Realistically?
- Thread starter wildcat_nation28
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There isn’t a superstar that is going to be doing windmill dunks and getting drafted in the top 5, but we have a LOT of smart, versatile, capable players who can shoot and a few who are elite defenders. The unknown is how we play as a group and can we mesh in a short time frame to make a deep run.
We still need a "dude" that can put the team on his back and takeover a game. Robinson or Lanier could potentially be that player.
I am not as high on Lanier as some because I think going from N. Florida is a major jump that will require most of a season to adjust. Think Reeves first year.
Hopefully Robinson comes back and is a star.
I am not as high on Lanier as some because I think going from N. Florida is a major jump that will require most of a season to adjust. Think Reeves first year.
Hopefully Robinson comes back and is a star.
I hope we can be competitive with the upper tier of college basketball. Beat the cupcakes and end up of middle of the pack of the SEC.
If we can get the 11th seed in tourney we got a decent shot at getting at least 1 win which will be an improvement over last year.
If we can get the 11th seed in tourney we got a decent shot at getting at least 1 win which will be an improvement over last year.
what would make you excited 5 star freshmen who don't do anything in the tournament? hell we have like 4 players who have an ncaa win and we haven't even had an ncaa win in them same 4 years.
It’s not just you. The former coach has conditioned us to get excited about 5 stars only. We’ve been doing this for the past 15 years. Gonna take awhile to change that mindset.
I am. First off we have more than one guy with NCAA tournament wins under their belt. Can’t say that the last few years…..
Then add the defensive additions, surely will be much better on that end this year.
Added multiple shooters who have proven it and a couple that should.
I like that overall we have solid size and athleticism. Don’t have the 7’ guys but nobody is super small either.
That all combined with the system coach runs, the age and maturity, and the fit of each player has me excited. We have got pushed around physically for a couple years and lacked toughness. I think we got that back.
I know this has been mentioned but, Overall look at BYU and the roster they had last year. We have a better roster now so at the very least we should get a 6 seed.
Then once we have a solid year and a fun style of play, I expect us to be able to recruit even better the next couple years. I’m actually super pumped. I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t be.
**do agree we need a Robinson, Lanier, Poplar. That would make us pretty crazy imo
Obviously, we need to see them play before we can say anything about their potential. For me, the excitement is more about a new coach, new system and new attitude for the program and the fans. It will be a tough journey but I’m looking forward to it.
Been my biggest gripe. Got to have players that have been there and done it. Especially at Kentucky
We have grown men who are getting paid to do a job. They are professionals. Most have played at least three years in college, some of them have played four. They are proven guys who have played high level competitive college basketball. They will all likely know and accept their roles. They should be mature and they know what they are getting into. We will no longer have to rely on inexperienced players trying to grow into college level players. We should not expect to win a title or make the Final Four, that is asking a lot, but I expect we will have a competitive team. They might struggle early as they get comfortable with each other, but I expect they will eventually jell into a solid team.
I "realistically" expect to do better than we have the last 4 years but "realistically" it won't take much to do that. We may have less talent but will have more experience and better coaching.
We also no longer have to worry about players who don't run an inbounds play, don't understand how to play a zone, understand what to do when the other team plays a zone and who don't crap their pants when the bright lights are on.
Who knows. I like the makeup of the team and they should have a fun system and put up some points.
Ooc Schedule is fairly challenging and SEC will be tough every season here on out.
Will be interesting to see how long a honeymoon period Coach Pope gets as well.
Ooc Schedule is fairly challenging and SEC will be tough every season here on out.
Will be interesting to see how long a honeymoon period Coach Pope gets as well.
I think all the Cal hate will give Pope a 2 year honeymoon.
I think the experience and talent could get this team to a Final4.
My only two real worries are that it's a totally brand new team together, and that might mean enough losses to keep us from a high seed.. and a hige seed lends itself better to a deeper run naturally.
The other worry is that this teams weakness might just be a lack of overall talent. Let's be real, these pieces are nice, but not sure if they are game changers. a lot of mid major type players and lesser P5 guys. If this team matches up with a truly top5 team next year, will they have enough to top them? I'm not sure.
My only two real worries are that it's a totally brand new team together, and that might mean enough losses to keep us from a high seed.. and a hige seed lends itself better to a deeper run naturally.
The other worry is that this teams weakness might just be a lack of overall talent. Let's be real, these pieces are nice, but not sure if they are game changers. a lot of mid major type players and lesser P5 guys. If this team matches up with a truly top5 team next year, will they have enough to top them? I'm not sure.
Nobody really knows what to expect, but with the experience and scoring potential we have along with better coaching, we should be where we always expect to be, near the top in the SEC. When you have excellent defenders and proven scorers that have been through the wars, we shouldn't have to worry about a lot of freshmen turnovers or erratic play. Something that always has hurt us in the past, this group should be an exciting team to watch with Pope's style of play.
Very interested in what next year brings. One thing for certain, they will be exciting to watch. Could go several different ways. Could turn out to be a very deep / veteran team that if it can make big shots, can go a long ways. Or it could be a team that takes a while to gel, but eventually finds its footing. I do not think a losing record is remotely in play, too much veteran leadership and shooting. I am guessing they finish somewhere in the 8-9 losses and mid 20's in wins. 5th or so in the SEC, tournament time will make / break the season. Make a run past the Sweet 16, it will be a very good / successful season. Lose, first or second round,,, look out, the crazies will be in full force. I say we reach the Sweet 16 (win 2 games), the Sweet 16 game, depends on matchup.
A lot of words to say " I don't really have a clue". BUT I do think we will be a lot better than what some are giving them credit for. There are NO benchwarmers or developing guys. Other than the freshman, everyone has shown the ability to get it done. Depending on the last 2 signings :
Ceiling - Elite 8 / MAYBE Final 4
Floor - Sweet 16
A lot of words to say " I don't really have a clue". BUT I do think we will be a lot better than what some are giving them credit for. There are NO benchwarmers or developing guys. Other than the freshman, everyone has shown the ability to get it done. Depending on the last 2 signings :
Ceiling - Elite 8 / MAYBE Final 4
Floor - Sweet 16
getting excited about players that as a team accomplished nothing is the problem at Kentucky.
There was a time, had these players been Kentucky players from day one and growing into a veteran team we would believe them to be world beaters. Lots of untested, but also there is a lot of positives in Pope putting together a balanced team. Fans of UK before Calipari probably see the value of this makeup much more than fans that came around during Cal's tenure.
Believing that a freshmen dominated team with directionless coaching would result in tourney performance, and being excited about it, is why Cal stuck around for as long as he did
There was a time, had these players been Kentucky players from day one and growing into a veteran team we would believe them to be world beaters. Lots of untested, but also there is a lot of positives in Pope putting together a balanced team. Fans of UK before Calipari probably see the value of this makeup much more than fans that came around during Cal's tenure.
Believing that a freshmen dominated team with directionless coaching would result in tourney performance, and being excited about it, is why Cal stuck around for as long as he did
13 brand new players not here last yr....prob 2 true frosh plus 11 guys who played college basketball separately at 11 diff schools 23-24
Any expectations beyond 20 wins, 1 SEC tourney win, 1 NCAA tourney win is unrealistic and setting yourself up for disappointment. Enjoy the ride, get pleasure from the journey of the staff & roster coming together.
Any expectations beyond 20 wins, 1 SEC tourney win, 1 NCAA tourney win is unrealistic and setting yourself up for disappointment. Enjoy the ride, get pleasure from the journey of the staff & roster coming together.
This roster has more talent on it than the roster he had last year at BYU that was near the top of a tough Big 12. He beat Kansas with that BYU team, he beat Baylor, He beat the NC State team that made a run to the Final Four, Beat Iowa State. They were very competitive all season long with less talent than we have now. Are we a Final Four caliber team? I don't know yet, but anything can happen. with all the transfers moving around, is there even a concentration of power anywhere anymore? Are there rosters that look stronger on paper or that have more star power? Yeah, but how does that translate into a better team is the important part. Hopefully we will prove to have a great team built for Popes system.
I firmly believe we will have a more successful season this year than we have had in many years. I can't see why anyone else wouldn't think that either....other than they were brainwashed by Cal and the recruiting rankings of the last 15 years.
This will be unpopular. But as it stands right now, this very well could be a .500 team. I know that pope has said all the right things and change is exciting, but I don’t know man.
It's a mulligan year for me. This year is all about Pope showing what he can do in the coaching department.
This team is more talented than his BYU squads. I'd be a LOT more concerned if this was Cal.
This team is more talented than his BYU squads. I'd be a LOT more concerned if this was Cal.
Reeves first year abilities would be enough with this solid of a team around him. I think we have a really nice blend of skilled bigs who won't get pushed around and some guards who can straight up shoot the rock. We just need that one guy who can keep the defense honest with some type of slashing ability.
It’s impossible to know where this team goes and I’ve seen convincing arguments from the optimists and the pessimists. Team chemistry and buy in will be the determining factors imo. There’s enough talent and variety of skill sets that if the coaching staff find the right combination of line ups and play style we could be in for a fun year.
It seems like a very balanced, deep roster without a clear cut Big Cat to take over a game when you need it (this might change soon though). You’ve got defensive specialists, offensive specialists, all around solid and hustle/glue guys. There’s probably going to be a surprise player that outperforms expectations (ala Reed) and maybe a guy or two whose game doesn’t translate to higher competition. Having an experienced, defensive minded point guard (Butler) is going to be a massive change from the Cal philosophy of roster building. He has his limitations but I’m excited to see the team with a point guard who doesn’t have to do on the job training.
I like this roster. I don’t think it’s elite and there will probably be some struggles against the best of the best but I don’t see them folding up the way some of the freshmen led teams have at times. Too many veterans with experience under the bright lights. Just gotta get the chemistry and connection right which may take a little time.
I feel like this is a high floor, lower ceiling type of year. Mid to upper tier in the SEC and a 6ish seed going into the tournament. From there luck and draw will determine how things shake out. But that’s a pure guess. That’s what’s so fun about being a fan right now, the newness of the whole situation and all of the unknowns. I’m just enjoying the ride and really look forward to watching this team grow into whatever they become.
It seems like a very balanced, deep roster without a clear cut Big Cat to take over a game when you need it (this might change soon though). You’ve got defensive specialists, offensive specialists, all around solid and hustle/glue guys. There’s probably going to be a surprise player that outperforms expectations (ala Reed) and maybe a guy or two whose game doesn’t translate to higher competition. Having an experienced, defensive minded point guard (Butler) is going to be a massive change from the Cal philosophy of roster building. He has his limitations but I’m excited to see the team with a point guard who doesn’t have to do on the job training.
I like this roster. I don’t think it’s elite and there will probably be some struggles against the best of the best but I don’t see them folding up the way some of the freshmen led teams have at times. Too many veterans with experience under the bright lights. Just gotta get the chemistry and connection right which may take a little time.
I feel like this is a high floor, lower ceiling type of year. Mid to upper tier in the SEC and a 6ish seed going into the tournament. From there luck and draw will determine how things shake out. But that’s a pure guess. That’s what’s so fun about being a fan right now, the newness of the whole situation and all of the unknowns. I’m just enjoying the ride and really look forward to watching this team grow into whatever they become.
I’m not expecting SEC titles or a FF in year one, but I do think it’ll be a competitive team. I guess my high level expectations would be going at least .500 in our big ooc games, try and get a double bye in SEC, get to SEC semi finals, 4-5 seed in NCAAT and get into second weekend. Anything above that and I’ll be ecstatic. Anything below that, I can live with as long as we see improvement from start to finish.
Realistic expectations.
20-24 win season.
1-2 wins in SECT
Make the NCAA from 5-9 seed.
Win 1 or 2 games in NCAA
20-24 win season.
1-2 wins in SECT
Make the NCAA from 5-9 seed.
Win 1 or 2 games in NCAA
After years of being excited by rosters chocked full of phenom freshman, I am ready for normal rosters with a bunch of guys that are good players, but not stars.
Our 5 stars got blocked by the rim every game and missed layups like their lives depended on it.
I’m looking forward to this new type of team.
Styles make games. Overall records and SEC games are harder than early tourney games. I see this team as way better during tourney time and a team that can with a good draw go deep in the tourney. Realistically, its a crap shot for all teams.
“Dudes” are what Cal’s specialty was
Didn’t get us far did it?
I’ll take a group of good, smart, hard nosed players that have their priorities in line.
“Dudes” , my ass. We need an unselfish team players that are skilled and coachable.
Realistically, we still don't have CCC as our coach, so I should be good for the whole season just based on that alone LOL. Plus, I think CMP will do a good job coaching the already skilled and experienced players we have coming in. I'm a happy camper. 👍
I think they might not be what we have been used to watching but I think they play as a team and we support them like always. I think everyone has realistic expectations, make noise in SEC tournament and Win a game or two in the NCAA tournament. Fantastic year IMO.
Lol, not even close.
Cal took highly ranked hs players that lacked over skill and fundamentals in place of athleticism and highlight worthy ability. When he took developed college guys that could have been "dudes", he didn't know wth to do with them.
If we want to compete next year, we need a go-to guy that can carry the team as needed. We don't currently have that.
I"m kind of there too. I mean the bar is to win a SECT game and a couple of NCAA tourney games.
UK pulls that off and I'm going to say season 1 was successful under Pope.
My hope is that Pope brings in a level of excitement similar to "Pitino's Bombinos". Pitino ultimately had to adjust his style of play to a more balanced team but Pope is already starting there. Think about all the games we still talk about to this day under Pitino.
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This is a good team. Single digit losses and top 4 seed in the NCAA.
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