Thiero

[WilmoreCat]

Anyone else believe were better with him in the lineup than Mitchell ?

Nothing against Mitchell, but he seems to bring a toughness/aggressiveness that we lack.

 

[Fitch44]

Thiero needs to be on the court unless he asks to be subbed out.
He plays his role perfectly and is getting more and more confident picking his spots to attack the basket.
He plays awesome D, goes after every rebound like his life depends on it, and is just a frickin DAWG!!!!

 

[USARMYWILDCAT]

I really believe if he comes back next year and works on his shot. He can be an All American next year.

 

[JonathanW]

I've said since the Kansas game in NOV, Theiro is our "most important player". Not our best player though. Because he brings things that no one else on the team can or does.
But Mitchell is a valuable piece too. So it's not an either/or for me. And they can play together.

But I like Theiro at about 25mpg. Because of how much energy he brings, how much abuse his body takes, he probably needs a bit more rest that most others.

And I don't know about AA for next year. But certainly could be All-SEC. He is an improved jumpshot away from being extremely good.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

He had a couple of drives to the basket during the Auburn game that had me shaking my head (take it stronger rather than that loopy slow motion drive!), but his put-back jams and fast break slam were out of this world!

 

[wkycatfan]

We've played our best basketball with Theiro in the lineup IMO. That includes with Mitchell playing center early on. Theiro gives us something this team desperately needs.

 

[ala_kat2]

I've said since the Kansas game in NOV, Theiro is our "most important player". Not our best player though. Because he brings things that no one else on the team can or does.
But Mitchell is a valuable piece too. So it's not an either/or for me. And they can play together.

But I like Theiro at about 25mpg. Because of how much energy he brings, how much abuse his body takes, he probably needs a bit more rest that most others.

And I don't know about AA for next year. But certainly could be All-SEC. He is an improved jumpshot away from being extremely good.

Agree, and he needs to finish some of those drives to the basket. Learn to use the left hand better and become more savvy when the dunk is not there. We do need him playing and being aggressive on both ends of the floor as he adds a lot of “want to” to the team.

 

[IL Wildcat]

Anyone else believe were better with him in the lineup than Mitchell ?

Nothing against Mitchell, but he seems to bring a toughness/aggressiveness that we lack.

Thiero is stronger than Mitchell on the defensive end but not offensively, at least in my opinion. Mitchell can not only make the 3, he has a good mid-range shot as well. Aside from this, he's also one of our best passers on the team and has an excellent understanding of offense and where the ball needs to go. He can also play the 5 and defend opposing centers as well (as we saw in the early season) which Thiero is not really able to do well.

Thiero is improving, though, and he played a great game at Auburn. We need them both. 👍

 

[uk78]

It's an interesting dynamic. However, too many base decisions on one game. I see a lot of people back on the Cal bandwagon too after beating Auburn. We lose to LSU or Alabama at home and will some jump back?

I like Thiero's physical game. He is the only one that seems willing to mix it up. Even with the blocked drives it causes the opponents defense to have to protect the basket which helps our outside shooters if willing to take the shots. But, a healthy Mitchell is key.

Interesting on lineups to wonder how both would do with Ugo and then Reeves and Reed.

 

[mcwildcats04]

Hope to see plenty of both Mitchell and Adou at the 4. Adou finally looks healthy to me.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

It's an interesting dynamic. However, too many base decisions on one game. I see a lot of people back on the Cal bandwagon too after beating Auburn. We lose to LSU or Alabama at home and will some jump back?

I like Thiero's physical game. He is the only one that seems willing to mix it up. Even with the blocked drives it causes the opponents defense to have to protect the basket which helps our outside shooters if willing to take the shots. But, a healthy Mitchell is key.

Interesting on lineups to wonder how both would do with Ugo and then Reeves and Reed.

Not me. I'll give him credit for AU but unacceptable to have lost to Gonzaga, Florida and uncw at home. Auburn makes up for one of those. He needs to win out regular season to make up for rest.

 

[BC_Wader]

He had a couple of drives to the basket during the Auburn game that had me shaking my head (take it stronger rather than that loopy slow motion drive!), but his put-back jams and fast break slam were out of this world!

I've noticed that. He tries the hesitation dribble. It works. He just looks slower doing it being he's not super fast like Dillingham or DJ. It's working though.

 

[westerncat]

Thiero can really get up above the basket. Played a great game Sat. and needs to start in place of Mitchell at the 4 and them bring Mitchell to spell Thiero for restful minutes.

 

[bucsrule8872]

It will be nice to have all three of Thiero, Onyenso, and Mitchell at the 4-5.

That’s a good rotation with the two Freshmen bigs playing when needed.

 

[catlogic15]

I really believe if he comes back next year and works on his shot. He can be an All American next year.

I’m more concerned that his back issues don’t resurface. Dude goes 100% all the time.

 

[blue cincy]

If mitchell is back then we need to sit Edwards. I do not care where Adou and Tre play but put them with Reeves and DJ to start with UGO. Bring Shep, Dill and Edwards in early. Put edwards in for either Adou / Tre (who ever is starting out slow. If both are playing good and UGO is struggling then Edwards for Ugo and move mitchell down low.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

Theiro starting adds a different pop to the lineup for sure. They still need Mitchell back. Mitchell’s 20-25 mins will help, and a grouping of Mitchell, ugo, and theiro would be good

 

[BigTyrone]

Ugo and Thiero should start r the 4 & 5, play as many minutes as possible, and have Mitchell back up both. No Bradshaw / Z unless there’s foul trouble or injuries.

 

[G-PIP]

Ugo and Thiero should start r the 4 & 5, play as many minutes as possible, and have Mitchell back up both. No Bradshaw / Z unless there’s foul trouble or injuries.

I’m with you on Thiero, Mitchell & Ugonna manning the 4 & 5 positions; with Thiero only playing the 4 and some 3 when necessary (which is basically just those times that Reeves, Sheppard, or Dillingham are not playing the SF spot). But, I’ll have to give you props for being able to come to a decision on how to play those three guys, because I honestly can’t even decide which way I think would be best. If I had to make a decision, I would probably start Mitchell and Ugonna; then bring Thiero in either to replace Mitchell or when Ugonna goes out and Mitchell slides over to the Center spot.

 

[Warf2012]

Thiero maybe the biggest “diamond in the rough” player Cal has ever brought here. He was an unranked afterthought late addition, as a favor because Cal is friends with his dad. He goes from that to a potential stud in 2 years.

Just makes you wonder how many other players would go from overlooked players to SEC starter just by growing 6-10 inches. It turned AD into one of the best in the world from being a kid who only had an offer from Cleveland State. Imagine if Ulis had shot up 6 inches. He’d probably still be in the nba and making Allstar teams.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

He's so crucial in these physical games because he's the only real physical presence we have. He made all the difference vs Auburn. Him corralling the loose ball for a poster dunk was the key play in the game

 

[Wildcats1st]

Anyone else believe were better with him in the lineup than Mitchell ?

Nothing against Mitchell, but he seems to bring a toughness/aggressiveness that we lack.

Mitchell can’t defend like Thiero. Half the time he just lets guys go so he doesn’t foul. Thiero always between his man and the basket and his guy usually gives up the ball because Thiero will battle without fouling. I think Mitchell is the problem defensively. Thiero imo has elevated himself to our best option at the 4. He’s not a bad shooter good offensively, an athletic beast on the boards. He just does too many things no one else can or will. Ugo and Thiero in front court bam defense fixed.guards need to Stop ball watching and stay between their man and the basket on defense. It’s not brain surgery. Play Mitchell and the lane opens up. I think the auburn game looks much different with Mitchell in there playing 35 min. He too offensive minded

 

[Wildcats1st]

Thiero is stronger than Mitchell on the defensive end but not offensively, at least in my opinion. Mitchell can not only make the 3, he has a good mid-range shot as well. Aside from this, he's also one of our best passers on the team and has an excellent understanding of offense and where the ball needs to go. He can also play the 5 and defend opposing centers as well (as we saw in the early season) which Thiero is not really able to do well.

Thiero is improving, though, and he played a great game at Auburn. We need them both. 👍

Defend opposing centers when we give up 90 a game? This is the disconnect with Mitchell. Yeah he can defend but he doesn’t. He’s very light and often will let his man score to save fouls. We don’t need that. We have 15 fouls between him Thiero and edwards. Theiro is a much more balanced player than Mitchell when it comes to both ends. He s a much better defender and his offense is emerging. He’s shooting 36% from 3 and he hits his free throws. I agree we need Mitchell BUT we need him to help play like a 5th year man physical and lay it all on the line every possession. We know that’s what thiero will do and now with ugo going i mean we need Thiero and ugo in there if we are going to win. Mitchell we ll see if he can’t pick it up defensively and sacrifice some fouls

 

[G-PIP]

Mitchell can’t defend like Thiero. Half the time he just lets guys go so he doesn’t foul. Thiero always between his man and the basket and his guy usually gives up the ball because Thiero will battle without fouling. I think Mitchell is the problem defensively. Thiero imo has elevated himself to our best option at the 4. He’s not a bad shooter good offensively, an athletic beast on the boards. He just does too many things no one else can or will. Ugo and Thiero in front court bam defense fixed.guards need to Stop ball watching and stay between their man and the basket on defense. It’s not brain surgery. Play Mitchell and the lane opens up. I think the auburn game looks much different with Mitchell in there playing 35 min. He too offensive minded

Had to like your post because you provide sensible reasons for your opinion. But I just think we don't need to be writing Mitchell off. In fact, I guess where we differ is that I think Mitchell is absolutely crucial to this team's success. I think Thiero and Mitchell - both manning the 4 spot and other times playing together - makes this team significantly better.

 

[jameslee32]

Thiero should be starting over Edwards.

 

[NociHTTP]

Absolutely we are. Mitchell early on could hit the occasional three, but he has motor, no sense of urgency. Thiero wants to dominate on both ends. If Thiero could finish, it would be almost impossible to get Mitchell playing time.

 

[G-PIP]

Thiero should be starting over Edwards.

Clearly. I don't even understand how this is something you should even have to say?

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

Mitchell's biggest value the first half of the season - when it seemed he was an invaluable early season MVP candidate for UK - was his outside shooting and passing from the FT line. He's been atrocious from the perimeter for over a month.

He needs to stop with all of the "too small" BS on the bench/court, too. He was doing it in the first half against Auburn. Would have looked like a complete clown if UK lost that game.

 

[ck-2]

Thiero has all the natural ability to be a great player. He needs to be taught and learn how to draw contact while protecting the ball. He’s too athletic to have his shot blocked at the rim like he does.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Mitchell has been playing hurt for a while. He has been playing too many minutes.

Mitchell will be more effective, like he was to start the season, once he gets 100% healthy AND if Cal doesn’t try to play him 35 minutes a game.

Hopefully we get Mitchell back for the stretch run and can play Mitchell, Thiero, and Onyenso most of the minutes at the 4-5. The Freshmen bigs should only play when those three are in foul trouble or gassed.

 

[kingdom come cat]

Thiero has all the natural ability to be a great player. He needs to be taught and learn how to draw contact while protecting the ball. He’s too athletic to have his shot blocked at the rim like he does.

I was just thinking the same thing, just hold the ball a little longer and draw the foul. If Thiero could get the three ball thing going the skys the limit for him.

 

[WildcatNC]

Early season Mitchell is one of our most important players. February Mitchell is a liability.

Depends on which one we get going forward.

 

[treyforuk]

Thiero is stronger than Mitchell on the defensive end but not offensively, at least in my opinion. Mitchell can not only make the 3, he has a good mid-range shot as well. Aside from this, he's also one of our best passers on the team and has an excellent understanding of offense and where the ball needs to go. He can also play the 5 and defend opposing centers as well (as we saw in the early season) which Thiero is not really able to do well.

Thiero is improving, though, and he played a great game at Auburn. We need them both. 👍

I think Thiero needs to shoot more threes. 40% is right up there with the leaders. How many times has he been wide open and turned them down?
I would rather he shoot them than Wagner or Edwards.

 

[UKalldayfromVA]

On a definite Darius Miller trajectory!

 

[Ripcord65]

Anyone else believe were better with him in the lineup than Mitchell ?

Nothing against Mitchell, but he seems to bring a toughness/aggressiveness that we lack.

No ... but I sure think we're better with Thiero in the lineup than Edwards !

 

[Stonewall12]

Anyone else believe were better with him in the lineup than Mitchell ?

Nothing against Mitchell, but he seems to bring a toughness/aggressiveness that we lack.

If Mitchell is not hitting 3’s with that pick n pop… then yes put Thiero in. He is tough and rebounds well. Drives to the basket. But the best thing he tries to dunk on you every time.

 

[caneintally]

It's an interesting dynamic. However, too many base decisions on one game. I see a lot of people back on the Cal bandwagon too after beating Auburn. We lose to LSU or Alabama at home and will some jump back?

I like Thiero's physical game. He is the only one that seems willing to mix it up. Even with the blocked drives it causes the opponents defense to have to protect the basket which helps our outside shooters if willing to take the shots. But, a healthy Mitchell is key.

Interesting on lineups to wonder how both would do with Ugo and then Reeves and Reed.

I agree with this 100% but probably not the way you meant it . UK fans reaction to losing to good teams WHILE injured especially missing Wagner a guy who is singular on this team and can't be replaced is asinine . I honestly didn't pay a ton of attention to games like the UT game 2 weeks ago as I knew that wasn't our team really and the results didn't reflect what we were when we were healthy . Ole miss was the first game I went into in 3 weeks saying OK whatever happens good or bad is US . Its been very clear this season when we are healthy or close to it we are a top 5-10 team. A&M and USC I believe are the only healthy losses we have had . ( missing 1 or less players ) . And both those I am good with as I think we learned lessons in those and they were building blocks.

And Thiero and Mitchell are equally important for different reasons and both need to play . Ugo , Thiero and Mitchell and Edwards who has been playing much better on both ends since the UT game should be out 4 main front court guys with Bradshaw spelling Ugo and Mitchell at the 4 and 5 . and Z and Burks used situationally . Thiero will never be an AA but he will be in the 2nd team SEC type level next season I believe and he will make NBA money one day ( I honestly think everyone on our roster will make an NBA check at some point minus Hart ) .

 

[Greatestalltime]

He’s had trouble finishing on moves to the basbket, but I think there’s a good chance he fixes that.

Like others have said he’s extremely important to our success and though Mitchel is as well, Theiro is a better player.

 

[Cold Stout Beer]

Mitchell scares me in a tight game down the stretch from the free throw line, but it would be good to have both healthy and whoever is playing better/has the matchup advantage gets more minutes that night.

 

[zwynn10]

Hope to see plenty of both Mitchell and Adou at the 4. Adou finally looks healthy to me.

Agree but think that both have lingering back injuries (and Mitchell now with a shoulder) that makes me hope that at least one is healthy on any given game day.