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

Some of you seem to forget that Cal has been proven right numerous times when he has backed off a kid or didn't show much interest. I don't know why Cal didn't recruit or go harder after Cliff O but I really don't care at this point. I am sure they had a reason that we will never know about and that is fine with me. In the end I trust Cal will find the right fit. Does no good to worry or loose sleep over
 
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.

Agree with you regarding Omoruyi and I liked the fit and potential, but they didn't pull the trigger for whatever reason. I also can't state enough how much I agree with your take considering they are now sniffing around Anselem which makes 0 sense-this guy's a reach and I never listen to the role player or his camp say "He wants to develop and will be patient"--we've heard that far too often to believe anyone saying that. If that's case--come in and RS if you can't play. Think he'd be good with that? UK doesn't need another RS (from what I've been told regarding Toppin he's sitting out no matter what is passed unless it's a need for him to play--but he came to UK on understanding he's RS in '21)
 
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?

Sure it's a possibility but this guy is a reach at this time. He reclassed and tried to commit to 3 SEC programs and they all passed. He's a man without a country right now.....and when that happens, people tend to be on best behavior. I like your vision of how things would go--but that would have to be agreed upon before he signed on--and he'd need to be told--you are sitting and developing--we're going after impact guys and you'll have your chance next year to play.

Just don't buy they'd go for that.
 
We didn't want him any way.

Too soon?

You skipped the "done deal" phase where you proclaim yourself an insider and pat yourself on the back.
This of course has to be followed by the "kids change their mind" phase.
 
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Sure it's a possibility but this guy is a reach at this time. He reclassed and tried to commit to 3 SEC programs and they all passed. He's a man without a country right now.....and when that happens, people tend to be on best behavior. I like your vision of how things would go--but that would have to be agreed upon before he signed on--and he'd need to be told--you are sitting and developing--we're going after impact guys and you'll have your chance next year to play.

Just don't buy they'd go for that.

Gotcha. Thanks for your input.
 
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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.
Good info man, nice read.
 
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Agree with you regarding Omoruyi and I liked the fit and potential, but they didn't pull the trigger for whatever reason. I also can't state enough how much I agree with your take considering they are now sniffing around Anselem which makes 0 sense-this guy's a reach and I never listen to the role player or his camp say "He wants to develop and will be patient"--we've heard that far too often to believe anyone saying that. If that's case--come in and RS if you can't play. Think he'd be good with that? UK doesn't need another RS (from what I've been told regarding Toppin he's sitting out no matter what is passed unless it's a need for him to play--but he came to UK on understanding he's RS in '21)

I wasn’t aware that Toppin would sit next year, regardless of potential rule change. That is very encouraging, as it shows some maturity and patience on his part. I assume the success his brother had with maturing and growing has helped him with that decision.
Great info.
 
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I wasn’t aware that Toppin would sit next year, regardless of potential rule change. That is very encouraging, as it shows some maturity and patience on his part. I assume the success his brother had with maturing and growing has helped him with that decision.
Great info.

Doesn't mean he will but that was what I was told when asking about him. So I'd be surprised if he were playing even if immediate transfer rule is waived. Think that was spoken about prior to him announcing for UK, but who knows? I also was told Joel Justus was likely going to be gone by now and he dropped a gimme at UNC Wilmington.
 
Doesn't mean he will but that was what I was told when asking about him. So I'd be surprised if he were playing even if immediate transfer rule is waived. Think that was spoken about prior to him announcing for UK, but who knows? I also was told Joel Justus was likely going to be gone by now and he dropped a gimme at UNC Wilmington.

I understand, but I still like his apparent willingness to RS. It shows long range planning and maturity.

If JJ or anyone else was to leave do you think there is a snowballs chance Cal would try to bring Orlando A. back? I fear that ship may have sailed, considering the NCAA issues of his brother.

Thanks for all of your insight on this board. It is great to have knowledgeable, unbiased insight, with no agenda. I belong to HOB, but visit RR, mainly to read your posts.
 
No on this one - project on offense - we should never play 4 on 5 on offense
We just played 2 years without anyone guarding Hagans
If he is a project and doesn’t expect to play this year ok
We need help this year - hopefully Cal gets a veteran
 
This guy is a long term project. No way he’s a contributor next year. Some are saying he won’t even be a top150 ranked guy when the rankings are updated.

I don’t get this at all if it happens.

totally cool with him being a long term guy (if he doesn’t transfer). But, I don’t see him doing much for next year.
 
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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 actually from Atlanta originally.
 
I understand, but I still like his apparent willingness to RS. It shows long range planning and maturity.

If JJ or anyone else was to leave do you think there is a snowballs chance Cal would try to bring Orlando A. back? I fear that ship may have sailed, considering the NCAA issues of his brother.

Thanks for all of your insight on this board. It is great to have knowledgeable, unbiased insight, with no agenda. I belong to HOB, but visit RR, mainly to read your posts.

Agreed on Toppin. I think he needs to RS personally but we'll see how it goes. Just was told that was communicated/agreed upon before accepting him. Now we see how things unfold.

I didn't get any names of replacements other then Justus was expected to be out. I don't hide my support for his exit. Last straw was the insane ass kissing he did last weekend. Just pathetic.

Kind words, but just like you and enjoy talking basketball/recruiting.
 
Agreed on Toppin. I think he needs to RS personally but we'll see how it goes. Just was told that was communicated/agreed upon before accepting him. Now we see how things unfold.

I didn't get any names of replacements other then Justus was expected to be out. I don't hide my support for his exit. Last straw was the insane ass kissing he did last weekend. Just pathetic.

Kind words, but just like you and enjoy talking basketball/recruiting.

@ralphdaltonfan thanks for insight! Can you expand on the Justus “butt kissing” he did last weekend? Was that to Cal — or a recruit?
 
Some of you seem to forget that Cal has been proven right numerous times when he has backed off a kid or didn't show much interest. I don't know why Cal didn't recruit or go harder after Cliff O but I really don't care at this point. I am sure they had a reason that we will never know about and that is fine with me. In the end I trust Cal will find the right fit. Does no good to worry or loose sleep over
Agree with this. You can criticize Cal about a number of things but 9 times out of 10 when UK backs off a ranked kid, there’s a good reason.
 
@ralphdaltonfan thanks for insight! Can you expand on the Justus “butt kissing” he did last weekend? Was that to Cal — or a recruit?

To Cal. He like most of the basketball loving world was watching Bulls ESPN Show "The Last Dance" and in the show it mentioned how Jordan preferred to stay for his SR year but Dean Smith told him he was ready and it was time to leave.

Out of that, Justus decides to suck up to Cal with some diatribe about how Cal is criticized for doing the same which is absolute bull****. Nobody criticizes any coach for telling MJ, AD, etc...you gotta go Pro. If there is a criticism it's about guys leaving UK who are midpack level talent and would benefit from staying but that's a different discussion entirely.

Main point--Justus was sucking up to the boss and I hope he wears knee pads and lipstick when he plans his next Tweet watching the show.

I'm hoping the move to fire Manning at Wake, opens an opportunity in some manner--be it on their staff so he can return "home" or in moves that follow to fill coaching spots. It's time to for a new staff member and he was set up to leave, just didn't land the job at UNC Wilmington.
 
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To Cal. He like most of the basketball loving world was watching Bulls ESPN Show "The Last Dance" and in the show it mentioned how Jordan preferred to stay for his SR year but Dean Smith told him he was ready and it was time to leave.

Out of that, Justus decides to suck up to Cal with some diatribe about how Cal is criticized for doing the same which is absolute bull****. Nobody criticizes any coach for telling MJ, AD, etc...you gotta go Pro. If there is a criticism it's about guys leaving UK who are midpack level talent and would benefit from staying but that's a different discussion entirely.

Main point--Justus was sucking up to the boss and I hope he wears knee pads and lipstick when he plans his next Tweet watching the show.

I'm hoping the move to fire Manning at Wake, opens an opportunity in some manner--be it on their staff so he can return "home" or in moves that follow to fill coaching spots. It's time to for a new staff member and he was set up to leave, just didn't land the job at UNC Wilmington.
You may be right about Justus brown nosing but do you really believe Cal tells players to leave that have no business doing so? I don’t and figured that’s why he leaves scholarships open in case they decided to come back. And Calipari does get worked over in the media for the one and done until Krzyzewski started doing it, now it’s about helping the kids better their lives and family’s financial situation.
Anyway appreciate the basketball discussion though plus it breaks up the other nonsense within this message board
 
You may be right about Justus brown nosing but do you really believe Cal tells players to leave that have no business doing so? I don’t and figured that’s why he leaves scholarships open in case they decided to come back. And Calipari does get worked over in the media for the one and done until Krzyzewski started doing it, now it’s about helping the kids better their lives and family’s financial situation.
Anyway appreciate the basketball discussion though plus it breaks up the other nonsense within this message board

I don't believe that, but that's what is used against them and this show doesn't apply to the narrative, it was just a way for the guy to kiss the boss's ass.

People always hate on someone who is innovative, ahead of everyone in how he sees things and then come around when they see he's right--but they wait until they don't have to give that guy credit. Media is like America--they say they want the story/truth and when they get it, don't like it or more often who is telling them, they shape who is good/bad.

The problem I have with Justus comments-it didn't apply. When has Cal been criticized for his elite players leaving early? Now he gets criticized if they don't leave soon enough....so that's never going to end--people who have to be negative about your program and aren't capable of selling their program are pathetic. Programs who steal your theme and sell brand same manner are no different then food chains calling a breakfeast sandwich a different name despite it being same thing.

Dean Smith was a lot like Cal in one regard--he caught massive criticism for not winning more National Titles and the 2 he won were both in New Orleans and had odd circumstances help him win. Fred Brown throwing the ball to Worthy and Chris Webber taking a timeout they didn't have. Ironically, UK won Cal's only title in New Orleans and hopefully history repeats itself when Final Four is in New Orleans in '22. (of course I want '21 to win, but just saying for discussion/comparison sake)
 
My vote doesn’t count but I would pass on him. Maybe a nice player down the road but like Richards he didn’t start playing basketball till about 3 or 4 years ago. UK needs experience to go with Brooks which is obvious. And It’s funny reading the article about Anselem, how the coach of the Georgia NIKE all stars travel team is kinda feels like he is pushing him on UK. Why not push one of the five star bigs towards UK instead of a player that has a long way to go before contributing to a team.
 
My vote doesn’t count but I would pass on him. Maybe a nice player down the road but like Richards he didn’t start playing basketball till about 3 or 4 years ago. UK needs experience to go with Brooks which is obvious. And It’s funny reading the article about Anselem, how the coach of the Georgia NIKE all stars travel team is kinda feels like he is pushing him on UK. Why not push one of the five star bigs towards UK instead of a player that has a long way to go before contributing to a team.
Last ten years we have a history of getting players that have to be taught to do a lot of basic fundamental things. Would not be surprised if we got him and only him.
 
Last ten years we have a history of getting players that have to be taught to do a lot of basic fundamental things. Would not be surprised if we got him and only him.
That’s hard to do at a place like UK,when recruits come in they are expected to contribute or they are failures. Even if he picked UK I think Cal still needs an experienced big man in the line up or experience at any position would help really.
That’s one thing this fan base lacks is patience
 
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That’s hard to do at a like UK,when recruits come in they are expected to contribute or they are failures. Even if he picked UK I think Cal still needs an experienced big man in the line up or experience at any position would help really.
That’s one thing this fan base lacks is patience
If we got a good experienced 5 to go with Mintz I would feel really good about this team. Just think only having Mintz and Brooks with any college experience would not be enough with what we face. Will hate wasting getting a Boston and a Clarke not winning the championship because we don't have that one good position player a the 5.
 
I don't believe that, but that's what is used against them and this show doesn't apply to the narrative, it was just a way for the guy to kiss the boss's ass.

People always hate on someone who is innovative, ahead of everyone in how he sees things and then come around when they see he's right--but they wait until they don't have to give that guy credit. Media is like America--they say they want the story/truth and when they get it, don't like it or more often who is telling them, they shape who is good/bad.

The problem I have with Justus comments-it didn't apply. When has Cal been criticized for his elite players leaving early? Now he gets criticized if they don't leave soon enough....so that's never going to end--people who have to be negative about your program and aren't capable of selling their program are pathetic. Programs who steal your theme and sell brand same manner are no different then food chains calling a breakfeast sandwich a different name despite it being same thing.

Dean Smith was a lot like Cal in one regard--he caught massive criticism for not winning more National Titles and the 2 he won were both in New Orleans and had odd circumstances help him win. Fred Brown throwing the ball to Worthy and Chris Webber taking a timeout they didn't have. Ironically, UK won Cal's only title in New Orleans and hopefully history repeats itself when Final Four is in New Orleans in '22. (of course I want '21 to win, but just saying for discussion/comparison sake)

Dean and Cal were/are Game micro-managers and that may have something to do with not winning titles
 
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