Lets Talk BIG BOYS (recruits)

[mj2k10]

Calipari has made recruiting boring to me.....

Am I the I one who can't get excited about "WE MIGHT BE ADDING!!" Threads?

You have a pretty valid point, and I agree that it's hard to get all that excited about any individual recruit. But what we have right now is the chance, in almost any given year, to put together something that's damn close to a perfect team.

Think about it like this: The 2003 recruiting class included LeBron James and Chris Paul. What would it have looked like if those guys had played college basketball at the same school?

That type of scenario is a legitimate possibility with Cal coaching. Every. Single. Year. It's just dependent on the level of talent available in any given year, and how many of his top targets Cal manages to get.

In all honesty, I think the 2013 class was pretty disappointing. Julius Randle was a stud, but not transcendent. James Young was very talented, but very flawed. The Harrisons ended up on the low-end of what you would hope they'd be. Dakari Johnson was pretty limited, as was/is Marcus Lee. And despite this, what was the end result? A trip to the title game (after an admittedly really bad regular season), and 4 key parts (out of 9) on a 38-1 team that came agonizingly close to playing for 40-0.

If that can happen with a recruiting class that really doesn't pan out, what can happen when it does? I think we saw in 2012, and, if things continue as they are, we'll see again. And maybe even in a better way.

 

[UKrazycat2]

You have a pretty valid point, and I agree that it's hard to get all that excited about any individual recruit. But what we have right now is the chance, in almost any given year, to put together something that's damn close to a perfect team.

Think about it like this: The 2003 recruiting class included LeBron James and Chris Paul. What would it have looked like if those guys had played college basketball at the same school?

That type of scenario is a legitimate possibility with Cal coaching. Every. Single. Year. It's just dependent on the level of talent available in any given year, and how many of his top targets Cal manages to get.

In all honesty, I think the 2013 class was pretty disappointing. Julius Randle was a stud, but not transcendent. James Young was very talented, but very flawed. The Harrisons ended up on the low-end of what you would hope they'd be. Dakari Johnson was pretty limited, as was/is Marcus Lee. And despite this, what was the end result? A trip to the title game (after an admittedly really bad regular season), and 4 key parts (out of 9) on a 38-1 team that came agonizingly close to playing for 40-0.

If that can happen with a recruiting class that really doesn't pan out, what can happen when it does? I think we saw in 2012, and, if things continue as they are, we'll see again. And maybe even in a better way.

Wish there was some way to like a post X10.

 

[st-louie-blue]

I think most of us would love to have Bam Adebayo. Is he going to sign early or wait for spring? I know most think he will go to NC St. but is there a chance Cal could get him?

With Coach Cal, there is always a chance.

 

[RC_Texas]

Who is pushing him to NC State? And what would you put as the odds? I'm sure they're long..

Big part of Adebayo's goal is stay in the state of North Carolina. I read where he grew up being a UNC fan. But he is smart enough to know that door is closed or at least closing. Secondly, he is being influenced by Adidas somewhat. He has a long-standing relationship with Adidas thru AAU. And third, North Carolina State can also offer unlimited minutes to him.

 

[.S&C.]

You have a pretty valid point, and I agree that it's hard to get all that excited about any individual recruit. But what we have right now is the chance, in almost any given year, to put together something that's damn close to a perfect team.

Think about it like this: The 2003 recruiting class included LeBron James and Chris Paul. What would it have looked like if those guys had played college basketball at the same school?

That type of scenario is a legitimate possibility with Cal coaching. Every. Single. Year. It's just dependent on the level of talent available in any given year, and how many of his top targets Cal manages to get.

In all honesty, I think the 2013 class was pretty disappointing. Julius Randle was a stud, but not transcendent. James Young was very talented, but very flawed. The Harrisons ended up on the low-end of what you would hope they'd be. Dakari Johnson was pretty limited, as was/is Marcus Lee. And despite this, what was the end result? A trip to the title game (after an admittedly really bad regular season), and 4 key parts (out of 9) on a 38-1 team that came agonizingly close to playing for 40-0.

If that can happen with a recruiting class that really doesn't pan out, what can happen when it does? I think we saw in 2012, and, if things continue as they are, we'll see again. And maybe even in a better way.

Very true, and it's a much better way of looking at it.

 

[.S&C.]

Its like a 30 year old relationship nowadays

Winner.

 

[.S&C.]

But honestly i know what you are saying. When we get a recruit im excited for like 20 seconds and then i immediately start trying to see how he fits in the roaster next year. Who will leave, who will stay. I don't know when it started but I would say sometime after Noel announcement

I feel like mine started when we lost wiggins. I know since 2013's class I've just kind of stopped digging into it so hard.

Mjk is right on though. Some of these situations are just scary to think about, and we're snack in the middle of it. I should just enjoy it probably, and keep more of an eye on that aspect.

 

[Untouchables22]

You have a pretty valid point, and I agree that it's hard to get all that excited about any individual recruit. But what we have right now is the chance, in almost any given year, to put together something that's damn close to a perfect team.

Think about it like this: The 2003 recruiting class included LeBron James and Chris Paul. What would it have looked like if those guys had played college basketball at the same school?

That type of scenario is a legitimate possibility with Cal coaching. Every. Single. Year. It's just dependent on the level of talent available in any given year, and how many of his top targets Cal manages to get.

In all honesty, I think the 2013 class was pretty disappointing. Julius Randle was a stud, but not transcendent. James Young was very talented, but very flawed. The Harrisons ended up on the low-end of what you would hope they'd be. Dakari Johnson was pretty limited, as was/is Marcus Lee. And despite this, what was the end result? A trip to the title game (after an admittedly really bad regular season), and 4 key parts (out of 9) on a 38-1 team that came agonizingly close to playing for 40-0.

If that can happen with a recruiting class that really doesn't pan out, what can happen when it does? I think we saw in 2012, and, if things continue as they are, we'll see again. And maybe even in a better way.

Honestly a fair evaluation of the Duke team that won it all last year shows that you don't even need anything approaching "a perfect team". Duke last year wasn't close to how great we were in 2012. They struggled with playing defense all year highlight by the a$$ whipping Miami gave them at home. They only had one offensive threat in the post. But what they did have were 3 of the top 10 freshmen for that year and three fairly good role players in Jefferson, Cook, and Allen. So if Cal can grab 3 of the actual top 10 team freshmen in a given year (not ranked but how they actually play) and we have a few holdovers from the previous year we have a great chance as you illustrated in your post.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

There has to be a reason why it looks like Bolden, Bam and Allen are headed elsewhere and I bet cups of coffee that its because they see Humphries, Wynyard, Lee and SKJ already to be on next years team and they don't want to share those minutes.

 

[RC_Texas]

There has to be a reason why it looks like Bolden, Bam and Allen are headed elsewhere and I bet cups of coffee that its because they see Humphries, Wynyard, Lee and SKJ already to be on next years team and they don't want to share those minutes.

Include Willis, who Bolden, Bam and Allen should beat in the Depth Chart but will still get minutes and Gabriel who is so talented he will could play at the #3 or #4 and maybe, #5 spot, Kentucky has a talented and loaded front court for 2016-17. I think Gabriel has the highest ceiling of all of the 2016 class.

 

[Neue Regel]

Honestly a fair evaluation of the Duke team that won it all last year shows that you don't even need anything approaching "a perfect team". Duke last year wasn't close to how great we were in 2012. They struggled with playing defense all year highlight by the a$$ whipping Miami gave them at home. They only had one offensive threat in the post. But what they did have were 3 of the top 10 freshmen for that year and three fairly good role players in Jefferson, Cook, and Allen. So if Cal can grab 3 of the actual top 10 team freshmen in a given year (not ranked but how they actually play) and we have a few holdovers from the previous year we have a great chance as you illustrated in your post.

The one missing caveat here though from your post is that Duke got better defensively as the year went on and they were defending the best they had all year down the late stretch of the season.

 

[Untouchables22]

The one missing caveat here though from your post is that Duke got better defensively as the year went on and they were defending the best they had all year down the late stretch of the season.

I'm not so sure about that....I actually watched the ACC tournament and Duke's defense in those games was poor. Then in the tournament you got to face very offensively challenged teams in San Diego State, Michigan State, and Utah which was why everybody over here howled about an easy draw. Also the first half of the championship game was not very good defensively until K berated the officials before half and they started calling the game differently in the second half.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

by calling the game differently you mean the refs decided charges weren't in the rule book any more?

 

[samloren]

How many freaking scholarships does Kentucky have left?

 

[JerseyCat84]

How many freaking scholarships does Kentucky have left?

Enough.

 

[samloren]

Enough.

So y'all still feel confident about Monk? I hope he picks Ark but I am confident of nothing.

 

[JerseyCat84]

So y'all still feel confident about Monk? I hope he picks Ark but I am confident of nothing.

If he wants to play for a mediocre coach and be the man on a mediocre team, then yes he'll choose Arkansas.

 

[JerseyCat84]

Hope Bam was watching tonight's NC State game.

 

[samloren]

If he wants to play for a mediocre coach and be the man on a mediocre team, then yes he'll choose Arkansas.

Maybe so. But I was a little surprised watching the Hogs tonight. We might not be as bad as everyone assumes.

 

[brianpoe]

There has to be a reason why it looks like Bolden, Bam and Allen are headed elsewhere and I bet cups of coffee that its because they see Humphries, Wynyard, Lee and SKJ already to be on next years team and they don't want to share those minutes.

My hope is Bam and I can guarantee you he is not scared of losing minutes to that lineup.

The handlers wanting him to go NC State are not worried about PT either, much more going on there imo...

I would take Bam over Giles (with the 2nd acl) and all other bigs.



I would be very surprised if any top program gets involved with Maker, rumors are that there may be some serious inquiries into his handlers, much worse than Skal's lamebrain guardian.

IU is desperate, but i doubt any other blueblood jumps in unless he is vetted out extremely well.

 

[brianpoe]

Maybe so. But I was a little surprised watching the Hogs tonight. We might not be as bad as everyone assumes.

I guess, but you guys beat a SAC team that lost like 20 games last year...

 

[RC_Texas]

I would be very surprised if any top program gets involved with Maker, rumors are that there may be some serious inquiries into his handlers, much worse than Skal's lamebrain guardian.

IU is desperate, but i doubt any other blueblood jumps in unless he is vetted out extremely well.

Maker is going where Brian Merritt tells him to go. And since Merritt is now the Assistant Basketball Coach at Arizona State University, I think I can guess where he will tell Maker to go.

 

[brianpoe]

Maker is going where Brian Merritt tells him to go. And since Merritt is now the Assistant Basketball Coach at Arizona State University, I think I can guess where he will tell Maker to go.

That is the most widely accepted theory as of now.

 

[samloren]

I guess, but you guys beat a SAC team that lost like 20 games last year...

They really aren't that bad. Four points away from the tourney last year and have 4 of their starters back. I know...that that sounds bad. All I'm saying is that we might not be in as bad of shape as some might think. Time will tell I guess.

 

[RC_Texas]

That is the most widely accepted theory as of now.

He and his brother was at AFH tonight to watch the Kansas game vs. Northern Colorado. But I don't think Kansas is seriously recruiting him now. His High School team in playing a tournament this weekend in Wichita and was somewhat close by.

 

[brianpoe]

They really aren't that bad. Four points away from the tourney last year and have 4 of their starters back. I know...that that sounds bad. All I'm saying is that we might not be in as bad of shape as some might think. Time will tell I guess.

You guys will look good for awhile because you do not play a ranked team until January 5th and that is #18 Vandy.

That is a pitiful excuse for a schedule and really should be looked at by the SEC.

Wake and Ga Tech are your premier OOC games.


I am sure Monk cannot wait to lace em up against the likes of:

Mercer
Charleston Southern
just Southern
Akron
Northwestern State
Evansville
Tennessee Tech
North Florida

Season ticket holders should revolt and Hog fans should be embarrassed.

 

[brianpoe]

He and his brother was at AFH tonight to watch the Kansas game vs. Northern Colorado. But I don't think Kansas is seriously recruiting him now. His High School team in playing a tournament this weekend in Wichita and was somewhat close by.

I'm sure KU will take a sniff, but if he really has that much baggage Self wont do it. Especially after back to back ineligible players.

Speaking of that, is KU expecting any fallout from the Cliff situation?

 

[RC_Texas]

Speaking of that, is KU expecting any fallout from the Cliff situation?

When Cliff or Cliff's parent didn't talk to the NCAA, the investigation for all practical purposes ended. The NCAA doesn't subpoena power and couldn't force the parents to speak to them. If they had spoke to the NCAA, it wouldn't have ended well for Cliff. I think his parents sold him down the river by taking a loan out on his future NBA wages. He would have been found ineligible. I don't know what effect that it would have had on Kansas. Since he was cleared by the NCAA at the beginning of the season and Kansas stopped playing him when the NCAA informed them of the investigation. Conspiracy theories have Diallo as pay-back for Cliff.

 

[brianpoe]

When Cliff or Cliff's parent didn't talk to the NCAA, the investigation for all practical purposes ended. The NCAA doesn't subpoena power and couldn't force the parents to speak to them. If they had spoke to the NCAA, it wouldn't have ended well for Cliff. I think his parents sold him down the river by taking a loan out on his future NBA wages. He would have been found ineligible. I don't know what effect that it would have had on Kansas. Since he was cleared by the NCAA at the beginning of the season and Kansas stopped playing him when the NCAA informed them of the investigation. Conspiracy theories have Diallo as pay-back for Cliff.

I guess it depends on when the loan went into effect.

Investigation date means nothing. If Cliff signed that loan prior to the season he was ineligible from Day 1.

Vacated games.

I think it is amazing that the NCAA would just drop a major investigation.

If you were Cleveland State you wouldn't have a team this year.

 

[RC_Texas]

I don't think that Cliff signed the note. Everything was in Mom's name. I don't have the greatest Cliff sources but what I heard is that the loan was news to him sometime after the season started. It would have taken his NCAA career I don't know if the NCAA would have gone Cleveland State on Kansas.

 

[brianpoe]

I don't think that Cliff signed the note. Everything was in Mom's name. I don't have the greatest Cliff sources but what I heard is that the loan was news to him sometime after the season started. It would have taken his NCAA career I don't know if the NCAA would have gone Cleveland State on Kansas.

If Cliff didn't sign then Cliff wouldn't have sat. KU could definitely had fought much harder had that been the case.

Think about it, someone is just going to let his momma, who I am sure has at least an 800 FICO score... guarantee a loan?

Doubt it. That loan wouldnt be worth the paper it was written on.

I think he signed it in Chicago before coming to KU and it was revealed during the season.

 

[RC_Texas]

If Cliff didn't sign then Cliff wouldn't have sat. KU could definitely had fought much harder had that been the case.

Think about it, someone is just going to let his momma, who I am sure has at least an 800 FICO score... guarantee a loan?

Doubt it. That loan wouldnt be worth the paper it was written on.

I think he signed it in Chicago before coming to KU and it was revealed during the season.

You know you meet people and you feel so strong about them, believe in them, you stand up with them in a bar fight against mean guys and long odds...yeah, the Alexander's don't fall in that category for me.

 

[TopCatCal]

Theres the possibility that come spring, someone like DeAndre Ayton could reclassify. If that were to happen & we would sign Ayton. Our 2016 class could look like this:
Wenyen Gabriel 6'10 5-Star
Sacha Killeya-Jones 6'10 5-Star
DeAndre Ayton 7'0 5-Star
Malik Monk 6'3 5-Star
De'Aaron Fox 6'4 5-Star
Ayton is considered by some as the top high school player in America, regardless of class.

 

[Blue Decade]

Once Monk comes aboard, we are LOADED. Although I think we really could use a 6'-8" range forward, I think we could easily be focusing on a big guy again. Here are a few on the radar, real possibilities. (in no particular order)

Thon Maker 7'-0" 215 (we have friends/teammate/Canada connections with Murray, Labissiere, Mulder and Gabriel) (Arizona St, UK, IU)

Bam Adebayo 6'-9" 230 (Nc State? UK ?)

Jarrett Allen 6'-9" 225 (Texas. Kansas, UK)

Marques Bolden 6'-10" 250 (Kansas, UK)

Udoka Azubuike 6'-11" 260 Kansas, Florida St, UK)

thoughts?

Just a matter of time, Monk will be a Kentucky Wildcat. Calipari stopped recruiting Maker and Azubuike months ago. It's possible they could pop up again on Kentucky's radar in the spring, but I doubt it. I'm not sure if Calipari is still recruiting Bolden. Bolden's sudden increase in interest in Big 12 schools may reflect Calipari backing off, but that isn't clear yet. I think we are still all in on Allen's and Adebayo's recruitment, but don't know if we will get either of them. Remember how Humphries popped up on Calipari's radar over the summer? Something like that could happen again late in the next recruiting season. But not Ayton. Aside from a few unsubstantiated rumors in the non mainstream press, there is no credible reason to believe Ayton will reclassify, and no specific reason to believe he is leaning toward Kentucky.

Fox
Monk
Wynyard
SKJ
Gabriel
1 more

 

[samloren]

Monk was at our game last night with his friend, fellow Hog commit Daniel Gafford. Not saying that says it's one way or another, but it's going to be interesting. Don't worry we are used to being left at the altar looking silly. But I think there is a real chance that he picks Arkansas. Some of you might want to consider that before writing him in your lineups.

 

[Bkocats]

I feel excited when it's a top 5. Other than that I just expect a top 3 class.

Maybe my priorities are getting Wack as I get older. I used to watch hours of YouTube vids on 4 stars and get ecstatic.

nah.....it's just that we're so spoiled with what Cal has brought in.

 

[samloren]

You guys will look good for awhile because you do not play a ranked team until January 5th and that is #18 Vandy.

That is a pitiful excuse for a schedule and really should be looked at by the SEC.

Wake and Ga Tech are your premier OOC games.


I am sure Monk cannot wait to lace em up against the likes of:

Mercer
Charleston Southern
just Southern
Akron
Northwestern State
Evansville
Tennessee Tech
North Florida

Season ticket holders should revolt and Hog fans should be embarrassed.

I don't think it would have been wise for Anderson to play a Kentucky strength schedule this year. We lost a lot of players, and this is pretty much a patchwork team that can't afford injuries and needs to build confidence. Next year's schedule should be much tougher.

But while I'm here I might as well tell you Moses Kingsley might prove to be the most complete big man in the SEC this year. He had 22 points, 12 rebs, 5 blocks, and 3 steals last night. I know, you think I'm crazy, but keep an eye on this guy. He doesn't look like the same player he was last year. We have some guards who can fill the three up (Bell and Hannahs are zone busters), and of course Jimmy Whitt who has a ton of potential. Things will be a lot better than I thought.

 

[brianpoe]

I don't think it would have been wise for Anderson to play a Kentucky strength schedule this year. We lost a lot of players, and this is pretty much a patchwork team that can't afford injuries and needs to build confidence. Next year's schedule should be much tougher.

But while I'm here I might as well tell you Moses Kingsley might prove to be the most complete big man in the SEC this year. He had 22 points, 12 rebs, 5 blocks, and 3 steals last night. I know, you think I'm crazy, but keep an eye on this guy. He doesn't look like the same player he was last year. We have some guards who can fill the three up (Bell and Hannahs are zone busters), and of course Jimmy Whitt who has a ton of potential. Things will be a lot better than I thought.

Scheduling scared earns no respect.

We lose more players every year than any other team.

If you guys do not beat a LSU, Vandy, A&M or us the committee will not reward wins against cupcakes.


My hope is that Monk would rather play Kansas, Duke, Louisville, UCLA, etc with a ton of media and national exposure.


Getting excited over a P5 team winning with this schedule or players excelling against that competition is fools gold.

 

[samloren]

Scheduling scared earns no respect.

We lose more players every year than any other team.

If you guys do not beat a LSU, Vandy, A&M or us the committee will not reward wins against cupcakes.


My hope is that Monk would rather play Kansas, Duke, Louisville, UCLA, etc with a ton of media and national exposure.


Getting excited over a P5 team winning with this schedule or players excelling against that competition is fools gold.

Is Albany State even D1?

 

[JerseyCat84]

Is Albany State even D1?

Albany is D1, made the tourney last season and are favorites to win their league. Southern on the other hand....