This guy is high on Pope's Cats

[un4getables]

The Davis kid from FAU was the first one Pope missed. He was the prized target.
Then there was an Osobor/Onier dilemma (forgive my spelling). After that there was a kid named Lanier. Wasn't Toppin in the mix, too? Cant remember on that one. Popes missed out on quite a few, it happens. You sure do seem angry, tho. Take a break from the screen.

As for being from UL or Ark, no. Im a huge UK fan, born in Lex, but also realize we're not winning every game (especially this year). Have a great day!

Wow... This is what you are talking about... Good gracious.. Hell Lanier was UT all the way ( they were the reason he entered the portal), the fact we made it a race is credit to Pope... Let me ask you this how much of the "misses" were potential asking too much NIL versus they just flat so no way I am playing for that coach at UK? Because the "rumor" was Osobor wanted a stupid amount of NIL to play here .. The FAU kid again rumor was the amount of money does not equate... Now maybe I am full of crap but just like you NO ONE KNOWS since there is no publication of what NIL is being offered / Paid to these athletes.. Therefore its all conjecture.. However, to claim these are the "elite" recruits he missed on is a JOKE... Again please go back to Arkansas, Louisville boards... You are not worth the time and energy

 

[yoshukai]

Ahhh its fun to guess. Its a sports board, we're not setting up your IRA or anything. I promise, i won't hold it to you if youre wrong. How many losses do you predict?

8-12

 

[Lovebaskelball]

Ten teams had a double digit loss record in the final AP Top 25 last year. So unless you are a top 5 team, you are going to have some losses.

 

[know1]

Put me down for 9 losses and that's including postseason.

 

[Louis_Skunt]

Wow... This is what you are talking about... Good gracious.. Hell Lanier was UT all the way ( they were the reason he entered the portal), the fact we made it a race is credit to Pope... Let me ask you this how much of the "misses" were potential asking too much NIL versus they just flat so no way I am playing for that coach at UK? Because the "rumor" was Osobor wanted a stupid amount of NIL to play here .. The FAU kid again rumor was the amount of money does not equate... Now maybe I am full of crap but just like you NO ONE KNOWS since there is no publication of what NIL is being offered / Paid to these athletes.. Therefore its all conjecture.. However, to claim these are the "elite" recruits he missed on is a JOKE... Again please go back to Arkansas, Louisville boards... You are not worth the time and energy

Those are awfully long responses for someone not worth time and energy. lol

You angrily asked me who he missed on, implying he's landed every target, so i told you. Now youre already making excuses why he missed. You're already fully prepped and lubed to give Pope a reacharound and he hasn't even coached a game yet.

I hope he wins every game, but i think many losses are coming. Its not easy throwing a team together without 1 returning player and win with this schedule against seasoned coaches. There should be some great fighting on this board this winter.

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

Put me down for 9 losses and that's including postseason.

9's my number, too, for the entire season

 

[THE_HOOK]

You think this team is a lot more talented than all his BYU teams?? We have mediocre stars from crap teams. Gillispie started with more talent. Its not Popes fault, but t-minus 4 months till this board has meltdowns on losses and people like yourself wake up.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[MrHotDice]

If we beat Duke eatly, uK will not lose 9 gamrd

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

The media lacks basic inductive reasoning skills.

BYU won 23 games last season in a more difficult league than the SEC. They also had lesser talent at 80% of their positions.

Upgrade the positional talent at those four positions, add more depth, and increase the talent level at the only position that was directly transferable (Jaxson Robinson, who's only gotten better), and it's a no brainer that this team will hover around the 23 to 25 win mark. The OOC schedule isn't a murderer's row either. All of this should be good enough for a top 20 ranking.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

You think this team is a lot more talented than all his BYU teams?? We have mediocre stars from crap teams. Gillispie started with more talent. Its not Popes fault, but t-minus 4 months till this board has meltdowns on losses and people like yourself wake up.

Gillispie had one legit frontcourt piece - Patterson. He had a legit backcourt in that first year with Crawford and Bradley, but he had no scorers at small forward or center, especially after Legion left the team and Meeks went down with an injury. They were basically playing 3 on 5 each game from a talent level, with zero depth after January of that 2008 season.

So you think a team consisting of Patterson, Crawford, Bradley, Coury, Jasper, Harris, Stewart, Stevenson, and Porter is better talent-wise than this upcoming team?

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

I'll be honest, i haven't kept up with UL in the offseason and dont know them well enough to make a prediction. They've been so awful that ive lost interest in what they do. They're coach did well at Charleston, but its Charleston. I do recall headlines about UL having a better transfer class. I'm not sure if thats true. But im very happy the game is at Rupp this yr.

I do think UT, Bama, Auburn and Arkansas, will have better teams in the SEC. The fact that Cal took 3 key players, and getting a jump start on Pope, is why i think theyre better at the moment. That game at Rupp will be nuts, i cant wait to be there.

UK is right there with Tennessee and Auburn. Alabama has more talent than us. So does Arkansas (but they also have Calipari, who often manages to screw up a good thing).

I think UK finished 4th in the SEC this season. I'm not buying the Tennessee hype. Lanier is a great player, but he's no Dalton Knecht, and that's what Tennessee will need from him if they're going to finish top 4 in the SEC.

 

[Eight_Banners]

In the transfer portal theyre good. Overall, as a college D-1 player with KY on the chest? I dont know, i dont see it.

This reminds me of the football board. "Theyre going to compete for an SEC title" talk, till about 3 games in.

2023-24:

Koby Brea was the number one three-point shooter in the country: .498%

-That's the entire country. I don't care who you play for, I'd take him over someone who shot 37% at Duke

Amari Williams' PER was 28.5, good for fourth best in the transfer portal, behind only Vladislav Goldin (Michigan), Achor Achor (K. State), and Mikeal Brown-Jones (Ole Miss). Goldin and Achor were top-10 in the nation, Williams right behind

-Just with Brea and Williams you have two great foundation pieces for a good team

Lamont Butler had the fourth-best defensive rating (100.3) in the portal for PGs, behind Dilione (Penn St.), Kadary Richmond (St. John's), and Kylan Boswell (Illinois).

Otega Oweh, who was listed as a Small Forward on some sites and a Guard on others, would have had a defensive rating (98.4) good for 2nd in PGs (behind Dilione), first for SGs and first for SFs. He's a legit defender.

Andrew Carr's offensive rating (127.6) was good for fourth in the transfer portal among SFs, behind Gillis (Duke), Maliq Brown (Duke), and JT Toppin (Tx. Tech). His offensive efficiency was just slightly behind Reed Sheppard (129.4) and Rob Dillingham (129.2).


To me, these are the known studs on this team.

The slightly above average players are:

Jaxson Robinson - I am actually hoping Robinson doesn't become a place where the ball goes to die
Brandon Garrison - He could turn out to be a tremendous player with his physique


The mediocre players are:

Ansley Almonor
Kerr Kriisa - I'm holding out hope on him because of how excited Pope is that he's a Wildcat


The unknowns:

Collin Chandler
Trent Noah
Travis Perry

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

2023-24:

Koby Brea was the number one three-point shooter in the country: .498%

-That's the entire country. I don't care who you play for, I'd take him over someone who shot 37% at Duke

Amari Williams' PER was 28.5, good for fourth best in the transfer portal, behind only Vladislav Goldin (Michigan), Achor Achor (K. State), and Mikeal Brown-Jones (Ole Miss). Goldin and Achor were top-10 in the nation, Williams right behind

-Just with Brea and Williams you have two great foundation pieces for a good team

Lamont Butler had the fourth-best defensive rating (100.3) in the portal for PGs, behind Dilione (Penn St.), Kadary Richmond (St. John's), and Kylan Boswell (Illinois).

Otega Oweh, who was listed as a Small Forward on some sites and a Guard on others, would have had a defensive rating (98.4) good for 2nd in PGs (behind Dilione), first for SGs and first for SFs. He's a legit defender.

Andrew Carr's offensive rating (127.6) was good for fourth in the transfer portal among SFs, behind Gillis (Duke), Maliq Brown (Duke), and JT Toppin (Tx. Tech). His offensive efficiency was just slightly behind Reed Sheppard (129.4) and Rob Dillingham (129.2).


To me, these are the known studs on this team.

The slightly above average players are:

Jaxson Robinson - I am actually hoping Robinson doesn't become a place where the ball goes to die
Brandon Garrison - He could turn out to be a tremendous player with his physique


The mediocre players are:

Ansley Almonor
Kerr Kriisa - I'm holding out hope on him because of how excited Pope is that he's a Wildcat


The unknowns:

Collin Chandler
Trent Noah
Travis Perry

Great post. People forget that Williams averaged 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks/game as a junior. He was a better rebounder per minute than Great Osobor.

 

[Eight_Banners]

Great post. People forget that Williams averaged 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks/game as a junior. He was a better rebounder per minute than Great Osobor.

I would have taken Williams over Osobor, especially considering the asking price for Osobor:

PER:
Williams 28.5 / Osobor 25.5

Offensive Rating:
Williams 109.5 / Osobor 116.5

Defensive Rating:
Williams 92.1 / Osobor 98.4

Over 40 min.:

REB:
Williams 20.7 / Osobor 15.5

BLK:
Williams 4.7 / Osobor 2.5

 

[know1]

People forget that Pope also has a better coaching staff of assistants now than he had at BYU as well.

I think we'll be solidly Top 12 most of the season.

 

[gocatswin]

I think we lose 12 games. And making it to the 2nd weekend in the tourney is 50/50.

Pope did mediocre at BYU, but now with Kentucky on the chest, teams play twice as hard.

This is no Byu but uk we will be great just wait and see

 

[Kybluedude]

2023-24:

Koby Brea was the number one three-point shooter in the country: .498%

-That's the entire country. I don't care who you play for, I'd take him over someone who shot 37% at Duke

Amari Williams' PER was 28.5, good for fourth best in the transfer portal, behind only Vladislav Goldin (Michigan), Achor Achor (K. State), and Mikeal Brown-Jones (Ole Miss). Goldin and Achor were top-10 in the nation, Williams right behind

-Just with Brea and Williams you have two great foundation pieces for a good team

Lamont Butler had the fourth-best defensive rating (100.3) in the portal for PGs, behind Dilione (Penn St.), Kadary Richmond (St. John's), and Kylan Boswell (Illinois).

Otega Oweh, who was listed as a Small Forward on some sites and a Guard on others, would have had a defensive rating (98.4) good for 2nd in PGs (behind Dilione), first for SGs and first for SFs. He's a legit defender.

Andrew Carr's offensive rating (127.6) was good for fourth in the transfer portal among SFs, behind Gillis (Duke), Maliq Brown (Duke), and JT Toppin (Tx. Tech). His offensive efficiency was just slightly behind Reed Sheppard (129.4) and Rob Dillingham (129.2).


To me, these are the known studs on this team.

The slightly above average players are:

Jaxson Robinson - I am actually hoping Robinson doesn't become a place where the ball goes to die
Brandon Garrison - He could turn out to be a tremendous player with his physique


The mediocre players are:

Ansley Almonor
Kerr Kriisa - I'm holding out hope on him because of how excited Pope is that he's a Wildcat


The unknowns:

Collin Chandler
Trent Noah
Travis Perry

You’re under valuing Robinson He’s good.

 

[RunninRichie]

11 losses. We're in the hype stage right now.

 

[bbncal02]

Saw a TikTok where students at BYU were asked which they would choose, war or caffeine (chose war), caffeine or killing a dog (chose killing a dog). They are out there at BYU.

Yeah it’s different for sure. Mormons are just a different bunch. Nothing wrong with it at all and I’ve met several I like and have no issues with them.

It’s the “hot drinks” rule that eliminates coffee, but not hot chocolate. Which if you can figure that one out, be my guest.

But it’s their forth and they usually mind their own business when it comes to it (ie they’re not going to scream at you for drinking coffee yourself).

 

[bbncal02]

You're right. We got everything switched from what we always complained about. Lots of experience and kids that dont have enough talent to be stars.

Cal beat Oats, Pearl, Barnes, and UNC last year. I like Pope, but i dont think we beat all those guys this year. 12 losses is my guess.

Cal had two top 5 draft picks as well and couldn’t beat Oakland.

Th AU win was the best one by far as he actually coached his butt off that game. I know people like to crap on Cal and say he doesn’t know how to but occasionally he can pull one out of his backside.

Oats’s teams are very much live and die by the three. If they’re hot, they’re hard to has. If they’re cold, not so much.

Barnes is a decent coach but he too suffers Cal-it is. He recruits well and gets guys that are great college players. He struggles with adjusting at times and we’ve seen that when we’ve beat them (not saying we fluked out- saying Barnes can be stubborn).

We’ve upgraded the X&O department. The biggest ? Is can Pope get what he wants out of these guys he’s got. I think we will be happy with the upgrade in fundamentals and coaching.

 

[Louis_Skunt]

Damn Louis seems like youre already giving up!
Hate seeing that.
I know you’re trying to be realistic.
I think we have talent and for a change a big chip on our shoulders!

No, i just dont expect a final four. I dont expect to beat Bama, UT twice, i dont think they'll beat Duke or Zaga. I'm a huge fan, Pope seems like such a great guy.
I think the fans have a chip on the shoulder but this is a brand new team thrown together. Pope did the best with what he had, and didnt have much time to do it. How many losses do you predict?

 

[Louis_Skunt]

Cal had two top 5 draft picks as well and couldn’t beat Oakland.

Th AU win was the best one by far as he actually coached his butt off that game. I know people like to crap on Cal and say he doesn’t know how to but occasionally he can pull one out of his backside.

Oats’s teams are very much live and die by the three. If they’re hot, they’re hard to has. If they’re cold, not so much.

Barnes is a decent coach but he too suffers Cal-it is. He recruits well and gets guys that are great college players. He struggles with adjusting at times and we’ve seen that when we’ve beat them (not saying we fluked out- saying Barnes can be stubborn).

We’ve upgraded the X&O department. The biggest ? Is can Pope get what he wants out of these guys he’s got. I think we will be happy with the upgrade in fundamentals and coaching.

Good assessment. I was surprised Cal beat Pearl in Auburn, and i think that was right after we had a bad home loss. What surprised me the most was Cal beating UT on senior day in Knoxville. Vols just owned us in Rupp so i thought a loss was definite. That KU domination a few years in kansas was impressive....he can pull off some amazing wins occasionally, thats why im skeptical on the Ark game this yr. It'll be a blast, regardless.

 

[Louis_Skunt]

2023-24:

Koby Brea was the number one three-point shooter in the country: .498%

-That's the entire country. I don't care who you play for, I'd take him over someone who shot 37% at Duke

Amari Williams' PER was 28.5, good for fourth best in the transfer portal, behind only Vladislav Goldin (Michigan), Achor Achor (K. State), and Mikeal Brown-Jones (Ole Miss). Goldin and Achor were top-10 in the nation, Williams right behind

-Just with Brea and Williams you have two great foundation pieces for a good team

Lamont Butler had the fourth-best defensive rating (100.3) in the portal for PGs, behind Dilione (Penn St.), Kadary Richmond (St. John's), and Kylan Boswell (Illinois).

Otega Oweh, who was listed as a Small Forward on some sites and a Guard on others, would have had a defensive rating (98.4) good for 2nd in PGs (behind Dilione), first for SGs and first for SFs. He's a legit defender.

Andrew Carr's offensive rating (127.6) was good for fourth in the transfer portal among SFs, behind Gillis (Duke), Maliq Brown (Duke), and JT Toppin (Tx. Tech). His offensive efficiency was just slightly behind Reed Sheppard (129.4) and Rob Dillingham (129.2).


To me, these are the known studs on this team.

The slightly above average players are:

Jaxson Robinson - I am actually hoping Robinson doesn't become a place where the ball goes to die
Brandon Garrison - He could turn out to be a tremendous player with his physique


The mediocre players are:

Ansley Almonor
Kerr Kriisa - I'm holding out hope on him because of how excited Pope is that he's a Wildcat


The unknowns:

Collin Chandler
Trent Noah
Travis Perry

Wait, i thought Shep was the best 3 point shooter last year? I dont recall seeing Brea's name up high. My memory isn't great tho.

Great material you have here, thanks for posting. I can see you have very high expectations for this season. Just curious, how many losses do you think they'll have?

 

[Louis_Skunt]

Gillispie had one legit frontcourt piece - Patterson. He had a legit backcourt in that first year with Crawford and Bradley, but he had no scorers at small forward or center, especially after Legion left the team and Meeks went down with an injury. They were basically playing 3 on 5 each game from a talent level, with zero depth after January of that 2008 season.

So you think a team consisting of Patterson, Crawford, Bradley, Coury, Jasper, Harris, Stewart, Stevenson, and Porter is better talent-wise than this upcoming team?

I wish i was confident, but to answer your question...im not sure. Ive seen so many guys that we thought would be studs turn out to be worthless. Clips of our current players aren't THAT impressive. Obviously Robinson can play, but how good at this level, and does he have the ability to carry this group? On paper, they look decent, can any create a shot? Are they quick enough to keep a guard from driving at will? We have a couple of great shooters, but does the opponent play soft defense on the rest begging for them to drive?

Lots of questions that im not feeling good about. I think Pope might have a hair more talent than he's had at BYU, a hair, and he lost a lot of games at BYU when the opponent isn't selling out the arena or retiring a jersey. I hope he does great, love his attitude, but i cant help but consider Popes past performances/seasons.