Jaden Hardy....

[IrishMike409]

See Jamal Murray?
See Tyler Herro?
See Bam?

Be smart. Come to UK. You can be just like those guys. Come here. Go all in. Essentially a guarantee that great things happen.....

 

[LineSkiCat14]

See Jamal Murray?
See Tyler Herro?
See Bam?

Be smart. Come to UK. You can be just like those guys. Come here. Go all in. Essentially a guarantee that great things happen.....

If Hardy picks any school other than Kentucky, absolutely agree with you. But I think the G-league will win out. For him and many top 10 guys. And its hard to argue against that choice, for now.

But yes, if you're any other recruit, how do you see this and think places like LSU, Washington and OK state are better spots?

 

[Lead Belly]

If we are backing off Hardy, it's because Cal is hearing from Strickland that he is G league bound.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

If anyone is offered the opportunity to go to Kentucky and turns it down for the G-League, they are jackasses. I won't even bring up the taxes of living in CA where G-League is centered and the salary that would be less than what an elite program gives guys under the table, which soon won't matter because you'll be able to profit off your likeness, but the opportunity to be prepared for the NBA by learning to work on your weaknesses, and play in a program where you learn to dominate with efficiency, not just volume of shots.

Remember when Herro couldn't make a shot early in '19 season? Cal/UK staff told him he'd have to quicken his release and that was preparing him for the future, not just at UK. He was told he had to defend, he was told he had to do things that were tough and he WANTED that. So did Murray. So did Bam--hell Cal had to assure Bam he was ready for the NBA and said he'd be an elite player where the game was going---who looks like a profit now? Pat Riley wasn't BS-ing when he said that UK was the program he's going to look to in terms of guys ready to play-he and Spoelstra mean that. Meanwhile a jackass like Tom Thibodeau passes on Murray and Cal's recommendation for Kris Dunn.......unreal.

At some point handlers will realize there is a training ground where guys don't just learn the game, but they have a safety net and can stay until they are ready. You flame out in the G-League--your career is over, can't go back to college and won't be in the NBA, so for every Jalen Green (Hardy isn't that btw) there are guys who will pass peers up because they chose UK and while it may not result in getting awards that volume players get at other programs it results in winning games, learning how to share while winning, and being prepared for the NBA in a way that hard work isn't foreign or something you need to figure out, you are entering with that instilled.

On November 18th, can't wait to see the jackass moron franchises who screw up letting Maxey slip. Not taking Richards or Quickley and then "stunned" when those guys are "better than we expected".

And can't wait to see the morons who advise players tell them to pass on UK because you can make it anywhere, etc.....and hope Hardy doesn't make that mistake, because those who choose the "Blue Pill" end up better for it in terms of success on the court and $$$$$ in the bank accounts. In Hardy's case his favorite player is Devin Booker, anyone remember where Booker was ranked/how he was viewed entering college? Funny how everyone has changed narrative like he was some top 5 prospect......there was some who preferred James Blackmon Jr over him....how did that workout? Not talking BBN fans either-although I'm sure there were some and they get a pass due to loyalty to his Dad, but talking "gurus" and experts who evaluate players. Hardy's got that ranking but he ****s this up, we'll see how this ends and I will bet on the guys who choose UK everytime.

 

[RunninRichie]

If anyone is offered the opportunity to go to Kentucky and turns it down for the G-League, they are jackasses. I won't even bring up the taxes of living in CA where G-League is centered and the salary that would be less than what an elite program gives guys under the table, which soon won't matter because you'll be able to profit off your likeness, but the opportunity to be prepared for the NBA by learning to work on your weaknesses, and play in a program where you learn to dominate with efficiency, not just volume of shots.

Remember when Herro couldn't make a shot early in '19 season? Cal/UK staff told him he'd have to quicken his release and that was preparing him for the future, not just at UK. He was told he had to defend, he was told he had to do things that were tough and he WANTED that. So did Murray. So did Bam--hell Cal had to assure Bam he was ready for the NBA and said he'd be an elite player where the game was going---who looks like a profit now? Pat Riley wasn't BS-ing when he said that UK was the program he's going to look to in terms of guys ready to play-he and Spoelstra mean that. Meanwhile a jackass like Tom Thibodeau passes on Murray and Cal's recommendation for Kris Dunn.......unreal.

At some point handlers will realize there is a training ground where guys don't just learn the game, but they have a safety net and can stay until they are ready. You flame out in the G-League--your career is over, can't go back to college and won't be in the NBA, so for every Jalen Green (Hardy isn't that btw) there are guys who will pass peers up because they chose UK and while it may not result in getting awards that volume players get at other programs it results in winning games, learning how to share while winning, and being prepared for the NBA in a way that hard work isn't foreign or something you need to figure out, you are entering with that instilled.

On November 18th, can't wait to see the jackass moron franchises who screw up letting Maxey slip. Not taking Richards or Quickley and then "stunned" when those guys are "better than we expected".

And can't wait to see the morons who advise players tell them to pass on UK because you can make it anywhere, etc.....and hope Hardy doesn't make that mistake, because those who choose the "Blue Pill" end up better for it in terms of success on the court and $$$$$ in the bank accounts. In Hardy's case his favorite player is Devin Booker, anyone remember where Booker was ranked/how he was viewed entering college? Funny how everyone has changed narrative like he was some top 5 prospect......there was some who preferred James Blackmon Jr over him....how did that workout? Not talking BBN fans either-although I'm sure there were some and they get a pass due to loyalty to his Dad, but talking "gurus" and experts who evaluate players. Hardy's got that ranking but he ****s this up, we'll see how this ends and I will bet on the guys who choose UK everytime.

I find it funny how UK haters believe Booker would’ve been a star no matter where he went LOL

 

[Newcattitudes]

If anyone is offered the opportunity to go to Kentucky and turns it down for the G-League, they are jackasses. I won't even bring up the taxes of living in CA where G-League is centered and the salary that would be less than what an elite program gives guys under the table, which soon won't matter because you'll be able to profit off your likeness, but the opportunity to be prepared for the NBA by learning to work on your weaknesses, and play in a program where you learn to dominate with efficiency, not just volume of shots.

Remember when Herro couldn't make a shot early in '19 season? Cal/UK staff told him he'd have to quicken his release and that was preparing him for the future, not just at UK. He was told he had to defend, he was told he had to do things that were tough and he WANTED that. So did Murray. So did Bam--hell Cal had to assure Bam he was ready for the NBA and said he'd be an elite player where the game was going---who looks like a profit now? Pat Riley wasn't BS-ing when he said that UK was the program he's going to look to in terms of guys ready to play-he and Spoelstra mean that. Meanwhile a jackass like Tom Thibodeau passes on Murray and Cal's recommendation for Kris Dunn.......unreal.

At some point handlers will realize there is a training ground where guys don't just learn the game, but they have a safety net and can stay until they are ready. You flame out in the G-League--your career is over, can't go back to college and won't be in the NBA, so for every Jalen Green (Hardy isn't that btw) there are guys who will pass peers up because they chose UK and while it may not result in getting awards that volume players get at other programs it results in winning games, learning how to share while winning, and being prepared for the NBA in a way that hard work isn't foreign or something you need to figure out, you are entering with that instilled.

On November 18th, can't wait to see the jackass moron franchises who screw up letting Maxey slip. Not taking Richards or Quickley and then "stunned" when those guys are "better than we expected".

And can't wait to see the morons who advise players tell them to pass on UK because you can make it anywhere, etc.....and hope Hardy doesn't make that mistake, because those who choose the "Blue Pill" end up better for it in terms of success on the court and $$$$$ in the bank accounts. In Hardy's case his favorite player is Devin Booker, anyone remember where Booker was ranked/how he was viewed entering college? Funny how everyone has changed narrative like he was some top 5 prospect......there was some who preferred James Blackmon Jr over him....how did that workout? Not talking BBN fans either-although I'm sure there were some and they get a pass due to loyalty to his Dad, but talking "gurus" and experts who evaluate players. Hardy's got that ranking but he ****s this up, we'll see how this ends and I will bet on the guys who choose UK everytime.

your insights and comments are continually refreshing and a joy to read. Thank you for your contributions.

 

[CrazyCat74]

If anyone is offered the opportunity to go to Kentucky and turns it down for the G-League, they are jackasses. I won't even bring up the taxes of living in CA where G-League is centered and the salary that would be less than what an elite program gives guys under the table, which soon won't matter because you'll be able to profit off your likeness, but the opportunity to be prepared for the NBA by learning to work on your weaknesses, and play in a program where you learn to dominate with efficiency, not just volume of shots.

Remember when Herro couldn't make a shot early in '19 season? Cal/UK staff told him he'd have to quicken his release and that was preparing him for the future, not just at UK. He was told he had to defend, he was told he had to do things that were tough and he WANTED that. So did Murray. So did Bam--hell Cal had to assure Bam he was ready for the NBA and said he'd be an elite player where the game was going---who looks like a profit now? Pat Riley wasn't BS-ing when he said that UK was the program he's going to look to in terms of guys ready to play-he and Spoelstra mean that. Meanwhile a jackass like Tom Thibodeau passes on Murray and Cal's recommendation for Kris Dunn.......unreal.

At some point handlers will realize there is a training ground where guys don't just learn the game, but they have a safety net and can stay until they are ready. You flame out in the G-League--your career is over, can't go back to college and won't be in the NBA, so for every Jalen Green (Hardy isn't that btw) there are guys who will pass peers up because they chose UK and while it may not result in getting awards that volume players get at other programs it results in winning games, learning how to share while winning, and being prepared for the NBA in a way that hard work isn't foreign or something you need to figure out, you are entering with that instilled.

On November 18th, can't wait to see the jackass moron franchises who screw up letting Maxey slip. Not taking Richards or Quickley and then "stunned" when those guys are "better than we expected".

And can't wait to see the morons who advise players tell them to pass on UK because you can make it anywhere, etc.....and hope Hardy doesn't make that mistake, because those who choose the "Blue Pill" end up better for it in terms of success on the court and $$$$$ in the bank accounts. In Hardy's case his favorite player is Devin Booker, anyone remember where Booker was ranked/how he was viewed entering college? Funny how everyone has changed narrative like he was some top 5 prospect......there was some who preferred James Blackmon Jr over him....how did that workout? Not talking BBN fans either-although I'm sure there were some and they get a pass due to loyalty to his Dad, but talking "gurus" and experts who evaluate players. Hardy's got that ranking but he ****s this up, we'll see how this ends and I will bet on the guys who choose UK everytime.

Alot to agree with here!

Nice Post.

 

[bfawns]

ralphdaltonfan seems to sum up with articulate prose how the BBN feels. He's the best poster on this board!!!

 

[RunninRichie]

ralphdaltonfan seems to sum up with articulate prose how the BBN feels. He's the best poster on this board!!!

no doubt

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

if NBA success of players worked on top 5 players........ we'd not of struggled so much with top 5 players the past 5 years.

and yes , even with Boston and Clarke from last year, you can still call it a struggle when we've blanked on so many other top 5 players the last 5 or so years.

 

[Smashcat]

If we are backing off Hardy, it's because Cal is hearing from Strickland that he is G league bound.

This.

 

[Smashcat]

If anyone is offered the opportunity to go to Kentucky and turns it down for the G-League, they are jackasses. I won't even bring up the taxes of living in CA where G-League is centered and the salary that would be less than what an elite program gives guys under the table, which soon won't matter because you'll be able to profit off your likeness, but the opportunity to be prepared for the NBA by learning to work on your weaknesses, and play in a program where you learn to dominate with efficiency, not just volume of shots.

Remember when Herro couldn't make a shot early in '19 season? Cal/UK staff told him he'd have to quicken his release and that was preparing him for the future, not just at UK. He was told he had to defend, he was told he had to do things that were tough and he WANTED that. So did Murray. So did Bam--hell Cal had to assure Bam he was ready for the NBA and said he'd be an elite player where the game was going---who looks like a profit now? Pat Riley wasn't BS-ing when he said that UK was the program he's going to look to in terms of guys ready to play-he and Spoelstra mean that. Meanwhile a jackass like Tom Thibodeau passes on Murray and Cal's recommendation for Kris Dunn.......unreal.

At some point handlers will realize there is a training ground where guys don't just learn the game, but they have a safety net and can stay until they are ready. You flame out in the G-League--your career is over, can't go back to college and won't be in the NBA, so for every Jalen Green (Hardy isn't that btw) there are guys who will pass peers up because they chose UK and while it may not result in getting awards that volume players get at other programs it results in winning games, learning how to share while winning, and being prepared for the NBA in a way that hard work isn't foreign or something you need to figure out, you are entering with that instilled.

On November 18th, can't wait to see the jackass moron franchises who screw up letting Maxey slip. Not taking Richards or Quickley and then "stunned" when those guys are "better than we expected".

And can't wait to see the morons who advise players tell them to pass on UK because you can make it anywhere, etc.....and hope Hardy doesn't make that mistake, because those who choose the "Blue Pill" end up better for it in terms of success on the court and $$$$$ in the bank accounts. In Hardy's case his favorite player is Devin Booker, anyone remember where Booker was ranked/how he was viewed entering college? Funny how everyone has changed narrative like he was some top 5 prospect......there was some who preferred James Blackmon Jr over him....how did that workout? Not talking BBN fans either-although I'm sure there were some and they get a pass due to loyalty to his Dad, but talking "gurus" and experts who evaluate players. Hardy's got that ranking but he ****s this up, we'll see how this ends and I will bet on the guys who choose UK everytime.

Don't disagree. But Cal is zero for Las Vegas. Sadly, those kids seem to have stars in their eyes.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Hardy is the type of kid who could do well with the G League route--he's a worker who doesn't make excuses or avoid competition.

Those are the kinds of kids who also crush it at Kentucky.

I think Cal knows which way he's leaning and that you'll likely see Hardy pop to somewhere like UCLA that is fine with taking a public commitment from a kid that isn't coming.

We can't afford to wait or to take him now, lose out on other guys, and then have him go pro. We could have had Isaiah Todd or Jalen Green last year, but if that keeps Jackson or Clarke/Boston/Askew from being here, that's a terrible gamble.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Hardy is the type of kid who could do well with the G League route--he's a worker who doesn't make excuses or avoid competition.

Those are the kinds of kids who also crush it at Kentucky.

I think Cal knows which way he's leaning and that you'll likely see Hardy pop to somewhere like UCLA that is fine with taking a public commitment from a kid that isn't coming.

We can't afford to wait or to take him now, lose out on other guys, and then have him go pro. We could have had Isaiah Todd or Jalen Green last year, but if that keeps Jackson or Clarke/Boston/Askew from being here, that's a terrible gamble.

This is why top10 recruiting seems to dicey for the next few years, until we figure out the G-leagues worth and where that line is drawn in a given recruiting class.

Unfortunately, if Hardy is even considering the G-League, we have to recruit others. Might even be best to amicably cut ties. Can't let entire seasons hang on the decision of 1 or 2 top 10 guys.

 

[GonzoCat90]

This is why top10 recruiting seems to dicey for the next few years, until we figure out the G-leagues worth and where that line is drawn in a given recruiting class.

Unfortunately, if Hardy is even considering the G-League, we have to recruit others. Might even be best to amicably cut ties. Can't let entire seasons hang on the decision of 1 or 2 top 10 guys.

I think it's worth pursuing those guys from the start, particularly because of how Cal recruits. Just about every kid we go after, even if they choose another school, has great things to say about and stays close with Cal.

I also think that because he's so honest and up front about the financial aspect of everything going on in the world of basketball, that the players and their circles are more likely to be forthcoming about their intentions. We weed out the guys looking for a handout pretty early on in the process, so I think there's a level of trust and integrity between both parties by the time it reaches the point where decisions are being made.

It's why you saw us step aside on every single guy who made the jump last year, and it's why even when our guys were rumored to be going, they addressed it publicly, squashed it quickly, and stayed with Cal and Kentucky.

 

[wcc31]

This is why top10 recruiting seems to dicey for the next few years, until we figure out the G-leagues worth and where that line is drawn in a given recruiting class.

Unfortunately, if Hardy is even considering the G-League, we have to recruit others. Might even be best to amicably cut ties. Can't let entire seasons hang on the decision of 1 or 2 top 10 guys.

RJ Hampton’s stock fell like a rock after Australia. Curious if we see the same with G-Leaguers.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

RJ Hampton’s stock fell like a rock after Australia. Curious if we see the same with G-Leaguers.

This is something that often gets overlooked. There is an immediate payment from the g league but going to UK is a much better long term investment.

 

[GonzoCat90]

RJ Hampton's stock hasn't fallen nearly as far as guys like Andrew Harrison or Skal Labissiere or countless other guys that chose different schools. You'll have misses everywhere.

Kentucky has proven to be much more consistent and reliable than our college counterparts, but it's too early with too small a sample to say that the G-League or overseas are failures. Sitting out a year worked great for Bazley. Going overseas has been massively beneficial to LaMelo Ball. It'll be case-by-case, with general patterns building over time.

The *real* key with the G-League route is going to be how successful they are with landing the elite kids. *Every* approach works if the LeBrons and Garnetts and Kobes of the world are taking that path. Cal wasn't a worse coach with Quade Green than he was with John Wall.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I suspect we will find a rough "line" for the G-league.. All recruits past a line of say top10 or 1op15, will likely go to college. At some point, the talent level falls off to where the 20th ranked recruit would just get demolished against that level of competition (the G-League select practice thingamajig not withstanding). The salaries won't be there, either, for a non top10 recruit.

On top of that, will there even be interest in the 20th guy from the G-league? It has to be worth while for the NBA as well. And at what point does a family say "Ok, 1-2 years at college, free education, free meals and coeds for days isn't the worst thing in the world.."..

As long as this G-league is a viable path, College basketball will just have to set it's sights back a bit on the elite talent. Not the worst thing in the world. Might even reduce the amount of 1AD players.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Don't disagree. But Cal is zero for Las Vegas. Sadly, those kids seem to have stars in their eyes.

He got PJ Washington who like Hardy isn't a native of Nevada. Hardy is from Detroit and the connections UK has with The Family run deep. Now KP is gone but he had deep ties there and that's how you get James Young to commit and not give a damn when UK told him "we're still going after Andrew Wiggins" or get Isaiah Jackson and tell him "we're still going after multiple bigs". Hardy knows the deal and so far he's been honest about wanting to hear what the G-League is like and if he should consider it. The thing I mock is listening to Peyton Watson about UCLA. UCLA has a great track record but Mick Cronin players aren't built for the NBA and most of them can't handle pressure in NCAA tournament-which is what it's like to play at Kentucky every game.

The spotlight at UK is only surpassed by the NBA and it's tougher than Duke/UNC etc....because so many hate Calipari. That helps guys deal with adversity and after a tight whistle that usually goes against them in college, they get games called straight in NBA and it's a breath of fresh air. They don't get people making excuses. The road is tough and you learn to either grow up or this **** isn't for you. There's a certain callus that changes kids into men and nobody does it better. Hardy's being told this by several people who are selling UK to him, but all he needs to do is ask Devin Booker who was part of a class of guys who benefited from going to Lexington..the work pays off.

When Cal says "this isn't for everyone" we all roll our eyes but he can't get specific as to why he's saying that which if he did, we'd get it. For instance, if you want to go somewhere, get to workouts/practices when you want, nail coeds all day/night, jack up 25 FGA's and it's fine because it's just supposed to be "fun"--well the type of "fun" they have at UK isn't for you. Malik Newman's Dad told UK "I want to run my son's workouts/career"--that was it for him. It's also why he went to Mississippi State, flamed out and then begged to transfer to UK but was told no.

The gamble with G-League isn't worth it if I were advising any kid. Financially it's not as much as playing for a Blueblood and being successful will get and no fan watches it--think of it this way-did anyone want to see Mike Trout when he was in AA? No--because that doesn't translate to MLB--they waited to see him and judge how he does against the best. A G-League "Developmental" team is just wasting time. Let the elite go to the NBA out of HS and everyone else should go to College. G-League should be a Minor League and leave it at that. But Hardy being forced to share with Sallis/Hickman would be best for his development because he'd learn to play with other talented guys and forced to improve his all around game. Like Booker did--because there are only so many franchise guys--and NOBODY had Booker getting MAX $ or turning into the player he has become. So choose wisely........or watch someone get your spot and they'll get paid and pass him by-happened far too many times.

 

[Ocornett]

ralphdaltonfan seems to sum up with articulate prose how the BBN feels. He's the best poster on this board!!!

I agree just wish he could use less words.