Roster

[weatherbird]

All the numbers you mentioned happen earlier in the year, when it comes to March calipari slows the pace down and his best shooter forget how to shoot the ball, in March you not to lose you end up losing he has been bitten by Thai numerous times

And yet despite missing the tournament twice and not even getting a single win last year, still has more tournament wins than any other school since he arrived at UK. I know you are going to say he has had the most talent, and blah blah blah, but that makes what he does in March at least as effective as anything else.

We as fans hate it, but the truth is, it is more effective than you think. I would also note that, while last year really sucked, that was the first time a Cal team didn't play to their seed line or above. Cal deserves a lot of criticism for the last 2 years, whether that was because of the staff, coaching style, or anything else, ultimately, it is Cal's fault. However, I would argue that up until the last 2 years Cal has delivered results that would be consistent with a very high level coach. And even last year isn't isolated to just Cal, Coach K has twice in the last 10 years lost to a 14 or 15 seed in the first round. It has happened to UNC, Kansas (Self), Baylor, Michigan St. and Villinova.

In fact, Jay Wright, who has won 2 championships since Cal got here has only made it out of the first weekend of the tournament 2 other times, so the vast majority of the time his teams lose in the first weekend. Know what he doesn't do?? Slow it down at the end of games. We may not like it, but it is way more effective than people think.

 

[AGEE11]

We all know Cal will only play 7 or 8 guys during crunch time but IF we have injuries I’d rather have my 11th and 12th guys as 3 or 4 star players capable of being able to help vs having to rely on walkons, who are only here because their parents were friends with Cal.

But those players (Hopkins and Allen) tend to sit the bench, get mad and leave year after year

I agree I'd like to have depth for injury insurance, in this day and age it just doesn't work well

 

[AGEE11]

If you compare this year's roster to last years, it's easy to see why we are a top 3 team in most preseason polls

PG - You get Wheeler with an extra year's experience. An All-SEC PG that comes back for another year with a chip on his shoulder, yes please. UPGRADE

SG - Wallace over Tyty. Tyty might be a better shooter, but Wallace is a better slasher and far better defender. Also, Tyty's injury hampered him majorly at the end of last year. UPGRADE

SF - Livingston over Grady. You lose shooting, but Grady couldn't hit the broad side of a barn at the end of the season. You can physicality, defense, and an ability to get to the rim. UPGRADE

PF - Toppin over Brooks. Toppin gets an extra year and grows. most think he takes a big jump this year. Most wanted this last year anyways. UPGRADE

C - NPOY comes back for second time in decades and we got him. UPGRADE

Reserve Guard 1 - Reeves over Mintz. Only thing you could maybe give Mintz the nod on would be shooting and I'm not sure about that. Defending, getting to the line, physicality all get better here. UPGRADE

Reserve Big 1 - Collins = Toppin. Collins second year should see a big jump. Not sure he exceeds what Toppin was last year, but should be able to equal it. PUSH

Reserve Guard 2 - CJ over Hopkins/Allen. Despite 1 game from Hopkins, we didn't get much from this spot. CJ has had surgery now to fix his injuries, not just rest. Doesn't have to do much to exceed here. UPGRADE

Reserve Big 2 - Lance Ware with more experience. UPGRADE

Over the 9 spots we upgrade 8 of those. You can argue for a push at SG and SF, but it's not a downgrade.

You get better in almost every spot from a top 5 team and you have yourself a contender.

Last year, we took a fluke lost and were the last blue blood to do so. One fluke doesn't diminish what we did last year which was have a National Title contender. Vegas had us at the 2nd/3rd best odds to win it all. They don't throw their numbers out for fun.

I am down on Cal's coaching, and the fluke was rough, however, you can't let it blind you from the facts that this team has improved and will compete for a title next year

 

[kelzer]

... he has been bitten by Thai numerous times

Yikes, southeast Asian vampires!!!!

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

And yet despite missing the tournament twice and not even getting a single win last year, still has more tournament wins than any other school since he arrived at UK. I know you are going to say he has had the most talent, and blah blah blah, but that makes what he does in March at least as effective as anything else.

We as fans hate it, but the truth is, it is more effective than you think. I would also note that, while last year really sucked, that was the first time a Cal team didn't play to their seed line or above. Cal deserves a lot of criticism for the last 2 years, whether that was because of the staff, coaching style, or anything else, ultimately, it is Cal's fault. However, I would argue that up until the last 2 years Cal has delivered results that would be consistent with a very high level coach. And even last year isn't isolated to just Cal, Coach K has twice in the last 10 years lost to a 14 or 15 seed in the first round. It has happened to UNC, Kansas (Self), Baylor, Michigan St. and Villinova.

In fact, Jay Wright, who has won 2 championships since Cal got here has only made it out of the first weekend of the tournament 2 other times, so the vast majority of the time his teams lose in the first weekend. Know what he doesn't do?? Slow it down at the end of games. We may not like it, but it is way more effective than people think.

Yeah but coach k has 5 championships Roy Williams has 3 self has 2 now calipari said we eat first, we are the middle child now we eat 5-6 depending on who else is wanting to eat

 

[JC CATS]

Another year ending like last season.Should be fun.

You don't have to watch if it's that miserable for you!

 

[seccats04]

But those players (Hopkins and Allen) tend to sit the bench, get mad and leave year after year

I agree I'd like to have depth for injury insurance, in this day and age it just doesn't work well

Even if they leave, so what. You have the transfer portal to replace them. All the more reason to fill the roster.

 

[K-Town Kat]

We need another depth piece or two. Injuries are always a concern and cutting it razor thin numbers wise has bitten us far too often.

This.

It’s not difficult to understand the concern with the numbers.

We haven’t been the healthiest program over the past few years. Hell, injuries derailed our season just a few months ago.

Concern is if 1 dude is out, we can’t even scrimmage 5 on 5 with scholarship players. With what has happened over the past 2 seasons, it’s absurd to go this thin.

Musselman certainly has had no issue adding depth over the offseason.

Difference in a guy who is hungry vs a guy who has lost the fire.

 

[Dead Cat Bounce]

If you compare this year's roster to last years, it's easy to see why we are a top 3 team in most preseason polls

PG - You get Wheeler with an extra year's experience. An All-SEC PG that comes back for another year with a chip on his shoulder, yes please. UPGRADE

SG - Wallace over Tyty. Tyty might be a better shooter, but Wallace is a better slasher and far better defender. Also, Tyty's injury hampered him majorly at the end of last year. UPGRADE

SF - Livingston over Grady. You lose shooting, but Grady couldn't hit the broad side of a barn at the end of the season. You can physicality, defense, and an ability to get to the rim. UPGRADE

PF - Toppin over Brooks. Toppin gets an extra year and grows. most think he takes a big jump this year. Most wanted this last year anyways. UPGRADE

C - NPOY comes back for second time in decades and we got him. UPGRADE

Reserve Guard 1 - Reeves over Mintz. Only thing you could maybe give Mintz the nod on would be shooting and I'm not sure about that. Defending, getting to the line, physicality all get better here. UPGRADE

Reserve Big 1 - Collins = Toppin. Collins second year should see a big jump. Not sure he exceeds what Toppin was last year, but should be able to equal it. PUSH

Reserve Guard 2 - CJ over Hopkins/Allen. Despite 1 game from Hopkins, we didn't get much from this spot. CJ has had surgery now to fix his injuries, not just rest. Doesn't have to do much to exceed here. UPGRADE

Reserve Big 2 - Lance Ware with more experience. UPGRADE

Over the 9 spots we upgrade 8 of those. You can argue for a push at SG and SF, but it's not a downgrade.

You get better in almost every spot from a top 5 team and you have yourself a contender.

Last year, we took a fluke lost and were the last blue blood to do so. One fluke doesn't diminish what we did last year which was have a National Title contender. Vegas had us at the 2nd/3rd best odds to win it all. They don't throw their numbers out for fun.

I am down on Cal's coaching, and the fluke was rough, however, you can't let it blind you from the facts that this team has improved and will compete for a title next year

Man, I sure hope there’s some outside shooting tucked into all this. Otherwise it’s gonna be a long season of sagging defenses.

 

[cornbreadnmilk]

Man, I sure hope there’s some outside shooting tucked into all this. Otherwise it’s gonna be a long season of sagging defenses.

His post was looking through blue tinted glasses for sure.

 

[weatherbird]

Yeah but coach k has 5 championships Roy Williams has 3 self has 2 now calipari said we eat first, we are the middle child now we eat 5-6 depending on who else is wanting to eat

You obviously do not like Cal. There is no amount of facts that is going to change your opinion. And for the record, I don't necessarily like Cal either, but I can be objective.

 

[jjsomer]

I don't think you'll see a lot of it, but could at times. I'm not going to make any judgments on the team until I see them play and that will be August, so we can discuss the team/personnel then. Hopefully we'll see the first UK Bahamas Trip that includes all the players on the court and can discuss that, rather than wondering who will do what when they get to the lineup. WCS/Baker/Montgomery have missed the 2 I've seen, so this team should have all the roster available (knock on wood)

As we stand at the moment, I think we are a top 10 team that could live up to top 3 expectations if we come back from the Bahamas with a healthy Frederick and an improved Collins.

In my opinion, Collins and Frederick are key question marks for the upcoming season. Wallace and Livingston are FR and, though talented, will play like FR at times. I know what Wheeler and Oscar are. I think I know what Toppin is...though his PT has been hampered by Brooks PT (and that says something). Reeves is a mid-major transfer that will have growing pains adjusting to High D1 competition.

There are some ??? there that are rightfully concerning. It will be exciting to see what we have in August.

 

[bucsrule8872]

If you compare this year's roster to last years, it's easy to see why we are a top 3 team in most preseason polls

PG - You get Wheeler with an extra year's experience. An All-SEC PG that comes back for another year with a chip on his shoulder, yes please. UPGRADE

SG - Wallace over Tyty. Tyty might be a better shooter, but Wallace is a better slasher and far better defender. Also, Tyty's injury hampered him majorly at the end of last year. UPGRADE

SF - Livingston over Grady. You lose shooting, but Grady couldn't hit the broad side of a barn at the end of the season. You can physicality, defense, and an ability to get to the rim. UPGRADE

PF - Toppin over Brooks. Toppin gets an extra year and grows. most think he takes a big jump this year. Most wanted this last year anyways. UPGRADE

C - NPOY comes back for second time in decades and we got him. UPGRADE

Reserve Guard 1 - Reeves over Mintz. Only thing you could maybe give Mintz the nod on would be shooting and I'm not sure about that. Defending, getting to the line, physicality all get better here. UPGRADE

Reserve Big 1 - Collins = Toppin. Collins second year should see a big jump. Not sure he exceeds what Toppin was last year, but should be able to equal it. PUSH

Reserve Guard 2 - CJ over Hopkins/Allen. Despite 1 game from Hopkins, we didn't get much from this spot. CJ has had surgery now to fix his injuries, not just rest. Doesn't have to do much to exceed here. UPGRADE

Reserve Big 2 - Lance Ware with more experience. UPGRADE

Over the 9 spots we upgrade 8 of those. You can argue for a push at SG and SF, but it's not a downgrade.

You get better in almost every spot from a top 5 team and you have yourself a contender.

Last year, we took a fluke lost and were the last blue blood to do so. One fluke doesn't diminish what we did last year which was have a National Title contender. Vegas had us at the 2nd/3rd best odds to win it all. They don't throw their numbers out for fun.

I am down on Cal's coaching, and the fluke was rough, however, you can't let it blind you from the facts that this team has improved and will compete for a title next year

Love the positive vibes, but unless Wallace and Livingston shoot better than expected, 3 point shooting is a major issue for the starting five.

Hopefully, they make up for it with some incredible defense and rebounding.

Right now, if I am an opposing coach. I see a team that you slow down and force to play in the halfcourt, play zone against.

You do not let them fly up and down the court. You do not let Wheeler get into the paint, especially to his left, and you do not let them feed the post.

It’s going to be really easy to defensive game plan for this team unless Wallace and Livingston are better shooters than expected or Cal keeps Fredrick and/or Reeves on the floor more than I expect.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

You obviously do not like Cal. There is no amount of facts that is going to change your opinion. And for the record, I don't necessarily like Cal either, but I can be objective.

I’m in different on cal, but I’ve seen the same mistakes for 7 straight years now and little to no changes, the stats from last year are a anomaly because they only lasted 1 month and any of those stats are the same way. My point was when it comes to crunch time and March cal tries to shorten the game and plays not to lose

 

[IL Wildcat]

Might add one more (Dillingham reclass? Grandison transfer?), but it’s unlikely. I think the 10 scholarship guys we have are it and 9 will play with 8 playing most of the minutes.

Rotation will probably look something like this (give or take a few minutes here and there):

G Wheeler(30)/Wallace(10)
G Wallace(20)/Fredrick(20)
F Livingston(25)/Reeves(15)
F Toppin(25)/Collins(15)
F Tshiebwe(30)/Ware(10)

Wheeler and Tshiebwe are locks to start.

Wallace will likely start on one wing and backup Wheeler.

Livingston will likely start at the 3.

Fredrick and Reeves back up Wallace and Livingston on the wings.

Toppin and Collins split time at the 4 spot.

Ware plays when Tshiebwe needs a break, just like last season.

Thiero bides his time on the bench and plays spot minutes in blow outs.

Wheeler- 30
Tshiebwe- 30
Wallace- 30
Toppin- 25
Livingston- 25
Fredrick- 20
Reeves- 15
Collins- 15
Ware- 10

What a shame nobody has paid much attention to this post. I feared I might never see a similar post again. What's this? Someone actually talking about next season's team?

So, this roster looks very good to me. We already know what we will get from Oscar, Wheeler, and Toppin. Those 3 guys will hustle and scrap for everything. And they will all run the floor like gazelles. Ware was getting better last season. Collins, with a bit more muscle and strength, could have a breakout year. I need to familiarize myself with Wallace and Livingston. I have to admit, I have a hard time believing Fredrick doesn't start, but I know he will get big minutes. If Fredrick can avoid the injury bug and the freshmen are as advertised, I think this team has a chance to be special. Great post.

 

[weatherbird]

I’m in different on cal, but I’ve seen the same mistakes for 7 straight years now and little to no changes, the stats from last year are a anomaly because they only lasted 1 month and any of those stats are the same way. My point was when it comes to crunch time and March cal tries to shorten the game and plays not to lose

You do realize that the last seven years encompasses more of Cal's career than the first six, and yet still has more wins than anybody in the tournament during his time at UK. Playing not to lose has been better than any other coaches strategy over the same time frame.

 

[IL Wildcat]

Love the positive vibes, but unless Wallace and Livingston shoot better than expected, 3 point shooting is a major issue for the starting five.

Hopefully, they make up for it with some incredible defense and rebounding.

Right now, if I am an opposing coach. I see a team that you slow down and force to play in the halfcourt, play zone against.

You do not let them fly up and down the court. You do not let Wheeler get into the paint, especially to his left, and you do not let them feed the post.

It’s going to be really easy to defensive game plan for this team unless Wallace and Livingston are better shooters than expected or Cal keeps Fredrick and/or Reeves on the floor more than I expect.

Yep, this is why I think Fredrick stays on the floor more. His 3-pt shooting will get him on the floor. His defense will keep him on the floor. IF the other guys struggle shooting, Fredrick could be the answer. The big question is whether or not he will be able to create his own shot.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Yep, this is why I think Fredrick stays on the floor more. His 3-pt shooting will get him on the floor. His defense will keep him on the floor. IF the other guys struggle shooting, Fredrick could be the answer. The big question is whether or not he will be able to create his own shot.

The biggest question with Fredrick is can he stay healthy?

 

[IL Wildcat]

The biggest question with Fredrick is can he stay healthy?

Yep, I agree. If he can't stay healthy, we will be trusting in freshmen for the majority of our 3pt shooting. And that could potentially be disastrous.

 

[JHannibalSmith]

Love the positive vibes, but unless Wallace and Livingston shoot better than expected, 3 point shooting is a major issue for the starting five.

Hopefully, they make up for it with some incredible defense and rebounding.

Right now, if I am an opposing coach. I see a team that you slow down and force to play in the halfcourt, play zone against.

You do not let them fly up and down the court. You do not let Wheeler get into the paint, especially to his left, and you do not let them feed the post.

It’s going to be really easy to defensive game plan for this team unless Wallace and Livingston are better shooters than expected or Cal keeps Fredrick and/or Reeves on the floor more than I expect.

Couldn’t agree more. It’s really putting yourself at a disadvantage, right off the bat, when you play a PG who can’t keep defenses honest. That will make it tough to start Livingston, unless it’s at the 4. If Wheeler is the primary PG & Wallace is at the 2, it’s a must to start Fredrick or Reeves at the 3 if you want to have any spacing at all. No way that lineup can be effective with only one reliable shooter on the floor.

I really don’t understand the relentless praise some give to Wheeler. He’s a liability on both ends unless he fixes his shot over the summer. But, he’s had 3 years in college to do that & is the same shooter today as he was in HS. He’s shot 32%, 23% & 31% from 3 in college. That alone makes starting him an issue, without other shooters to compensate. But, he’s also 5-8, TO prone & can’t go right. Could also improve his shot selection. He’s a solid penetrator going left when he doesn’t panic. But, if he isn’t surrounded by shooters, defenses will sag off him & clog the paint, neutralizing his one strength on the offensive end.

Wheeler can be serviceable with shooters around him, but, will Cal play those guys over the athletes? He’s fine against most of the teams we’ll see in the regular season. But, when the competition level & stakes elevate, he’s a problem without improving his weaknesses. He’s just not a championship level PG, IMO. And, that is the goal, here. Not preseason rankings or racking up weak, regular season wins. I hate crapping on him bc he seems like a good kid & would be a solid player at schools without title hopes. It just is what it is. With the right combinations on the floor, we have the pieces to be a really good team. But, if the shooters don’t play enough we’ll just be banging our heads against the wall, again.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

You do realize that the last seven years encompasses more of Cal's career than the first six, and yet still has more wins than anybody in the tournament during his time at UK. Playing not to lose has been better than any other coaches strategy over the same time frame.

Not for what calipari says is his end goal, playing not to lose now in basketball is a death sentence and a lot of those years he won because he had elite of elite talent he isn’t getting that anymore so know he actually has to coach instead of relying on athletic freaks, the results are showing, the program is still good but is clearly trending downwards right now

 

[AGEE11]

Love the positive vibes, but unless Wallace and Livingston shoot better than expected, 3 point shooting is a major issue for the starting five.

Hopefully, they make up for it with some incredible defense and rebounding.

Right now, if I am an opposing coach. I see a team that you slow down and force to play in the halfcourt, play zone against.

You do not let them fly up and down the court. You do not let Wheeler get into the paint, especially to his left, and you do not let them feed the post.

It’s going to be really easy to defensive game plan for this team unless Wallace and Livingston are better shooters than expected or Cal keeps Fredrick and/or Reeves on the floor more than I expect.

I agree we need shooting. I think Reeves and Wallace can hit enough to keep defenses honest. When CJ is in, you can't leave him. Livingston is still a question mark.

Also thinking (hoping) Wheeler's shot is more like the last of the season than the first and he has worked on it.

Thing with UK next year, is the defense will be really good. Wallace was mentioned by several as the best defender at the Burger Boy game and other camps. Livingstons build and athleticism makes him a good defender as well. Wheeler, while short is known to bother other PGs (see Leaky Black). Oscar cleans the glass. Toppin there for backside blocks and versatility. Scoring against us is not going to be easy next year

 

[weatherbird]

Not for what calipari says is his end goal, playing not to lose now in basketball is a death sentence and a lot of those years he won because he had elite of elite talent he isn’t getting that anymore so know he actually has to coach instead of relying on athletic freaks, the results are showing, the program is still good but is clearly trending downwards right now

So, when Cal was getting more talent than everyone, he was winning more than everyone, and not by a little, but by a lot. By your own admission, the program has been trending down for 7 years, which means that Cal had to win enough in the first 6 to not only offset the last seven, but still have enough wins piled up to still be in the lead after 7 down years. Cal has always played the end of the game the same. As you said, the difference is the talent, not the style. The fact that he had jumped so far out in front in his first 6 years with superior talent means that there is nothing wrong with the way he manages the end of games. You may not like it, and I'm not particularly fond of it myself, but it is just as effective as continuing to run up and down the floor. If it wasn't, then somebody else would have already taken the tournament wins from him by now. Somebody else has been getting that same talent Cal used to get, and we both know who it is, and they couldn't make up in 7 years what it took Cal only 6 to build.

Again, the argument is nothing other than whether or not the way Cal manages the end of games is effective. He has a pretty high win percentage in what is considered close games, so he has to be doing something right.

 

[bookerfan66]

So, when Cal was getting more talent than everyone, he was winning more than everyone, and not by a little, but by a lot. By your own admission, the program has been trending down for 7 years, which means that Cal had to win enough in the first 6 to not only offset the last seven, but still have enough wins piled up to still be in the lead after 7 down years. Cal has always played the end of the game the same. As you said, the difference is the talent, not the style. The fact that he had jumped so far out in front in his first 6 years with superior talent means that there is nothing wrong with the way he manages the end of games. You may not like it, and I'm not particularly fond of it myself, but it is just as effective as continuing to run up and down the floor. If it wasn't, then somebody else would have already taken the tournament wins from him by now. Somebody else has been getting that same talent Cal used to get, and we both know who it is, and they couldn't make up in 7 years what it took Cal only 6 to build.

Again, the argument is nothing other than whether or not the way Cal manages the end of games is effective. He has a pretty high win percentage in what is considered close games, so he has to be doing something right.

Not making a final 4 in 7 seasons has to tell you he is doing something wrong.

 

[kelzer]

TO prone

FWIW, I posted recently that Wheeler had a better assist-turnover ratio and lower turnovers per game last year than John Stockton, Jason Kidd, or Steve Nash had their last seasons playing college ball.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

So, when Cal was getting more talent than everyone, he was winning more than everyone, and not by a little, but by a lot. By your own admission, the program has been trending down for 7 years, which means that Cal had to win enough in the first 6 to not only offset the last seven, but still have enough wins piled up to still be in the lead after 7 down years. Cal has always played the end of the game the same. As you said, the difference is the talent, not the style. The fact that he had jumped so far out in front in his first 6 years with superior talent means that there is nothing wrong with the way he manages the end of games. You may not like it, and I'm not particularly fond of it myself, but it is just as effective as continuing to run up and down the floor. If it wasn't, then somebody else would have already taken the tournament wins from him by now. Somebody else has been getting that same talent Cal used to get, and we both know who it is, and they couldn't make up in 7 years what it took Cal only 6 to build.

Again, the argument is nothing other than whether or not the way Cal manages the end of games is effective. He has a pretty high win percentage in what is considered close games, so he has to be doing something right.

He has trending downwards since 2015 man he has some good years, but calipari is the best of the best anymore, teams and college basketball have figure him out and for the most part he isn’t going to adapt he will change for a little period but then go back to the same stuff that has lost him numerous games

 

[OmahaCats]

It’s a little of both he does play stall ball the Wisconsin game is the perfect example of that, and I also agree on his personnel but that’s also on him, stop recruiting guards who can’t shoot and if they can’t shoot they need to be athletic freaks like fox and wall were. The aspects of basketball calipari prioritizes worked in the early 2000s maybe even up until the early 2010s if we are being nice. Shooting and skillset are what win now.

Neither Fox or Wall were good 3 point shooters. Wheeler definitely isn’t either of them, but he’s quick as hell. He’s a great transition pg. he’s an all conference pg for a reason

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

Neither Fox or Wall were good 3 point shooters. Wheeler definitely isn’t either of them, but he’s quick as hell. He’s a great transition pg. he’s an all conference pg for a reason

Wheller is fine if he is a change of pace guard not a 30 min per game starter there’s a reason he went to Georgia to begin with, and to make wheeler work you need 3 shooters around him next years team isn’t going to have that

 

[OmahaCats]

If you compare this year's roster to last years, it's easy to see why we are a top 3 team in most preseason polls

PG - You get Wheeler with an extra year's experience. An All-SEC PG that comes back for another year with a chip on his shoulder, yes please. UPGRADE

SG - Wallace over Tyty. Tyty might be a better shooter, but Wallace is a better slasher and far better defender. Also, Tyty's injury hampered him majorly at the end of last year. UPGRADE

SF - Livingston over Grady. You lose shooting, but Grady couldn't hit the broad side of a barn at the end of the season. You can physicality, defense, and an ability to get to the rim. UPGRADE

PF - Toppin over Brooks. Toppin gets an extra year and grows. most think he takes a big jump this year. Most wanted this last year anyways. UPGRADE

C - NPOY comes back for second time in decades and we got him. UPGRADE

Reserve Guard 1 - Reeves over Mintz. Only thing you could maybe give Mintz the nod on would be shooting and I'm not sure about that. Defending, getting to the line, physicality all get better here. UPGRADE

Reserve Big 1 - Collins = Toppin. Collins second year should see a big jump. Not sure he exceeds what Toppin was last year, but should be able to equal it. PUSH

Reserve Guard 2 - CJ over Hopkins/Allen. Despite 1 game from Hopkins, we didn't get much from this spot. CJ has had surgery now to fix his injuries, not just rest. Doesn't have to do much to exceed here. UPGRADE

Reserve Big 2 - Lance Ware with more experience. UPGRADE

Over the 9 spots we upgrade 8 of those. You can argue for a push at SG and SF, but it's not a downgrade.

You get better in almost every spot from a top 5 team and you have yourself a contender.

Last year, we took a fluke lost and were the last blue blood to do so. One fluke doesn't diminish what we did last year which was have a National Title contender. Vegas had us at the 2nd/3rd best odds to win it all. They don't throw their numbers out for fun.

I am down on Cal's coaching, and the fluke was rough, however, you can't let it blind you from the facts that this team has improved and will compete for a title next year

Not sure if Livingston will be that good or not. Hope so. But Mintz wasn’t even a good shooter. Definitely an upgrade in shooting if comparing him and Reeves

 

[OmahaCats]

Wheller is fine if he is a change of pace guard not a 30 min per game starter there’s a reason he went to Georgia to begin with, and to make wheeler work you need 3 shooters around him next years team isn’t going to have that

He was Georgia’s best player. His numbers were much better last year than they were at Georgia. He’s progressing. Again he’s an all sec point guard. He can play for any school

 

[bbncal02]

Not making a final 4 in 7 seasons has to tell you he is doing something wrong.

Duke made one and caught a break by dumpling that.

Cal’s got stuff to fix and I’m willing to give him this year to show or blow. But K didn’t exactly shock the world either.

UNC has been really the only program that has done consistently well lately. KU sneaks in there by finally getting its third title in 30+ years.

Cal pulls a rabbit out of his hat he will be the second most successful coach at Kentucky. Which won’t sit well with people but oh well.

But this is it. He has to get to the FF this year.

 

[bucsrule8872]

He was Georgia’s best player. His numbers were much better last year than they were at Georgia. He’s progressing. Again he’s an all sec point guard. He can play for any school

UK is not just any school.

I am okay with Wheeler being on our squad. Heck, I am fine with him starting.

But I do not see him leading us to the Final Four as a 5’8 guard that struggles shooting the ball.

Now if we have shooters all around him, then maybe, but the team around him just isn’t built to play with him, IMHO. Not enough shooters on this squad to provide Wheeler the spacing he needs to do what he does best, get into the paint and make plays.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

He was Georgia’s best player. His numbers were much better last year than they were at Georgia. He’s progressing. Again he’s an all sec point guard. He can play for any school

I like wheeler Im just not sold on him being a championship level PG I don’t think Kentucky can win with him as the PG, he is to limited for that to happen,

 

[dl51344]

What a shame nobody has paid much attention to this post. I feared I might never see a similar post again. What's this? Someone actually talking about next season's team?

So, this roster looks very good to me. We already know what we will get from Oscar, Wheeler, and Toppin. Those 3 guys will hustle and scrap for everything. And they will all run the floor like gazelles. Ware was getting better last season. Collins, with a bit more muscle and strength, could have a breakout year. I need to familiarize myself with Wallace and Livingston. I have to admit, I have a hard time believing Fredrick doesn't start, but I know he will get big minutes. If Fredrick can avoid the injury bug and the freshmen are as advertised, I think this team has a chance to be special. Great post.

Agree on Frederick. If he is shooting 40-47% from 3 it would be crazy not to give him 20-25 min per game. Of coarse Cal can break a good shooter if he gets in the dog house.

 

[weatherbird]

Not making a final 4 in 7 seasons has to tell you he is doing something wrong.

He has trending downwards since 2015 man he has some good years, but calipari is the best of the best anymore, teams and college basketball have figure him out and for the most part he isn’t going to adapt he will change for a little period but then go back to the same stuff that has lost him numerous games

Again for both of you, the argument isnt whether the program is trending down, it is. Not making a final four in 7 years (although there have only been 6 tournaments) says he needs to find out what the difference is between the first half and the last half, because he isnt doing something right.

The argument was about sucking the air out of the ball, something he has done his entire career. He has amassed more tournament wins than anybody since he got to UK, which now includes more seasons without the #1 recruiting class than with it. If sucking the air out of the ball was so detrimental to success, then how did he do that?? Additionally, the win is virtually automatic when he gets a double digit lead. We don't like it as fans, but it is effective, especially since just in the last 2 NBA playoff series I have watch a team overcome more than a 20 point deficit multiple times. Was it just me, or did some team in the championship game choke away an 18 point lead?? They were playing to win, which works as long as you continue to make shors.

Truth is, we likely prefer playing to win more than playing not to lose, but both will win you games you otherwise wouldn't and lose you games you otherwise would win.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

Again for both of you, the argument isnt whether the program is trending down, it is. Not making a final four in 7 years (although there have only been 6 tournaments) says he needs to find out what the difference is between the first half and the last half, because he isnt doing something right.

The argument was about sucking the air out of the ball, something he has done his entire career. He has amassed more tournament wins than anybody since he got to UK, which now includes more seasons without the #1 recruiting class than with it. If sucking the air out of the ball was so detrimental to success, then how did he do that?? Additionally, the win is virtually automatic when he gets a double digit lead. We don't like it as fans, but it is effective, especially since just in the last 2 NBA playoff series I have watch a team overcome more than a 20 point deficit multiple times. Was it just me, or did some team in the championship game choke away an 18 point lead?? They were playing to win, which works as long as you continue to make shors.

Truth is, we likely prefer playing to win more than playing not to lose, but both will win you games you otherwise wouldn't and lose you games you otherwise would win.

I get your point but our point is taking the air out of the ball especially in todays game with shooting and floor spacing is not going to work

 

[weatherbird]

I get your point but our point is taking the air out of the ball especially in todays game with shooting and floor spacing is not going to work

It's a lot like playing small ball, being all in on one and done, etc. We all have preferences, but a lot of time there isn't any real evidence to suggest that our preferences are better than the alternative.

Basketball is a funny game. In principal, it is simple, just score more points than your opponent, and you win. The problem is, the equation to do that is very complicated, and involves several variables that are for the most part out of a coaches control. There is no perfect roster building technique, playing style, or even timeout usage. Most of the time, winning and losing comes down to players making plays, regardless of all the other stuff. For every time all the correct decisions lead to victory, there is a time that those same decisions end in defeat. Just think about this, the combined record of all of college basketball is a mere 0.500. And as fans, we tend to notice more deficiencies in our own team than we notice in others.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

It's a lot like playing small ball, being all in on one and done, etc. We all have preferences, but a lot of time there isn't any real evidence to suggest that our preferences are better than the alternative.

Basketball is a funny game. In principal, it is simple, just score more points than your opponent, and you win. The problem is, the equation to do that is very complicated, and involves several variables that are for the most part out of a coaches control. There is no perfect roster building technique, playing style, or even timeout usage. Most of the time, winning and losing comes down to players making plays, regardless of all the other stuff. For every time all the correct decisions lead to victory, there is a time that those same decisions end in defeat. Just think about this, the combined record of all of college basketball is a mere 0.500. And as fans, we tend to notice more deficiencies in our own team than we notice in others.

Last 2 seasons have been tough and watching other teams play better more efficient basketball than us is frustrating, I hope cal gets over his stubbornness but this team doesn’t look like the team to do on paper maybe they are, just doesn’t seem like it.