Ok, 3 out of the last 30, about what I figured. I’m good with an upperclassman PG then lol
Realistic 2025 Recruiting Class?
- Thread starter WhiskeyCityCat
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Ok, 3 out of the last 30, about what I figured. I’m good with an upperclassman PG then lol
Freshmen became eligible in 1975; it may be 3 in 49 years. I cannot recall any frosh PG champs before 2003.
Yes and most of them were surrounded by veterans.
Bibby had Simon and Terry in the backcourt with him.
Jones had Cook.
Teague bad Lanb and Miller. And a transcendent player in AD.
McNamara had a transcendent player in Carmelo Anthony. Warrick was a veteran.
Saul, Butler as a senior is way better than Ulis as a freshman. Ulis had a tremendous supporting cast which made him better. Butler is a heck of a player. His supporting cast is very good and I would say he has a better coach supporting him. We shall see. We both want the best for the cats. So glad the imposter is gone.
I think the argument isn't simply a matter of how many freshmen point guards have led their teams to a national title.
For one, how many freshmen point guards are at least of equal value as a veteran high-level point guard? Not many. That's part of the reason we don't see them winning the title very often.
Second, do you actually not take a Derrick Rose or John Wall because there haven't been many guys in their talent category?
I'm taking that type of talent regardless if I can, and so would anyone. The reality is that there just isn't that many guys in that level. Peterson might be, however, and he's certainly worth the recruiting investment if he's serious about UK being his "dream school."
I haven't made the argument that you construct a roster out of only freshmen. I'm making the argument that it's sensible to take a guy like Derrick Rose (if you can) and surround him with veteran players.
Find a Wayne Turner clone. In that I mean a player that can score from his position when needed but prides himself in distributing the ball with great passes. Quite thinking of anything traditional as pg guards going inside to find big men for layups. UK will be shooting 3 from every position and running teams into mistakes. 15 years of dribble drive was a waste. With Pope that scheme goes away.
Would you pass on a guy with Wall or Rose freshmen-level talent? How about a De'Aron level talent?
The reality is that many freshmen are simply not good enough to compete at a Final Four level, but some are. I don't think it's smart to throw the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to how to construct a team. Yes, having an all-freshmen centered team is a bad idea, but surrounding a De'Aaron Fox-level point guard with veterans isn't the worst idea in the world.
If he is the right fit for the system, you take him.
I would still rather have a veteran at that spot, if it comes down to it.
The formula is 1-2 Top 5 Freshman and Vets
The above is what Coach Cal couldn't get through his thick skull.
The above is what Coach Cal couldn't get through his thick skull.
I certainly wouldn’t pass on someone like that - but a guy like that comes along once every ten years, like an AD or MKG. Outside of a world class generational talent I’d prefer upperclassmen is all I was saying. It’s also really tricky to figure out who those guys are or if they’re going to be a bust.
So we now have Bibby, El Amin, Jones, Teague, and McNamara since 1997.
That's 5/27, or 19% of the time. When spread out over four years worth of point guards, freshmen starters winning it almost 20% of the time isn't really as horrific as some have made it sound.
Plus Rose was a rainbow three away. That would have been 6/27. That would have been a 22% success rate. A few others have been close: Jalen Suggs, Brandon Knight, Andrew Harrison, etc.
You'd think it wasn't possible based on how people have made it sound.
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Why 97?
It’s 5 out of 49 (since Freshmen gained eligibility).
Don’t cherry pick. You’re better than that. LOL!
Are you a UCONN or Duke fan? It’s 5 out of 49 or basically 10%. 1 out of every 10 championship is with a freshmen PG, and no school has ever done it twice.
It doesn't matter if a kid is a freshman, sophomore, or 5th year senior, you try to fill every spot with the best, most talented players that you possibly can. RunninRichie said it best about there not being a science to it. I don't care if it comes from recruiting, the portal, or kids returning, we need the best of the best.
We’re not splitting the atom here guys, it’s not this complex life saving equation. Simply put, 45 out of 50 national championships have been won by upperclassmen PGs. A PG is like the quarterback, the head of the offense. All things being equal I’d prefer someone with more experience. It’s not really this off the wall concept. No shit I’d take a John Wall, but how often do those guys come around? I’d prefer an experienced center as well, even though AD was a freshman.
Just curious, is there a Wall/Knight/Rose/Fox level PG in the ‘25 class?
And if so, do we have ANY chance at getting them?
If the answer is “no” to either question, then the whole point of this discussion is moot.
And if so, do we have ANY chance at getting them?
If the answer is “no” to either question, then the whole point of this discussion is moot.
