Jasper Johnson

[KAB Cats]

Also, stop saying he would've played for Calipari. If he liked Calipari that much they'd still be in his top 3 (which they apparently aren't). Even when Calipari was here he was talking about being a UNC fan.

Bama
UK / UNC

 

[Smashcat]

The stakes not lost on Dennis Johnson.

 

[Cleatortoises]

You know, this really probably boils down to Jasper, at one point, thinking he was maybe playing for Cal/UK.. and now it's Pope/UK, which we all know, is still an unknown.

It sucks if he doesn't come here, but we all kind of knew this transition was coming. It's going to take a year or two before Pope can really start to reel them in, and it's not like he's just being given recruits like Scheyer is. He actually has to earn it.

But I suspect in a year from now, Jasper Johnson might be kicking himself for not coming here. I know it's a scrimmage, and it's early.. but it's still impressive what our team was able to do in a mid-July scrimmage against past great (and experienced) UK players.

Pope may be unknown, but 🐄 is a known commodity. And, the known has kinda sucked recently. There is that.
He also hates us.
I'll roll with unknown.
GBB!

 

[westerncat]

You know, this really probably boils down to Jasper, at one point, thinking he was maybe playing for Cal/UK.. and now it's Pope/UK, which we all know, is still an unknown.

It sucks if he doesn't come here, but we all kind of knew this transition was coming. It's going to take a year or two before Pope can really start to reel them in, and it's not like he's just being given recruits like Scheyer is. He actually has to earn it.

But I suspect in a year from now, Jasper Johnson might be kicking himself for not coming here. I know it's a scrimmage, and it's early.. but it's still impressive what our team was able to do in a mid-July scrimmage against past great (and experienced) UK players.

I never did hear the final score on that scrimmage. Do know what it was ?

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I never did hear the final score on that scrimmage. Do know what it was ?

I think it was a 15pt-ish win. Obviously it's just a scrimmage. But it at least shows that we're gelling well enough to compete against some pretty quality players so early.

 

[littlecreek]

Going to OTE Elite has nothing to do with someone's college eligibility. That's where Dillingham, Burks, Knox, and Cyril all were and while most want to erase the recent Calipari era from their minds, it's pretty simple to apply to any question about eligibility. My concern for Johnson going OTE route is he ends up like Knox-taking questionable "degree of difficulty" shot attempts in some Tin Cup like obsession to show he can make a shot off a tough move rather than play efficient winning basketball. Too many "trainers" influencing the game and make players think they are playing a game of H-O-R-S-E within an actual game rather than functional, winning basketball. If you can beat the defender off the dribble and score at the rim every time-why take reverse spin step backs and miss the shot?

Because actually winning games or even state tournaments is not a priority anymore it seems.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

People are too invested in this guy. He comes, great, he doesn't, good luck to him. People talk him up like he's Kobe or something. Uk will be fine.

 

[Fox2monk]

I don’t know where he will end up, but if you grow up in a UK family and watched the likes of Wall and all them as a kid. Then decide to go to UNC, not sure he’s a fit here after all.

 

[ArtLaibsGhost]

Who cares, we can get a BETTER player in portal.

 

[JimboBBN]

It’s great to kill it in the transfer portal, but we still need guys to stay 2-3 years so we don’t have a brand new team every year. This kid would be a great get.

 

[bucsrule8872]

It’s great to kill it in the transfer portal, but we still need guys to stay 2-3 years so we don’t have a brand new team every year. This kid would be a great get.

He’s expected to be a OAD, so to quote Rick Springfield, “the point is probably moot.”

 

[yes_takeaside]

Kids could be UNC/Duke fans because of all the hype surrounding their two games a year.

 

[Henry Derrick]

 

[JPFisher]

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Sure sounds like a lock to Bama. 😂

 

[WildcatforLife1965]

Sure sounds like a lock to Bama. 😂

Bama or UNC. Either way it’s ok. We are recruiting players for our system. We no longer recruit players that require us to change our system. That’s not a negative. It’s a blueprint to championships. People need to get over the past. We’ve witnessed first hand that 5 stars don’t produce titles here. I want titles. If we never have another top 10 pick but hang banners, then I’m one happy camper. You will be too.

 

[catsfanbgky]

I understand a lot of posters wanted Jasper, he is a KY kid, family has UK ties, but to me, I will not lose any sleep over not getting him. He is very good, but he is NOT a knock down shooter and his shot selection has a LOT to be desired. He is a volume scorer, he will get you 18-20, but he will take several shots to get there. Not a efficient scorer, not a gun, but a high volume, undisciplined shooter. Turns it over a bit too much for my liking also. I know he has time to work on his game, but wanting to be a ONE and Done, I just do not want it to be at UK's expense during games in his one year.

 

[bigblue1971]

Give me Mikel Brown Jr.

 

[Henry Derrick]

Bama or UNC. Either way it’s ok. We are recruiting players for our system. We no longer recruit players that require us to change our system. That’s not a negative. It’s a blueprint to championships. People need to get over the past. We’ve witnessed first hand that 5 stars don’t produce titles here. I want titles. If we never have another top 10 pick but hang banners, then I’m one happy camper. You will be too.

In what way does Jasper Johnson not fit our system?

 

[kywildcat41035]

Sounds to me like UK is well in the running still. It doesn’t hurt with the family reunion this weekend that sounds like all his family is big time UK fans.

 

[WildcatforLife1965]

In what way does Jasper Johnson not fit our system?

I’m not saying he does or he doesn’t. What I’m saying is if he comes here, and he ain’t, then he comes here to play in Popes system. All of the players coming in will play in the offensive system he sees fit to run. The days of proclaiming yourself a starter, playing guaranteed minutes, are over. You earn what you get. And if that doesn’t suit any player then Kentucky ain’t for them. It’s not rocket science. Championship teams play in a system designed for team success. Anybody has a problem with that needs to go cheer for a new team. Personally I love it.

 

[Henry Derrick]

I’m not saying he does or he doesn’t. What I’m saying is if he comes here, and he ain’t, then he comes here to play in Popes system. All of the players coming in will play in the offensive system he sees fit to run. The days of proclaiming yourself a starter, playing guaranteed minutes, are over. You earn what you get. And if that doesn’t suit any player then Kentucky ain’t for them. It’s not rocket science. Championship teams play in a system designed for team success. Anybody has a problem with that needs to go cheer for a new team. Personally I love it.

Uh yeah, he will play in whatever system the program he chooses plays. What I don’t get is the concerted effort of you guys to put this kid down? I’ve never seen a UK recruit given this much scrutiny and have so many false assumptions placed on them. He’s been a good kid, complimentary of UK, yet gets talked down on by you guys. Seems weird to me.

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

All this fit talk is crazy.

A lot of y’all were mad at Cal for being stubborn and never adapting (even though he tried to switch up his methods over the last few years). But you wanna be dug in on Pope’s unproven system.

Something is not adding up.

 

[Cleatortoises]

All this fit talk is crazy.

A lot of y’all were mad at Cal for being stubborn and never adapting (even though he tried to switch up his methods over the last few years). But you wanna be dug in on Pope’s unproven system.

Something is not adding up.

We had the best offense in rhe nation last year.
Then we didn't.
🐄 decided to go back to HIS plan.
Rock fights-R-us.
We forced it into the post at the end, and lost.

 

[Cleatortoises]

Not your fault Trey Mitchell.

 

[Cleatortoises]

We will be better.
Pope is a smart man.
🐄 ha!

 

[un4getables]

All this fit talk is crazy.

A lot of y’all were mad at Cal for being stubborn and never adapting (even though he tried to switch up his methods over the last few years). But you wanna be dug in on Pope’s unproven system.

Something is not adding up.

First, UNPROVEN… I think his system is PROVEN, FUN, and fast paced. Secondly, Arkansas is over yonder to the west.,. Go west young man to cheer for University of Cal.

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

We had the best offense in rhe nation last year.
Then we didn't.
🐄 decided to go back to HIS plan.
Rock fights-R-us.
We forced it into the post at the end, and lost.

Weird. That's not what happened in the Tournament.

 

[Cleatortoises]

Arkansas people have always been exceedingly nice to me.
But, they are screwed.
Same old.
Meet the new boss, Same as the old boss.

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

First, UNPROVEN… I think his system is PROVEN, FUN, and fast paced. Secondly, Arkansas is over yonder to the west.,. Go west young man to cheer for University of Cal.

Proven and fun to do what exactly?

Don't get mad, because I'm pointing out your hypocrisy.

 

[Cleatortoises]

Weird. That's not what happened in the Tournament.

Yeah it did.
We had a 100 offense.
Trey Mitchell played.
Why?
Who were the playas?
Why are we wasting time with that dude, or DJ at that point?
Edwards ?
Rock fight fan much?

 

[Cleatortoises]

What happened in the tourney was confusion.
"We're gonna do what?"
Thanks coach.

 

[megablue]

Weird. That's not what happened in the Tournament.

No, it’s not. I agree with you. Our Freshmen shot poorly (or not at all) and our overall, season-long, poor defensive play killed us. Essentially, only Mitchell and Reeves showed up, as our youth succumbed to the pressure of the moment ... unfortunately.

Kentucky vs. Oakland (March 21, 2024)

 

[un4getables]

Proven and fun to do what exactly?

Don't get mad, because I'm pointing out your hypocrisy.

Not mad at all just calling out your horrendous take.....

 

[WildcatforLife1965]

Uh yeah, he will play in whatever system the program he chooses plays. What I don’t get is the concerted effort of you guys to put this kid down? I’ve never seen a UK recruit given this much scrutiny and have so many false assumptions placed on them. He’s been a good kid, complimentary of UK, yet gets talked down on by you guys. Seems weird to me.

I’m not talking him up or down. My comments are made in general to every kid out there that comes here to visit. Look at these 12 young men we currently have for example. They are here working hard, learning, discovering the joy of being at the most storied program in the history of the game. They’re rock stars, celebrities, if only for a brief period. They’re in a word, grateful for the opportunity. Nothing promised, nothing given, it’s earned. And I find that very refreshing. So quit putting words in my mouth that I didn’t say. Disagree with me and move on. It’s not weird, it’s reality. For 15 long years, we had the wrong set of goals here. Now we are all back on the same page. That’s the part you need to come to terms with, if he comes here, great, I’m a fan. If he goes elsewhere, best of luck to him.

 

[Henry Derrick]

People are too invested in this guy. He comes, great, he doesn't, good luck to him. People talk him up like he's Kobe or something. Uk will be fine.

Not actually, y’all put this kid down in every thread that he’s mentioned in.

 

[Henry Derrick]

I’m not talking him up or down. My comments are made in general to every kid out there that comes here to visit. Look at these 12 young men we currently have for example. They are here working hard, learning, discovering the joy of being at the most storied program in the history of the game. They’re rock stars, celebrities, if only for a brief period. They’re in a word, grateful for the opportunity. Nothing promised, nothing given, it’s earned. And I find that very refreshing. So quit putting words in my mouth that I didn’t say. Disagree with me and move on. It’s not weird, it’s reality. For 15 long years, we had the wrong set of goals here. Now we are all back on the same page. That’s the part you need to come to terms with, if he comes here, great, I’m a fan. If he goes elsewhere, best of luck to him.

Matt Jones did a number on his cult. It’s crazy how ate up with complete BS y’all are. You absolutely put this kid down based on some ignorant Cal hate since that’s your identity now. You implied that he wanted to be promised minutes and wanted to play his own game when you don’t even know the kid. You will hate on these current players just like you have every other player as soon as the fairytale nonsense wears off and they miss a shot or don’t live up to your expectations just like every player in the past.

 

[Aike]

Not actually, y’all put this kid down in every thread that he’s mentioned in.

There are thousands of people on this board. Most of us would love to see Jasper in blue. Some will always be negative no matter who you’re talking about.

Some are emotionally invested and are bracing for the prospect of a local star choosing someone else. They’re preparing themselves, not because they don’t want Jasper at UK, but because they want it so much.

Others are discussing the basketball angle, and whether or not Jasper or some other player might be a better fit at his position. Seems fair to me. He is talented, but will need to prove himself wherever he lands. The stakes keep getting higher. I’m sure he and his family understand that as well as anyone, given their background.

 

[Henry Derrick]

There are thousands of people on this board. Most of us would love to see Jasper in blue. Some will always be negative no matter who you’re talking about.

Some are emotionally invested and are bracing for the prospect of a local star choosing someone else. They’re preparing themselves, not because they don’t want Jasper at UK, but because they want it so much.

Others are discussing the basketball angle, and whether or not Jasper or some other player might be a better fit at his position. Seems fair to me. He is talented, but will need to prove himself wherever he lands. The stakes keep getting higher. I’m sure he and his family understand that as well as anyone, given their background.

Seems fair that people are attacking the kid, implying that he’s a selfish player and other things that he’s not because they don’t want to get their feelings hurt? I disagree, I think it’s complete BS.

 

[MrHotDice]

Sounds to me like UK is well in the running still. It doesn’t hurt with the family reunion this weekend that sounds like all his family is big time UK fans.

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Great players fit anywhere. That a bogus argumrent. 5 Star or not Pope wants shooters

 

[Aike]

Seems fair that people are attacking the kid, implying that he’s a selfish player and other things that he’s not because they don’t want to get their feelings hurt? I disagree, I think it’s complete BS.

I said it was fair to discuss basketball talent and fit. Also said that some people are always negative.

Maybe if you wouldn’t try so hard to twist the words of others, we could have more rational discussion around here.

See you on your next username.