It all boils down to Bamba

[Deli owl]

We have it regardless with Richards. He is the 2nd best shot blocker in this class with only Bamba due to length being better.

Can't have too much. A little foul trouble and then back to zero.

 

[kev69]

He did not hire an agent.. yet, which means he has until late May to change his mind and return to UK . Underclassmen can declare for the draft, & if they don't hire an agent they don't give up their "amateurism ". As of now BAM can be evaluated, do workouts for NBA teams, get feedback, etc with option to return to school afterwards like Briscoe did last year.

Why do you think we're entitled to be better than a top fifteen team?

 

[Cychologist]

Bamba reminds me of Oden who was good enough to carry Matta to the championship game.

Oden had a much better offensive game; I'll take Bamba's defensive game.

 

[Wall2Boogie]

It would be nice if bamba were to commit before bam makes his decision. I don't think bamba is worried about playing with bam or taking his playing time. If we have those two together next yr, it maybe the best front court ever in the cal era. I would love to have bamba but if we could get bam back for one more year, I'd take him over bamba as Richards or hump or someone else could step in and play. Bamba is that rim protector you need to win a title. The thought of him and a sophomore bam is scary. With this class being loaded it would be in bams best interest to return, especially with young guards he can help them out big time. I also do not see bamba turning down a chance to play for a title with two of his really good friends in diallo and green. If Texas is our only major competition for him, I like our chances.

 

[Sparkaces1]

It would be nice if bamba were to commit before bam makes his decision. I don't think bamba is worried about playing with bam or taking his playing time. If we have those two together next yr, it maybe the best front court ever in the cal era. I would love to have bamba but if we could get bam back for one more year, I'd take him over bamba as Richards or hump or someone else could step in and play. Bamba is that rim protector you need to win a title. The thought of him and a sophomore bam is scary. With this class being loaded it would be in bams best interest to return, especially with young guards he can help them out big time. I also do not see bamba turning down a chance to play for a title with two of his really good friends in diallo and green. If Texas is our only major competition for him, I like our chances.

Can someone tell me what the Texas connection is with Bamba?

 

[Wall2Boogie]

Can someone tell me what the Texas connection is with Bamba?

I have no clue I would like to know as well. Allen didn't exactly tear it up for them as they didn't even make the tournament cause they were so bad smart can recruit but can't coach at all

 

[kev69]

I have no clue I would like to know as well. Allen didn't exactly tear it up for them as they didn't even make the tournament cause they were so bad smart can recruit but can't coach at all

Totally agree.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Bamba played on the Team USA U19 squad this Summer for which Shaka Smart was the coach. I think it's the same team Cal will be coaching this Summer.

 

[Sparkaces1]

Bamba played on the Team USA U19 squad this Summer for which Shaka Smart was the coach. I think it's the same team Cal will be coaching this Summer.

Interesting, no wonder call wanted that gig.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Always frustrating as a fan of the sport and adult when an obvious decision isn't always obvious to the parties involved. Which of the finalists does the best job with a player like Bamba? Which one will get the best version of him in college? Now I believe in a player's abilities--but too many times guys are told it doesn't matter where you go to school and they get surprised when they find out it does. A smart kid wants to be pushed--and nobody does a better job of doing so while protecting his players then Calipari. It's not even close. Hell he fell on the sword again for Skal when interviewed last night during the Lakers-Kings game. For all the hate he receives, not many coaches would be doing that. Most would do the tongue in cheek "Where was that guy for us...".insert fake laughter with announcers chiming in to kiss his ass.

Bamba and UK are perfect fit. Bamba is a fantastic young man and wish him best but as a CBB fan, hope he does what is best for his career on the court--and that's joining BBN. Good luck in this recruiting battle guys!

 

[kev69]

Always frustrating as a fan of the sport and adult when an obvious decision isn't always obvious to the parties involved. Which of the finalists does the best job with a player like Bamba? Which one will get the best version of him in college? Now I believe in a player's abilities--but too many times guys are told it doesn't matter where you go to school and they get surprised when they find out it does. A smart kid wants to be pushed--and nobody does a better job of doing so while protecting his players then Calipari. It's not even close. Hell he fell on the sword again for Skal when interviewed last night during the Lakers-Kings game. For all the hate he receives, not many coaches would be doing that. Most would do the tongue in cheek "Where was that guy for us...".insert fake laughter with announcers chiming in to kiss his ass.

Bamba and UK are perfect fit. Bamba is a fantastic young man and wish him best but as a CBB fan, hope he does what is best for his career on the court--and that's joining BBN. Good luck in this recruiting battle guys!

Bam! You nailed it.
Couldn't have said much better myself.

 

[uk78]

This actually is a good point if it produces the outcome hoped for. Cal stuck with Skal which drove me insane and I think cost us ultimately. But, he is loyal to his players and does everything he can to help them develop. On the other hand, where was K with Giles? Giles was the top recruit, number uno, etc. Giles was not Bolder or SKJ, he was the top top top. Yes, he had some injury set backs but by the second semester was playing but barely. No, K did not stick with him and he probably got less time then even Humphries.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

This actually is a good point if it produces the outcome hoped for. Cal stuck with Skal which drove me insane and I think cost us ultimately. But, he is loyal to his players and does everything he can to help them develop. On the other hand, where was K with Giles? Giles was the top recruit, number uno, etc. Giles was not Bolder or SKJ, he was the top top top. Yes, he had some injury set backs but by the second semester was playing but barely. No, K did not stick with him and he probably got less time then even Humphries.

I think K might have thought Giles would return for a second year.

 

[HoldMyBeer]

Why do you think we're entitled to be better than a top fifteen team?

??? When did I say anything about entitlement? Think you quoted the wrong guy.

 

[Cat Ballou]

There is no other coach in college basketball - not one - that would have done for Skal what Cal did for Skal.

That is, take the blame for Skal's poor performance in the early season, later in the season, play him mostly in situations where he can excel, then pull him and "hide" him in games where all of his worst weaknesses where exposed - all the while talking him up and praising him.

Finally, on draft night, being there and frantically working the phones and calling in favors to get Skal picked in the first round.

That alone made a couple million dollars difference in Skal's life and the difference between toiling in the D-league at $30k per year and actually getting a shot on the team that has invested a lot of money in you.