Point guard concerns ...

[RuppnRoll]

I'm concerned if a Clemson team is going to put our guards in foul trouble, just think what the top notch SEC schools that have overpowering guard combinations are going to do to us?
For that reason, I wish we would get our younger guards some more meaningful game time experience.
I'll be the first to say, I do not think Perry's or Noah's defense would be as effective as OO or Butlers.
I do however feel like their other intangibles could offset the defense liabilities.
It's not like Kerr is playing like Gary "the glove" Payton.
I think them getting that valuable game time experience early in the season will help us later in the season.
With all of that being said, I could not believe Chandler did not play the other night as well.
He brings an incredible amount of athleticism to the table.

 

[Wonky]

I'm concerned if a Clemson team is going to put our guards in foul trouble, just think what the top notch SEC schools that have overpowering guard combinations are going to do to us?
For that reason, I wish we would get our younger guards some more meaningful game time experience.
I'll be the first to say, I do not think Perry's or Noah's defense would be as effective as OO or Butlers.
I do however feel like their other intangibles could offset the defense liabilities.
It's not like Kerr is playing like Gary "the glove" Payton.
I think them getting that valuable game time experience early in the season will help us later in the season.
With all of that being said, I could not believe Chandler did not play the other night as well.
He brings an incredible amount of athleticism to the table.

Clemson didn’t put our guards in foul trouble, the refs did.

Having said that, Kriisa MUST be a much more serviceable backup than he was in that game.

 

[RuppnRoll]

Clemson didn’t put our guards in foul trouble, the refs did.

Having said that, Kriisa MUST be a much more serviceable backup than he was in that game.

The refs did?
I'm pretty sure that's the way it's going to happen every time.
The result is the same. A thin back court is going to hurt this team.

 

[Wonky]

The refs did?
I'm pretty sure that's the way it's going to happen every time.
The result is the same. A thin back court is going to hurt this team.

My point is you acted like Clemson’s guards were relatively weak in comparison to a lot of SEC guards we’re going to face, and you used that to justify your concern. If Butler got into quick foul trouble because of a couple BS calls followed by another BS call at the very start of the second half, then how is the quality of the opposition relevant? Butler was completely taken out of the game by the officials. It had zero to do with the skill level of Clemson’s guards. Try again.

 

[BBNinSC]

Right now, our Freshman guards would get abused in conference play.

 

[RuppnRoll]

My point is you acted like Clemson’s guards were relatively weak in comparison to a lot of SEC guards we’re going to face, and you used that to justify your concern. If Butler got into quick foul trouble because of a couple BS calls followed by another BS call at the very start of the second half, then how is the quality of the opposition relevant? Butler was completely taken out of the game by the officials. It had zero to do with the skill level of Clemson’s guards. Try again.

I don't need to try again. Butler fouled. He played reckless and he reached. Fouls. Could there have been more files called absolutely.

 

[catsfan325]

Every team has weaknesses. And most teams don't have a starting guard as good as Lamont Butler let alone a backup that could compete with him. Kerr does need to play much better though if we want to reach our ceiling

 

[HerrosHeroes]

We will get a better whistle as we wont be in the Zags gym like we were in Clemson

 

[SemperFiCat]

If Kerr can chill a little, and play a little smarter and within the team, we aren't too shallow at guard. We don't need 'more' out of Kerr, but we do need more dependability.

 

[Princecal]

I don't need to try again. Butler fouled. He played reckless and he reached. Fouls. Could there have been more files called absolutely.

His first foul was a Clemson player tossing Butler to the ground. Which made each could after worse. If the correct call was made he would've been in longer before it would've even become a concern.

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

If Kerr can chill a little, and play a little smarter and within the team, we aren't too shallow at guard. We don't need 'more' out of Kerr, but we do need more dependability.

First few games, I was under the impression Kerr was all about making amazing passes to get assists. Lately, it seems he is 100% focused on getting buckets.

 

[CBBCrazy]

Every team has weaknesses. And most teams don't have a starting guard as good as Lamont Butler let alone a backup that could compete with him. Kerr does need to play much better though if we want to reach our ceilin

The step down from Lamont to Kerr is too large a step against good teams. Running the offense and picking up your dribble 10 feet behind the circle is trouble. He did that multiple times at Clemson. We are lacking at backup as our freshmen are not in the mix, can't get better on the pine. I know some will be upset but, without some time what will they bring next year when most of our team is gone?

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

His first foul was a Clemson player tossing Butler to the ground. Which made each could after worse. If the correct call was made he would've been in longer before it would've even become a concern.

Exactly. That foul is all over X/Twitter, and it is inexcusable from every angle possible. Butler was thrown to the ground and that was an offensive foul no matter which gym you're in. It was a JOKE.

 

[Catfanlou]

I would play Butler regardless of fouls as much as he can play . Team just plays better with him leading it .
If the refs want to decide the game so be it.
Many many years ago I noticed that Bobby knight was playing Isiah Thomas in the first half with two fouls . I said to my wife I couldn’t believe Knight missed that .
After the game knight explained that if you have a player you cannot win without you play him and take your chances . I agree . Sometimes guys go a whole half with no fouls . Hate to lose the game when Butler would not have fouled out .
I realize he needs breaks but he would be a 30 plus minute player for me and come in and out as he chose .

 

[Bluegrassking]

I'm more interested in Kriisa stepping it up and being able to handle 10-12 minutes a game without shooting ourselves in the junk or a committee approach, or getting Perry up to speed, or some of all the above.

Butler needs to be able to play with a bit of abandon and aggressive on D and with our offensive pace means he will just need a blow sometimes plus we need him to touch paint and get baskets which will mean some charges will go against him.

 

[Catfanlou]

I'm more interested in Kriisa stepping it up and being able to handle 10-12 minutes a game without shooting ourselves in the junk or a committee approach, or getting Perry up to speed, or some of all the above.

Butler needs to be able to play with a bit of abandon and aggressive on D and with our offensive pace means he will just need a blow sometimes plus we need him to touch paint and get baskets which will mean some charges will go against him.

I realize Kriisa leads the team in assists . However he also shoots threes from long range too early in the shot clock . There are better 3 point shooters than him. Set them up first . If eihht seconds to go on shot clock or less then he can always jack it up .

 

[Kyhoward]

Our #1 point guard is one of the best in the country. His defensive play has been as advertised and his offensive play has also been stellar. Agree with most here that he needs to be a 30 minute a game player. Understanding that he needs to be on the floor and avoid silly fouls knowing that he might get a wrong call once a game.

Kerr has been a disappointment. I think he is trying to live up to his bad boy reputation rather than just playing the game. The “wow” plays will come, he seems to want to force plays rather than letting opportunities present themselves. He has ability and must stay patient. It would be nice if he could get extended time against Colgate and Brown before conference play. CMP and staff are building him up, I am sure. BTW, I love typing CMP rather than CCC!

 

[Catfanlou]

Yes and yes to the joy of typing CMP instead of CCC . The main difference is I know Pope knows more basketball and is ten times the coach I would be . I never question him just try to learn why he did what he did .

As for CCC I really think I know more basketball than him and more importantly easily spotted that winning games for UK was not his priority .

 

[MegaBlue05]

Goodness.

The sky really does fall after the first loss for some of you. Shit happens in road games that usually isn't indicative of a season long trend. UK is also now 13-18 in our last 31 true road games, so this loss shouldn't come as a huge shock if you're an old timer like me. The PG posistion is fine. Kerr is a servicable backup. He had a bad game Tuesday and jacked a bunch of 3s late in the Georgia State game trying to get his 1000th career point. He's stuck at 997.

I'm also OK with Perry getting 3-5 minutes, but don't think he's any real solution at this point in his career. Noah isn't going to add much this season. Chandler is a great athelete but still has that deer in the headlights look at lot of the time.

 

[bowfreak]

I’ll take my chances with Kerr. He played bad for one game. He will be better. He has been a good player over the years that didn’t just forget how to play

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

Kerr is 4/19 from 3 since the Duke game where he was 2/7 (for those counting, that would be 6/26). He has hit two important threes this season when the team needed one, and I think that has him too confident in his ability to hit from deep. He was billed as "streaky" more than anything, and that appears to be accurate.

 

[chroix]

The step down from Lamont to Kerr is too large a step against good teams. Running the offense and picking up your dribble 10 feet behind the circle is trouble. He did that multiple times at Clemson. We are lacking at backup as our freshmen are not in the mix, can't get better on the pine. I know some will be upset but, without some time what will they bring next year when most of our team is gone?

A year of practice under the coach and in the system. It isn’t complicated.

 

[chroix]

Perry is the new Dontaie is the new…

 

[jeffky]

I'm concerned if a Clemson team is going to put our guards in foul trouble, just think what the top notch SEC schools that have overpowering guard combinations are going to do to us?
For that reason, I wish we would get our younger guards some more meaningful game time experience.
I'll be the first to say, I do not think Perry's or Noah's defense would be as effective as OO or Butlers.
I do however feel like their other intangibles could offset the defense liabilities.
It's not like Kerr is playing like Gary "the glove" Payton.
I think them getting that valuable game time experience early in the season will help us later in the season.
With all of that being said, I could not believe Chandler did not play the other night as well.
He brings an incredible amount of athleticism to the table.

These asinine posts over one game my god it happens get over it and move on you cal lovers put up with these asinine losses for 15 years either get on board or go to Arkansas

 

[WallMashKyBall]

I looked at Kirissa's stats, the 0 points didn't hurt us as much as the -21 points when he was on the floor. That was one huge coaching error to not try something else when Kirsa played 20 minutes and was so clearly hurting the team by being on the floor.

I would switch Oweah to the point and get more Brea minutes at the two. That means Oweh gets more minutes, but that's a good thing.

 

[megablue]

I looked at Kirissa's stats, the 0 points didn't hurt us as much as the -21 points when he was on the floor. That was one huge coaching error to not try something else when Kirsa played 20 minutes and was so clearly hurting the team by being on the floor.

I would switch Oweah to the point and get more Brea minutes at the two. That means Oweh gets more minutes, but that's a good thing.

A very big problem with Kriisa is that when he is not scoring, he is not good enough on defense to help you.
I'm sure he's capable of playing better, but I can't help but think Pope fell in love with him based on BYU games.
Another player who was similar in shooting the ball, but struggled here, was C. J. Fredrick. He had injuries, though.

 

[Edgarman]

I don't need to try again. Butler fouled. He played reckless and he reached. Fouls. Could there have been more files called absolutely.

I don't need to try again. Butler fouled. He played reckless and he reached. Fouls. Could there have been more files called absolutely.

Wonky, rewatch the game and I will tell you that the fouls called that you blame on the refs were not called if the teams were reversed, you would be pissed if they were not called on Clemson. I am only speach of the fouls you mentioned. Fouls were missed on both teams but Butle's fouls were undisciplined reaching fouls. Take your blue glasses off before we start blaming. We got beat, we will improve, we have a good not great roster. We will be competitive in the SEC but most likely will lose a couple. Heck, Auburn lost to Duke who we beat. I will assure Auburn is going to be a really tough out for any team in America this year.

 

[CatsFanIL]

If Kerr can chill a little, and play a little smarter and within the team, we aren't too shallow at guard. We don't need 'more' out of Kerr, but we do need more dependability.

To this point, it's still early in the season. Pope let's his guys play with a lot of freedom, we can all see this AND he says so publicly. This is the opposite of Cal, so we've watched very specific roles for the last decade, it's not like that now with Pope.

I do expect more structured roles to be identified going into conference play, once Pope/staff have more analytics and data to work with. I If Kerr's shooting percentage hasn't increased by then, Pope will most likely use him more as a pass-first PG than how he's currently playing

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

By the way people are acting online it sure seems like butler isn’t playing tomorrow

 

[B.B.H.]

By the way people are acting online it sure seems like butler isn’t playing tomorrow

I think Butler will play based on Popes comments. He jokingly said the trainers life depends on it. I don’t see butler missing a game of this magnitude if it is possible for him to make it

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

I think Butler will play based on Popes comments. He jokingly said the trainers life depends on it. I don’t see butler missing a game of this magnitude if it is possible for him to make it

Apparently jones on his radio show said UK might make Robinson or Oweh point in some situations

 

[Cats192]

We've come back to the Dontaie Allen days. People want the Kentucky boys to play so badly, they throw out whatever argument. "They can't play defense, but they have intangibles."

If Lamont Butler is getting in foul trouble vs P5 teams, what do you think happens to Perry and Noah? They get abused, that's what.

I don't think Perry or Noah are ready for minutes against major teams. I think forcing them into minutes vs P5 opponents will be to the team's detriment. Our priority is winning the game in front of us. We don't need to risk losing a few games so Perry and Noah can struggle through minutes and hope they're better for it.

Back in my day, you earned playing time in practice. You showed the coaches day in and day out what you could do on the court or on the field. And if they saw you playing well enough in practice, you got playing time.

Some of you swear if we could skip the whole "earn it" phase, and GIVE the kids some minutes--they'll eventually prove they're worthy of it. That's not how it works. Not in life. Not at Kentucky.

 

[wardlow]

We've come back to the Dontaie Allen days. People want the Kentucky boys to play so badly, they throw out whatever argument. "They can't play defense, but they have intangibles."

If Lamont Butler is getting in foul trouble vs P5 teams, what do you think happens to Perry and Noah? They get abused, that's what.

I don't think Perry or Noah are ready for minutes against major teams. I think forcing them into minutes vs P5 opponents will be to the team's detriment. Our priority is winning the game in front of us. We don't need to risk losing a few games so Perry and Noah can struggle through minutes and hope they're better for it.

Back in my day, you earned playing time in practice. You showed the coaches day in and day out what you could do on the court or on the field. And if they saw you playing well enough in practice, you got playing time.

Some of you swear if we could skip the whole "earn it" phase, and GIVE the kids some minutes--they'll eventually prove they're worthy of it. That's not how it works. Not in life. Not at Kentucky.

This isn’t a team that has 2-3 years experience together either and can’t afford to share minutes with the 11th/12th man to “prepare” them.

They have 8 games together. The main 9-10 need every minute together they can for now. Kerr needs to figure out how to run Pope’s offense better. Amari needs in game reps to help develop an offensive game. The team needs both of those guys to be better to reach their ceiling and the coaches know it.

Travis Perry and Noah aren’t going to play this year unless something terrible happens. 7-1 isn’t it.

 

[RuppnRoll]

Travis Perry gets some meaningful minutes ... 1st and 2nd half ... and so it begins.

 

[RuppnRoll]

These asinine posts over one game my god it happens get over it and move on you cal lovers put up with these asinine losses for 15 years either get on board or go to Arkansas

Seems like the only asinine post was yours. From the date of this Post, Travis Perry has played first and second half of each game. The coaching staff realized they need to get someone else with some meaningful minutes at a thin position.
Pretty sure they're not looking on here for advice, but if they are thank god they didn't take yours.

 

[RuppnRoll]

We've come back to the Dontaie Allen days. People want the Kentucky boys to play so badly, they throw out whatever argument. "They can't play defense, but they have intangibles."

If Lamont Butler is getting in foul trouble vs P5 teams, what do you think happens to Perry and Noah? They get abused, that's what.

I don't think Perry or Noah are ready for minutes against major teams. I think forcing them into minutes vs P5 opponents will be to the team's detriment. Our priority is winning the game in front of us. We don't need to risk losing a few games so Perry and Noah can struggle through minutes and hope they're better for it.

Back in my day, you earned playing time in practice. You showed the coaches day in and day out what you could do on the court or on the field. And if they saw you playing well enough in practice, you got playing time.

Some of you swear if we could skip the whole "earn it" phase, and GIVE the kids some minutes--they'll eventually prove they're worthy of it. That's not how it works. Not in life. Not at Kentucky.

Good thing Coach Pope followed the smart advice on this board. Perry & Noah have become SIGNIFICANT in the rotation.

 

[RuppnRoll]

These asinine posts over one game my god it happens get over it and move on you cal lovers put up with these asinine losses for 15 years either get on board or go to Arkansas

Get on board indeed.