IMO, our best SL is Green, Diallo, Knox, Vanderbilt, and Richards.

[Dablueman]

I see Washington or Gabriel getting the nod for starting the 4 early in the season while Vanderbilt heals from his injury and rebuilds confidence. But what those two give that Vanderbilt doesn't is ouside shooting. Both guys are probably twice as good as Vando from behind the arc.

Vanderbilt apparently shot the ball well from the last month of his hs season thru three weeks of all star games and practices. Every one should read some articles and scouting reports from Vanderbilts soph and jr years. Early on between fresh and soph season shooting was not considered a weakness. his passing and ball handling was so good for his size they were hell bent on making a pg out of him. And it was during the so called transition to pg his jr year he developed the rep as not being able to shoot. His injury added to this. Now that he has settled into the forward spot and isn't trying to shoot off the dribble and shoot hurt he has shot the ball well this spring so well that espn and draft net moved him to around 9 or 10 in next year's draft which if you look at the players ahead of him would rank him about 6 or 7 in the fresh class. Chad Ford before he was canned said if he showed his shot has truly improved this season. He will be a top five pick. The kid stuffs stat sheets and is an elite defender.

If he is healthy he may be our best over all player who recruiting analysts used to call a triple double machine because he has such a nose for the ball and has such long arms he is considered probably the second best rebounding forwards in the game and at 6ft9 and a 7ft1 wingspan could conceivably get a quadruple double. I know highly unlikely but he is one of the few players with the ability to do it

 

[Dablueman]

I see some Kentucky fans saying Vanderbilt being maybe the most talented player on our roster for next season and i'm wondering what i might be missing with this kid. Is he really that talented? I know the kid has size and length and can handle the ball for a dude at that height, but better than Knox and Diallo? That would be hard to believe, as i believe Knox can be one of the best players in the country next season. Maybe i have not done as much research on Vanderbilt as most have. If Vanderbilt turns out to be that good, more power to Kentucky!

Totally agree.

Knox and Diallo will average 34-36 minutes agame.

Yet Vanderbilt right now is rated higher in mock drafts than both Knox, diallo. He handles way better than Knox and before he got hurt they were transitioning him to pg on his hs team. He has pg speed with the ball in his hand which most point forwards who can handle don't go that fast. He is an elite defender and has mkg energy. Cal will play the best defender. he has sick length at 7ft1 and the ability to guard 4 positions. Defensively think bigger and longer Liggins. NBA scouts consider him the second best rebounding big behind only PJ Washington and his 7ft3 wingspan. His jr year preinjury aau season he was ranked top 5 and as high as one in the past. he was referred to a walking triple double machine NBA scouts say if his shot has improved like he showed consistently since he recovered from the injury that caused him to fall to the late teens in rankings because he toughed it out and played on it that he will go top 5 in next seasons draft. Oh and while dumbass analysts dropped him in rankings because he had the nerve to play hurt when others wouldn't have everyone forgot to find out the kid has a 4.3 gpa.

Oh yeah preinjury the team USA u17 coaches considered him to be the best player on the team. Mike Bibby reiturrated that as his team USA coach at the hoop Summit when he pulled out wendle pouting Carter and team USA was plus 15 with him on the floor. And he outplayed michael Porter by scoring the same amount of points out rebounding him with 2 assist and 2 steals. In 5 less minutes went out the next week at the Jordan game and proved it was no fluke by doing it again. If he is healthy and has developed anything resembling a shot like reports say he will be the most versatile and skilled player on the court for us next year and possibly all of college hoops. I love Knox and I am glad we got him but Vanderbilt out performed him big time at all three all star games. Knox basically shoots a little better and based on NBA scouts at all the all star practices now that is debatable to.

Now this being my opinion is backed up by his performances while one hundred percent by articles and AAU games from his fresh to his his Sr year by evaluations on draft express ESPN 2018 nba mock draft and profile

 

[Dablueman]

Washington looked to me to be the best all around player in several of those tournaments. Vanderbilt had that one great all-star game and maybe he will be like that in other games, but Washington is whom I anticipate to start with SKJ, Knox, Green, and Diallo. Remember Cal goes by defense more than offense. I would have even suggested Gabriel over Knox because of experience, but Gabriel was so often out of position on defense that he may have more to overcome than Knox. I know Cal had said he won't ever do the Platoon again, but for me, this next Kentucky teams huge advantage would be all the players who can produce. So, depth seems way better than Duke, Kansas, Michigan State, and Arizona. You might argue that those other teams starting fives are as good or better but I don't see anyone who can match the depth. So, I hope that is used to our advantage.

Vanderbilt had 2 straight great games the hoop summit is not an all star games the players who performed like he did in that game are with out fail all one and dones and super stars. Let's look at who did similarly well there Kanter, Anthony Davis, embid, Jamal murry, John Wall, CAT, Wiggins, Kyrie Irving, I mean you can take the top two or three performers from this taken very serious international game from both team USA and the world team and they virtually all are not only in the NBA they are all stars and major contributors. Now he went and did the same thing the next week at the Jordan game all three weeks of practice of the McDonald's hoop Summit and the last month of his hs season. Which was the first time he had been a hundred percent in over a year. Before he got hurt he was ranked top 5 in his class and had been top 10 or higher til this year when he had the nerve to not be a puss and play hurt and he got dropped. So basically every time he has played a hundred percent he has played this way and now it looks like he is shooting better to. So no not just one all star game

 

[kev69]

Yet Vanderbilt right now is rated higher in mock drafts than both Knox, diallo. He handles way better than Knox and before he got hurt they were transitioning him to pg on his hs team. He has pg speed with the ball in his hand which most point forwards who can handle don't go that fast. He is an elite defender and has mkg energy. Cal will play the best defender. he has sick length at 7ft1 and the ability to guard 4 positions. Defensively think bigger and longer Liggins. NBA scouts consider him the second best rebounding big behind only PJ Washington and his 7ft3 wingspan. His jr year preinjury aau season he was ranked top 5 and as high as one in the past. he was referred to a walking triple double machine NBA scouts say if his shot has improved like he showed consistently since he recovered from the injury that caused him to fall to the late teens in rankings because he toughed it out and played on it that he will go top 5 in next seasons draft. Oh and while dumbass analysts dropped him in rankings because he had the nerve to play hurt when others wouldn't have everyone forgot to find out the kid has a 4.3 gpa.

Oh yeah preinjury the team USA u17 coaches considered him to be the best player on the team. Mike Bibby reiturrated that as his team USA coach at the hoop Summit when he pulled out wendle pouting Carter and team USA was plus 15 with him on the floor. And he outplayed michael Porter by scoring the same amount of points out rebounding him with 2 assist and 2 steals. In 5 less minutes went out the next week at the Jordan game and proved it was no fluke by doing it again. If he is healthy and has developed anything resembling a shot like reports say he will be the most versatile and skilled player on the court for us next year and possibly all of college hoops. I love Knox and I am glad we got him but Vanderbilt out performed him big time at all three all star games. Knox basically shoots a little better and based on NBA scouts at all the all star practices now that is debatable to.

Now this being my opinion is backed up by his performances while one hundred percent by articles and AAU games from his fresh to his his Sr year by evaluations on draft express ESPN 2018 nba mock draft and profile

Sounds like we have some crazy length.
May be that not getting Bamba won't really be that big of a loss.

 

[bucsrule8872]

From what I understand, Gilgeous-Alexander is a combo guard. He is not a pure PG. Green is a pure PG. I think Green starts and plays most of the PG minutes because of this.

Having said that, SGA looked solid running the point in the Hoops Summitt and apparently had a good game at the Derby Classic (not exactly great competition, though).

Still, I don't see him running the PG.

First off, Green is a vocal leader. SGA does not have that kind of reputation.

Second, most of the other recruits who signed wanted to play with Green as their PG. That is saying something. These guys want to win and want to play with the guy that can get the ball in their hands in scoring position.

Third, SGA signed before Green. If Green had any doubt that he could beat out SGA for the starting spot, I doubt he signs with us.

So I'd say it's a safe bet that Green is the man at PG. Anything can happen, but the smart money would be on Green.

 

[Dablueman]

Sounds like we have some crazy length.
May be that not getting Bamba won't really be that big of a loss.

I hope so. I just hope the length and the possible excellent defense that could result will keep early season losses down while we get our young guys up to speed and we don't have to fight in the tourney being an 8 seed like 14. PJ Washington tho 7ft3 wingspan and him 6ft8 no wonder he plays so much bigger I can see a line up of Green Diallo Knox Vanderbilt and Washington at the 5 run teams comple to death. Lol if we had a got Bamba tho this team would have been just unbelievable.

 

[buckkiller]

I like Washington as the starting 4 myself. Vanderbilt, isnt his game moreof the 3?

 

[buckkiller]

I am sure Gab a d SKJ will have something to say if tbeyput in the work. Put me in minority but I think the ax man might have lil input as well i liked him better then Hump as far as potential. I think he can be alot better if he goes to work. He knows how to use his body on rebounds and has way better movement then wat Issac had. IMO.

 

[buckkiller]

I hope so. I just hope the length and the possible excellent defense that could result will keep early season losses down while we get our young guys up to speed and we don't have to fight in the tourney being an 8 seed like 14. PJ Washington tho 7ft3 wingspan and him 6ft8 no wonder he plays so much bigger I can see a line up of Green Diallo Knox Vanderbilt and Washington at the 5 run teams comple to death. Lol if we had a got Bamba tho this team would have been just unbelievable.

I think Washington is what chuck Hayes woukd of been if Chuck was 6'8" or bigger. I think Washington is the Sleeper in this class. If he is ranked like 15 nationally the other 14 must be realy be awesome.

 

[buckkiller]

Damn I forgot he was ranked that high before injury

 

[kevin823]

Diallo, Knox, and Vanderbilt are our best players. Starting them makes the most sense to me. Vanderbilt and Knox are capable of guarding opposing 4's without any issue. On offense, this lineup creates more mismatches in our favor than can be dreamt.

Most everyone else expects a different lineup starting the game.

Respectfully, why do you see a different lineup as a better option than this one?

What am I missing? To me, this gives our best players the most opportunities to shine.

Why do you see things differently? I'm curious to get other fan's opinions without starting some kind of war like this board has been doing lately.

All in my completely worthless opinion as always.

Agree this is lineup but not at start of season. Wenyen and SKG will start the season but come Jan the lineup will be green diallo knox vanderbilt and richards.

 

[bucsrule8872]

If Bagley reclassifies and comes here, we might truly see positionless ball.

I could see Vanderbilt, Diallo, Knox, Washington, and Bagley starting together. That is crazy length. All five can handle the ball. Five crashing the defensive boards and can lead the break.

I know, none of those guys is a PG, but they can all handle and pass and drive and score and rebound.

It would be impossible to guard that team and on defense they could switch everything.

Never happens, but what a dream team if they could pull it off.

 

[lkc1234]

That lineup wouldn't have enough beef up front. Need PJ for some muscle down low and rebounding. And he has plenty of perimeter skills too at the 4 spot. Not a massive drop off from Vanderbilt to PJ in those regards.

The main reason we hated Gabriel last year was the fact that he was too weak down low. Same issue could happen for Vanderbilt. Granted, he's more skilled than Gabriel.

I like Vanderbilt as first sub off the bench for his versatility. Diallo off to a rough start? Sub in Vanderbilt and shift Knox to the 2. Knox off to a rough start? Sub in Vanderbilt. He can obviously sub in for the 4 too.

I sure never hated Gabriel. Speak for yourself.

 

[hamidousvertical]

PJ gonna play. Wouldn't be surprised if this kid earns himself a starting role quickly in the season because of his attitude and toughness. Hard to keep players like him off the floor. It only takes on go getter to inspire the whole team and I think PJ is that man this year. Cal has a wonderful 'problem' on his hands as to who to play and how much to play them, fairly certain he isn't too mad about it.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I feel that Green, Diallo, Knox, Vanderbilt, Washington, Richards, and Gabriel play starter minutes regardless of who starts.

 

[BBN Catz 89]

I sure never hated Gabriel. Speak for yourself.

Wow get over yourself.

Obviously didn't mean it like how you're implying.

If you know basketball at all, Gabriel belonged on the bench with most of his minutes going to Willis.

 

[EliteBlue]

That lineup wouldn't have enough beef up front. Need PJ for some muscle down low and rebounding. And he has plenty of perimeter skills too at the 4 spot. Not a massive drop off from Vanderbilt to PJ in those regards.

The main reason we hated Gabriel last year was the fact that he was too weak down low. Same issue could happen for Vanderbilt. Granted, he's more skilled than Gabriel.

I like Vanderbilt as first sub off the bench for his versatility. Diallo off to a rough start? Sub in Vanderbilt and shift Knox to the 2. Knox off to a rough start? Sub in Vanderbilt. He can obviously sub in for the 4 too.

Darius Miller effect. 2012 we had a 6th man that could sub for the 1-4 and just shift a player or 2.