Next year

[K_TIME]

Watching this years' team and their struggles at times....are we improving things with next year's roster?

PG...Losing Butler who is our best/2nd best player. Are we doing Portal/Acaden Lewis? Or Acaden Lewis/Perry? I'd hope we add portal guy with Lewis
SG...Hope Oweh is back...and losing Brea. Are we going Oweh/Jasper? or is portal player in the mix
SF....Losing Jaxon....so I'm assuming bigtime portal with Chandler/Noah as depth.
PF...Losing Carr/Almonsor...assume we get Caleb Wilson...and assume we get portal.
C....Losing Amari...but looks like Garrison/Moreno

As that roster takes shape...

- I think we need more shooting via portal on the wing/SG for sure. Our inability to shoot when teams go under ball screens outside of Brea is hurting the offense at times.
- I worry if Garrison is ready for prime time as Moreno will need time to get bigger
- We need more strength inside.....will next year hit the boards better

 

[CatPatrick13]

Your observation has not gone unnoticed about the need for a physical big man. At the very least coming off the bench. Problem is how does that big man fit playing out at the FT line?

 

[docholiday51]

Watching this years' team and their struggles at times....are we improving things with next year's roster?

PG...Losing Butler who is our best/2nd best player. Are we doing Portal/Acaden Lewis? Or Acaden Lewis/Perry? I'd hope we add portal guy with Lewis
SG...Hope Oweh is back...and losing Brea. Are we going Oweh/Jasper? or is portal player in the mix
SF....Losing Jaxon....so I'm assuming bigtime portal with Chandler/Noah as depth.
PF...Losing Carr/Almonsor...assume we get Caleb Wilson...and assume we get portal.
C....Losing Amari...but looks like Garrison/Moreno

As that roster takes shape...

- I think we need more shooting via portal on the wing/SG for sure. Our inability to shoot when teams go under ball screens outside of Brea is hurting the offense at times.
- I worry if Garrison is ready for prime time as Moreno will need time to get bigger
- We need more strength inside.....will next year hit the boards better

We will have a better mix of old and young players. I hope we can hit a home run or two in the portal. I believe that is a reasonable expectation in part because of the style we play and the stage we play on.

Pope may look for more physical players since we seem to struggle with those type of players.

 

[YardCat]

We need a PG that is fast that can penetrate and pass once picked up by the defense. We really don’t have a guard (Butler) that can get past his man to initiate the spread offense.

 

[bnewt]

the biggest loss will be Butler. the more I watch him play, the more impressed I am. He is a winner, a team player. Oweh, is in no way
ready to jump to the NBA. Another shooting guard/small forward is needed. One that can drive, draw fouls & hit the 3 point shot. Ament, Arenas would be nice to go along with Wilson (hopefully). Hopefully, Wilson would add additional rebounding that is missing this year. I also hope that whatever portal transfer that UK takes is from a power 5 team. As Williams has demonstrated, moving up in competition hurts their production and lessen their benefit to UK

 

[TOMCATS1990]

Butler’s replacement will have hard shoes to fill kid is everything you want in a college PG.

 

[ManitouDan]

the biggest loss will be Butler. the more I watch him play, the more impressed I am. He is a winner, a team player. Oweh, is in no way
ready to jump to the NBA. Another shooting guard/small forward is needed. One that can drive, draw fouls & hit the 3 point shot. Ament, Arenas would be nice to go along with Wilson (hopefully). Hopefully, Wilson would add additional rebounding that is missing this year. I also hope that whatever portal transfer that UK takes is from a power 5 team. As Williams has demonstrated, moving up in competition hurts their production and lessen their benefit to UK

I'm glad fans appreciate Butler , he's twice the player Oweh is , and Oweh is a good player . Butler is a total stud . If his wings ( JR and KB ) would man up or take some testosterone or something we would be a much more difficult opponent.

 

[B.B.H.]

Watching this years' team and their struggles at times....are we improving things with next year's roster?

PG...Losing Butler who is our best/2nd best player. Are we doing Portal/Acaden Lewis? Or Acaden Lewis/Perry? I'd hope we add portal guy with Lewis
SG...Hope Oweh is back...and losing Brea. Are we going Oweh/Jasper? or is portal player in the mix
SF....Losing Jaxon....so I'm assuming bigtime portal with Chandler/Noah as depth.
PF...Losing Carr/Almonsor...assume we get Caleb Wilson...and assume we get portal.
C....Losing Amari...but looks like Garrison/Moreno

As that roster takes shape...

- I think we need more shooting via portal on the wing/SG for sure. Our inability to shoot when teams go under ball screens outside of Brea is hurting the offense at times.
- I worry if Garrison is ready for prime time as Moreno will need time to get bigger
- We need more strength inside.....will next year hit the boards better

Next year, at least our guards will be more dynamic. That’s something I very much look forward to. Our guys are a little predictable this year

 

[-BBH-]

It's impossible to know what next year's roster will be. I think Pope will do more than good in the transfer portal now that he can show prospects how they played.

 

[catsfan325]

Assuming they get Caleb Wilson and bring back the 5 non-seniors, I see them as needing 3 additional core pieces.

F-C : can play 4 or 5, stretch floor with shot while also bringing physicality in paint
Wing : elite shooter, brings toughness and competent level defender
G : tough lead guard that can hit shots, get into paint and defend (someone like Xaivian Lee?)

We're gonna have to bring in physicality, because while super talented, I worry about some of these incoming freshmen in the SEC. Jasper Johnson can create offense and is a very dynamic shooter but gritty and dawg and a mf'er (which is what we're all begging for after last night) he is not. Moreno and Acaden are talented as well. Both kind of skinny. After having watched them I see them more as immediate contributors rather than immediate studs.

These needed pieces could come from the portal or they could also be like the pro players Illinois got in Jakucionis and Ivisic.

 

[yoshukai]

Watching this years' team and their struggles at times....are we improving things with next year's roster?

PG...Losing Butler who is our best/2nd best player. Are we doing Portal/Acaden Lewis? Or Acaden Lewis/Perry? I'd hope we add portal guy with Lewis
SG...Hope Oweh is back...and losing Brea. Are we going Oweh/Jasper? or is portal player in the mix
SF....Losing Jaxon....so I'm assuming bigtime portal with Chandler/Noah as depth.
PF...Losing Carr/Almonsor...assume we get Caleb Wilson...and assume we get portal.
C....Losing Amari...but looks like Garrison/Moreno

As that roster takes shape...

- I think we need more shooting via portal on the wing/SG for sure. Our inability to shoot when teams go under ball screens outside of Brea is hurting the offense at times.
- I worry if Garrison is ready for prime time as Moreno will need time to get bigger
- We need more strength inside.....will next year hit the boards better

We need lots of help from the portal to have a better season than this one imo.

I think there is a very slim chance that Chandler is here next year. And quite frankly, we should be able to find a lot better player from the portal.

 

[yoshukai]

It's impossible to know what next year's roster will be. I think Pope will do more than good in the transfer portal now that he can show prospects how they played.

The transfer portal will make or break next year’s season. Skinny , non defense playing freshman would not have helped in games like last nights.

 

[BC_Wader]

We need a PG that is fast that can penetrate and pass once picked up by the defense. We really don’t have a guard (Butler) that can get past his man to initiate the spread offense.

Kriisa is that dude. He brings it up faster than Butler. We're missing his leadership and play big time right now. Yeah he don't score a lot, but he's good at running the show, is a good passer, and his fight is infectious.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

If we don’t get some talent and athleticism from the portal we will struggle.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Barring some collapse with the transfer portal, I don't see how we aren't better. Losing Butler and some of the other experience will hurt, but we have a top5 class coming in, that still isn't finalized. Pope will have all this year and the offseason to plan around the transfer portal, and he also has proven (IMO) that he's a worthy coach for UK. I'm sure several transfer targets saw his first year at UK as a potential risk.. but I think a lot of those fears have been squashed this year.

The only players that will sting are Butler and Brea IMO. No other player has me thinking they can't be replaced with something at least on par in terms of talent and/or experience. Every freshman coming in, is ranked higher in their respective class than I believe anyone on this team.

 

[JonathanW]

We have commitments from Lewis, Johnson and Moreno. Odds are we add say 2 more (but 1 or 3 is possible). So likely 4-5 FR.
We may return Oweh (if he doesn't go pro), Garrison, Perry, Noah, and Chandler (if not transfer back out to Utah). I guess there is also a longshot that Kriisa is out rest of season and gets a waiver to return for 1 more year. But likely 4 returnees.
I think in this era, it is almost impossible to build a contender without being successful in The Portal. I would guess 4 portal guys, but 2-5 is possible. And if you expect more than to be a contributor (off the bench) from a FR, UNLESS he is one of those elite top 5-10 guys, then you are looking for trouble.

I see the following in terms of minutes:
5/C: Garrison 25, Moreno 15
4/PF: (I hope Wilson 25), portal-guy 15
3/SF: portal-guy 25, either portal-guy 15 or Chandler & Noah combine for 15
2/SG: (would love Oweh for 25, but I think he may go) portal-guy 25, Johnson 15
1/PG: portal-guy 25, Lewis & Perry combine for 15

 

[bucsrule8872]

We will need to get the best or at least one of the top PGs from the Portal, IMHO.

That is critical. It has to be someone as good or better than Butler.

Then we need a shooter, regardless of position.

We need Wilson, obviously, and another big. Preferably a guy that can pass and shoot on the perimeter.

 

[Terrapin_Station]

We have commitments from Lewis, Johnson and Moreno. Odds are we add say 2 more (but 1 or 3 is possible). So likely 4-5 FR.
We may return Oweh (if he doesn't go pro), Garrison, Perry, Noah, and Chandler (if not transfer back out to Utah). I guess there is also a longshot that Kriisa is out rest of season and gets a waiver to return for 1 more year. But likely 4 returnees.
I think in this era, it is almost impossible to build a contender without being successful in The Portal. I would guess 4 portal guys, but 2-5 is possible. And if you expect more than to be a contributor (off the bench) from a FR, UNLESS he is one of those elite top 5-10 guys, then you are looking for trouble.

I see the following in terms of minutes:
5/C: Garrison 25, Moreno 15
4/PF: (I hope Wilson 25), portal-guy 15
3/SF: portal-guy 25, either portal-guy 15 or Chandler & Noah combine for 15
2/SG: (would love Oweh for 25, but I think he may go) portal-guy 25, Johnson 15
1/PG: portal-guy 25, Lewis & Perry combine for 15

Oweh will not sniff the NBA. Ever. I see him making more NIL money for another year rather than bolting overseas.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Another wrinkle is Kriisa’s injury.

If he isn’t able to come back this season, he is eligible for a medical redshirt this season, so he might could be back.

Not sure what that does for the team. I would welcome him back, but does that hurt our chances of getting a great PG in the Portal?

 

[wccat2969]

It really is pretty simple. We need someone who will GRAB a rebound and NOT back down. That has happened way too many times this season.

 

[FirewithFire]

We will need everything again. That's the bad part about having an instant senior team. I am just glad that Perry has had a year to watch and learn from Butler. Hope it takes.

 

[NociHTTP]

It really is pretty simple. We need someone who will GRAB a rebound and NOT back down. That has happened way too many times this season.

Absolutely. Not sure why so many are deflecting from this fact. It's an effort thing and if Pope wants to go anywhere in the NCAA Tourney, he better clue in on who isn't putting forth the effort on a consistent basis, and trim their playing time while they figure out what's important to them.

 

[B.B.H.]

Absolutely. Not sure why so many are deflecting from this fact. It's an effort thing and if Pope wants to go anywhere in the NCAA Tourney, he better clue in on who isn't putting forth the effort on a consistent basis, and trim their playing time while they figure out what's important to them.

I’d argue it goes beyond the knowing who. Sometimes it really is a personnel issue. Who can Pope plug in to get those boards? Garrison? Nope. Almonor? Nope. Carr? Nope. Williams? When he’s engaged.

 

[rivercatinfl]

the biggest loss will be Butler. the more I watch him play, the more impressed I am. He is a winner, a team player. Oweh, is in no way
ready to jump to the NBA. Another shooting guard/small forward is needed. One that can drive, draw fouls & hit the 3 point shot. Ament, Arenas would be nice to go along with Wilson (hopefully). Hopefully, Wilson would add additional rebounding that is missing this year. I also hope that whatever portal transfer that UK takes is from a power 5 team. As Williams has demonstrated, moving up in competition hurts their production and lessen their benefit to UK

Maybe we can poach Newell from UGA. Stud PF.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Watching this years' team and their struggles at times....are we improving things with next year's roster?

PG...Losing Butler who is our best/2nd best player. Are we doing Portal/Acaden Lewis? Or Acaden Lewis/Perry? I'd hope we add portal guy with Lewis
SG...Hope Oweh is back...and losing Brea. Are we going Oweh/Jasper? or is portal player in the mix
SF....Losing Jaxon....so I'm assuming bigtime portal with Chandler/Noah as depth.
PF...Losing Carr/Almonsor...assume we get Caleb Wilson...and assume we get portal.
C....Losing Amari...but looks like Garrison/Moreno

As that roster takes shape...

- I think we need more shooting via portal on the wing/SG for sure. Our inability to shoot when teams go under ball screens outside of Brea is hurting the offense at times.
- I worry if Garrison is ready for prime time as Moreno will need time to get bigger
- We need more strength inside.....will next year hit the boards better

Noah, Perry, and Chandler can't be counted on, and won't be counted on, as rotation players next year.

Pope will have 15 scholarships, and I expect those three players to bookend our 11th, 12th, and 13th scholarship spots (while Pope leaves the 14th and 15th scholarships open).

That means a rotation of:

Garrison = 1
Moreno = 1
Wilson = 1
Oweh = 1
Johnson = 1
Lewis = 1

Portal point guard = 1
Portal Center = 1
Portal stretch four = 1
Portal shooting guard = 1

I could actually see Pope adding another wing from the portal on top of this, which would push the three bookend guys to the 12th, 13th, and 14th scholarships.


There's some wishful thinkers out there who swear up and down how one of Noah, Perry, and Chandler will be in the rotation, but as of right now, I've seen nothing that actually establishes that as a reality next season.

 

[yoshukai]

We have commitments from Lewis, Johnson and Moreno. Odds are we add say 2 more (but 1 or 3 is possible). So likely 4-5 FR.
We may return Oweh (if he doesn't go pro), Garrison, Perry, Noah, and Chandler (if not transfer back out to Utah). I guess there is also a longshot that Kriisa is out rest of season and gets a waiver to return for 1 more year. But likely 4 returnees.
I think in this era, it is almost impossible to build a contender without being successful in The Portal. I would guess 4 portal guys, but 2-5 is possible. And if you expect more than to be a contributor (off the bench) from a FR, UNLESS he is one of those elite top 5-10 guys, then you are looking for trouble.

I see the following in terms of minutes:
5/C: Garrison 25, Moreno 15
4/PF: (I hope Wilson 25), portal-guy 15
3/SF: portal-guy 25, either portal-guy 15 or Chandler & Noah combine for 15
2/SG: (would love Oweh for 25, but I think he may go) portal-guy 25, Johnson 15
1/PG: portal-guy 25, Lewis & Perry combine for 15

Again, Oweh is in ZERO draft projections. And Cal is gone . He will make more in college than if he were in the G league. And there’s no guarantee he would make a team in G league.

 

[NerlensCat]

Maybe we can poach Newell from UGA. Stud PF.

If he doesn’t go to the NBA. Likely going pro.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

We have commitments from Lewis, Johnson and Moreno. Odds are we add say 2 more (but 1 or 3 is possible). So likely 4-5 FR.
We may return Oweh (if he doesn't go pro), Garrison, Perry, Noah, and Chandler (if not transfer back out to Utah). I guess there is also a longshot that Kriisa is out rest of season and gets a waiver to return for 1 more year. But likely 4 returnees.
I think in this era, it is almost impossible to build a contender without being successful in The Portal. I would guess 4 portal guys, but 2-5 is possible. And if you expect more than to be a contributor (off the bench) from a FR, UNLESS he is one of those elite top 5-10 guys, then you are looking for trouble.

I see the following in terms of minutes:
5/C: Garrison 25, Moreno 15
4/PF: (I hope Wilson 25), portal-guy 15
3/SF: portal-guy 25, either portal-guy 15 or Chandler & Noah combine for 15
2/SG: (would love Oweh for 25, but I think he may go) portal-guy 25, Johnson 15
1/PG: portal-guy 25, Lewis & Perry combine for 15

Oweh is not an NBA draft pick right now. We've seen the best from him, and he's an NBA tweener with tweener height, tweener shooting, and tweener ball handling.

There's not a big marker for 6'5" shooting guards who are decent but not great shooters, ball handlers, or defenders.

 

[NerlensCat]

We have commitments from Lewis, Johnson and Moreno. Odds are we add say 2 more (but 1 or 3 is possible). So likely 4-5 FR.
We may return Oweh (if he doesn't go pro), Garrison, Perry, Noah, and Chandler (if not transfer back out to Utah). I guess there is also a longshot that Kriisa is out rest of season and gets a waiver to return for 1 more year. But likely 4 returnees.
I think in this era, it is almost impossible to build a contender without being successful in The Portal. I would guess 4 portal guys, but 2-5 is possible. And if you expect more than to be a contributor (off the bench) from a FR, UNLESS he is one of those elite top 5-10 guys, then you are looking for trouble.

I see the following in terms of minutes:
5/C: Garrison 25, Moreno 15
4/PF: (I hope Wilson 25), portal-guy 15
3/SF: portal-guy 25, either portal-guy 15 or Chandler & Noah combine for 15
2/SG: (would love Oweh for 25, but I think he may go) portal-guy 25, Johnson 15
1/PG: portal-guy 25, Lewis & Perry combine for 15

If I am wrong, I will gladly admit it, but Johnson will play a minimum of 25 min/game next year. Most of those will be at the 2G. Some will be at the point.

He is significantly better than Robinson now.

 

[Bluesnky]

The transfer portal will make or break next year’s season. Skinny , non defense playing freshman would not have helped in games like last nights.

Caleb Wilson, if we get him, gets a lot praise for his defense. However, what makes a good college defensive player is a lot different than it was even five years ago. Who knows how it translates, but he’s supposed to be a really smart kid. I’m starting to think there should be a Wonderlic type evaluation of basketball prospects. Playing basketball defense now involves a lot more intuitiveness than it used to.

But really, a guy who can shoot but also receive a pass 15 feet from the basket and attack would be really useful on this team. Maybe that’s Jasper Johnson. Ball handling is an under discussed weakness of this team.

In any case I think we are looking at getting at least four major contributors from the portal. And I think Pope will learn a lot from his first year in the new look SEC.

 

[Terrapin_Station]

Again, Oweh is in ZERO draft projections. And Cal is gone . He will make more in college than if he were in the G league. And there’s no guarantee he would make a team in G league.

I don’t think the G league is interested in a guard who can’t shoot and bricks close range shots in the paint. Defense can only take you so far. Oddly, he’s one of our weaker offensive players, but leads the team in PPG.

 

[Cold Stout Beer]

Noah, Perry, and Chandler can't be counted on, and won't be counted on, as rotation players next year.

Pope will have 15 scholarships, and I expect those three players to bookend our 11th, 12th, and 13th scholarship spots (while Pope leaves the 14th and 15th scholarships open).

That means a rotation of:

Garrison = 1
Moreno = 1
Wilson = 1
Oweh = 1
Johnson = 1
Lewis = 1

Portal point guard = 1
Portal Center = 1
Portal stretch four = 1
Portal shooting guard = 1

I could actually see Pope adding another wing from the portal on top of this, which would push the three bookend guys to the 12th, 13th, and 14th scholarships.


There's some wishful thinkers out there who swear up and down how one of Noah, Perry, and Chandler will be in the rotation, but as of right now, I've seen nothing that actually establishes that as a reality next season.

Like us wishful thinkers that loved the Pope hire while you wanted Barnhart run out of town on a rail?? smh

 

[RondoBaller21]

Lewis
Johnson
Oweh
Wilson
Garrison
That would be a very talented starting five.

 

[B.B.H.]

Lewis
Johnson
Oweh
Wilson
Garrison
That would be a very talented starting five.

I bet Lewis won’t start and we get a portal PG, but I agree with you very talented lineup

 

[Cold Stout Beer]

Stay on topic.

You think Noah, Chandler, and Perry will be rotation players next season?

Based on what exactly?

Are you out of your mind? You can't even be debated with. Just craziness.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Lewis
Johnson
Oweh
Wilson
Garrison
That would be a very talented starting five.

Replace Lewis with a portal point guard, and I'm with you.

Lewis would be an outstanding backup point guard, but I'm done seeing freshmen point guards at UK, unless they play like Fox/Wall level.

 

[NerlensCat]

The transfer portal will make or break next year’s season. Skinny , non defense playing freshman would not have helped in games like last nights.

I would have happily taken an Asa Newell in that game. It isn’t all about being a freshman or not. The pieces have to work in the system together and they have to have a winner’s mentality. Winner’s compete. They do what needs to be done to win. I don’t think there is a single person on this board who wouldn’t take Cooper Flagg. If you wouldn’t you are crazy.

The problem with Cal’s approach in the last few years was he ran everyone off every player every year to make room for the next crop of Freshman he recruited. He didn’t want true competition for these guys. And many times, those pieces didn’t fit together

No, it should not be a starting 5 of freshmen. But you could have 2 or 3 exceptional freshman starters surrounded by solid returnees and/or portal winners. The problem with the portal is that there aren’t a bunch high level winners. Most are from mid majors or failed freshman years at high level programs. So, it is almost as hit or miss as the freshman. There will be even fewer top tier available starting next year because there are no more Covid exemptions.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Are you out of your mind? You can't even be debated with. Just craziness.

What exactly are you "debating?"

You jumped in ready for a "debate", but you've failed to even establish just what you're "debating." Or did you just want to piss and moan about a position I shared with about 95% of the fan base when Pope was initially hired?

Pick a side. Stop the ad hominem. Make a point.

Otherwise, don't quote me. I'm totally fine never interacting with you again as a poster.

 

[yoshukai]

I would have happily taken an Asa Newell in that game. It isn’t all about being a freshman or not. The pieces have to work in the system together and they have to have a winner’s mentality. Winner’s compete. They do what needs to be done to win. I don’t think there is a single person on this board who wouldn’t take Cooper Flagg. If you wouldn’t you are crazy.

The problem with Cal’s approach in the last few years was he ran everyone off every player every year to make room for the next crop of Freshman he recruited. He didn’t want true competition for these guys. And many times, those pieces didn’t fit together

No, it should not be a starting 5 of freshmen. But you could have 2 or 3 exceptional freshman starters surrounded by solid returnees and/or portal winners. The problem with the portal is that there aren’t a bunch high level winners. Most are from mid majors or failed freshman years at high level programs. So, it is almost as hit or miss as the freshman. There will be even fewer top tier available starting next year because there are no more Covid exemptions.

Newell was at home and had the refs backing him . We’ll see how he does in tough road environments against physical veteran teams . I’m not against taking freshman, but we will need some good players from the portal. I believe we will be able to get better ones than the the ones we have now . But I’m thankful for the ones we have , all things considered. I do hope the ncaa doesn’t allow 5 years of eligibility like they are supposedly considering.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

Lewis
Johnson
Oweh
Wilson
Garrison
That would be a very talented starting five.

Not a question of you in particular, just thinking out loud.

If it wasn’t for Garrison’s high school ranking, what makes us think he’s very talented?

He’s been an okay college player for a season and a half. He’s not some freak athlete.

Very interested to see how Pope approaches the Garrison decision. That’s a big gamble he’s taking on his ability to develop him.