Redshirt Hawkins?

[EvilMD]

Think about how loaded we are at 1, 2 and 3 next year, and how many minutes each player is going to want/need to develop.

Ulis....25-30
Briscoe...25-30
Murray....25-30
Mulder....15-20
Matthews...10-15

That leaves spot minutes for Hawkins. I think he deserves more than that. Should we redshirt him? Doesn't he get to go against those guys in practice if we do?

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Does he deserve more? I haven't seen it much if so.

 

[Smashcat]

Think about how loaded we are at 1, 2 and 3 next year, and how many minutes each player is going to want/need to develop.

Ulis....25-30
Briscoe...25-30
Murray....25-30
Mulder....15-20
Matthews...10-15

That leaves spot minutes for Hawkins. I think he deserves more than that. Should we redshirt him? Doesn't he get to go against those guys in practice if we do?

Won't help. The 2016 class is guard heavy and he will still have to play thru those recruits.

 

[ganner918]

No

 

[bucsrule8872]

Cal doesn't redshirt unless you get hurt.

 

[Sithlyone]

Think about how loaded we are at 1, 2 and 3 next year, and how many minutes each player is going to want/need to develop.

Ulis....25-30
Briscoe...25-30
Murray....25-30
Mulder....15-20
Matthews...10-15

That leaves spot minutes for Hawkins. I think he deserves more than that. Should we redshirt him? Doesn't he get to go against those guys in practice if we do?

In principle I like the idea of redshirting however Cal doesn't seem to use the option much. Maybe it is because the type of players he brings in or the fact that up till the last couple season he hasn't had the logjam where it is difficult to get good players on the floor. In any case I don't see Hawkins doing that.

First off he did progress quite a bit from year one to year two. Offensively he looked a little better, more fluid. I imagine playing only spot minutes can make numbers look down from the fact that you can't really get into the flow. But he looked really comfortable in the Bahamas and he even hit a few 3's and tough shots from time to time throughout the season. If he can make a similar jump from year 2 to year 3 he'll be pushing some of these guys for serious minutes. And maybe that is what THEY will need in order to produce at a higher level.

Second Cal wants to be able to use the bench as a tool and if Hawkins isn't available it will severely cut into that as a legitimate threat.

Now if he did decide to Redshirt, I would bet he would improve greatly by next season. Having a full year to do nothing but focus on skill, muscle toning and not having to worry about saving yourself for game day would go a long way in helping him improve. As a Kentucky kid, this would also be a fantastic opportunity to keep his collegiate career going. With that said, last season would have been the year to do that, not this upcoming one.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

To say Cal doesn't use it "much" is vast understatement, more like he NEVER uses it. Or at least I can't ever remember him doing it at UK or Memphis.

Yet every year we still get these threads asking if he'll do it for Willis, Hood, Hawkins or whoever else. Until we see some contrary evidence, Cal's history makes it fairly safe to assume the answer is always NO.

Yeah, unless Hawkins fakes an injury he is not getting a red-shirt. Cal is not going to red-shirt someone who can help us this year, and he is also not going to red-shirt someone who may never crack the rotation in any serious capacity (aka Hawkins).

 

[coolcat9lives]

Even if Cal and Hawkins were both on board it doesn't make a lot of sense basketball wise. I don't really see Hawkins getting more playing time in '16-'17 or '17-'18 if he sits out this year.

 

[The Great Wall]

Yeah, unless Hawkins fakes an injury he is not getting a red-shirt. Cal is not going to red-shirt someone who can help us this year, and he is also not going to red-shirt someone who may never crack the rotation in any serious capacity (aka Hawkins).

This. It wouldn't be fair to make him sit out next year when there is no guarantee that he gets any more playing time in the next season. I personally like him a lot and would like keep him on the active roster. I feel that he brings a lot to the team, in other areas than game action.

 

[Rose-14]

No. Cal may need Hawk on D, especially early in the season when they have a lead late. We don't know how well Briscoe and Murray plays defense, yet. Even Coach K at times would put Jabari Parker on the bench late in the game because of his lack of defensive skills.

 

[Orange Soda King]

He won't redshirt him. If none of the guards get injured, Hawkins may not see significant playing time, although the idea if a 3-guard lineup increases his chances a little. And what if Cal gets frustrated with the freshman guards' defense or inexperience? For all their talent, they will make mistakes here and there, and Cal might put in Hawkins to use the bench as a tool, especially in earlier season games.

Or maybe not. I'm rooting for him, but adding another stud guard (which I'm happy about!) hurt his chances at more playing time. I'm sure he's okay with that and excited Murray is on board, and I'm sure he's working really hard over the summer. Cal tried to light a fire under his and Willis' rears, especially off he has to count on Willis in the frontcourt some this season. We will see.

I'm rooting for them, but they'll have to earn their playing time.

 

[KA4Prez]

If he didn't redshirt last year, he's not going to this year.

 

[wkycatfan]

Hawkins is plus defender. Seems unsure of himself on offense.

 

[UK90]

No. Cal may need Hawk on D, especially early in the season when they have a lead late. We don't know how well Briscoe and Murray plays defense, yet. Even Coach K at times would put Jabari Parker on the bench late in the game because of his lack of defensive skills.

Honestly, I don't think the question of "need" has anything to do with it. The reason Cal won't do it is because Cal never does it, regardless of whether he needs the player or not. He obviously knew he didn't "need" Willis the last two years, but still didn't redshirt him, and he won't for Hawkins either.

You sink or swim in Cal's system. If four years isn't enough time to get you in the playing rotation, too damn bad, move on with your life son, and the sooner your scholly can be given to someone who can contribute more.

 

[wildcatsboston1984]

Cal doesn't redshirt unless you get hurt.

He had planned to redshirt Wiltjer if he had returned.

 

[StubbornPenny]

If Hawkins really wants to play minutes, he should transfer. He's a good D1 player but he isn't in the same league as most of our recruits, hence, he'll never play. I love having a Kentucky kid on the bench, but if he's really looking to make an impact, it probably won't be here.

 

[brianpoe]

This comes up every year since Cal has been here.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Why would Hawkins want to transfer to some podunk college in KY (or elsewhere) and be "the man" and even there he won't know how to shoot well still...when he can stay at UK, maybe go to 4 Final Fours in 4 years, get a degree from a good school, and then maybe play overseas some or go into the workforce and find a great job in KY somewhere making good money. The state takes care of former players in the workforce.

I mean he is not going to the NBA at WKU or Murray if he can't do it at UK. I just don't buy the transfer argument for players like Hawkins or Willis. Putting up good stats at a cupcake school is not changing their endgame and their chances at playing professional are even less at one of those places with lack of exposure.

 

[EvilMD]

I think I'd rather play 30-35 minutes a game at Eastern or Western and be one of the star players than get recruited over three times. Especially if I had already been to the Final Four twice. If I loved playing basketball I would.

 

[brianpoe]

I think I'd rather play 30-35 minutes a game at Eastern or Western and be one of the star players than get recruited over three times. Especially if I had already been to the Final Four twice. If I loved playing basketball I would.

Possibly, but that would be career suicide. 1 year being the man in Bowling Green or having job offers for life in Lexington?

 

[ala_kat2]

Think about how loaded we are at 1, 2 and 3 next year, and how many minutes each player is going to want/need to develop.

Ulis....25-30
Briscoe...25-30
Murray....25-30
Mulder....15-20
Matthews...10-15

That leaves spot minutes for Hawkins. I think he deserves more than that. Should we redshirt him? Doesn't he get to go against those guys in practice if we do?

Cal only plays 'OneNDones' major minutes. Hawkins can forget seeing the floor. Cal needs to get as many guys to the NBA as fast as possible. After all, it is a "players first" program, unless of course, you're not a 'OneNDone'.

 

[.S&C.]

He had planned to redshirt Wiltjer if he had returned.

True, but an extremely rare case. Wiltjer was an outlier due to several different factors. Kid could have been a monster offensively here, but Cal wouldn't play a guy like that who couldn't defend. Special case. He won't redshirt Hawkins.

 

[gossie21]

Won't help. The 2016 class is guard heavy and he will still have to play thru those recruits.

It's not really the 2016 class that he would be looking at. It's the 2017 class where Hawkins could help out (if he were to redshirt).

I like the idea. It makes sense to do that, especially if Hawkins is only going to play in blowouts along with the walkons. But I doubt it actually happens. Cal may want, and may need his scholarship for another player.

 

[ganner918]

Cal only plays 'OneNDones' major minutes. Hawkins can forget seeing the floor. Cal needs to get as many guys to the NBA as fast as possible. After all, it is a "players first" program, unless of course, you're not a 'OneNDone'.

Patrick Patterson, Darius Miller, DeAndre Liggins, Doron Lamb, Terrence Jones, Josh Harrellson, Alex Poythress, Kyle Wiltjer, Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison, Dakari Johnson, Willie Cauley-Stein, and Tyler Ulis all wonder what exactly you're talking about with only 'OneNDones' getting major minutes. Hell Ramon Harris played 11 minutes a game his senior year, and Hawkins got double digit minutes in 3 tournament games as a freshman (15 against Louisville, 11 against Michigan, 11 against Wisconsin).

 

[BostonCat2001]

Cal only plays 'OneNDones' major minutes. Hawkins can forget seeing the floor. Cal needs to get as many guys to the NBA as fast as possible. After all, it is a "players first" program, unless of course, you're not a 'OneNDone'.

this isnt UL where its hard to tell the crappy players from the good ones....this UK, we have elite players and those players get the time. this is why Cal's way has been SOOOO successful.

 

[brianpoe]

Cal only plays 'OneNDones' major minutes. Hawkins can forget seeing the floor. Cal needs to get as many guys to the NBA as fast as possible. After all, it is a "players first" program, unless of course, you're not a 'OneNDone'.

kind of a sh!tty post there ala_kat ...

 

[Sithlyone]

To some kids Minutes aren't the "end all be all". Granted, they would love to play every minute but that isn't the most important thing. If it were the most important factor to Hawkins he would have gone to another school. It appears that competition is one of the most important things to Hawk and he certainly gets it here. I believe he would have benefited greatly by redshirting this past season. He won't do so this year because his experience and talent will make him valuable, especially on defense and keeping the kids calmed down when things get hairy. He has been here through two very different seasons and that type of experience will give him an edge over some the freshmen early in the season. It will help to show them how to conduct themselves in both scenarios.

 

[Poetax]

He had planned to redshirt Wiltjer if he had returned.

You're right, he did make that offer to him, I was shocked.

 

[Poetax]

Cal only plays 'OneNDones' major minutes. Hawkins can forget seeing the floor. Cal needs to get as many guys to the NBA as fast as possible. After all, it is a "players first" program, unless of course, you're not a 'OneNDone'.

Another fan that dislikes Cal's plans and OADs, I'm shocked.

 

[Ineverplayedthegame]

Hawkins role at UK has been and always will be to be a strong practice player and to be there to smooth out any talent gaps that may appear if we don't reload as well as expected or if someone leaves unexpectantly or if God forbid there is an injury.
He's not a bad player but Cal is always going to be trying to recruit over him and will always be playing the player with a higher ceiling.
Bottom line: no redshirt and no more significant minutes.

 

[EvilMD]

Possibly, but that would be career suicide. 1 year being the man in Bowling Green or having job offers for life in Lexington?

As long as you don't badmouth UK, you'd still be set for life.

 

[brianpoe]

As long as you don't badmouth UK, you'd still be set for life.

You really think so?

Thinking of the names of those that have transferred from UK I cannot recall someone beloved enough to get a job just about anywhere because of their playing days before leaving.

Graduates and those that go pro would seem to have a better chance, but this is all speculation on my part.

 

[EvilMD]

You really think so?

Thinking of the names of those that have transferred from UK I cannot recall someone beloved enough to get a job just about anywhere because of their playing days before leaving.

Graduates and those that go pro would seem to have a better chance, but this is all speculation on my part.

Well Marvin transterred to Louisville. That's a different animal. Has anyone ever transferred to Eastern or Western? Todd May may have, but he never did anything at UK of note.

 

[brianpoe]

Well Marvin transterred to Louisville. That's a different animal. Has anyone ever transferred to Eastern or Western? Todd May may have, but he never did anything at UK of note.

Good question.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Cal only plays 'OneNDones' major minutes. Hawkins can forget seeing the floor. Cal needs to get as many guys to the NBA as fast as possible. After all, it is a "players first" program, unless of course, you're not a 'OneNDone'.

This guy is delusional. I usually try to be respectful on here, but this post is beyond stupid. I cannot fathom the lack of intelligence this guy has.

Hawkins looks pretty below average when he does see the floor. Post his shooting numbers from last year...that is all any intelligent person needs to know on why he does not play more. Our team was so good from top to bottom on D last year his solid D was not going to justify him getting into the rotation.

I see someone else posted all the non one and done guys Cal has played big minutes. Please seek help...you are delusional Ala_Kat. I doubt you are a UK fan, as whatever anyone thinks of Cal's system, you cannot argue with 4 Final Fours the last 5 years and a national title. He is the second best coach in UK basketball history after last season, that is not really debatable either unless you are a Cal hater. You keep on whining about those Kentucky boys not playing though, even though Miller started or was the 6th man all 3 years at UK under Cal. If you can play, Cal will play you, whether you are a one and done or a senior.

I guess this "genius" does not think Poy, Ulis, and Lee will be playing this year either. I guess Mulder won't play any as well. Right...some of our fans are just weird guys. They hate winning. They want Tubby and Coach G ball back.

 

[JohnBlue_]

I think I'd rather play 30-35 minutes a game at Eastern or Western and be one of the star players than get recruited over three times. Especially if I had already been to the Final Four twice. If I loved playing basketball I would.

I doubt he would be playing that many minutes anywhere else, an assumption on your part. At no point was it ever possible for him to not be recruited over, he is the very lowest ranked ever recruited to Kentucky by coach Cal. He knew his role coming and wanted to come here, no need to second guess the obvious.

 

[brianpoe]

Unless you end up in jail, which recently has been the fate of a surprising number of our "set for for life" former cat heroes (see Michael Porter, Richie Farmer, Ed Davender, Derrick Miller, etc.). Just sayin.....

Thanks for contributing Zipp...

Geez UK90...

 

[Chuckinden]

Why would Hawkins want to transfer to some podunk college in KY (or elsewhere) and be "the man" and even there he won't know how to shoot well still...when he can stay at UK, maybe go to 4 Final Fours in 4 years, get a degree from a good school, and then maybe play overseas some or go into the workforce and find a great job in KY somewhere making good money. The state takes care of former players in the workforce.

I mean he is not going to the NBA at WKU or Murray if he can't do it at UK. I just don't buy the transfer argument for players like Hawkins or Willis. Putting up good stats at a cupcake school is not changing their endgame and their chances at playing professional are even less at one of those places with lack of exposure.

But they get to play. Everything is not about the endgame.

 

[ymmot31]

Unless you end up in jail, which recently has been the fate of a surprising number of our "set for for life" former cat heroes (see Michael Porter, Richie Farmer, Ed Davender, Derrick Miller, etc.). Just sayin.....

Find all you can and then bump that number with the number of players at UK all time. Let us know the percentage versus that of the remainder of society.

You did not discount his point. You merely presented a different set of parameters for a different discussion.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

But they get to play. Everything is not about the endgame.

Fair enough. I guess being a "maybe" big fish in a puddle is better than nothing.