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

[Titpwhami2014]

Honestly, we need another big to back up the grad-transfer-to-be-named. I still have PTSD from the UNC/Kansas State games and how they were called. We need an extra 5 fouls to play with if we run into a Higgins or Luckie-like crew in March. Ware could probably play the 5 if needed but I don’t want to risk it. Plus, we have injuries every freaking year.

 

[Smashcat]

According to Twitter Calipari had a zoom meeting with him as well yesterday.

 

[kyjeff1]

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

I'm not sure that's a fair critique of Cal. First, when you have a young team, you have to manage every aspect of the game. It would be different if he was yelling and screaming at juniors and seniors all game long, but that's not the case.

Also, in the 2015 loss, Cal gets criticized for not calling a timeout in several situations, especially after the shot clock violations. So it seems like he can't win if he's getting called a micro-manager and getting criticized for not calling timeouts to get his team lined out.

 

[JFCats22]

If Cal wants this guy, that's great and I am for it. Assuming this is nothing more than a practice body or 3-4 year project. The list of sub-125 ranked guys (where most think Anselem will be) that go on to major success at a program like UK cannot be very long. Maybe this guy is a project worth gambling on but Cal has to do better than this for next year's team to be a title contender.

 

[Cefiro]

If Cal wants this guy, that's great and I am for it. Assuming this is nothing more than a practice body or 3-4 year project. The list of sub-125 ranked guys (where most think Anselem will be) that go on to major success at a program like UK cannot be very long. Maybe this guy is a project worth gambling on but Cal has to do better than this for next year's team to be a title contender.

Agreed, sounds like he can be a good player in 3-4 years. But, def not the answer for next year.

 

[jace2012]

I think Cal is out of options at the moment and he needs to get depth at the 5, maybe that’s what he’s looking at.

 

[bookerfan66]

I think Cal is out of options at the moment and he needs to get depth at the 5, maybe that’s what he’s looking at.

But we need a starter at the 5 for next season and he just can't get one.It's really hard to understand.

 

[cornbreadnmilk]

But we need a starter at the 5 for next season and he just can't get one.It's really hard to understand.

We had better hope the transfer rule passes.If it doesn't I really don't know how he is going to get a good center.Sarr seems unlikely.

 

[AzubuikeandFitch]

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I sincerely hope BBN understands the type of player we are looking at to fill this void. Some of these recruits will be lucky to reach Eloy Vargas level production. Unless we can land a transfer then we should probably roll with the guys we have.

 

[Smashcat]

Agreed, sounds like he can be a good player in 3-4 years. But, def not the answer for next year.

I'll take a 3-year player.

 

[westerncat]

We had better hope the transfer rule passes.If it doesn't I really don't know how he is going to get a good center.Sarr seems unlikely.

I think the NCAA has pushed that vote into Jan. 2021.

 

[Padsfs07]

I sincerely hope BBN understands the type of player we are looking at to fill this void. Some of these recruits will be lucky to reach Eloy Vargas level production. Unless we can land a transfer then we should probably roll with the guys we have.

Anselem is ranked #85, a consensus four-star center

Why use Vargas? Vargas was #26, went to Florida, was awful and went to community college. Then he transferred to us where he played behind Harrelson and Davis.

Fitch wasn’t even top 100. His teammate, Marquis Estill, was #92 back in 1999. Theres nothing wrong with filling out a roster with projects.

 

[GonzoCat90]

If you're raw with elite physical gifts, Kentucky has proven that the three year plan works nicely.

If he can be honest with himself that he's not immediately ready, that Richards/WCS path can make him a lot of money and win us a lot of games.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

Anselem is ranked #85, a consensus four-star center

Why use Vargas? Vargas was #26, went to Florida, was awful and went to community college. Then he transferred to us where he played behind Harrelson and Davis.

Fitch wasn’t even top 100. His teammate, Marquis Estill, was #92 back in 1999. Theres nothing wrong with filling out a roster with projects.

Oh absolutely. I love it, but this will not help for next year. At all. Perhaps next year is a “bridge year” or a “down year” which is fine I suppose. We have a very glaring weakness at the 5 right now and this dude won’t fill that for next years team unfortunately.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Four pages in, can I get a show of hands from people who have seen Frank Anselem play one full quarter of organized basketball?

 

[Smashcat]

If you're raw with elite physical gifts, Kentucky has proven that the three year plan works nicely.

If he can be honest with himself that he's not immediately ready, that Richards/WCS path can make him a lot of money and win us a lot of games.

If his coach knows he's a multi-year guy, I would assume he realizes that too. Of course he could have a dad like EJ Montgomery's.

 

[GonzoCat90]

If his coach knows he's a multi-year guy, I would assume he realizes that too. Of course he could have a dad like EJ Montgomery's.

I think in cases like EJ's, they just realize that the reality is their kid isn't very good and that they're better off trying to grab a second round contract while teams still believe in their potential than to try the same route at 22 years old.

It's like when people nearly blow $5k in winnings in Vegas and cash out with ten dollars.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

Four pages in, can I get a show of hands from people who have seen Frank Anselem play one full quarter of organized basketball?

Do you think he will be good enough to come in and start at center for a top 5 team next year? Highly highly doubtful.

I think it’s awesome we may get him and I hope we do. He’s the type of player we need (a 2-3 year guy) but strictly speaking for next year he absolutely does not fill our hole.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Do you think he will be good enough to come in and start at center for a top 5 team next year? Highly highly doubtful.

I think it’s awesome we may get him and I hope we do. He’s the type of player we need (a 2-3 year guy) but strictly speaking for next year he absolutely does not fill our hole.

That's what she said.

But I haven't seen him play enough to have an opinion. I don't think 99% of the people in this thread have.

 

[coryrusso]

That's what she said.

But I haven't seen him play enough to have an opinion. I don't think 99% of the people in this thread have.

His own coach said it will take him time and he won't be ready to play right away.I admire a coach who is honest and doesn't fill a kid's head with crap.

 

[$Z71$]

Look for this commitment very soon. Personally I’m happy. Hope he stays the course and works hard. He is the 3-4 year type everyone keeps saying we need. Immediate impact isn’t much but long term he could be a vital piece.

 

[Gassy_Knowls]

Look for this commitment very soon. Personally I’m happy. Hope he stays the course and works hard. He is the 3-4 year type everyone keeps saying we need. Immediate impact isn’t much but long term he could be a vital piece.

so he signs. Without him being a superstar (which he won’t), what he can give us next year?

 

[$Z71$]

so he signs. Without him being a superstar (which he won’t), what he can give us next year?

I think he gives us 10 minutes a game and 4&3 on the stat line. By year three he could be very good.

He could easily be a Jamaal Magloire, Nazr Muhammad type.

we don’t need our 5 spot to give us superstar stats. We need 12 and 8 from the 5 spot and we are golden. With the pieces we have that’s a gimme at this point. Cal won’t be done once Anselem signs though.

 

[Rupp'sRunt]

This kid got no thanks from LSU. I'm good

 

[mebeblue2]

some on here whine and cry saying that Cal does not use all 13 scholarships
now that same group is whining and crying because Cal is recruiting a 3-4 year player that will take up one of those unused scholarships

SMDH

 

[manny227]

I'm sure this kid will be good in a couple of years but I hope we can get a guy ready to make an impact now

 

[bucsrule8872]

I’m fine with him signing, as long as he is signing on for the long run.

We still have two more scholarships left. Hopefully we land a bona fide starter with one of those.

 

[shutzhund]

some on here whine and cry saying that Cal does not use all 13 scholarships
now that same group is whining and crying because Cal is recruiting a 3-4 year player that will take up one of those unused scholarships

SMDH

Cal can't handle eight. What will thirteen solve.

 

[mebeblue2]

Cal can't handle eight. What will thirteen solve.

i hope that is sarcasm
if not i can explain (not that i should have to)

 

[shutzhund]

i hope that is sarcasm
if not i can explain (not that i should have to)

No it was not sarcasm and an explanation isn't going to make me anymore satisfied with Cal's stumbling recruitment or game performances.

But thanks for the offer.

 

[kyjeff1]

I think he gives us 10 minutes a game and 4&3 on the stat line. By year three he could be very good.

He could easily be a Jamaal Magloire, Nazr Muhammad type.

we don’t need our 5 spot to give us superstar stats. We need 12 and 8 from the 5 spot and we are golden. With the pieces we have that’s a gimme at this point. Cal won’t be done once Anselem signs though.

I disagree, our 5 spot is the 2nd most important position on both ends of the court in Calipari's style of play.

On defense, it is a must that our 4's and 5's provide weak side rim protection and rebounding.

On offense, Cal's system is feeding the post first and foremost.

The only position more important is the pg slot under Cal.

If we're going to compete for final fours and titles, all 5 positions need to be elite or very close to elite, because we're always so young.

 

[HoptownCat93]

Getting this guy won't scare off anyone else. He adds a body and a possible multi-year player. Sounds good to me.

 

[kyjeff1]

I feel confident that this guy, if he signs with UK, will stay on the roster for the long haul. It seems like more big guys stay the course. It's the guys that man the other 4 positions that leave UK as fast as they possibly can.

Back to the basket guys have a lot more to polish than the other positions do.

Heck, just learning how to stay out of foul trouble in college ball as a 5 is an incredible skill. You have to hold your breath for 30 minutes a game, if you breathe, it's a damn foul.

 

[jace2012]

Getting this guy won't scare off anyone else. He adds a body and a possible multi-year player. Sounds good to me.

Listening to Chris Fischer this morning, it sounded like if Haarms would have committed then Anselem would have not been interested in UK. That’s the way I understood it anyway.

 

[HoptownCat93]

Listening to Chris Fischer this morning, it sounded like if Haarms would have committed then Anselem would have not been interested in UK. That’s the way I understood it anyway.

I think UK was putting the press on Haarms and there wasn't an urge for Anselem. Those kids want to feel wanted...once Haarms was out of the picture he was now the target of Kentucky and Calipari...

Now someone coming in after? Might upset him...but Cal doesn't make promises and I think he's proven that you'll have to work for your spot...so kids don't come in expecting this or that...unless they're Anthony Davis or Wall.

 

[JFCats22]

Anselem not included in ESPN's final 2020 recruit rankings.

http://www.espn.com/college-sports/...rankings/_/view/espnu100/sort/rank/class/2020

 

[jackson1981]

God I hope they pass the transfer rule.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Listening to Chris Fischer this morning, it sounded like if Haarms would have committed then Anselem would have not been interested in UK. That’s the way I understood it anyway.

That's exactly what his "mentor" said. If Haarms would've signed on with UK, Frank would've had to look at other options. Wasn't this the same clown who was saying to Sisk when he had been rejected by LSU/UGA/Bama 2 weeks ago that "He's just wanting to go somewhere to compete and happy with his role".

I fully understand and agree with fans saying they want depth/developmental players. Where we disagree is regarding this particular prospect. This guys signs on, and UK upgrades their roster with a post better, he'll ask out.

Delusion is real. Material is there to develop but when your camp is hyping you as better then Isaiah Jackson as a defensive player and several analysts have mentioned Jackson is one of/if not the best defensive prospect they've scouted (Bossi, Evans, and Brian Snow have mentioned elite defensive ability of Jackson) what does that say to speak to reality?

The words spoken to Fisher by the same guy who said things to Sisk which don't match at all within a 1 week span.....very interesting to say the least. I want nothing to do with circus personally but if he joins up, hope he sticks around to compete/develop and UK gets a far superior talent to come in ensuing weeks.

 

[jackson1981]

That's exactly what his "mentor" said. If Haarms would've signed on with UK, Frank would've had to look at other options. Wasn't this the same clown who was saying to Sisk when he had been rejected by LSU/UGA/Bama 2 weeks ago that "He's just wanting to go somewhere to compete and happy with his role".

I fully understand and agree with fans saying they want depth/developmental players. Where we disagree is regarding this particular prospect. This guys signs on, and UK upgrades their roster with a post better, he'll ask out.

Delusion is real. Material is there to develop but when your camp is hyping you as better then Isaiah Jackson as a defensive player and several analysts have mentioned Jackson is one of/if not the best defensive prospect they've scouted (Bossi, Evans, and Brian Snow have mentioned elite defensive ability of Jackson) what does that say to speak to reality?

The words spoken to Fisher by the same guy who said things to Sisk which don't match at all within a 1 week span.....very interesting to say the least. I want nothing to do with circus personally but if he joins up, hope he sticks around to compete/develop and UK gets a far superior talent to come in ensuing weeks.

Do you think we have any shot at Maker?

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

Do you think we have any shot at Maker?

Maker's situation is exactly as it has been sold-Ed Smith used the media last weekend to try and get some leverage into what NBA teams are thinking. He wants a guarantee of some sort. They don't like what they hear...they'll go to college which has been relayed to UK/other schools who recruited him all year.

One issue that our current economy is going to alter, the great deals offered to 2nd Round picks. Can't tell me that organizations asking players to reduce salary/defer payments are going to be quick to throw good $/deals to 2nd Round picks this upcoming year. Especially for a **** draft class of players.

If they look to college, I think UK would have a great chance based on what I was told last Spring.