Monk is Next

[ralphdaltonfan]

Same guy who has passed info said it's done--and so far he's 3/3 with his calls. I'll leave this up as a carrot to show I'm not trolling:

As much as I've mentioned that you guys want Fox (which Cal has obviously agreed upon and he's heading your way)--you guys don't want Bolden. He's a talented offensive post--who is soft, doesn't rebound well enough for size, and is a non defensive presence. Bam Adebayo is really getting word from any/everyone to choose UK---even another handler of an elite prospect who UK isn't involved with has mentioned to go to UK over NC State. This is guy I think Cal can/will surprise with and land. I knew/know Fox was UK once offered, but Adebayo would be best frontcourt addition (not named Giles) UK could land in '16.

6 ralphdaltonfan, Oct 15, 2015

 

[stuway]

Love it and believe it too. I think we have Monk and he is waiting till spring. Kid has to play all yr in that state. Why have people pissed all yr when they can instead love him still for now. Monk ia ours and its not much of secret anymore imo

 

[Ron Mehico]

Oh man oh man!!

 

[CatPhight]

Monk will be our 5th top 25 player.

Best class ever.

 

[hotelblue]

 

[wcc31]

The gauntlet has been thrown and Calipari has answered and answered with vigor.

 

[Smashcat]

Steve Smith let that cat out of the bag a while back.

 

[BlueBomb]

Monk will be our 5th top 25 player.

Best class ever.

Don't think so. Not too long ago, we got the best point, best 2G, best PF, 2nd best SF and one of the top centers in the class. In terms of rankings, that won't be beat.

 

[KA4Prez]

Arkansas fans are in such denial, trying to convince themselves that Monk is such a big fan and hangs out at UofA so often that he won't be able to spurn them.

It's likely the opposite. He's getting his fill and excitement of UofA before he embarks on his real basketball journey, UK and the NBA.

 

[KA4Prez]

Don't think so. Not too long ago, we got the best point, best 2G, best PF, 2nd best SF and one of the top centers in the class. In terms of rankings, that won't be beat.

Agree. This will not come close to matching the Aaron, Andrew, Julius, James, Marcus and Dakari class. That will never be topped.

 

[minjo]

Long live king Calipari.
He was looking for years for the jewel of college basketball. He finally found it. In the process UK found the jewel of coaches.
A marriage arranged in heaven.

 

[JerseyCat84]

What a time to be a Kentucky BB fan, huh guys?

 

[Uk1111]

The Randle glad was rated higher, but I think next year's class is going to have more impactful, and better players with higher ceilings.

Other than Randle, that class was overated IMO.

 

[UK_Johnny24]

Agree. This will not come close to matching the Aaron, Andrew, Julius, James, Marcus and Dakari class. That will never be topped.

Yeah but the Harrisons weren't what they were supposed to be and Dakari wasn't either. This class could very easily be a lot better. Fox and Monk are so much better than the twins its ridiculous. Bam and Randle is a tie. SKJ is better than Lee. I would call Gabriel VS JY a tie as well. They're different type players, but Gabriel may be the better player. So yeah I think this class can easily top that one.

 

[JerseyCat84]

Agree. This will not come close to matching the Aaron, Andrew, Julius, James, Marcus and Dakari class. That will never be topped.

Unless Cal adds another unexpected signing ala Bam to go with Monk. In terms of athletic ability next years class tops Randle's class. Remember Dakari couldn't jump over a piece of paper.

 

[Fitch44]

coach k wants to play this recruiting game?? Looks like he fu**ed and poked the bear

 

[FiveStarCat]

Arkansas fans are in such denial, trying to convince themselves that Monk is such a big fan and hangs out at UofA so often that he won't be able to spurn them.

It's likely the opposite. He's getting his fill and excitement of UofA before he embarks on his real basketball journey, UK and the NBA.

Unfortunately, that sounds familiar (see: Damien Harris).

 

[Willy4UK]

Best card that UK has against Duke/NCAA/ESPN is these top freshman.

The NCAA/ESPN Duke machine can't control these kids. Yeah, the NCAA can creat fictional coaches such as Saint K and then use the refs and ESPN to keep that racket in place, but these kids are the innocent ones. At least for the ones that listen, Cal is medicine to Duke's fabricated success.

 

[buckkiller]

Agree. This will not come close to matching the Aaron, Andrew, Julius, James, Marcus and Dakari class. That will never be topped.

I think the quality will be better. FOX and If Monk better then twins! Bam I believe will be better then Randle! Same as Gabriel and SKJ. Will be top 15 players by most services by end next year. So yeah This will be Cals best class.

 

[KnowsAllTellsAll]

Am I the only one who thinks Kansas is a strong possibility for Monk?

 

[KA4Prez]

Yeah but the Harrisons weren't what they were supposed to be and Dakari wasn't either. This class could very easily be a lot better. Fox and Monk are so much better than the twins its ridiculous. Bam and Randle is a tie. SKJ is better than Lee. I would call Gabriel VS JY a tie as well. They're different type players, but Gabriel may be the better player. So yeah I think this class can easily top that one.

Recruiting classes aren't ranked on college results. Nobody was ever arguing that the class couldn't be better. You could argue any class that wins a title is better, regardless of HS rankings.

With that said, people seem to classify that 2013 class as "disappointing" yet they got to a national title and a Final Four...

 

[CatPhight]

maybe in terms of actual production, but the 2013 class had 5 top 10.

True enough...I don't think Monk will be the only other addition.

 

[gossie21]

maybe in terms of actual production, but the 2013 class had 5 top 10.

In terms of production it will be hard to top the 2011 class of Davis, MKG, and Teague. Those first two alone outpace every class we've signed up until now.

 

[Shawn (uk7spd)]

maybe in terms of actual production, but the 2013 class had 5 top 10.

It boils down to how you are comparing classes. There are obviously numerous methods. First, you can look strictly at rankings when entering school. In that case, hard to beat 2013. Second, you can look at the rankings combined with the strength of the class relative to other classes. In that case, 2016 might win because it is one of the best classes every whereas 2013 was one of the weakest ever. Third, you can use hindsight after seeing how the players produce, whether it be in college or the NBA. In that case, 2010 or even 2012 is looking awfully good, though it is still too early for the other classes.

 

[mebeblue2]

Am I the only one who thinks Kansas is a strong possibility for Monk?

yep, the rest of us are intelligent

 

[KnowsAllTellsAll]

Saw this posted on the KU board and figured I'd ask here... with the addition of Bam, Kentucky is likely to have up to 7 post players next year:

Wynard, Humphries, SKJ, Gabriel, Willis, Adebayo, Lee

Will Kentucky be platooning again? or is the rationale that Willis and Gabriel will play the 3? That would still leave a 5 player rotation in the post which is just sick.
.,

 

[vernoncoy]

Monk will be our 5th top 25 player.

Best class ever.

Remember Cal predicted that a few months ago!!! Thanks Coach!!!!

 

[Willy4UK]

Saw this posted on the KU board and figured I'd ask here... with the addition of Bam, Kentucky is likely to have up to 7 post players next year:

Wynard, Humphries, SKJ, Gabriel, Willis, Adebayo, Lee

Will Kentucky be platooning again? or is the rationale that Willis and Gabriel will play the 3? That would still leave a 5 player rotation in the post which is just sick.
.,

Son, the way Willis is playing, he could be gone. That might sound ridiculous. But if he keeps progressing, it's not out of the whelm. And as for Lee, if he keeps on it, he's gone too.

 

[Cornered Weasel]

Am I the only one who thinks Kansas is a strong possibility for Monk?

Yes you are...

 

[stenchymouse]

Saw this posted on the KU board and figured I'd ask here... with the addition of Bam, Kentucky is likely to have up to 7 post players next year:

Wynard, Humphries, SKJ, Gabriel, Willis, Adebayo, Lee

Will Kentucky be platooning again? or is the rationale that Willis and Gabriel will play the 3? That would still leave a 5 player rotation in the post which is just sick.
.,

I don't think so, but Cal may use a 8 or 9 man rotation...

Too much depth is a good problem to have!

 

[thecatsareback#8]

Saw this posted on the KU board and figured I'd ask here... with the addition of Bam, Kentucky is likely to have up to 7 post players next year:

Wynard, Humphries, SKJ, Gabriel, Willis, Adebayo, Lee

Will Kentucky be platooning again? or is the rationale that Willis and Gabriel will play the 3? That would still leave a 5 player rotation in the post which is just sick.
.,

Lee is gone.. but just for the sake of argument

5 - Bam Starts Humphries/ Wynard subs
4 - Lee Starts SKJ Subs
3 - Gabriel Starts Willis subs (vice versa)

More then likely it will be
4/5 position
Bam 30 mins
SKJ 25 mins
Gabriel 10 mins

Humphries/ Wynard battle is out for the remaining 15 mins

3 position
Gabriel 20 mins
Willis 10 mins
Matthews 10 mins

1/2 position
Fox 33
Monk 32
Matthews/Mulder/Hawkins Battle is out for the remaining 15 mins

 

[pikespeak1]

Am I the only one who thinks Kansas is a strong possibility for Monk?

Yes

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

Agree. This will not come close to matching the Aaron, Andrew, Julius, James, Marcus and Dakari class. That will never be topped.

How are you ranking classes? is it just based on what recruiting gurus think or on their actual play on the court on based on their careers?

 

[Drcatfan]

I am as happy as any UK fan on this surprise landing of Bam. I really, really, really wanted Giles or Bam and thought Bolden or Allen would be a consolation prize. That being said, a few posts here said that Bam is better than Randle. Does everyone remember how good Randle was? I think Bam may be a little more athletic, but probably not as skilled/polished offensively. In all the video I have seen of Bam, he dunks 90% of his shots and the rest are shots near the rim (which is just fine!). I just think it is a tall order to say he is better than Randle.

I think a better comparison may be a little shorter, but stonger Willie Cauley Stein. He is going to be a great defender, rebounder, and dunker. Not sure if he will have a jump hot or back to the basket moves. He is exactly the type of player we needed for next year.

 

[turkeywildturkey]

Agree. This will not come close to matching the Aaron, Andrew, Julius, James, Marcus and Dakari class. That will never be topped.

On paper, I'd agree with you. But, based on their careers, I'd say 4 of the 6 were 5 star players and Dakari and Lee were 4 star players. Lets see how these kids pan out before we finalize this issue.

 

[Hoskins21]

Saw this posted on the KU board and figured I'd ask here... with the addition of Bam, Kentucky is likely to have up to 7 post players next year:

Wynard, Humphries, SKJ, Gabriel, Willis, Adebayo, Lee

Will Kentucky be platooning again? or is the rationale that Willis and Gabriel will play the 3? That would still leave a 5 player rotation in the post which is just sick.
.,

Wynard is a project that will develop over time. I doubt he sees the floor next season. Humphries will play and may start at the 5 (it will be him or SKJ). Gabriel will play the 3 a lot like Trey Lyles did a year ago. Willis will take on a backup role unless Gabriel needs more time to develop. Adebayo will start and play A LOT! Lee probably leaves after this season.

 

[turkeywildturkey]

I am as happy as any UK fan on this surprise landing of Bam. I really, really, really wanted Giles or Bam and thought Bolden or Allen would be a consolation prize. That being said, a few posts here said that Bam is better than Randle. Does everyone remember how good Randle was? I think Bam may be a little more athletic, but probably not as skilled/polished offensively. In all the video I have seen of Bam, he dunks 90% of his shots and the rest are shots near the rim (which is just fine!). I just think it is a tall order to say he is better than Randle.

I think a better comparison may be a little shorter, but stonger Willie Cauley Stein. He is going to be a great defender, rebounder, and dunker. Not sure if he will have a jump hot or back to the basket moves. He is exactly the type of player we needed for next year.

After watching him play, I think a shorter Dwight Howard is a better comparison. He's much more polished offensively the WCS, and its not even close.

 

[BlueBomb]

A decade from now, we can all get on this site and rank Cal's classes with the benefit of hindsight. But again, on paper, the class with the twins probably will never be beaten.

The Davis, MKG class and the Wall, Cuz class were both better in reality...obviously. But we judge our classes year after year based on rankings (whichever ranking you prefer: Rivals, ESPN or a composite). And that's the only real way we can rank before they play a college game. Using that method, the class with the twins really can't be beaten.

 

[KnowsAllTellsAll]

Wynard is a project that will develop over time. I doubt he sees the floor next season. Humphries will play and may start at the 5 (it will be him or SKJ). Gabriel will play the 3 a lot like Trey Lyles did a year ago. Willis will take on a backup role unless Gabriel needs more time to develop. Adebayo will start and play A LOT! Lee probably leaves after this season.

A senior Willis will take on a back-up role? Hasn't he been your best player so far in the early season?

 

[Bluemamba]

Same guy who has passed info said it's done--and so far he's 3/3 with his calls. I'll leave this up as a carrot to show I'm not trolling:

As much as I've mentioned that you guys want Fox (which Cal has obviously agreed upon and he's heading your way)--you guys don't want Bolden. He's a talented offensive post--who is soft, doesn't rebound well enough for size, and is a non defensive presence. Bam Adebayo is really getting word from any/everyone to choose UK---even another handler of an elite prospect who UK isn't involved with has mentioned to go to UK over NC State. This is guy I think Cal can/will surprise with and land. I knew/know Fox was UK once offered, but Adebayo would be best frontcourt addition (not named Giles) UK could land in '16.

6 ralphdaltonfan, Oct 15, 2015

I think you got it.................the Monk ster is a baller