Reasons I think this squad will over achieve

[davekersey]

1. Each and every player on this squad has something to prove. None of them are considered to be elite players and they know that because of everything that's been said about this bunch. They want to prove the pundits are wrong

2. Most of these players have played for teams that do not have the crazy fan base at the University of Kentucky has. The school and the City and the state make these players Heroes and they know they are loved not only now but forever and the players catch on to that. They don't want to let us down. UK is unique in that regard and will be playing like they owe something to you.

3. I think the coaching staff has been successful in building a family atmosphere where each player wants to help the team and teammates prosper

 

[Fox2monk]

I love the makeup of the team and I think the staff put together a group that mixes together very well. They remind me so much of the 2003 Cats squad in the way they play. Hopefully they play better in the tournament.

 

[Bkocats]

Well said @davekersey

I’ll be so glad when we can get to the point we’re not going to wonder IF we can beat the likes of Wright St and Bucknell…it should be a given
CMP will give us that I think

 

[bigbluefattycat]

4. Coach pope meticulously selected coaches and players that fit his system and that system was explained precisely at a very detailed level to each piece of the puzzle.

What was amazing was how quick he was able to pull it off but you can tell he has prepared for this exact opportunity.

 

[cat tat2]

Definitely like the makeup of this team and the direction of the program. I think Coach Pope and the team are going to do better than many people expect.

 

[runt#69]

Jay Bilas believes Kentucky is a Top 15 team under "offensive genius" Mark Pope

Jay Bilas ranked Kentucky No. 15 in his first 2024-25 rankings, citing Mark Pope's ingenuity and roster of skilled shooters.

www.on3.com

The reason why people like Jay Bilas are starting to take note NOW, is easy to see. I am not entirely sure why they slept on Kentucky. To my eye, this team has been hand picked to provide Kentucky the type of team it truly needs in this day and age, to win any given game.

It's been constructed with experience and complimentary roster pieces, as opposed to simply pure freshman one and done talent. One reason why I've said all these years why Kentucky fell short under Cal was because his teams never had enough returning or experienced players. That really hamstrung this program during Cal's tenure. It's one of those DUH statements that stared us in the face and we didn't overcome that when Cal was here.

Coach Pope has really done an amazing job of putting this team together in one short year. I thought I was overly optimistic at thinking this team would make the NCAAT and SECT as a 3 seed. Basically on par with where last year's team finished, heading into tournament action. Win or lose, I love the direction and feel for the program now.

Rejuvenated and Hungry !

Go Big Blue !

 

[know1]

What do you mean by over achieve? Against what pre-conceived notion or standard?

 

[HerrosHeroes]

4. Coach pope meticulously selected coaches and players that fit his system and that system was explained precisely at a very detailed level to each piece of the puzzle.

What was amazing was how quick he was able to pull it off but you can tell he has prepared for this exact opportunity.

$$$$$$$

 

[ccukuk]

I love the makeup of the team and I think the staff put together a group that mixes together very well. They remind me so much of the 2003 Cats squad in the way they play. Hopefully they play better in the tournament.

Well they can’t be worse than a first round exit right so we should be good there.

 

[ccukuk]

Well said @davekersey

I’ll be so glad when we can get to the point we’re not going to wonder IF we can beat the likes of Wright St and Bucknell…it should be a given
CMP will give us that I think

We’re there. Be glad.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Definitely like the makeup of this team and the direction of the program. I think Coach Pope and the team are going to do better than many people expect.

I’ve been saying the entire offseason that this team would be so much better than people think they will be. This is the most undervalued Kentucky team I can ever remember.

 

[megablue]

$$$$$$

Yes, there is money everywhere now in college sports and it enabled Pope to shop for pieces to a well-constructed roster !! When your back-up center has enough money to get his mother a high-priced BMW, you know that there is plenty of $$$$$$ involved here, just like at many other programs. There simply HAS to be to be successful. I truly believe the balance in the checking account is more important than the name on the front of the jersey ... for MOST (not all) players !!

 

[megablue]

I’ve been saying the entire offseason that this team would be so much better than people think they will be. This is the most undervalued Kentucky team I can ever remember.

Not sure, but I believe this is most experienced team in the history of Kentucky basketball. We cannot help but be poised to have a successful year ... and I think we will. We have six (6) players, that under the "normal" college eligibility rules we have all been used to, would not even be playing basketball in college this year. That, in and of itself, is truly amazing to me !!

 

[CatOfDaVille]

The effort and coaching is clearly there. The only question is if our experience, coaching, and cohesiveness will overcome any talent deficiencies. It's a question that we've all wanted answered during the last few years of Cal.

Personally, I completely agree with OP and think we will surprise some people.

Fyi right now we're at +1500 to win the SEC. I threw a few shekels on it.

 

[NociHTTP]

I don't understand the henhouse clucking on game day. So far this season there hasn't been any sign that Pope is anything like Cal, they've dominated every game.

 

[ORCAT]

I'm still amazed by the roster and staff Pope put together in such a short time. I think this team will be very good and a lot of fun to watch. I don't have super high expectations but will still be bummed when/if we lose in the tournament. I just think it will take Pope a little longer to get exactly what he wants for a roster that could win a title. Having said that, I hope this squad goes all the way, seems like a real team and one filled with great guys.

 

[runt#69]

If you look at straight up statistically speaking, our team is full of players with multiple years experience playing many productive minutes.

Williams SR (grad) avg 12.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots at Drexel
Butler SR (grad) 9.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in 27.5 min, multi-time Def. POY @SDSU
Oweh JR 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.0 assists at OK.
Carr SR (grad) 13.5 and 6.8 boards per game at Wake in 32.5 min per game
Robinson SR (grad) 14.2. per game 2.3 Reb 1.2 assists at BYU
----------------------

not to mention the bench ....
Brea, Almonor, Kriisa, Garrison ... and "the rest?!"

the starting lineup could ALL average double digits in PPG
having a player like Brea and Almonor and Kriisa coming off the bench is great. Once this team finds itself completely, and they should get there with Coach Pope, by the time the NCAA tournament is here, Kentucky is going to be far more deadly than what Cal brought the last 5 years. We shall see.

This is a roster that is going to be tough to beat. For anyone.

 

[runt#69]

I'm still amazed by the roster and staff Pope put together in such a short time. I think this team will be very good and a lot of fun to watch. I don't have super high expectations but will still be bummed when/if we lose in the tournament. I just think it will take Pope a little longer to get exactly what he wants for a roster that could win a title. Having said that, I hope this squad goes all the way, seems like a real team and one filled with great guys.

It was handpicked and a once in a lifetime opportunity Coach Pope has embraced. He has done an awesome job !

 

[runt#69]

Kobe Brea 50% 3 Pt. % last season - Led Division 1. Coming off the bench ?

This team can shoot and has experience. There are a lot of ways many people, including all the "experts", over looked Kentucky, and what Coach Mark Pope is doing here at Kentucky.

Gotta' love what I'm seeing !

Go Big Blue !

 

[YardCat]

Well said @davekersey

I’ll be so glad when we can get to the point we’re not going to wonder IF we can beat the likes of Wright St and Bucknell…it should be a given
CMP will give us that I think

We have let a few teams that shouldn’t be on the same floor, beat us. I’m feeling more confident that this coaching staff can make in game adjustments, more than the previous regime.

 

[know1]

I still want some context on what over achieve is for this team.

 

[davekersey]

I still want some context on what over achieve is for this team.

Most of the basketball universe did not expect much out of this group when it was finally assembled. Perhaps achieve a 50/50 season in other words win half the games we play, We could easily win three quarters of our games perhaps even more and that's what I mean by overachieve.

 

[know1]

Most of the basketball universe did not expect much out of this group when it was finally assembled. Perhaps achieve a 50/50 season in other words win half the games we play, We could easily win three quarters of our games perhaps even more and that's what I mean by overachieve.

I don't think most of college basketball thought we'd be. 500.

Once the roster was assembled, I expected a 3-5 seed for the tournament.

 

[Skyguyb27]

Jay Bilas believes Kentucky is a Top 15 team under "offensive genius" Mark Pope

Jay Bilas ranked Kentucky No. 15 in his first 2024-25 rankings, citing Mark Pope's ingenuity and roster of skilled shooters.

www.on3.com

The reason why people like Jay Bilas are starting to take note NOW, is easy to see. I am not entirely sure why they slept on Kentucky. To my eye, this team has been hand picked to provide Kentucky the type of team it truly needs in this day and age, to win any given game.

It's been constructed with experience and complimentary roster pieces, as opposed to simply pure freshman one and done talent. One reason why I've said all these years why Kentucky fell short under Cal was because his teams never had enough returning or experienced players. That really hamstrung this program during Cal's tenure. It's one of those DUH statements that stared us in the face and we didn't overcome that when Cal was here.

Coach Pope has really done an amazing job of putting this team together in one short year. I thought I was overly optimistic at thinking this team would make the NCAAT and SECT as a 3 seed. Basically on par with where last year's team finished, heading into tournament action. Win or lose, I love the direction and feel for the program now.

Rejuvenated and Hungry !

Go Big Blue !

Pope has done a great job. I been saying since before game 1 they are top 15 now and top 10 by end of the season. The “no tourney win” group will shut come March.

 

[Fox2monk]

Well said @davekersey

I’ll be so glad when we can get to the point we’re not going to wonder IF we can beat the likes of Wright St and Bucknell…it should be a given
CMP will give us that I think

I was to worried about today, I took a nap. I am about to watch the game now. I have full faith we show up every game under Pope. We may lose to a better team but we will go down flame throwing.

 

[Fox2monk]

I don't think most of college basketball thought we'd be. 500.

Once the roster was assembled, I expected a 3-5 seed for the tournament.

Most definitely. I think a lot of pundits didn’t think they were top 25. A few stood out and said how can they not be and they look the most level headed so far. I definitely believe we are a top 20 team. We may not be top 5 but I believe our ceiling is top 10 with a chance to beat anyone.