Player decisions update from Pilgrim

[Fox2monk]

So basically lose everyone on a team that lost in the first round and expect better results next year depending heavily on mostly freshmen that weren't as talented as this years group...got it.

I'm not a 100% Cal sucks guy, but this is the biggest issue that I have had with Cal over the past 5 years. Why in the blue Hades can we not keep players here that should be staying in college? They either enter the draft anyways and fall into oblivion after a year or two (Washington, Livingston and about to be Wagner, Edwards and Z) or they transfer out when they could be a major piece the following year (Juzang, Brooks and WIltjer). If we lose everyone AND have a similar season next year like we had this one then I will be on every media saying FIRE CAL at all costs like many were this year.

Gotta have that excuse in the back pocket that we are starting 10 new people and teaching them all over again. Because keeping guys is so what successful teams do.

 

[wccat2969]

No. DJ will return and attempt to show the whole world he is a three point shooter. As a result he will shoot us out of more than a few games next season.
While starting, of course.

Question will be if Cal starts him next year. Is he required/obligated to?

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

He's the Reed Sheppard replacement.

Too bad he's not the Wagner replacement.

 

[Fox2monk]

Please SMU take our coach ….. If that doesn’t work and SMU takes USC’s coach. Then please USC come take Cal off our hands….

SMU already got a coach

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Wow, kind of sounds like he's ours if we want him.

So I cant wait to see us pussy foot and watch him go elsewhere.

 

[J-Ryan]

So…is he commited? lol…

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Call to Freeman:

"I know you have 65 offers out there, but do you mind waiting so guys like Edwards and Wagner, who don't give a crap about Kentucky basketball, can have two months to decide if they're ready for the G-League or not?"

 

[WildcatforLife1965]

This will be important to watch. If he’s seriously changing, he will embrace this type of player. If he coddles those two crybabies then phuck it. It’s on.

 

[sportspm]

That’s what I like to hear! Instead of, I just want to play in the NBA

 

[Mike-D]

6'6 guard. Not as efficient as I'd like on offense, but if he can defend, sign em up.

 

[*CatinIL*]

Did anyone tell him that Calipari will be back at UK next season? Someone might want to let him know...

 

[KYFOSSIL]

He's the Reed Sheppard replacement.

Too bad he's not the Wagner replacement.

🤡

 

[KYFOSSIL]

He's the Reed Sheppard replacement.

Too bad he's not the Wagner replacement.

Reeves

 

[cathead64]

All the Cow dingleberries won’t like that they want Cow’s weak freshmen that tighten up and fold.

 

[kywildcatsfannumber1]

Saw his 3-point % rise from 32-35 in a year. Another year here hopefully see it increase to around 38%, 6.6 rebounds along with 1.1 steals per game. I'll take this guy. Seeing how so many got away last year in the portal, it is important to not get beat to the punch on everyone this time around. Kentucky is going to need shooters and defenders both to fill out this roster. Hoping they find a more consistent scorer and someone to facilitate the offense to supplement the roster.

 

[kywildcatsfannumber1]

@DeerTurkHunter1 You got something you want to add?

 

[KyCPA]

Looks like Kentucky might lose everyone

I don't know why any fans are shocked by this stuff anymore.

 

[Catfan in Tn.]

Hooefully Cal is too

 

[FrankUnderwood2.0]

We only had 1 player with much experience here this season. Reeves.

So, yes, building a roster of familiar faces will be iffy in most places. NIL won't guarantee it because money is fungible. It's the same everywhere. A mid-major may be able to provide more $$ to a roster player from a top tier program.

The NIL at Kentucky seems to not be running smoothly.

Reeves apparently never got his NIL deal he was set to receive. Which is super unfortunate for the dude.

 

[Seth_C]

Oh, for ****’s sake. Are we going to lose everyone but Wagner? Calipari may be lucky to hit 10 wins next season riding him straight into the shitter.

 

[NociHTTP]

Wow, kind of sounds like he's ours if we want him.

So I cant wait to see us pussy foot and watch him go elsewhere.

They all say this stuff just to get a free trip for a visit.

 

[kywildcatsfannumber1]

Pilgrim only regurgitating common knowledge at the moment and doubt he knows anything about where these players stand.

 

[Tampa_cat54]

We'll start with the bad news, now public and official: Adou Thiero is going portaling. This is a huge hit to Kentucky and it's my understanding they're going to work to recruit him back, but it wasn't a huge secret down the stretch that Coach Cal and Thiero didn't see eye to eye on a lot of things. He joked at the NCAA Tournament during the locker room interviews that Cal was harder on him than anyone else on the team, and talking to people around the program, they agreed. Several assumed things were trending toward the portal late, looking for a chance to prove he can be the star of his own team (and worried he wouldn't be able to become one here). Considering the money he can (and will) get elsewhere, it all adds up. Just a terrible loss, no other way to put it.

As for other guaranteed depatures, Rob Dillingham's time at Kentucky has come to an end, as expected. He'll be entering the NBA Draft as a likely top-five pick. That one isn't a surprise to anyone.

Elsewhere, Reed Sheppard has the toughest decision on the team, obviously, and I'm told it's weighing on him. His current draft grade is top-10 (coming from NBA scouts) and that guarantee will be really, really tough to pass up. But historic NIL money is waiting for him should he decide to return. He'll test the waters while keeping that door open, but his choice will be calculated down to team fit and culture in his range on both ends. There's no certainty next year's group will connect the way this one did, but the idea of going to a losing franchise in the middle of nowhere isn't appealing to him, either. Financials will be a significant part of it, but not the ultimate deciding factor. Legacy is important for that family and they know what winning means here, so the unfinished business angle is at play here, too. Head says NBA, heart says year two in Lexington. Nothing decided either way yet.

Zvonimir Ivisic's got a tough call to make, too. He's already tested the draft waters twice and is no longer eligible to try again, so it's all or nothing with this process. That complicates his situation a bit because his stock is currently in the second-round flier range with lottery upside should he return. He came to Kentucky on a one-year plan and that remained the case even through the end of the regular season. There was hope a big game on the Cats' run could shoot him back up the draft boards, but that unfortunately never came. That puts him in a tough spot and could make him think a little longer, but he was pretty open privately about going to the NBA this offseason no matter what. That continues to be the expectation.

Then we get to the trio of Kentucky's top-rated recruits out of high school, all deemed one-and-done locks when they signed here. Instead, none of Justin Edwards, DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw are considered first-round locks, Bradshaw no longer on draft boards at all. He will strongly consider the transfer portal in hopes of finding a fresh start elsewhere while Edwards is going to test the draft waters in hopes of securing a late first-round grade. If that's the case, he's expected to leave, as well. If not, he could also hit the transfer portal, but draft is the likely result. As for Wagner, he was seen as a guaranteed departure for much of the season due to connections in the basketball world, likely to sneak in at the end of the first round no matter how far his stock had fallen. There is growing optimism, though, that he'll seriously consider a second season at Kentucky in hopes of getting back to full strength, maturing and working his way back into the lottery of a weaker draft. He'll test and see what his draft outlook is now, but it's no longer the sure thing it was.

As for other portal names to keep an eye on, Ugonna Onyenso is at the top of the list. Like Thiero, there was a growing sense late that he (and his circle) were eyeing potential options elsewhere. I'm not currently expecting him back in Lexington, barring a major change of heart. Jordan Burks will see what his potential suitors are and what role/NIL opportunities would look like, so that's one to keep an eye on, too. Consider him a toss-up.

Joey Hart would like to return, but his situation will be roster-based. He'd like to play and if there is a path to playing time (even limited), he'll be back. That one will be down the road a bit depending on who Kentucky returns/adds.

So we're losing everyone from a team that lost in the first round to a 14 seed.

Love it- just excellent.

Can't even get guys like Thiero and Big Z back.

 

[FrankUnderwood2.0]

I’m not saying Reed should stay but under his circumstances it’s not out of the question. He’s a Kentucky kid .. a legacy .. and loved by more UK fans that I thought possible. He’s getting no telling how much NIL money with a lot more possibly coming his way. The NBA is ruthless. They’ll try to tear him up. It’s a JOB. He will have a ton of money if he stays. Either way I will always be a huge fan of the young man.

But why would he come back to play for a coach who admittedly didn’t start him because he didn’t want to hurt the feelings of other players?

Yes he’s a Legacy guy but UK will be pretty bad next year. Why come back and potentially get “exposed” and drop in the draft? He can’t even learn proper offensive (or defensive) schemes?

He could very well come off the bench next year in order to not hurt another players feelings.

Lastly he’s looking to make about $20 million next year. Even the highest NIL guy in college basketball didn’t come close to that this season.

 

[FrankUnderwood2.0]

This simply isn’t true. Go look how many KU, Duke and UNC guys have left the last few years.

Doesn’t make it any better for UK but this is not a UK only issue

Are you saying UK, Duke and UNC have the same amount of roster turnover each year?

 

[FrankUnderwood2.0]

Maybe not all 3, but I believe 2 comes back.

I get that Reed is a Kentucky kid etc but would you really advise Reed to return to play for Cal next year when he’s set to be a top 7 draft pick and make $20+ MILLION dollars?

Play for the same coach who said he didn’t start your son because he didn’t ant to hurt DJ's or Edwards feelings? Come back to a worse team and potentially come off the bench again so as not to hurt the feelings of other players?

 

[Fox2monk]

He's the Reed Sheppard replacement.

Too bad he's not the Wagner replacement.

I still think Wagner can be a good college player. If he does return we shouldn’t trash him, as least he came back unlike the rest of the team is looking. Pretty sad when guys would rather get a fresh start who underachieved, rather than try again next year. A lot of his issues are caused by his own coach. Starting him, playing him too many minutes some games, not having him shoot the best shots. Not teaching him what to do at this level is another huge one.

 

[Fox2monk]

I get that Reed is a Kentucky kid etc but would you really advise Reed to return to play for Cal next year when he’s set to be a top 7 draft pick and make $20+ MILLION dollars?

Play for the same coach who said he didn’t start your son because he didn’t ant to hurt DJ's or Edwards feelings? Come back to a worse team and potentially come off the bench again so as not to hurt the feelings of other players?

I don’t know why people are holding out hope Reed returns, it’s looking like his entire team is leaving at the moment. He won’t even have the wanna try again angle, or back to my friends. None of them will be here and he can go live his dream.

 

[Blueworld_3.0]

Kentucky Basketball desperately needs a reset but, Barnhart missed the opportunity. The culture is broken, NIL is a mess, players abandoning ship or at least considering it. Once again, mighty UK will be the youngest team among the P5. You can't win anything like this. WTF is Barnfart thinking? Wasn't he AD of the Year recently? Doesn't say much for that award does it?

 

[Fox2monk]

Kentucky Basketball desperately needs a reset but, Barnhart missed the opportunity. The culture is broken, NIL is a mess, players abandoning ship or at least considering it. Once again, mighty UK will be the youngest team among the P5. You can't win anything like this. WTF is Barnfart thinking? Wasn't he AD of the Year recently? Doesn't say much for that award does it?

It really is broken. I agree 100 bazillion % that a program reset is needed. We need a new culture! Go back to being Kentucky first with a new vision and direction for this once proud program.

 

[The_Answer1313]

lol that's kind of a wild comment for someone who isn't even on the team.

I want this BJ Freeman guy and I have no idea if he's good or not lol

 

[tf4fun]

Same but Kentucky seems to be the team that deals with this issue the most. By far.

They know cal will play freshman in front of them regardless how poor they perform!

 

[tug1543]

Fire Barnhart.
Fire Cal.

Fire Eli along with them!

 

[specialkd24]

The only one I care about is Reed. Everyone else can leave as far as I'm concerned. I just want Reed back.

If he goes - I'm going to have a hard time supporting Cal next year. I may not end up watching any games.

 

[LmdCat]

We'll start with the bad news, now public and official: Adou Thiero is going portaling. This is a huge hit to Kentucky and it's my understanding they're going to work to recruit him back, but it wasn't a huge secret down the stretch that Coach Cal and Thiero didn't see eye to eye on a lot of things. He joked at the NCAA Tournament during the locker room interviews that Cal was harder on him than anyone else on the team, and talking to people around the program, they agreed. Several assumed things were trending toward the portal late, looking for a chance to prove he can be the star of his own team (and worried he wouldn't be able to become one here). Considering the money he can (and will) get elsewhere, it all adds up. Just a terrible loss, no other way to put it.

As for other guaranteed depatures, Rob Dillingham's time at Kentucky has come to an end, as expected. He'll be entering the NBA Draft as a likely top-five pick. That one isn't a surprise to anyone.

Elsewhere, Reed Sheppard has the toughest decision on the team, obviously, and I'm told it's weighing on him. His current draft grade is top-10 (coming from NBA scouts) and that guarantee will be really, really tough to pass up. But historic NIL money is waiting for him should he decide to return. He'll test the waters while keeping that door open, but his choice will be calculated down to team fit and culture in his range on both ends. There's no certainty next year's group will connect the way this one did, but the idea of going to a losing franchise in the middle of nowhere isn't appealing to him, either. Financials will be a significant part of it, but not the ultimate deciding factor. Legacy is important for that family and they know what winning means here, so the unfinished business angle is at play here, too. Head says NBA, heart says year two in Lexington. Nothing decided either way yet.

Zvonimir Ivisic's got a tough call to make, too. He's already tested the draft waters twice and is no longer eligible to try again, so it's all or nothing with this process. That complicates his situation a bit because his stock is currently in the second-round flier range with lottery upside should he return. He came to Kentucky on a one-year plan and that remained the case even through the end of the regular season. There was hope a big game on the Cats' run could shoot him back up the draft boards, but that unfortunately never came. That puts him in a tough spot and could make him think a little longer, but he was pretty open privately about going to the NBA this offseason no matter what. That continues to be the expectation.

Then we get to the trio of Kentucky's top-rated recruits out of high school, all deemed one-and-done locks when they signed here. Instead, none of Justin Edwards, DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw are considered first-round locks, Bradshaw no longer on draft boards at all. He will strongly consider the transfer portal in hopes of finding a fresh start elsewhere while Edwards is going to test the draft waters in hopes of securing a late first-round grade. If that's the case, he's expected to leave, as well. If not, he could also hit the transfer portal, but draft is the likely result. As for Wagner, he was seen as a guaranteed departure for much of the season due to connections in the basketball world, likely to sneak in at the end of the first round no matter how far his stock had fallen. There is growing optimism, though, that he'll seriously consider a second season at Kentucky in hopes of getting back to full strength, maturing and working his way back into the lottery of a weaker draft. He'll test and see what his draft outlook is now, but it's no longer the sure thing it was.

As for other portal names to keep an eye on, Ugonna Onyenso is at the top of the list. Like Thiero, there was a growing sense late that he (and his circle) were eyeing potential options elsewhere. I'm not currently expecting him back in Lexington, barring a major change of heart. Jordan Burks will see what his potential suitors are and what role/NIL opportunities would look like, so that's one to keep an eye on, too. Consider him a toss-up.

Joey Hart would like to return, but his situation will be roster-based. He'd like to play and if there is a path to playing time (even limited), he'll be back. That one will be down the road a bit depending on who Kentucky returns/adds.

Since he wanted Cal to retain his job, he should return to play for him. Otherwise, he should have just kept his opinion to himself.

 

[AzubuikeandFitch]

Next year's draft will be much tougher to go lottery or 1st round.

 

[JC CATS]

Some things never change. Too bad there's not a coaching portal

There is. Reference up 64W, Vanderbilt, etc

 

[crawfords corner]

So who announces their transfer tomorrow?

 

[gojvc]

I'm just gonna guess we keep 1 or 2. No idea on who, but it's going to be an exodus.

I don’t have anything against DJ, Justin, or Aaron but their production could definitely be replaced in the portal IF we target and get the right guys.

 

[Bluesbrother]

Not finding this issue with any other blue blood, only in Lexington. While I won’t hope for a total implosion next year I will sit back and laugh if this all crumbles around cal like a straw house in a hurricane. Cal has totally ran this organization into the dumpster and would suit him well to go out of here having it all come crashing down on top of him. Could be the end of Barnhart as well which I haven’t always been on the side of but this contract and his unwillingness to hold cal accountable in any capacity is truly worth firing. Just gotta hope we can get the right person in here to pull us out of the ashes again.

Good points and all true.