Percent chance Gabriel and SKJ both start...

[MdWIldcat55]

...at least ten games together.

I actually think it's pretty high. I'd put it at 60 percent. I think the line-up in November and into December will be Green-DIallo-Knox-Gabriel-SKJ.

I'm basing that on two things: 1.) I think both those guys will be immensely improved. 2.) I think many are indulging the almost irresistible post-April fantasy of endowing in-coming freshmen with skill levels they don't yet possess, based on highlight videos and pick-ip All-Star games like the McD AA game.

Vanderbilt may start eventually. Or, if Washington is a rebounding force, he might. Richards COULD start late in the year, the way Dakari did in 2014, but I think he's further away than we realize.

That might not be too bad, by the way. If it happens it'll mean SKJ proves last year was some weird fluke and that Wenyen has pulled it together and reached the huge upside we all thought we saw LAST November.

 

[throatpoker]

Over 9000

 

[musrat59]

I would say Gabriel has a good shot simply because he has a year already under his belt.

 

[KentuckyRLD]

There is no guarantee that either of them will be a starter of any games. Having them bith be starters seems very unlikely to me.

 

[BigBlueDieHard68]

I think it is very likely that they are in the starting lineup to begin the season but I'm not sure that will last for 10 games.

I think there was something huge that was kept very hush hush last season regarding SKJ. I don't think it was talent or skill that kept him off the court completely for the second half of the season. I don't know if it was academic, medical, or a discipline issue that they manged to keep totally quiet but pro scout after pro scout said that SKJ was either the best player on the team or had the most potential and even Willis commented late in the season that SKJ had the most upside of anyone on the team. If whatever the issue was is now corrected, I think SKJ is the man to begin the season.

Gabriel was also praised by the scouts who watched practice and he showed us a brief glimpse of what he can be over that few game stretch where he was drilling 3 pointers left and right. He started half the season and played all season and cal will want his experience on the court to begin with I'm sure.

It will be very hard to keep Jared Vanderbilt off the court though. When healthy, he will be the best player on the court in almost every game we play. He is that good. The only reason that he was not rated at the very top of his class it that he can't seem to stay healthy for very long at a time.

 

[KentuckyCat420]

Hard to imagine both Washington and Vanderbilt coming off the bench, which would have to happen for both SKJ and Gabriel to start. Diallo and Knox are locked in at starting the 2/3 spots.

 

[BigKari]

50/50 just like the Diallo decision. They either both start or they dont both start.

 

[Aike]

8-12%.

 

[shutzhund]

Although it would be great if they had improved that much but I believe the chances are zero.

 

[Blueisbest]

Unless both players have made great strides in their game I would say 3.14159265359%

 

[Owen68]

If Gabriel and SKJ start in November and into December they will start all year. Cal will start his most skilled 5. Both of them will get lots of time early on but not start unless they are more talented then the freshmen. I don't think they are. As February and March roll around the most talented 7 or 8 will get the most minutes.
My opinion:
Green
Diallo
Knox
Vanderbilt
Richards
Subs:
Alexander
Washington
Gabriel
Lost in the shuffle:
SKJ
Baker
Wenyen

 

[kentuckykowboy8]

I honestly would say less than 3%. They both completely disappeared at the end of last season. I think Gabriel will start a few games, but SKJ looked lost all year.

 

[Cardsstink]

...at least ten games together.

I actually think it's pretty high. I'd put it at 60 percent. I think the line-up in November and into December will be Green-DIallo-Knox-Gabriel-SKJ.

I'm basing that on two things: 1.) I think both those guys will be immensely improved. 2.) I think many are indulging the almost irresistible post-April fantasy of endowing in-coming freshmen with skill levels they don't yet possess, based on highlight videos and pick-ip All-Star games like the McD AA game.

Vanderbilt may start eventually. Or, if Washington is a rebounding force, he might. Richards COULD start late in the year, the way Dakari did in 2014, but I think he's further away than we realize.

That might not be too bad, by the way. If it happens it'll mean SKJ proves last year was some weird fluke and that Wenyen has pulled it together and reached the huge upside we all thought we saw LAST November.

All I know as I'd LOVE to see SKJ and Gabrielle being hard to keep out of the starting lineup.

 

[coolioo1]

100% for WG and if he doesn't that is not a good sign for the team. It would mean he has "figured it out". Let's remember, he has a world of physical abilities, showed he CAN shoot and has a high motor. Plus he has been through it all (the process). SKJ doesn't have to make the leap from not even making it in a game to starter to worry me he hasn't figured it out. SKJ was not a thin and small for being so young. I think he could be a monster by start of season. Kid will still be like the third youngest as the start of the season (i think)

 

[BostonCat2001]

well i have to think green, diallo and knox are for sure starting. so that leaves PF and C open. if WG and SKJ are going to start you will have them as PF and C. totally possible. i'll say 35%

I am buying the SKJ hype train so i do believe he will start. i think by feb our starting 5 is green, diallo, knox, skj, and richards.

but regardless of starting, if uk is going to be as good as we want them to be, WG and SKJ need to improve and play like 2nd year 5 star players.

 

[ulismyman]

0000000000000000

 

[ccukuk]

Over 9000

I would say Gabriel has a good shot simply because he has a year already under his belt.

A lot of kids(not denigrating 18-22year old men, but they're young to me), don't wear belts these days. Plus, you have the whole pants below the a$$ thing(I hope Cal forbids that but micromanaging is bad too), so no guarantees he wears a belt.
But, good post.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

I'd say a decent percentage...40%. Gabriel started a good chunk of last season, and showed a few flashes of good talent. SKJ hasn't shown a lot but he has the size and potential. Besides starting is not a big thing for a Coach Cal team...a guy can start and then come out quick (ala Gabriel last year) if they are not getting it done. Just because these two start don't mean they will finish close games on the floor together or either of them.

 

[Cychologist]

Unless both players have made great strides in their game I would say 3.14159265359%

And you come full circle...pi...

 

[caneintally]

I'd give Gabriel a 50% chance of starting some of the season. I'd only give SKJ a 10% chance of even starting a game . It will only be due to tinjury as Richards is in another league ( as are most lotto type talents when compared to guys who scouts are only marginally paying attention to and who literally couldn't find the floor the year prior ).

 

[TBCat]

I think there is a really good chance that at least one of them would start because I don't think Cal wants to start 5 freshmen. I'm probably the odd man out however in believing that SKJ actually has the better shot of the two in starting.

 

[docholiday51]

Gabriel will probably start several games during the season,SKJ is another matter,going from can't find the floor to starter is quite a leap.I think it is very possible (maybe even likely)that something other than talent or ability kept him off the court the second half of the season.Since he is still here maybe that has been addressed/corrected.It would stand to reason that he has a big hill to climb in order to start a regular season game,is he young enough to tryout for the U19 team?

 

[*Bleedingblue*]

You guys dont know crap on who is going to be a great player for us next season. Both SKJ and Gabriel were 5 star players coming in just like our new class of guys are. You have no clue how they are going to perform until the whistle sounds and the ball is tossed in the air.
Knox may show all season how he looked in the all star games, hope not but we dont know. Gabiel and SKJ may look like top 5 picks in the draft or look the same as this past year and ride the bench. Will be better for us if both are starting and dominating.
Green might be another Teague where he cannot shoot the ball and looks lost for most of the year. You just do not know what you're going to get with an incoming freshman.

SKJ was reportedley killing it in practice to end the year and Gabriel is working hard to improve for next season and he got a lot of pt this past season. Lets all hope it translates to on the court performance if we want a chance at #9

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

Is Gabriel suddenly going to get quicker and learn how to dribble with defenders around him?

Is SKJ going to finally pass Tai Wynyard on the depth chart? Unless SKJ was ineligible academically to play that 2nd semester and UK just was really good at keeping it hush hush..... then Wynyard was higher on the depth chart... think about that.

There is a reason why players dont dramatically improve in 1 off season here. I kind of want to see if any of you can figure out why so I will hold off on explaining it.

 

[Blue Decade]

...at least ten games together.

I actually think it's pretty high. I'd put it at 60 percent. I think the line-up in November and into December will be Green-DIallo-Knox-Gabriel-SKJ.

I'm basing that on two things: 1.) I think both those guys will be immensely improved. 2.) I think many are indulging the almost irresistible post-April fantasy of endowing in-coming freshmen with skill levels they don't yet possess, based on highlight videos and pick-ip All-Star games like the McD AA game.

Vanderbilt may start eventually. Or, if Washington is a rebounding force, he might. Richards COULD start late in the year, the way Dakari did in 2014, but I think he's further away than we realize.

That might not be too bad, by the way. If it happens it'll mean SKJ proves last year was some weird fluke and that Wenyen has pulled it together and reached the huge upside we all thought we saw LAST November.

Fans rushed to judgment on SKJ and Gabriel when both were freshmen who just needed to get physically stronger. Both have skills, and both will play more next year after a full offseason in our program. Whether either can start is a different question. SKJ must compete with Richards and Wynyard. They are 3 different players with 3 different sets of strengths and weaknesses. I am a believer in Richards' high ceiling, but all 3 will see the floor. Gabriel is a better player than SKJ, but Gabriel will have his hands full at forward with Washington, Vanderbilt, Knox. I think Washington and Diallo are the 2 best players on this team, so both of them should start.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

SKJ was reportedley killing it in practice to end the year and Gabriel is working hard to improve for next season and he got a lot of pt this past season. Lets all hope it translates to on the court performance if we want a chance at #9

He would of played if he was doing that well. come on... remember last summer when people at UK put the word out that Humphries was killing it? Or the year before when it was Mulder? See a pattern?

 

[kyjeff1]

I think it is very likely that they are in the starting lineup to begin the season but I'm not sure that will last for 10 games.

I think there was something huge that was kept very hush hush last season regarding SKJ. I don't think it was talent or skill that kept him off the court completely for the second half of the season. I don't know if it was academic, medical, or a discipline issue that they manged to keep totally quiet but pro scout after pro scout said that SKJ was either the best player on the team or had the most potential and even Willis commented late in the season that SKJ had the most upside of anyone on the team. If whatever the issue was is now corrected, I think SKJ is the man to begin the season.

Gabriel was also praised by the scouts who watched practice and he showed us a brief glimpse of what he can be over that few game stretch where he was drilling 3 pointers left and right. He started half the season and played all season and cal will want his experience on the court to begin with I'm sure.

It will be very hard to keep Jared Vanderbilt off the court though. When healthy, he will be the best player on the court in almost every game we play. He is that good. The only reason that he was not rated at the very top of his class it that he can't seem to stay healthy for very long at a time.

This. I think your take on SKJ is spot on. I have no idea what it was that kept him buried deep on the bench, but it couldn't have been his lack of skill.
Hopefully whatever it was is over with.

 

[bigbluedon]

I honestly would say less than 3%. They both completely disappeared at the end of last season. I think Gabriel will start a few games, but SKJ looked lost all year.

How could you say he looked lost all year when he didn't even play after Jan 19? Cal had such a short leash on him, enough to choke him, so that he could pull him when he wanted. Some of you people know nothing about basketball..SKJ was probably more skilled than most on the team last year.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

If Knox doesn't bring it defensively, I could definitely see JV winning the 3 spot.

 

[UKcatXXXL]

mark it zero

 

[Caveman Catfan]

The starting jobs will be won. If Gabriel works his arse off this summer, I fully suspect he will be fighting for a starting role. The competition at center for SKJ is not as great as the potential at PF, where I think Gabriel will play next year. SKJ has offensive potential that I think is greater than his competition. If he gets stronger and shows better understanding on defense, he will probably get some starts. It may be better to bring the frosh of the bench, as I believe he will be prone to fouls early in the season.

 

[catman111]

About 20%

SKJ couldn't even get on the court last year with an overall weak front court. He will need to make big improvements this off season.

As will Gabriel. The last few games I did not want to see Gabriel playing.

Having said that, one or both could make drastic improvements over the summer. We really need SKJ. The center position will potentially be one of our two weakest spots.

 

[Willy4UK]

8-12%.

Hmmmm, interesting. I was thinking 3.52%

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Hmmmm, interesting. I was thinking 3.52%

No way. 9.438934%. Roughly.

 

[Aike]

Hmmmm, interesting. I was thinking 3.52%

I put a lot of thought into it.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

Gabriel I can maybe see .

SkJ has potential , and I think he'll get there , but I think this upcoming season will be a "build
Up year " so to speak, and I think he will really shine for the following season along with his experience.

Really hope we can keep one or both for another year (after this one )

 

[THOTKing]

I have no idea what to expect from SKJ next year. I can't recall a player who got zero clock the year before becoming a significant factor the next year. Based on the rotation last year, Tai Wynyard probably has a better chance of playing big minutes. I hope i'm wrong.

 

[Bluegrassking]

11.79%

 

[kentucky_wildcat_#1]

I'd give Gabriel a 50% chance of starting some of the season. I'd only give SKJ a 10% chance of even starting a game . It will only be due to tinjury as Richards is in another league ( as are most lotto type talents when compared to guys who scouts are only marginally paying attention to and who literally couldn't find the floor the year prior ).

I like the upside Richards brings to our program and think the dude's upside is near the top of the college basketball world, but the kid is still somewhat a project. The kid has the size, length and frame to play pro basketball for a long time, but that doesn't mean the kid will come in and start from day 1 at Kentucky. I don't know what the deal was with SKJ last season, but i doubt it was talent. The kid also has nice length and size to be a really good frontcourt player for Kentucky. None of us really know what the deal with playing time for Cal is with each kid. SKJ came in with a lot of hype and skill. Sometimes players are overhyped and never live up their hype, but if you notice, that doesn't seem to happen as often with Cal's recruiting. I will refuse to believe lack of playing time for SKJ has to with talent until the season starts and the kid still doesn't find his way into the rotation. With that said, Richards will see a lot of playing time and be a big time player his freshman season, but we shouldn't expect that right away. The kid has not even been playing basketball that long. In highschool, if you're a kid with his size, you should do well. Luckily for us and Richards Cal and staff are some of the best in the game when it comes to coaching the post. With SKJ and Richards in our frontcourt, the center spot for Kentucky should do just fine next season.

 

[JC43]

To start the season barring injury, Wenyen and SKJ will get the start. Be it the 4 and 5 or 3 and 4. It will be theirs to lose.