiously. I use to enjoy coming here but even the excitement of finally getting a new coach hasn't changed the environment around here. I think a lot of people need to take a break from this board and I might go back to doing it as well. I might check back in at tournament time.

Truth. Same things I have said from the beginning. Go back and look. This board and haters, trolls etc is becoming unbearable

 

[MegaBlue05]

I expected a change in culture, a change in philosophy, and a change in priorities.

I said back in April that I will give Pope a free pass this year unless he pulled a Kenny Payne. I stand by that. My expectations were “make the tournament” and see what happens. Those are still my expectations.

I am not one of those fans who expect to go the Final Four or win a title every single season regardless of roster or extenuating circumstances because the jerseys say Kentucky.

I have enjoyed this season despite some of the losses and litany of injuries that derailed our chances for a magical year. I am excited about the future of the program and never once expected to win 9 this season.

 

[know1]

Best season in years as far as I'm concerned. Even with the injuries, we're about as good as I thoight/hoped. Without the injuries, no doubt we're a legit contender.

And at least I believe the injuries are real. And I still believe the post season will be better than it has been for years.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

I expected this team to compete.

I figured there would be many games where we just played our asses off and came up short just due to being outmanned.

If someone is seeing a UK team go out there and compete they are watching a different UK team than I’m watching.

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

We're going to finish basically right on what pre season expectations were as far as record, and actually much much better as far as ranked wins

A team that was thrown together in a month and ppl are ready to jump

This is the fanbase that complained the entire of the 2012 and 2015 seasons bc we didn't beat ppl by enough

 

[hotelblue]

between the spotlight we get, and our offensive system, we’re going to attract good players.

i wasn’t posting as much the last couple years because cal made basketball no fun to watch. neither could i watch other teams, because their success (compared to ours) was infuriating to watch, given our talent. this year has been much better in a general basketball sense.

 

[Supafuzz75]

Only thing I've expected since season started was win one game in ncaa tournament.. Questioned a few things this year but nerry game has made me mad to where I post nonsense crap almost every game like loads on here do 😂

 

[Cold Stout Beer]

But maybe you should have not raised your expectations so high. I said early on that some of you expected to much and that this isn't a title contending team. Pope put this team together in 2 months. He had no returning players here. Our lineup is filled with mostly former mid major players, freshman that aren't ready for major minutes, and a guy that hasn't played basketball in 2 years.

I believe I heard them say we have only had 7 games where we were healthy. We still have more top 15 wins than most any team out there while dealing with everything we have had to. It's a little early to be talking about if Pope is the right coach for the job. Give him time to build a team up of higher recruits and not judge him by this makeshift team that has exceeded a lot of preseason expectations while dealing with debilitating injuries.

After year 2 or 3 if we are still struggling, then by all means start questioning him as coach. I just think it's way to early for some of you to be so negative. This was the worst possible year to come into this conference and try to be successful. Even with our stumbles, there's still a shot at getting a pretty high seed in the tournament and see what happens. Hopefully this season was a fluke with how ridiculous the SEC was.

All of the constant negativity with what we've had to deal with this year has kept me off of this board a lot the past couple months after spending 20+ years on it religiously. I use to enjoy coming here but even the excitement of finally getting a new coach hasn't changed the environment around here. I think a lot of people need to take a break from this board and I might go back to doing it as well. I might check back in at tournament time.

When you want Cal gone so bad and then are already on Pope, you're just an unhappy person searching for company for your misery. Sadly, the internet is full of it since any coward can hide in anonymity and act like a 2 year old brat.

 

[mdlUK.1]

This was a tough loss but no one will beat auburn if they shoot like they did today. Back to back banked in 3’s? Come on.

This has been a pretty good season with some great wins. And some inexplicable losses. Gonna have to give Pope a few seasons to build a quality roster.

 

[RobEStacy]

I'll admit I got alittle caught up in the early season success.. The flaws where there... Just masked by a crap ton of 3s. A new style. And UK being fun again. Then teams figured out how to guards us... Injuries. And the shine started to fall off... Pope has not been perfect... No coach is. He has been thrown a bunch of problems, and the ever present pressure of the job and BBN. Disappointed because I let myself get dragged into the hype... But honestly before they year started we are ahead of schedule and the future is bright.

 

[mcnicKY91]

I think the concern is lack of intensity that we have seen far too often this year, and Pope's inability to get this team to defend. Not saying they need to be great, but they just look lost so often out there.

Unfortunately, none of Pope's teams have ever been good defensively, so that was already a concern I specifically had going into this year, and Pope has done absolutely nothing to alleviate it.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

If this team wa fully healthy I expected about 24-7 or 23-8 record and a sweet16/elite 8 finish

 

[MegaBlue05]

We're going to finish basically right on what pre season expectations were as far as record, and actually much much better as far as ranked wins

A team that was thrown together in a month and ppl are ready to jump

This is the fanbase that complained the entire of the 2012 and 2015 seasons bc we didn't beat ppl by enough

We have a segment that thinks every game of every season should resemble the 1996 team in Rounds 1-4 of that year’s NCAA Tournament.

I still vividly remember in 2012 we had people wanting to bench Teague all season and he ended up being vital to us winning the title in that tournament.

 

[chasingwildcat]

I will be mad with another first round exit

If we can win first game, I am ok

I hope us to get a S16

 

[yes_takeaside]

Hoping UK holds on to the 8 seed in the SEC tourney. Win that first game and I think the Cats can beat Auburn on Friday

 

[Rockfly78]

It’s the fans fault now?

This year has had amazing moments. 7-3 against the top 15. 9 Q1 wins. Projected 3 seed. Well ahead of schedule.

But it’s still appropriate to be upset when the team no shows and completely shits the bed in a big game at home.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Hoping UK holds on to the 8 seed in the SEC tourney. Win that first game and I think the Cats can beat Auburn on Friday

Its good to have goals.

 

[ManitouDan]

But maybe you should have not raised your expectations so high. I said early on that some of you expected to much and that this isn't a title contending team. Pope put this team together in 2 months. He had no returning players here. Our lineup is filled with mostly former mid major players, freshman that aren't ready for major minutes, and a guy that hasn't played basketball in 2 years.

I believe I heard them say we have only had 7 games where we were healthy. We still have more top 15 wins than most any team out there while dealing with everything we have had to. It's a little early to be talking about if Pope is the right coach for the job. Give him time to build a team up of higher recruits and not judge him by this makeshift team that has exceeded a lot of preseason expectations while dealing with debilitating injuries.

After year 2 or 3 if we are still struggling, then by all means start questioning him as coach. I just think it's way to early for some of you to be so negative. This was the worst possible year to come into this conference and try to be successful. Even with our stumbles, there's still a shot at getting a pretty high seed in the tournament and see what happens. Hopefully this season was a fluke with how ridiculous the SEC was.

All of the constant negativity with what we've had to deal with this year has kept me off of this board a lot the past couple months after spending 20+ years on it religiously. I use to enjoy coming here but even the excitement of finally getting a new coach hasn't changed the environment around here. I think a lot of people need to take a break from this board and I might go back to doing it as well. I might check back in at tournament time.

Super post , people have lost all perspective. I’ve been attacked more the past 5 days than 5 years combined , people thought that OU win was so good . Many saw the same flaws overcome by a rare Superman performance, well Superman forgot his cape today

 

[katkraze]

Boosters need to kick in millions more so Mark can buy elite stars like Auburn and Duke.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I hope Pope stays away from finesse guys in the portal. We'll already have a ton of them next year with Chandler, Perry, Noah, Moreno, and Johnson.

Get some guys who can shoot and defend.

It was hard watching quality teams torch us for 90+ points this season.

 

[Ugoff]

What some "expected" was a disastrous season; they didn't get it and now they're throwing tantrums.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

I expected to not turn to ball over so damn much, I can tell you that.

 

[USARMYWILDCAT]

But maybe you should have not raised your expectations so high. I said early on that some of you expected to much and that this isn't a title contending team. Pope put this team together in 2 months. He had no returning players here. Our lineup is filled with mostly former mid major players, freshman that aren't ready for major minutes, and a guy that hasn't played basketball in 2 years.

I believe I heard them say we have only had 7 games where we were healthy. We still have more top 15 wins than most any team out there while dealing with everything we have had to. It's a little early to be talking about if Pope is the right coach for the job. Give him time to build a team up of higher recruits and not judge him by this makeshift team that has exceeded a lot of preseason expectations while dealing with debilitating injuries.

After year 2 or 3 if we are still struggling, then by all means start questioning him as coach. I just think it's way to early for some of you to be so negative. This was the worst possible year to come into this conference and try to be successful. Even with our stumbles, there's still a shot at getting a pretty high seed in the tournament and see what happens. Hopefully this season was a fluke with how ridiculous the SEC was.

All of the constant negativity with what we've had to deal with this year has kept me off of this board a lot the past couple months after spending 20+ years on it religiously. I use to enjoy coming here but even the excitement of finally getting a new coach hasn't changed the environment around here. I think a lot of people need to take a break from this board and I might go back to doing it as well. I might check back in at tournament time.

100% agree, I think Pope has done a fantastic job with the players he has had this year. Athleticism needs to Popes main objective with the portal this off season. This team athleticism level is not at SEC level. I got bashed for saying this on another thread. Players like Brea, Carr and Almonor are not talented or athletic enough to be key players on Championship teams. They are role players but they are key players on this team. I think Pope knows this and will fix it.

 

[king of cali]

I think the concern is lack of intensity that we have seen far too often this year, and Pope's inability to get this team to defend. Not saying they need to be great, but they just look lost so often out there.

Unfortunately, none of Pope's teams have ever been good defensively, so that was already a concern I specifically had going into this year, and Pope has done absolutely nothing to alleviate it.

That about sums it up. The effort ebbs and flows from game to game. The fact that he ain’t able to implement a coherent defensive system is concerning. You hope it improves with the talent level improving. But will it?

 

[catlogic15]

I think the concern is lack of intensity that we have seen far too often this year, and Pope's inability to get this team to defend. Not saying they need to be great, but they just look lost so often out there.

Unfortunately, none of Pope's teams have ever been good defensively, so that was already a concern I specifically had going into this year, and Pope has done absolutely nothing to alleviate it.

Built like BYU, plays like BYU, and most likely ends the season like BYU last year.
Need upgrades in several areas to compete in this league, and have legitimate post season aspirations.

 

[bbncal02]

I expected to not turn to ball over so damn much, I can tell you that.

Yeah, that's just inexcusable for veteran players. I do NOT understand that AT. ALL.

 

[Fox2monk]

It sucks we never got to see what the team could have been if they were healthy all year. Jaxson is out now we have now lost the only other perimeter creator we had. It’s gonna be hard to win many games in the tourney, maybe we get some good matchups. We will have to shoot lights out from now on to succeed because the guys we have to play just don’t defend at the level we need.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Any one who is judging this team based on today’s performance has obviously not watched Auburn this season.

 

[JohnnyGreen1975]

But maybe you should have not raised your expectations so high. I said early on that some of you expected to much and that this isn't a title contending team. Pope put this team together in 2 months. He had no returning players here. Our lineup is filled with mostly former mid major players, freshman that aren't ready for major minutes, and a guy that hasn't played basketball in 2 years.

I believe I heard them say we have only had 7 games where we were healthy. We still have more top 15 wins than most any team out there while dealing with everything we have had to. It's a little early to be talking about if Pope is the right coach for the job. Give him time to build a team up of higher recruits and not judge him by this makeshift team that has exceeded a lot of preseason expectations while dealing with debilitating injuries.

After year 2 or 3 if we are still struggling, then by all means start questioning him as coach. I just think it's way to early for some of you to be so negative. This was the worst possible year to come into this conference and try to be successful. Even with our stumbles, there's still a shot at getting a pretty high seed in the tournament and see what happens. Hopefully this season was a fluke with how ridiculous the SEC was.

All of the constant negativity with what we've had to deal with this year has kept me off of this board a lot the past couple months after spending 20+ years on it religiously. I use to enjoy coming here but even the excitement of finally getting a new coach hasn't changed the environment around here. I think a lot of people need to take a break from this board and I might go back to doing it as well. I might check back in at tournament time.

I am still expecting at least an elite 8. A final four would be nice. Once we get out of SEC play, I think we will be hard to beat.

 

[wildcat_nation28]

I do agree at some point but when u have beat teams and proven to play with the best and you collapse at the end of season " I get injuries " but can't use that as an excuse, why shouldn't you expect more

 

[specialkd24]

This is KENTUCKY ... expectations are always high. Even our Coach knows that.

I'm pleased with the Coach, the change of culture, the excitement being back. And we won big games .. Duke , Gonzaga, UofL, Florida, Tennessee (twice).

BUT, we can also be disappointed. Disappointed that the injury bug bit us AGAIN, and that we won big games, and then lost to the likes of Arkansas, Georgia, Texas.

It is really just a combination that since March 31, 2019 WE HAVE NOT PLAYED ONE MEANINGFUL NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME. I expect that to change (hopefully next year), but it has just been one miserable March after another.

 

[Emarc]

Boosters need to kick in millions more so Mark can buy elite stars like Auburn and Duke.

Chip in.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Boosters need to kick in millions more so Mark can buy elite stars like Auburn and Duke.

Idk how much more they can do. This team was one of the best rosters NIL could buy this off season.

The boosters intentionally withheld NIL with Cal his last few seasons. My understanding was they opened up the wallets for Popes first team.

It's not as simple as go get the best portal pg, c and wing guy. Other teams are gonna bid for those too.

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

We're going to finish basically right on what pre season expectations were as far as record, and actually much much better as far as ranked wins

A team that was thrown together in a month and ppl are ready to jump

This is the fanbase that complained the entire of the 2012 and 2015 seasons bc we didn't beat ppl by enough

Not to mention outside of like 2 guys, we're a team full of mid major players

 

[WildcatFan1982]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this season.

Same. Never like a loss but this season has been fun to follow. Now I’d prefer a better team from here on out but it’s Popes honeymoon and sometimes…

 

[wildcat_nation28]

Not to mention outside of like 2 guys, we're a team full of mid major players

does that change next year cause kentucky freshman are not top tier talent

 

[sk73]

Wasn't Kenny Brooks hired in late March? He took over a team with a losing record and loser mentality. He managed to put together a very good team.

 

[Catfan in Tn.]

Fight from start to finish don’t think that was asking too much.