They will be tough to beat again this season.
Let's not forget they choked with an easy path to the title game the year before though. The biggest thing with them is can they be consistent?
Season Opener Observations
- Thread starter UKBlueBlood
- Start date
They will be tough to beat again this season.
Let's not forget they choked with an easy path to the title game the year before though. The biggest thing with them is can they be consistent?
Chandlers athleticism stood out to me. That kid has a chance to develop into an absolute star at UK. The shot making of this team is elite. The passing ability of this team is elite. Butler is going to frustrate the heck out of some guys this season. Robinson looks more than willing to be "the guy". We seem to have the depth to overcome foul trouble. It's fun having fun again with UK basketball!
Last night was all the evidence I needed. Moron acted like I was too dumb to look up a box score on UK Athletics, but couldn't be bothered to share a link of the box score that doesn't exist on that site.
All I can say is wow about this BB team, glad we have a coach that knows how to coach, the last few years watching Cal teams was torture.
I don't think this team has any type of inability to go inside and attack the paint if/when needed. They just need to keep playing for the best shot they can at all times. Most of the time that's a 3.
I know it was KW, but we have some serious potential and looks to be our best team since the Fox and Monk squad. I think we can be better than that. So refreshing to not see a rock fight. I know we're not gonna hit 'em like that every game but give me this product all freaking day long. The ball movement. The passing. The movement without the ball. The fast break points. It was beautiful to watch. What a way to break in a new era of Kentucky basketball.
Some of the chicken littles on here kept telling us over and over that since it was an entirely new team and it might take the first couple of months to learn how to play together. Heck, I was expecting the players to run in circles, crash into each other and fall down according to them. That didn't happen.
An exhibition game. But it sure was a fun one!
An exhibition match. Season opener is against Wright State. I dunno why everyone dogpiled on know1 when he's technically correct. Like, I know technically correct borders on asshole for a lot of folks, but still. It's not like we can't glean anything from the exhibitions or that he called the team a pile of crap.
This team isn't 100% or close to it on offense nor defense. There's a lot of room to grow and gel. This was basically a shoot around for these guys, but it's nice to see them playing, individually, as advertised.
When this team is clicking on all cylinders, though, we'll be one of the top five teams in the country. Easily.
We have so many shooters it is going to be very remote that ALL will be off.
I could see him becoming the leader of a Pope-coached team after this season. Right now, this will be Butler/Robinson's team, and Oweh looks like the third guy from a leadership standpoint.
He could be unleashed this season and truly next season. He has 15 point/game potential. I love the balance to his game.
I actually wish we had another season from Butler and Almonor after this season. Butler is a killer defensively and Almonor is a perfect stretch four complimentary piece off the bench.
I did see a little negative just now... we gave up 31 rebounds (10 Offensive) to that team. I didn't love seeing that. No way KW should've gotten that many boards. Especially in a lopsided game. We've heard about this team's effort, and I'm not arguing that's incorrect. But, rebounding is mostly about effort. I know, first game, yada yada. Just pointing it out.
Kentucky had 43 rebounds (only 9 Offensive)
Kentucky had 43 rebounds (only 9 Offensive)
I thought Garrison looked almost identical to the big we had last year that transferred. Onyenso.
Like on the court physically their bodies are almost the same.
Thought maybe Garrison is slightly more fluid in his movements.
But they are really similar
Like on the court physically their bodies are almost the same.
Thought maybe Garrison is slightly more fluid in his movements.
But they are really similar
Agreed. On one hand there were a lot of long rebounds due to all of the bricks KW was laying from 3. You can block out and do exactly what you're supposed to do and still not be in position to harness those scud missiles. On the other hand, KW looked a bit quicker to the ball in those scenarios and that's about awareness and effort. I am sure Pope will point that out.
Pope actually addressed this in the post-game...
I can't remember his exact words, but he said guys were crashing too hard toward the glass. So, it wasn't an effort thing as much as an awareness thing...i.e. long shot = long miss, so stay back and block out instead of crashing to hard to the lane/rim.
So, it's refreshing to hear that he was addressing the correct reason why there were too many offensive rebounds allowed as opposed to just, "our guys need to fight more... I can't do it for them". I know that statement is also true sometimes, but it can't be the only reason all the time.
Found the quote...
"“We were exposed on the glass a little bit with a team that really shoots a lot of balls and they end up being long rebounds and so we were exposed there a little bit where we can individually and collectively, where we can see that on film.”
Exactly right. Got to love a coach that adjusts, a team that adjusts and NO SPIN. Can’t spin a Bennie.
That behind the back bounce pass from Butler to Robinson in transition at the beginning was very nice to see.
Pope pointed out that we got exposed on the glass. And on long rebounds, in his presser.
I'm just glad the one and done mentality is gone as a selling point. Pope is selling UK now. Really looking forward to the season.
The 3's were awesome to watch but what has me excited about this team is the defensive pressure by Butler and Oweh. If you ask me our guards defensive play the last few years have been the main reason for the tournament collapses. They always allowed their opponents to play at their pace and control the tempo. I see two guards yesterday that will harass other teams' guards and not allow them to control tempo.
The offense seemed like a generic 5 out offense. (If there is such a thing.) Pope's BYU team last season ran through a high post 5 and tons of different cuts and picks. Maybe this team doesn't need all that. Maybe we don't have the personnel for that -- although Williams looks willing.
Lots of people have pointed out details they liked so I'll add that I liked that Perry didn't seem fazed by his 3s not falling, and he continued to do good PG things.
Lots of people have pointed out details they liked so I'll add that I liked that Perry didn't seem fazed by his 3s not falling, and he continued to do good PG things.
Dang. All these 3's. Must be Play Station. I wonder how Bassy is doing.......
Week after next will be fun. Monday Nov4th UK first real game vs Wright State (do not know much about them this year). Tuesday Nov 5th, Election (get out and vote, do not care who you vote for but vote), Saturday Nov 9th vs Bucknell. No football this week. Best time of the year is when we have football and basketball throughout the week.
non controversial take - our floor is gorgeous! Probably best looking hardwood in the country! LFG!!! Watching replay and man i love it
I imagine all the offensive bells and whistles haven’t been installed yet. I think Pope even alluded to something like this post-game…
Here are a few observations of my own...
1. It's hard to have any complaints after a 123-52 win. I know it's Kentucky Wesleyan, but 123 points against anyone is impressive. Giving up only 52 is also impressive against anyone.
2. I loved the offense! This team is going to put huge amounts of pressure on defenses. 7 guys made a three. The team shot 50% from 3 on 21-42. That is ridiculous! And I love it! Who doesn't have a green light? Amari Williams is the only guy who didn't have a 3pt attempt.
3. These guys are helping on defense and switching on defense, getting good position, not giving up back-doors, getting steals, blocking shots, and on. The defense is what will make this team dangerous. Many teams can score points, but the experience, toughness, and intensity of this team defensively will be the reason they could make a serious run.
4. Lamont Butler really is a great on-ball defender. He reminds me of Reed Sheppard in the way he defends and what he can do, though he may be a little bit quicker with his hands on the ball. He gets in excellent position, he deflects balls, he picks pockets from in front and behind, and his leaping ability allows him to block perimeter shots. He got a couple steals last night that didn't even look possible, but he came out with the ball. Pope joked afterward that folks should guard their wallets when he's nearby. He's going to pester and annoy opposing point guards all season. He will be on the floor ALOT this season.
5. Jaxson Robinson is for real. He will make an NBA roster next summer, I have no doubt about it. He's not as good defensively as Butler, but he's quick and long. He knows where to be. He knows where everyone else needs to be. But the thing that makes him elite is his scoring. You could probably just give him the ball every time down the floor and let him go. But he works within the system and is one of the key pieces that makes everything work.
6. Otega Oweh was very impressive to me last night, and maybe even a little bit of a surprise. I've seen his highlights and I've heard the reports about his strength and improvement, but he showed me some things last night. Not every shot is gonna be a three, although Oweh made 2-2 from 3 last night. But his ability to finish in and through traffic and be a physical presence at shooting guard is what will make him a vital part. He's 6-4 215 which is good size for the 2. His strength is what is so rare at that spot. He held his line on drives and then finished.
7. Andrew Carr didn't get a bunch of highlights last night, but I really like this guy. He's the guy who likely won't be on many highlight reels this season, but he is steady. He only played 16 minutes last night but he had 10 points on 4-4 shooting, was 2-3 from the FT line, grabbed 4 rebounds and an assist. So, he's the blue-collar guy who just does his job, and he's a 6-11 power forward with ball handling, passing, and shooting range. He's not gonna wow you until you look at the boxscore and realize all he contributed.
8. Ansley Almonor impressed me last night. I've heard he can shoot it but at 6-7 244lbs you don't expect to see him do what he did last night. 5-7 from 3 is nuts! 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and a steal, also, and in only 20 minutes off the bench! I guess I shouldn't be surprised. He shot 40% from 3pt range at Farleigh Dickinson last season. He led their team in 3pt shooting while basically playing center.
9. I think we're gonna love this team. I love the chemistry we're already seeing, and it's really shocking to see from a team full of transfers and freshmen. It shows you how good a leader Mark Pope is. This is what I've been most concerned about since the class was finished. I love the talent and I love the experience, but the worry for me has been chemistry and learning to play together. I'm sure there will still be some growing pains in this area, but I really am impressed so far.
1. It's hard to have any complaints after a 123-52 win. I know it's Kentucky Wesleyan, but 123 points against anyone is impressive. Giving up only 52 is also impressive against anyone.
2. I loved the offense! This team is going to put huge amounts of pressure on defenses. 7 guys made a three. The team shot 50% from 3 on 21-42. That is ridiculous! And I love it! Who doesn't have a green light? Amari Williams is the only guy who didn't have a 3pt attempt.
3. These guys are helping on defense and switching on defense, getting good position, not giving up back-doors, getting steals, blocking shots, and on. The defense is what will make this team dangerous. Many teams can score points, but the experience, toughness, and intensity of this team defensively will be the reason they could make a serious run.
4. Lamont Butler really is a great on-ball defender. He reminds me of Reed Sheppard in the way he defends and what he can do, though he may be a little bit quicker with his hands on the ball. He gets in excellent position, he deflects balls, he picks pockets from in front and behind, and his leaping ability allows him to block perimeter shots. He got a couple steals last night that didn't even look possible, but he came out with the ball. Pope joked afterward that folks should guard their wallets when he's nearby. He's going to pester and annoy opposing point guards all season. He will be on the floor ALOT this season.
5. Jaxson Robinson is for real. He will make an NBA roster next summer, I have no doubt about it. He's not as good defensively as Butler, but he's quick and long. He knows where to be. He knows where everyone else needs to be. But the thing that makes him elite is his scoring. You could probably just give him the ball every time down the floor and let him go. But he works within the system and is one of the key pieces that makes everything work.
6. Otega Oweh was very impressive to me last night, and maybe even a little bit of a surprise. I've seen his highlights and I've heard the reports about his strength and improvement, but he showed me some things last night. Not every shot is gonna be a three, although Oweh made 2-2 from 3 last night. But his ability to finish in and through traffic and be a physical presence at shooting guard is what will make him a vital part. He's 6-4 215 which is good size for the 2. His strength is what is so rare at that spot. He held his line on drives and then finished.
7. Andrew Carr didn't get a bunch of highlights last night, but I really like this guy. He's the guy who likely won't be on many highlight reels this season, but he is steady. He only played 16 minutes last night but he had 10 points on 4-4 shooting, was 2-3 from the FT line, grabbed 4 rebounds and an assist. So, he's the blue-collar guy who just does his job, and he's a 6-11 power forward with ball handling, passing, and shooting range. He's not gonna wow you until you look at the boxscore and realize all he contributed.
8. Ansley Almonor impressed me last night. I've heard he can shoot it but at 6-7 244lbs you don't expect to see him do what he did last night. 5-7 from 3 is nuts! 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and a steal, also, and in only 20 minutes off the bench! I guess I shouldn't be surprised. He shot 40% from 3pt range at Farleigh Dickinson last season. He led their team in 3pt shooting while basically playing center.
9. I think we're gonna love this team. I love the chemistry we're already seeing, and it's really shocking to see from a team full of transfers and freshmen. It shows you how good a leader Mark Pope is. This is what I've been most concerned about since the class was finished. I love the talent and I love the experience, but the worry for me has been chemistry and learning to play together. I'm sure there will still be some growing pains in this area, but I really am impressed so far.
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If the country goes off the rails after the election, at least we’ll be undefeated
Too Funny. Hopefully whatever will be best for this country will happen. Politics has gotten so volatile. I posted one little thing on FB and it has 3 friends back from high school fighting with 3 friends that are closer friends. This election has already had so much violent rhetoric and pure violence against one candidate. Cannot wait to cast my vote. That is all any of us can do this election is vote.
Good synopsis
Will miss the Gooo and Runnn plays that were unstoppable when screamed at an ear piercing level from our previous coach.
Thought a coach had to scream and yell all game long to be effective. Guess not!
Electing a president isn't playing pinochle. There are always extravagant things said. But as my signature points out, one candidate is permitted to be lawless and one is demanded to be flawless. If you value your freedom, vote wisely.
