Somto visit
- Thread starter Dontworryboutit23
- Start date
Why do you say UKO isn't ready? And don't say "but Ware played ahead of him". We ALL KNOW Cal has his favorites, and Ware was one of them for the past 3 years, always playing more than his talent said he should. In Nov when Oscar was out or limited, Ware and UKO both played more (like around 80min each) and while their scoring was similar, UKO doubled-up Ware rebounding, and had 50% more blocked shots, in about 20% fewer minutes. So UKO out-performed Ware, but Cal still played his favorite some once Oscar returned to full.
As for scoring, rebounding and shot blocking, in 110 total minutes, UKO averaged 10.9-11.5-4.4 per30min. Those last 2 are really good. Oscar's per30min rebounding was 12.2 (14.3 the year before). Only Oscar (twice), Vanderbilt, Cousins and UKO have had per30min rebounding average >10.5.
And his 4.4 in blocked shots ties Davis (4.4) for top, followed by Noel (4.2).
Now I get it that 110 is not a lot of minutes, and most of his minutes came vs mid-majors. But in the 2 games vs P5 schools where he played >3 minutes (Michigan w/ Dickinson, & Bama w/ Bediako), he played a combined 19 minutes with 4 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Those were good (well maybe could use 1 more FG)
Calipari thinking how can I mess this one up.
He was also playing against bad competition. Ugo needs mins but he doesn’t move well and unless he added a lot of muscle isn’t ready for the consistent physicality of the SEC. Kentucky needs somebody else
Cal better get this kid, there’s no way we go through the season with one big man Ugo playing at the five. I’m not fully sold on Ugo yet but Somto is next level.
Branham has been all over this one. Recent history indicates Branham has submitted these right before the player announces so I’d think it could be any day now.
Somto & Kaluma and a shooter
And playing against D1 bad-competition is better than vs OTE or HS guys. Plus I gave the 2 times he played vs good competition, and he did well.
Whereas Cyril is reportedly big and strong but not skilled (yet). I'm not saying he wouldn't have a role. Just that I'll go with the one that has already demonstrated some skill vs D1 competition as the lead.
Or Brown and Kaluma and a shooter.
I would prefer Brown. But I think we are at the point that we can't hold on one in the hopes of getting another (bird-in-hand).
Ugo is going to be good I’m just not sure he is ready, he certainly deserves a chance to prove it. With Cyril he can at the very least protect the rim, rebound, and catch Lobs
Branham just put in a crystal ball for somto to Kentucky he usually only does that when he thinks it’s a lock. I couldn’t see Kentucky getting both somto and brown
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would be nice to see something positive happen
Damn autocorrect switches my stuff every time. I meant to put couldn’t. I can’t see Kentucky having ugo, brown, and somto. They likely have two
His ranking is not typically what gets UK fans excited, so I'm hoping the desperation of the current roster situation doesn't make people think this guy is a top 10, NBA lotto talent ... maybe someday, but at this time, he's still around that top 50 range.
I'd rather have Jordan Brown if it must be 1 of the 2, because he has legit experience and has put up some decent numbers against major opponents.
Agree w/ others that Ugo as our only option is very concerning.
I'd rather have Jordan Brown if it must be 1 of the 2, because he has legit experience and has put up some decent numbers against major opponents.
Agree w/ others that Ugo as our only option is very concerning.
Somto is raw …but he is oozing with potential …plays like Shaq but seems to move quicker and better agility …especially compared to the second half of Shaqs career when he gained to much weight and had power but wasn’t nearly as mobile …also coulda sworn I read he’s only been playing basketball for a short time
It's way more probable that Ugo isn't ready. He goes from playing behind Lance Ware to suddenly being a starter on a team hoping to advance past the first weekend in a six month span? That doesn't bode well. Wishful thinking doesn't often play out in the world of competitive sports. The better question is this: if Ugo was starting for Duke next year, would you be worried about him giving Kentucky problems?
We all know the answer to that question.
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