Shaka coming on strong.

[spotter34]

I think A LOT of UK fans are stressed the hell out and are on edge. First, we see UK get absolutely screwed by ONE official, John Higgins, then the whole John Higgins fiasco afterward, and then our guys going pro one after another (Even a couple that probably shouldn't.), some "inside info" turning out to be wrong info, and then the Diallo thing..and now some ehhh or possibly bad news in terms of recruiting. It's just been more and more to be pissed off about since late March. Yes, you're right..it is an exciting time overall and I agree with everything you just said but there are still little stretches of very important moments that lead to stressful stretches. This off season has been wild so far.

Well, it will be wild next off season too and probably as long as Cal is here, but outside of 1 bad season (due to Noel injury) Cal for the most part has usually pulled his team together and they scratched and clawed as far as they could. As for players leaving before they should man I didn't agree with a bunch of them but it's their choice. Cal has even said he has advised some players that they need to return but Cal has accepted the fact they're going to do what they need to do. So if Cal has accepted that approach then who am I not too? I know that most coaches would trade our roster straight up for their own next year. Some wouldn't because they know how difficult it is to deal with mainly freshmen. We more than likely won't win it all next year but who knows.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

SKJ is better than Hump, he just never got a chance.

not even close to accurate

 

[StevieJFTW07]

Even that I'm not sure about.. Fox, Monk, Murray, Skal (wasn't used properly, and a similar injury scenario to Giles).. even Bam was top10.

Christ, if the NCAA would stop hammering us every chance they get come tournament time, this wouldn't be an issue. If we took the UK jersey off when they made their picks, we were good enough for an Elite8 last year and a Final4 this year.. And godforbid we get Duke treatment, both of those teams have a shot of making the title game...

That's ultimately what's hampering us: The NCAA tying one band behind our back in the most volatile tournament in sports. Our recruiting is fine if you ask me. It dips a little bit, here and there.. but that's to be expected.

Yes !! I agree 10000000000%. My God..it really is to the point where I just want the season to end after the SEC Tournament. Because I know what's coming about 2/3 hours after the SEC Tournament Final is over. And then watching the refs and the NCAA give UNC (The dirtiest program of all time) FOUR wins in this year's NCAA Tournament was disgusting and doesn't leave you with hardly any hope for the future as a UK fan or a fan of College basketball in general.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

It's what's kind of taking the love out of the game for me. I'll always bleed blue.. but this sport is so corrupt and rigged at this point it's absurd. We know every single year Kentucky's region will be stacked, whether we're a #1 seed, a #4 seed or an #8 seed. Like, you see it coming.. miles away. How do you get by that? Honestly, how? because I'm not sure.

 

[StevieJFTW07]

Lmao at Monk not being clutch. Did you see the shots he was making in March in the final minutes of the games? Especially UNC. If he had more shots sooner, we probably win, but his offense and shooting were pure clutch to claw us back into the lead with a chance to win it.

I also think it's hilarious that you cite James Young as being clutch when his teammate, Aaron Harrison, is the single greatest clutch shooter I have seen at U.K. In my lifetime (25 y/o). Do you even watch UK play?

Yes. Those Aaron Harrison shots..the beautiful three he hit vs. UL in the Sweet 16. That was clutch and beautiful. The other two was two of the ugliest shots I've ever seen in my life. They were simply throw it up at the rim and hope it goes in..thankfully, they went in. And I mentioned Monk at the end of the UNC game this year..do you even read ? It's just too bad that for about 7/8 games leading up to those final seconds, he stunk up the joint for the most part. Lamb never did. Lamb is the man. I felt like it was going in every time he shot.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

Yes. Those Aaron Harrison shots..the beautiful three he hit vs. UL in the Sweet 16. That was clutch and beautiful. The other two was two of the ugliest shots I've ever seen in my life. They were simply throw it up at the rim and hope it goes in..thankfully, they went in. And I mentioned Monk at the end of the UNC game this year..do you even read ? It's just too bad that for about 7/8 games leading up to those final seconds, he stunk up the joint for the most part. Lamb never did. Lamb is the man. I felt like it was going in every time he shot.

Those were two of the most beautiful shots imo. Splashed right in and Aaron had the look that he knew they were going in. Yes I read. I also read where discredited his ability to hit clutch shots, which even during bad games he always was able to put in the hoop in the final minutes, which to me is clutch (albeit inconsistent and streaky).

I agree on Lamb. He wasn't just clutch, he made them all game long. He is my favorite shooter that I've seen at UK because when he shot I always assumed it would go in.

 

[catlogic15]

It's what's kind of taking the love out of the game for me. I'll always bleed blue.. but this sport is so corrupt and rigged at this point it's absurd. We know every single year Kentucky's region will be stacked, whether we're a #1 seed, a #4 seed or an #8 seed. Like, you see it coming.. miles away. How do you get by that? Honestly, how? because I'm not sure.

You win. That's it. Just win.

 

[StevieJFTW07]

Those were two of the most beautiful shots imo. Splashed right in and Aaron had the look that he knew they were going in. Yes I read. I also read where discredited his ability to hit clutch shots, which even during bad games he always was able to put in the hoop in the final minutes, which to me is clutch (albeit inconsistent and streaky).

I agree on Lamb. He wasn't just clutch, he made them all game long. He is my favorite shooter that I've seen at UK because when he shot I always assumed it would go in.

I usually judge on the release and the defense being played on you and how the ball goes in. Like a combination of those things. Like if a ball goes in, doesn't hit the rim at all, and even barely touches the net..like the net doesn't even move..or if the net barely moves or *POPS* like kapop..not just a "swish" but the *POP*..if a guy is consistently nailing shots like those, especially with a hand in his face, he is as skilled as it gets at shooting. Making shots no matter how means you're good though..it's just the Aaron Harrison shots vs. Wisconsin and Michigan..they were just some weird shots..great rotation, great releases but they weren't splashes..they were just..it's hard to explain..the way they hit the rim before going in..it's just hard to explain..I just don't know how they weren't misses. If you can go back and watch them that would be cool. But Monk ? He just wasn't the same after he went off on Florida and Vandy back to back. At Texas A&M, basically the whole SEC Tournament, and most of the NCAA Tournament.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Yes. Those Aaron Harrison shots..the beautiful three he hit vs. UL in the Sweet 16. That was clutch and beautiful. The other two was two of the ugliest shots I've ever seen in my life. They were simply throw it up at the rim and hope it goes in..thankfully, they went in.

You need glasses. He was set and had perfect form on both shots.

 

[StevieJFTW07]

You need glasses. He was set and had perfect form on both shots.

Well, I don't need glasses but you are right, he was set with perfect form..go back and watch how the shots went in though. And then Jackson for Wisconsin missing his backboard shot by like an inch. It just seemed like UK had some magic working those two games.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Well, I don't need glasses but you are right, he was set with perfect form..but go back and watch how the shots went in. And then Jackson for Wisconsin missing his backboard shot by like an inch. It just seemed like UK had some magic working those two games.

Well, you are contradicting yourself then. If you are set, and have good form, that is the exact opposite of just throwing it at the rim and hope it goes in. What difference does it make it if hits some rim before it falls through? Curry is about the only person I know of that routinely swishes 25-30 footers.

 

[StevieJFTW07]

Well, you are contradicting yourself then. If you are set, and have good form, that is the exact opposite of just throwing it at the rim and hope it goes in. What difference does it make it if hits some rim before it falls through? Curry is about the only person I know of that routinely swishes 25-30 footers.

Exactly. It's called I made a mistake..and I admitted to it. However, the difference is one is more based on skill and the other..not so much. I'll give you that though..a make is a make. It's just big enough of a reason why I don't put Aaron Harrison up there with Monk, Murray, Booker, Young, Ulis, etc etc. and especially Lamb and Delk in terms of shooting.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

You win. That's it. Just win.

Sometimes you can't. It's just too much for a bunch of 18-19 year olds who have to learn how to play basketball by different rules.. And when that happens, we blame them, and we blame recruiting..

We know what the big problem is.

 

[LeonThe Camel]

For the player, it matters very little. He will be here or there for 9 months and then gone.
From a fan perspective, it matters greatly.

 

[JohnnyGentle]

If we miss on Bamba, we're going to struggle to make the tournament.

smoke better shit

 

[LeonThe Camel]

So you go to Texas to win titles?

No. He goes to Texas so he can go to Austin and then be a cowboy.

 

[JC43]

This team may not have the public perceived sure fire lotto pick, I think Richards and Vanderbilt both disagree with you. This maybe the start of Cal taking a mixture of talent OAD,2AD and 4yr players. If we can go 1 season without losing 2or more players, Cal will get number 9

 

[Bungalow Bill]

If Allen going pro made Texas more attractive to Bamba what did Bam staying in the draft do for UK? Had to help us if it helped UT.

 

[kyups01]

His win/loss record sure isn't coming on strong.

 

[Brando Mac]

So wait, he wants to play the 4, but Allen (Texas' 5) leaving helped them?

Both of those things cannot be true.

If he picks Texas, it isn't about playing the 4 and it isn't about winning a national title. It's just about being different.

 

[StevieJFTW07]

One of the dumbest posts I've seen on here. He easily has the #1 recruiting class again this year but he's lost his edge.

I said IF he loses out on Bamba to a half ass Coach/recruiter and a football school. I mean, getting the #1 class is great but Bamba is one of those special special players that losing out on would not only effect next year but possibly years to come. Imagine if Coach Cal had missed on Anthony Davis..you, I, and everybody associated with UK would still be feeling that. I got faith in Coach Cal to pull this off but it's very important and a HUGE deal to hit this one out of the park..make no mistake about it.

 

[lkc1234]

Cry Baby

 

[morgousky]

I think A LOT of UK fans are stressed the hell out and are on edge. First, we see UK get absolutely screwed by ONE official, John Higgins, then the whole John Higgins fiasco afterward, and then our guys going pro one after another (Even a couple that probably shouldn't.), some "inside info" turning out to be wrong info, and then the Diallo thing..and now some ehhh or possibly bad news in terms of recruiting. It's just been more and more to be pissed off about since late March. Yes, you're right..it is an exciting time overall and I agree with everything you just said but there are still little stretches of very important moments that lead to stressful stretches. This off season has been wild so far.

Exactly

 

[TheAnonymous13]

If Allen going pro made Texas more attractive to Bamba what did Bam staying in the draft do for UK? Had to help us if it helped UT.

I'm sure it didn't hurt. The tact Shaka is taking is: The opportunity to be "THE guy in THE class for Texas versus being another guy in another class for Kentucky".

Make no mistake, this is a huge year for Shaka and the direction of his program. It remains to be seen as to whether he can sell Bamba on that being a positive or a negative.

 

[gracetoyou]

I'm sure it didn't hurt. The tact Shaka is taking is: The opportunity to be "THE guy in THE class for Texas versus being another guy in another class for Kentucky".

Make no mistake, this is a huge year for Shaka and the direction of his program. It remains to be seen as to whether he can sell Bamba on that being a positive or a negative.

To who is he just another guy though? Not NBA Scouts. Not UK fans. Not Sports writers and commentators.

I wish these kids would just see it's just a stupid line from a desperate recruiter to a gullible recruit that makes the recruit sound special.

In reality Bamba will be drafted High whether he attends Texas or UK. The question is does he want to play at Texas, we're Coach Smart looks lost & his teams suck & lose a lot. Do you buy the LIE the Allen believed? Namely that he's that one guy that will make them a winning team. We all know it does not work that way in college basketball & Allen found out during an 11-22 season.

Or do you want to come to UK where Coach Cal has proven his track record of winning with young talent?

 

[TheAnonymous13]

To who is he just another guy though? Not NBA Scouts. Not UK fans. Not Sports writers and commentators.

I wish these kids would just see it's just a stupid line from a desperate recruiter to a gullible recruit that makes the recruit sound special.

In reality Bamba will be drafted High whether he attends Texas or UK. The question is does he want to play at Texas, we're Coach Smart looks lost & his teams suck & lose a lot. Do you buy the LIE the Allen believed. Namely that he's that one guy that will make them a winning team. We all know it does not work that way in college basketball & Allen found out during an 11-22 season.

Or do you want to come to UK where Coach Cal has proven his track record of winning with young talent?

Whether valid or not... the point trying to be made is that he would be one of the greatest recruits in Texas history and part of a class that forever changes the direction of the program.
Can the same be said at UK? Of course not. But is that a bad thing? Not in my mind.
But alas, I am not Bamba.

Cal recruits this all the time--- that a kid will be an also-ran at UK, but the greatest thing since sliced bread anywhere else.

 

[Bungalow Bill]

I'm sure it didn't hurt. The tact Shaka is taking is: The opportunity to be "THE guy in THE class for Texas versus being another guy in another class for Kentucky".

Make no mistake, this is a huge year for Shaka and the direction of his program. It remains to be seen as to whether he can sell Bamba on that being a positive or a negative.

I appreciate your response. Bamba would be THE guy in anybody's class including UK's. He's the 2nd rated player in this class. I'm not arguing your info just saying anything Shaka can say Cal can say too, plus we're UK and they're Texas. He might end up there but I really can't think of a good reason other than his relationship with Smart you mentioned.

 

[TheAnonymous13]

I appreciate your response. Bamba would be THE guy in anybody's class including UK's. He's the 2nd rated player in this class. I'm not arguing your info just saying anything Shaka can say Cal can say too, plus we're UK and they're Texas. He might end up there but I really can't think of a good reason other than his relationship with Smart you mentioned.

I still think he ends up at uk.
Cal rarely loses when he is in the game this late. And losing to Texas seems unlikely.
But Shaka is fighting the good fight.
We will see.
I wish I had concrete intel, but even Bamba doesn't know! Lol!

 

[DanHalen88]

Wow.Now Hump leaving might really hurt us.

SKJ is better than Hump, he just never got a chance.[/QUOTE

Actually heard a clip of Willis today saying SKJ has a ton of upside and people could be surprised next fall.

 

[anon_q409idbs5m40a]

No. He goes to Texas so he can go to Austin and then be a cowboy.

Sorry, no Cowboys in Austin but they have about everything else anyone wants, legally or illegally.

 

[anon_q409idbs5m40a]

I still think he ends up at uk.
Cal rarely loses when he is in the game this late. And losing to Texas seems unlikely.
But Shaka is fighting the good fight.
We will see.
I wish I had concrete intel, but even Bamba doesn't know! Lol!

It's very possible that he doesn't want to be under a microscope at Kentucky. Who knows what he's thinking but at UT he'd be playing in front of a 12,000 crowd at best instead of 24,000 at UK. However, this is a critical year for Smart. An article last month stated that fans were wondering if Smart was Charlie Strong 2.0. I'm thinking that he's been promised the Moon to sign with UT.

 

[true blue1]

I've said it before and I will say it again, with recruiting expect the unexpected.

 

[K-Town Kat]

11-22

Texas' record this past season.

Hey. With Bamba they might break .500

 

[kev69]

The defection of Allen has shifted the course a bit with Bamba.
Shaka has always been in the mix bc he has very good relationship w bamba from their time on the U18 team.
But he has been really doing a nice sales/recruiting job to stay involved and has been able to ratchet it up the past two weeks.
Texas is very much in this thing.
A couple of the "experts" may move Texas to leader status. I'm not sure I'd agree, but this could be close to a coin flip right now.
To his credit, bamba not playing this out for attention and is keeping things close to the vest. I think he is very torn.

Smarts a piece of garbage.
He was running his mouth after the election.
Screw this idiot.

 

[true blue1]

11-22

Texas' record this past season.

Hey. With Bamba they might break .500

Please quit, please!

 

[anon_q409idbs5m40a]

Smarts a piece of garbage.
He was running his mouth after the election.
Screw this idiot.

Yep, and there were those on the board that actually thought he'd be a serious candidate for the UK job when Cal leaves.

 

[Mike-D]

Jeez.

 

[willievic]

Any high profile basketball recruit who chooses to attend a football school should have his head examined. IMO.

That depends on how much he will get paid to play for that school.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[Cornered Weasel]

Torn between Texas and UK?My God kid UK is the best way to realize your NBA dream.

Shaka must be showing Bamba his list of guys who he's put in the league.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I'm not sure what is publicly indicated to change expert opinions.
I do know Allen's decision has really helped Shaka's sales pitch.... that Bamba will be the anchor of a transformative recruting class in Texas basketball history.
As it stands, Texas brings in a consensus top-10 class.

That's what every coach with a sucky roster tries to sell a premier recruit on - being the "guy" who changed the trajectory of the program.

It never happens.