Question for next year.

[Johnny1017]

Do you guys think next years going to be more like last year or 2014? Just curious cause I took a look at the class and prospects who didn't sign yet.... Could be another wild one. Especially not knowing who's going or staying from this years team, I know it's too early but just some thoughts.

 

[kats23]

Hate to put unfair expectations on a team before a ball is even bounced on the floor but it looks like it's going to be close to 2012. Should be a very complete roster on paper

 

[.S&C.]

Hate to put unfair expectations on a team before a ball is even bounced on the floor but it looks like it's going to be close to 2012. Should be a very complete roster on paper

For that to be close we need an incredible rim protector and a consistent, night in night out, elder shooter.

I'm expecting big for next year, but I'm not expecting 2012.

 

[kats23]

You don't think Bam can be that rim protector? Or possibly even a Senior Marcus Lee, who has shown signs of that this year. I agree, we may not have that Darius Miller type for next season but I think we'll have some guys that can fill the bucket up.

 

[Federal Cat]

Looks good so far depends who stays and who leaves and any more who sign with the team of 5***** cats we already have

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

I think it'll be close to the team last year. I mean some people may not realize just how great Fox and Monk are. I mean they could be the best guards Cal's ever had and we all know that's really saying something. They'll at least be right there with Rose, Wall, and Evans. those kids are the real deal. And we haven't had a kid like Bam. Bam is just a man among boys. And when he gets in our weight lifting program.......yeah. He will dominate every aspect of the game next year.And he is a rim protector. Then Gabriel is going to wow some people with his size and skillset. He can be Kevin Durant-esk. His size and skillset says KD. Then I expect us to add Bolden and he's a true low post scorer. Something that if we had this year we may still be unbeaten. Think of a Okafor type but not quite that good. But Bolden will still get drafted top 20 because he's such a gifted offensive player. Then I think Ulis comes back too. Here's the missing link though IMO. We need to add a 5th year transfer who can light it up from 3 off the bench. If this is our team next year then yeah.....It'll be VERY close to last years if not........Well never mind. Its just imagine replacing the twins with John Wall and Tyreke Evans.....Yeah.

Ulis 5'9
Fox 6'3
Monk 6'4
Gabriel 6'10
Bam 6'10

Shooting Guard Transfer
Bolden 6'10
Mathews 6'6
SKJ 6'11
Humphries 7'0
Willis 6'9
Mulder 6'4
Hawkins 6'0

We could be the deepest team in the country easily but I think our main bench guys would be the 2Guard transfer, Mathews, Bolden, and SKJ. Then Willis, Hawkins, and Mulder would be battling for the 10th man spot.

 

[DeathMetalKyFan]

I think it'll be close to the team last year. I mean some people may not realize just how great Fox and Monk are. I mean they could be the best guards Cal's ever had and we all know that's really saying something. They'll at least be right there with Rose, Wall, and Evans. those kids are the real deal. And we haven't had a kid like Bam. Bam is just a man among boys. And when he gets in our weight lifting program.......yeah. He will dominate every aspect of the game next year.And he is a rim protector. Then Gabriel is going to wow some people with his size and skillset. He can be Kevin Durant-esk. His size and skillset says KD. Then I expect us to add Bolden and he's a true low post scorer. Something that if we had this year we may still be unbeaten. Think of a Okafor type but not quite that good. But Bolden will still get drafted top 20 because he's such a gifted offensive player. Then I think Ulis comes back too. Here's the missing link though IMO. We need to add a 5th year transfer who can light it up from 3 off the bench. If this is our team next year then yeah.....It'll be VERY close to last years if not........Well never mind. Its just imagine replacing the twins with John Wall and Tyreke Evans.....Yeah.

Ulis 5'9
Fox 6'3
Monk 6'4
Gabriel 6'10
Bam 6'10

Shooting Guard Transfer
Bolden 6'10
Mathews 6'6
SKJ 6'11
Humphries 7'0
Willis 6'9
Mulder 6'4
Hawkins 6'0

We could be the deepest team in the country easily but I think our main bench guys would be the 2Guard transfer, Mathews, Bolden, and SKJ. Then Willis, Hawkins, and Mulder would be battling for the 10th man spot.

Don't forget about Wynyard!

 

[brianpoe]

I think it'll be close to the team last year. I mean some people may not realize just how great Fox and Monk are. I mean they could be the best guards Cal's ever had and we all know that's really saying something. They'll at least be right there with Rose, Wall, and Evans. those kids are the real deal. And we haven't had a kid like Bam. Bam is just a man among boys. And when he gets in our weight lifting program.......yeah. He will dominate every aspect of the game next year.And he is a rim protector. Then Gabriel is going to wow some people with his size and skillset. He can be Kevin Durant-esk. His size and skillset says KD. Then I expect us to add Bolden and he's a true low post scorer. Something that if we had this year we may still be unbeaten. Think of a Okafor type but not quite that good. But Bolden will still get drafted top 20 because he's such a gifted offensive player. Then I think Ulis comes back too. Here's the missing link though IMO. We need to add a 5th year transfer who can light it up from 3 off the bench. If this is our team next year then yeah.....It'll be VERY close to last years if not........Well never mind. Its just imagine replacing the twins with John Wall and Tyreke Evans.....Yeah.

Ulis 5'9
Fox 6'3
Monk 6'4
Gabriel 6'10
Bam 6'10

Shooting Guard Transfer
Bolden 6'10
Mathews 6'6
SKJ 6'11
Humphries 7'0
Willis 6'9
Mulder 6'4
Hawkins 6'0

We could be the deepest team in the country easily but I think our main bench guys would be the 2Guard transfer, Mathews, Bolden, and SKJ. Then Willis, Hawkins, and Mulder would be battling for the 10th man spot.

You have mentioned this 5th year shooter in about 300 posts now. We may have to crean a player to even accept Bolden at this point and you think there is a remote possibility that Cal finds some amazing graduate shooter somewhere and squeezes him in too?

If that player even existed, and for some reason Cal did go after him, why would he consider us for his last year with that lineup?

I like most of your posts but this one item causes me to shake my head every time.

 

[yoshukai]

IMO , like most Calipari teams , the biggest weakness will be shooting. We might be good enough in other aspects to overcome that though .

 

[JeffGoodmansVestigialTwin]

IMO , like most Calipari teams , the biggest weakness will be shooting. We might be good enough in other aspects to overcome that though .

Pretty sure Fox and Monk shoot above a good clip. 40% or better I believe

 

[Wall2Boogie]

Lol, if there isn't a fifth yr shooter how about a sixth? I'm holding out hope perry Ellis will finish his 25 yr career at kentucky

 

[musrat59]

The only one that I have seen play is the Fox kid and he looks like the real deal, but needs to come in early and hit the weight room.

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

You have mentioned this 5th year shooter in about 300 posts now. We may have to crean a player to even accept Bolden at this point and you think there is a remote possibility that Cal finds some amazing graduate shooter somewhere and squeezes him in too?

If that player even existed, and for some reason Cal did go after him, why would he consider us for his last year with that lineup?

I like most of your posts but this one item causes me to shake my head every time.

I don't know Poe. LOL. I guess I'm just hoping brother. But I feel like 3pt shooting could be our only weakness next season and every year there's a crap ton of these transfers available.

 

[brianpoe]

I don't know Poe. LOL. I guess I'm just hoping brother. But I feel like 3pt shooting could be our only weakness next season and every year there's a crap ton of these transfers available.

I get it brother, it just seems so unlikely. And shooting is almost always our weakness, I agree with that concern.

 

[westerncat]

Do you guys think next years going to be more like last year or 2014? Just curious cause I took a look at the class and prospects who didn't sign yet.... Could be another wild one. Especially not knowing who's going or staying from this years team, I know it's too early but just some thoughts.

On paper this may be one of the best teams he has brought in at UK. Now I know that may not turn out that way but I hope it is. It all depends who come back.

 

[Dakota25]

Too early to tell. Depends on which players come back from this season. UK can be good next season but we just have to wait and see.

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

Do you guys think next years going to be more like last year or 2014? Just curious cause I took a look at the class and prospects who didn't sign yet.... Could be another wild one. Especially not knowing who's going or staying from this years team, I know it's too early but just some thoughts.

Oh yeah. Hey Johnny, I have a question for ya bro. You ain't that Johnny24 cat are you? I noticed you're kinda new and he got banned a month or so ago.. So... I just didn't know if you're the same person. You may not be him. But I would bet he's around here somewhere.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

From what I've seen, and from what people that should know say, that class is extremely talented and athletic. I think the only thing we need to be worried about is if they can play defense.

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

I get it brother, it just seems so unlikely. And shooting is almost always our weakness, I agree with that concern.

You see where Louisville already has another transfer coming in next year? Tony Hicks.

 

[brianpoe]

You see where Louisville already has another transfer coming in next year? Tony Hicks.

Yes, did you see his background?

 

[Louis_Skunt]

Why is Bam ranked #15 instead of, at least, top 5? All the reports make it seem like he's the next super star, yet we have 3 other signees rated higher.

 

[yoshukai]

I get it brother, it just seems so unlikely. And shooting is almost always our weakness, I agree with that concern.

Here's a question. The. Kennard kid that went to Duke even though he supposedly grew up a Ky fan . He was considered by most everyone to be the best shooter in the class . I've watched 4 Duke games and he is a TERRIBLE man to man defender . Would he be getting much clock if he had came here ?

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Here's a question. The. Kennard kid that went to Duke even though he supposedly grew up a Ky fan . He was considered by most everyone to be the best shooter in the class . I've watched 4 Duke games and he is a TERRIBLE man to man defender . Would he be getting much clock if he had came here ?

Also, he's shooting .288 from 3, so his rep as a pure shooter is a long way from being earned.

 

[.S&C.]

Why is Bam ranked #15 instead of, at least, top 5? All the reports make it seem like he's the next super star, yet we have 3 other signees rated higher.

His highlight videos make him look top 5 for sure. I'm sure he's going to rise.

 

[.S&C.]

Also, he's shooting .288 from 3, so his rep as a pure shooter is a long way from being earned.

There's no way he won't end up being a tough shooter. His stroke is perfect. He's so young, shooters get that feel. After a year or 2 he's going to light the country up I'm afraid.

I bet his averages end decently adjusted for a freshman shooting guard at the end of the year. Duke gets him for 4 probably. Lol. It's not good.

This is why cal shouldn't rely on freshman shooting guards. Even the best ones take time IMO.

 

[yoshukai]

Also, he's shooting .288 from 3, so his rep as a pure shooter is a long way from being earned.

This is true.

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

Yes, did you see his background?

No what did he do?

 

[bucsrule8872]

First, let me say this, I have not given up on this season's team. I still think they will make a run late in the year.

But there is nothing wrong with talking about next season. At least for fans. Now if Cal and the staff start talking about next year all the time, then we should be worried.

Worst case scenario for next year:

Starters
G Fox
G Monk
F Gabriel
F Adebayo
F Killeya-Jones

Bench
G Hawkins
G Mulder
G Matthews
F Willis
F Humphries

F Wynyard
G Floreal

That leaves one, maybe two (if Floreal goes back to walk on) to try to bring in a couple of more guys, if need be. It sounds like Bolden is just waiting to see what happens with our bigs (Lee and Labissiere). He probably signs if they all leave.

I will echo the sentiment that we need to add a fifth year transfer. A dead eye shooter at SG. There's usually no shortage of 6'2-6'4 ish high volume scorers with a great stroke (around 40%) in the mid-major ranks looking to go to a bigger program. They could come here and immediately scratch out a leadership role coming off the bench playing 10-15 minutes per game. If not, hopefully Willis and/or Hawkins step up as Seniors and give us leadership and shooting off the bench.

Regardless, that team will be a contender. Along with Duke, KU, and MSU. Those four should be head and shoulders above the rest of the field. UK, Duke, and MSU will have a nice mix of superstar Freshmen and veteran role players while KU will return a veteran dominated roster.

 

[bigc45157]

What about Mulder? He is basically the type of transfer you all are referring to. Plus, he's athletic and will have been in our system for two years.

 

[bucsrule8872]

What about Mulder? He is basically the type of transfer you all are referring to. Plus, he's athletic and will have been in our system for two years.

He is another possibility and may be the answer (as far as a veteran shooter off the bench). He will be in the mix, likely. I hope he continues to improve. He is definitely improving over the last game and a half.

Mulder, Hawkins, and Willis could provide the leadership we need for the young guys next season.

Still, if we have an open scholarship, why not add another veteran to the mix? Another veteran might be a better addition than another Freshman, especially for a role player.

 

[Johnny1017]

No lol. Not him.

Oh yeah. Hey Johnny, I have a question for ya bro. You ain't that Johnny24 cat are you? I noticed you're kinda new and he got banned a month or so ago.. So... I just didn't know if you're the same person. You may not be him. But I would bet he's around here somewhere.

o

 

[bluescat92]

Next years recruits will be the fastest team Cal has brought in. Fox and Monk can fill it up and all the bigs can run the floor and create.

I say they are as good as 2012 without the veterans like that team had.

 

[jojohn]

Next years recruits will be the fastest team Cal has brought in. Fox and Monk can fill it up and all the bigs can run the floor and create.

I say they are as good as 2012 without the veterans like that team had.

Anthony Davis makes 2012 better period.
He is the face and game that is and will be UK now and forever.
AD is far and away the best player to don the blue and none of next yr. recruits have that much upside.

 

[brianpoe]

No what did he do?

Several suspensions.

Punched an opponent, failed drug tests, and something else.

New coach said he told him his system was more team oriented, didn't like it so he decided to leave.

UL can have this one.

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

Several suspensions.

Punched an opponent, failed drug tests, and something else.

New coach said he told him his system was more team oriented, didn't like it so he decided to leave.

UL can have this one.

LOL. Yeah Poe. I didn't see all that now. I heard it yesterday from my friend that's a die hard UL fan. You can imagine "Oh yeah man he'll be just as good as Lee and Lewis are this year" LMAO. Then he started talking about how good VJ King was and how UL would be right there with us next season as long as Snider and Onowaku came back. LMAO.

 

[CharlieT71059]

Im predicting 40-0 Bahahaha Please, folks, dont start that

 

[michaeluk26]

Very close to last year. We are going to return more than people think. If we platoon again I hope to god Cal will use our numbers and make opponents play at our place. We let way to many teams set the pace last year and did not play fast enough. We quit platooning midway through the year basically, a huge mistake.

 

[musrat59]

Several suspensions.

Punched an opponent, failed drug tests, and something else.

New coach said he told him his system was more team oriented, didn't like it so he decided to leave.

UL can have this one.

 

[musrat59]

He sounds like a perfect fit for Louisville.