New Big Man Option: Kentucky In On 2020 Big Frank Anselem

[KyCatFan]

This is getting very frustrating. We need someone to come in ready to play due to our lack of centers. The best we can hope for is that possibly a high school junior (not an elite player) comes in a year early and is physically and mentally mature enough to play at this level. It didn't work very well when we tried it with Hagans at the point guard position. I'm afraid this will be another one of those years we say we were one player away from being a championship caliber team (if there is a season).

 

[Gassy_Knowls]

Big Frank Amsterdam. Bring him on.

 

[bigblue1971]

I like the Frank Kepnang kid myself, maybe he could reclassify.

That's the guy I want at the 5. Other than maybe Cisse.

 

[itsaprocess]

I am not a big believer in reclassified kids to fill the center spot. I don’t care how talented they are fact is they should be high school seniors , and they most certainly won’t be allowed on campus this summer. So your asking them to come in after a shortened junior year in high school,without the benefit of a summer of workouts, and then surround them with a bunch of true freshmen, that’s a lot to ask of anyone. I have no idea where to find one but we need an experienced big man with a proven track record who is eligible to play right away.Good luck Cal.

 

[CELTICAT]

We didn't want him any way.

Too soon?

 

[anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y]

He's a California kid. Even if he does come here he'll transfer back home when the season ends.

This is where we are now with UK basketball. Everyone either transfers or leaves when they're barely projected to get drafted, and now we're scrambling to get the 133rd ranked player in the class of 2020.

He’s from Georgia. Moved out West ala BJ Boston

 

[Zissou87]

For those that like to jump to conclusions about the decisions of teenagers: the official Instagram account of Kentucky Men's Basketball is already following him, as well as Calipari's official account. Joel Justus isn't following him, only Cal. With that said, they are pretty serious about this guy and not holding back.

...I'm ready for sports.

 

[Ben101er]

I am not a big believer in reclassified kids to fill the center spot. I don’t care how talented they are fact is they should be high school seniors , and they most certainly won’t be allowed on campus this summer. So your asking them to come in after a shortened junior year in high school,without the benefit of a summer of workouts, and then surround them with a bunch of true freshmen, that’s a lot to ask of anyone. I have no idea where to find one but we need an experienced big man with a proven track record who is eligible to play right away.Good luck Cal.

Which is why I want Reid and not Anselem. Reid is ranked top 30 and is already 18 years old. Anselem is the 16th best center in the class. If he is all we can get, then I'll take my chances with Jackson and Ware.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Honestly, at this point, just get a big that is at least 6'9 and 225lbs. We just need someone to play center, they don't even have to be great.

FYI- Ware is 6’9, 215 right now. Probably starts the season at 220-225 after our S&C gets finished with him this summer.

 

[kybassfan]

Maybe this is the proverbial "trick up Cal's sleeve", but I wouldn't bet the farm the kid is ready for the big stage or ready to play starter's minutes.

Either way, we need to get at least one serviceable big on the team; let KP work with him, you never know, he could be a quick learner and help us this year, however unlikely that may be.

Anyone gets starter minutes. Shag would start right now.

 

[kyups01]

Nah Im Good...so is most of eastern ky. Get a legit big man Cal that can actually contribute next season....enough!

 

[LukaszObrzut87]

All we need is a glass cleaner, he’s a body and could have something to give. That being said, I am very disappointed we didn’t get Haarms. Just like Blackshear, I thought he would come to Ky but didn’t which I’m glad but it sucks losing out on quality pieces.

 

[hotelblue]

Here we go again.....lol

you knew we’d hear something fast.

 

[seccats04]

FYI- Ware is 6’9, 215 right now. Probably starts the season at 220-225 after our S&C gets finished with him this summer.

He may not get a chance to work with them this summer unless it's Facetime from home.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

A 20th-40th ranked Junior in high school big man is simply not ready to come in and be a starting C/ elite presence in college basketball.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Let's hype him up until he goes elsewhere and then create threads saying how we didn't really need him and he wouldn't have beaten out Jackson for playing time.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Honestly, at this point, just get a big that is at least 6'9 and 225lbs. We just need someone to play center, they don't even have to be great.

Does Mark Coury have any eligibility left?

 

[UKrazycat2]

Our fanbase is bipolar.....[/QUOTE]

I am not.

Well, on second thought.

 

[Smashcat]

Sounds like the Anselem camp likes UK. He has a 7-5 wingspan and significant upside and won’t jump to the NBA after a year. His coach said UK told him two days ago they knew they weren’t getting Haarms so the insiders predicting him to UK were full of you know what.

Smith stressed that he’s not looking for any promises, other than a fair shot to see the floor.

“It’s the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, and it’s Kentucky,” he acknowledged. “I think his expectations are that he wants to go to a place where he can develop. He doesn’t expect to be a one-and-done, nor is he looking for a starting spot.


Read more here: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/col...ecruiting/article242240871.html#storylink=cpy

 

[Smashcat]

Sounds like the Anselem camp likes UK. He has a 7-5 wingspan and significant upside and won’t jump to the NBA after a year. His coach said UK told him two days ago they knew they weren’t getting Haarms so the insiders predicting him to UK were full of you know what.

Smith stressed that he’s not looking for any promises, other than a fair shot to see the floor.

“It’s the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, and it’s Kentucky,” he acknowledged. “I think his expectations are that he wants to go to a place where he can develop. He doesn’t expect to be a one-and-done, nor is he looking for a starting spot.


Read more here: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/col...ecruiting/article242240871.html#storylink=cpy

Two thumbs up to Hagans as well.
Ashton loves Kentucky, loves the coaching staff, loves the development,” Smith said. “Ashton has spoken to Frank and told Frank that it’s a great place that he’ll go and develop. It’s just high pressure, high stress, and you have to be mentally prepared for that.”

Read more here: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/col...ecruiting/article242240871.html#storylink=cpy

 

[coryrusso]

Sounds like the Anselem camp likes UK. He has a 7-5 wingspan and significant upside and won’t jump to the NBA after a year. His coach said UK told him two days ago they knew they weren’t getting Haarms so the insiders predicting him to UK were full of you know what.

Smith stressed that he’s not looking for any promises, other than a fair shot to see the floor.

“It’s the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, and it’s Kentucky,” he acknowledged. “I think his expectations are that he wants to go to a place where he can develop. He doesn’t expect to be a one-and-done, nor is he looking for a starting spot.


Read more here: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/col...ecruiting/article242240871.html#storylink=cpy

So much for inside info.They sure can't claim he had a change of heart.

 

[FtWorthCat]

Too bad this guy wasn't good enough to play at UK.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4279252/chris-vogt

 

[jgraf_1]

View embedded media

I guess we’ll see where this goes? There’s options, just not sure how great they are and if we can even sign them.

Both. Need depth and talent.

 

[TheWyldKat]

Man it is so hard to believe that we are in this kind of predicament. I don’t think Calipari thought EJ would go pro. That really screwed us. Now we’re scraping the bottom of the barrel.

 

[jgraf_1]

won’t jump to the NBA after a year.

LOL ok... it's a tradition like no other!

But seriously i like what article had to say and glad ashton gave him positive news from his view at UK. I know he got hell on this board but he obviously loved his 2 years here and is still trying to help the program.

 

[shutzhund]

Good points and half our fanbase has no idea how the game is played. Like zero.

I would suggest paying more attention to position recruitment, go to a massage therapist and having that stiff neck loosened.

Those two things should take care of 90% of the problem.

 

[shutzhund]

I don't believe he will.

That being said, I don't mind the idea of adding another 2-3 year guy who can develop over time.

Won't help for next year a ton, but 2 or 3 years from now could be a very nice piece.

Just in case we end up short, as we do every year, he'll be there for us.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Man it is so hard to believe that we are in this kind of predicament. I don’t think Calipari thought EJ would go pro. That really screwed us. Now we’re scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Program expected entire frontcourt to leave. EJ was giving some signs he was considering returning but know others had some good info of reasons he may have been forced to leave regarding financial reasons. Can only speak to who told me something on that it was JustWar so credit him for that. Didn't know of that personally but did hear he gave consideration of returning but UK operated as if they knew frontcourt was all likely to leave.

I'll say this about Anselem. I'm far more concerned they are heavily involved with him then I would be if they didn't have any names being mentioned. This guy is a project and don't give a damn what these type of guys/their camps say--when you reclass and think you can call up a school and commit and they pass--David Sisk is spot on about what he was told regarding LSU/Bama/UGA telling him "no thanks"---UK needs to hold off.

There's a need and we all acknowledge that, but if NCAA passes this immediate waiver, people will become available that not only will play but make the team far better. I'm in minority as I liked what Matt Haarms fit in the role needed and think he'd have done well at UK. But he chose BYU and like how Pope coaches and utilizes his bigs. Things happen and Grad Transfers don't have time to mess around--they got to go where they think it's best fit because their 1 and done is final, no leeway to stay if needed.

But this Anselem thing....no thank you. I'm not nearly as high on Efton Reid as others are either, but that's a personal take and he could turn out to be great/AA but for UK?? There's a reason they cooled on him after Fall Evaluations when they watched him workout, saw him last Summer. Those are mistakes that hurt the program (see EJ Montgomery who was passed on, then they chased like he was an elite player and imo it was a petty reason to "beat Duke" for a player and it turned out he was.....well he's a guy who Lance Ware will replace easily and Isaiah Jackson would've beat out-people are really undervaluing Jackson).

"Fit" is always important but so is talent. When you start thinking you can "coach up" guys to play at a level that elite guys performed (and stats don't matter-there is a big difference in watching an elite player "struggle" through a game and still impact it compared to a marginal guy playing well but giving you 6 and 4) you slip. Can't say much more then some people who aren't connected to program but are connected to Cal that my friend knows quite well think he needs new blood to remind him it's okay to get into the mud with the pigs after top talent. Cal made his climb doing just that and now he wants to pretend he's above it....and let's face it--Sharks don't go Vegan and if they did, their bite is wasted.

 

[Skyguyb27]

He's a California kid. Even if he does come here he'll transfer back home when the season ends.

This is where we are now with UK basketball. Everyone either transfers or leaves when they're barely projected to get drafted, and now we're scrambling to get the 133rd ranked player in the class of 2020.

California kids do seem to have a different mentality than East coast big city kids imo as well.

 

[saxonburgcat]

I mean this is our fanbase's issue though (and not meaning to call you out in particular, but I see this all over the board).

We beg for Cal to bring in multi-year guys who can be paired WITH the top 5 stars every year.

And then when they come up, so many on here just say "meh" or "not good enough" etc. etc. etc.

We can't have it both ways.

I'd be a fan if we add him, would be a nice piece for the future.

Normally, I would agree but I do think the fact that we lost our entire team this year means that we have more of an immediate need at the 5. If we had that filled already, then go for it.

 

[jace2012]

Program expected entire frontcourt to leave. EJ was giving some signs he was considering returning but know others had some good info of reasons he may have been forced to leave regarding financial reasons. Can only speak to who told me something on that it was JustWar so credit him for that. Didn't know of that personally but did hear he gave consideration of returning but UK operated as if they knew frontcourt was all likely to leave.

I'll say this about Anselem. I'm far more concerned they are heavily involved with him then I would be if they didn't have any names being mentioned. This guy is a project and don't give a damn what these type of guys/their camps say--when you reclass and think you can call up a school and commit and they pass--David Sisk is spot on about what he was told regarding LSU/Bama/UGA telling him "no thanks"---UK needs to hold off.

There's a need and we all acknowledge that, but if NCAA passes this immediate waiver, people will become available that not only will play but make the team far better. I'm in minority as I liked what Matt Haarms fit in the role needed and think he'd have done well at UK. But he chose BYU and like how Pope coaches and utilizes his bigs. Things happen and Grad Transfers don't have time to mess around--they got to go where they think it's best fit because their 1 and done is final, no leeway to stay if needed.

But this Anselem thing....no thank you. I'm not nearly as high on Efton Reid as others are either, but that's a personal take and he could turn out to be great/AA but for UK?? There's a reason they cooled on him after Fall Evaluations when they watched him workout, saw him last Summer. Those are mistakes that hurt the program (see EJ Montgomery who was passed on, then they chased like he was an elite player and imo it was a petty reason to "beat Duke" for a player and it turned out he was.....well he's a guy who Lance Ware will replace easily and Isaiah Jackson would've beat out-people are really undervaluing Jackson).

"Fit" is always important but so is talent. When you start thinking you can "coach up" guys to play at a level that elite guys performed (and stats don't matter-there is a big difference in watching an elite player "struggle" through a game and still impact it compared to a marginal guy playing well but giving you 6 and 4) you slip. Can't say much more then some people who aren't connected to program but are connected to Cal that my friend knows quite well think he needs new blood to remind him it's okay to get into the mud with the pigs after top talent. Cal made his climb doing just that and now he wants to pretend he's above it....and let's face it--Sharks don't go Vegan and when they do, their bite is wasted.

I agree, but do you think maybe the compliance department would raise some red flags If Cal was pulling shenanigans trying to get players?
In the ESPN documentary about Cal I remember him talking about how he recruits differently here than he did at Memphis since the UK program sales itself. Like how he’s uncomfortable asking about the family’s financial standing because everything that’s goes on in recruiting.

 

[Ghettobird]

Program expected entire frontcourt to leave. EJ was giving some signs he was considering returning but know others had some good info of reasons he may have been forced to leave regarding financial reasons. Can only speak to who told me something on that it was JustWar so credit him for that. Didn't know of that personally but did hear he gave consideration of returning but UK operated as if they knew frontcourt was all likely to leave.

I'll say this about Anselem. I'm far more concerned they are heavily involved with him then I would be if they didn't have any names being mentioned. This guy is a project and don't give a damn what these type of guys/their camps say--when you reclass and think you can call up a school and commit and they pass--David Sisk is spot on about what he was told regarding LSU/Bama/UGA telling him "no thanks"---UK needs to hold off.

There's a need and we all acknowledge that, but if NCAA passes this immediate waiver, people will become available that not only will play but make the team far better. I'm in minority as I liked what Matt Haarms fit in the role needed and think he'd have done well at UK. But he chose BYU and like how Pope coaches and utilizes his bigs. Things happen and Grad Transfers don't have time to mess around--they got to go where they think it's best fit because their 1 and done is final, no leeway to stay if needed.

But this Anselem thing....no thank you. I'm not nearly as high on Efton Reid as others are either, but that's a personal take and he could turn out to be great/AA but for UK?? There's a reason they cooled on him after Fall Evaluations when they watched him workout, saw him last Summer. Those are mistakes that hurt the program (see EJ Montgomery who was passed on, then they chased like he was an elite player and imo it was a petty reason to "beat Duke" for a player and it turned out he was.....well he's a guy who Lance Ware will replace easily and Isaiah Jackson would've beat out-people are really undervaluing Jackson).

"Fit" is always important but so is talent. When you start thinking you can "coach up" guys to play at a level that elite guys performed (and stats don't matter-there is a big difference in watching an elite player "struggle" through a game and still impact it compared to a marginal guy playing well but giving you 6 and 4) you slip. Can't say much more then some people who aren't connected to program but are connected to Cal that my friend knows quite well think he needs new blood to remind him it's okay to get into the mud with the pigs after top talent. Cal made his climb doing just that and now he wants to pretend he's above it....and let's face it--Sharks don't go Vegan and when they do, their bite is wasted.

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Program expected entire frontcourt to leave. EJ was giving some signs he was considering returning but know others had some good info of reasons he may have been forced to leave regarding financial reasons. Can only speak to who told me something on that it was JustWar so credit him for that. Didn't know of that personally but did hear he gave consideration of returning but UK operated as if they knew frontcourt was all likely to leave.

I'll say this about Anselem. I'm far more concerned they are heavily involved with him then I would be if they didn't have any names being mentioned. This guy is a project and don't give a damn what these type of guys/their camps say--when you reclass and think you can call up a school and commit and they pass--David Sisk is spot on about what he was told regarding LSU/Bama/UGA telling him "no thanks"---UK needs to hold off.

There's a need and we all acknowledge that, but if NCAA passes this immediate waiver, people will become available that not only will play but make the team far better. I'm in minority as I liked what Matt Haarms fit in the role needed and think he'd have done well at UK. But he chose BYU and like how Pope coaches and utilizes his bigs. Things happen and Grad Transfers don't have time to mess around--they got to go where they think it's best fit because their 1 and done is final, no leeway to stay if needed.

But this Anselem thing....no thank you. I'm not nearly as high on Efton Reid as others are either, but that's a personal take and he could turn out to be great/AA but for UK?? There's a reason they cooled on him after Fall Evaluations when they watched him workout, saw him last Summer. Those are mistakes that hurt the program (see EJ Montgomery who was passed on, then they chased like he was an elite player and imo it was a petty reason to "beat Duke" for a player and it turned out he was.....well he's a guy who Lance Ware will replace easily and Isaiah Jackson would've beat out-people are really undervaluing Jackson).

"Fit" is always important but so is talent. When you start thinking you can "coach up" guys to play at a level that elite guys performed (and stats don't matter-there is a big difference in watching an elite player "struggle" through a game and still impact it compared to a marginal guy playing well but giving you 6 and 4) you slip. Can't say much more then some people who aren't connected to program but are connected to Cal that my friend knows quite well think he needs new blood to remind him it's okay to get into the mud with the pigs after top talent. Cal made his climb doing just that and now he wants to pretend he's above it....and let's face it--Sharks don't go Vegan and when they do, their bite is wasted.

Could Anselem be a guy UK signs for the future?

Cal has 3 more scholarships to play with. Maybe he is growing tired of starting from scratch every year and wants to bring in a multi year big man with potential?

That would still leave him with two scholarships to use in case the new transfer rule goes into effect or a strong reclass candidate emerges.

I am just wondering if this is a possibility, in your opinion?

 

[UKfan215]

Anselem is the kind of prospect I always wish Cal would go after to fill scholarships 11 through 13 that he so often leaves open and unfilled. Guys like that will hang around, don't expect a lot of early playing time and often develop into capable players by the time they are juniors or seniors. They are valuable assets and I wish Cal would bring in a guy like this here and there to flesh out the roster.

That said, if Anselem is the answer to our lack of a center problem for next season, then we are probably in pretty deep trouble. He isn't ready for playing a major role as a freshman. He needs time to develop. I have no problem with recruiting and signing Anselem. We need some solid 3-4 year guys. But he isn't going to be the solution for our problems next season. If he's the best big man we can get, then we'd be better off to play small ball with Jackson and Ware sharing most of the minutes at the 5.

 

[CB3UK]

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Normally I like @ralphdaltonfan but not todays post. Where was the Garza kid from Iowa ranked coming out of HS?

Anselem would be for the future imo and would not preclude another 5 later this spring/summer. Could add a few minutes in case of foul trouble for whoever the starter is. If staff is interested I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt despite recruiting guys like KW.

 

[Tampa_cat54]

Normally, I would agree but I do think the fact that we lost our entire team this year means that we have more of an immediate need at the 5. If we had that filled already, then go for it.

We can do both!

We don't HAVE to fill that immediate need before taking this kid.

If the kid wants to come, let's get him!

Now that this immediate eligibility transfer deal is clearing, I think we'll see some big time names hit the portal in the coming weeks.

May even end up being a blessing that we missed on Haarms.

 

[Soupbean]

I mean this is our fanbase's issue though (and not meaning to call you out in particular, but I see this all over the board).

We beg for Cal to bring in multi-year guys who can be paired WITH the top 5 stars every year.

And then when they come up, so many on here just say "meh" or "not good enough" etc. etc. etc.

We can't have it both ways.

I'd be a fan if we add him, would be a nice piece for the future.

Very good point

 

[KyFanInTenn]

Program expected entire frontcourt to leave. EJ was giving some signs he was considering returning but know others had some good info of reasons he may have been forced to leave regarding financial reasons. Can only speak to who told me something on that it was JustWar so credit him for that. Didn't know of that personally but did hear he gave consideration of returning but UK operated as if they knew frontcourt was all likely to leave.

I'll say this about Anselem. I'm far more concerned they are heavily involved with him then I would be if they didn't have any names being mentioned. This guy is a project and don't give a damn what these type of guys/their camps say--when you reclass and think you can call up a school and commit and they pass--David Sisk is spot on about what he was told regarding LSU/Bama/UGA telling him "no thanks"---UK needs to hold off.

There's a need and we all acknowledge that, but if NCAA passes this immediate waiver, people will become available that not only will play but make the team far better. I'm in minority as I liked what Matt Haarms fit in the role needed and think he'd have done well at UK. But he chose BYU and like how Pope coaches and utilizes his bigs. Things happen and Grad Transfers don't have time to mess around--they got to go where they think it's best fit because their 1 and done is final, no leeway to stay if needed.

But this Anselem thing....no thank you. I'm not nearly as high on Efton Reid as others are either, but that's a personal take and he could turn out to be great/AA but for UK?? There's a reason they cooled on him after Fall Evaluations when they watched him workout, saw him last Summer. Those are mistakes that hurt the program (see EJ Montgomery who was passed on, then they chased like he was an elite player and imo it was a petty reason to "beat Duke" for a player and it turned out he was.....well he's a guy who Lance Ware will replace easily and Isaiah Jackson would've beat out-people are really undervaluing Jackson).

"Fit" is always important but so is talent. When you start thinking you can "coach up" guys to play at a level that elite guys performed (and stats don't matter-there is a big difference in watching an elite player "struggle" through a game and still impact it compared to a marginal guy playing well but giving you 6 and 4) you slip. Can't say much more then some people who aren't connected to program but are connected to Cal that my friend knows quite well think he needs new blood to remind him it's okay to get into the mud with the pigs after top talent. Cal made his climb doing just that and now he wants to pretend he's above it....and let's face it--Sharks don't go Vegan and when they do, their bite is wasted.

So what's the point of the staff going after someone like Anselem and not going after someone like Cliff O who if given the opportunity probably would be here. Just from what I've read and seen, Cliff seems like a high character kid, knows what he is and has no interest in playing on perimeter like many big men are nowadays. I'm not sure if you can speak on to why they backed off, but given that they expected the whole frontcourt to leave why not go after a positional need? Just hasn't made any sense to me as to why we're in this situation in the first place.

Now, we very well could get a transfer that's a lot better than any of the possibilities that have been mentioned and makes all of us forget about these past few weeks. My pipe dream is Dante, and to think what he could turn into with Cal/Payne makes me go crazy that he's not here. Reminds me a lot of Embiid, and would be just an absolute perfect fit for next year's team. Not expecting it though as it seems that ship has sailed.

I'm just not liking this grad transfer option to fill a glaring hole. A Reid Travis, All-Conference player, doesn't come available every year and it just seems very risky to me.

Hoping they can get a 5 that can be more than serviceable for next year's team because I am super high on what Boston/Clarke and the backcourt in general can become. I would hate to waste two of the most talented players that could ever come through here.

 

[bnewt]

So what's the point of the staff going after someone like Anselem and not going after someone like Cliff O who if given the opportunity probably would be here. Just from what I've read and seen, Cliff seems like a high character kid, knows what he is and has no interest in playing on perimeter like many big men are nowadays. I'm not sure if you can speak on to why they backed off, but given that they expected the whole frontcourt to leave why not go after a positional need? Just hasn't made any sense to me as to why we're in this situation in the first place.

If the staff expected everyone to be gone after the season, why didn't they go after Cliff O, which apparently they didn't show much desire & now the center position is completely bare.

The #1 recruiting class may have talent in Clarke & Boston, but none of the other recruits appear ready for prime time. If they all play like EJ, what good is the fire power that Boston & Clarke are supposed to bring. This "position less" recruiting is not the answer imo. Every body can't be a star, someone has to do the dirty work of defense & rebounding...……..and you can't do that built like a tooth pick