This Loss is on Cal and being Lottery Crazy

[The_Answer1313]

There's a trade off between starting players that give us the best chance to win now vs starting players that give us the best chance to win in the future.

Cal goes with the latter I feel and that's something that's hard for fans to understand at times.

 

[brianpoe]

I think if you take a poll from boosters and season ticket holders Cal was hired to win Championships for KY not to form a NBA Jr. League. If it's not Ky first he should then go.

You can tell how intelligent a poster you are by those that like your comments...

 

[brianpoe]

Look at it from Cal's point of view. He targets the top prospects and recruits them on the promise that they'll be a top NBA pick after only one year of college. He can't then bench them without going back on his word. He's promised playing time to certain prospects and he has an obligation to fulfill his end of the bargain.

Has nothing to do with preparing for the tournament at all...private posting newby...

 

[Blueaz]

A lot.
Willis has more maturity than the freshmen and should be playing based on his performances when he does get significant minutes. Evidently, if you come to KY to play for Cal and you don't get anointed to be a one-and-done, you might as well leave and go some place where they allow upperclassmen to play. Willis should be playing over Labissiere, Poythress and Briscoe based on their performance today. But Cal will never change. I'm getting sick of watching freshmen play over more talented and experienced players. We're nothing more than an NBA development team, and UK Athletics is sponsoring it. I could care less whether these kids make millions in the NBA or not. I want to see the best product on the floor that we have, and that the best players NOW play, not just the ones with the supposedly best chance of playing in the NBA.

Since your so sick, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out

 

[Bobcat94]

One thing is for certain that after every loss the crazies come out of the wood works lol. We have more crazy fans than any other fan base in the country. I don't know about the rest of you but I don't want to go back to the Tubby and Gillespie days.

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

UK = bigger fan base than most. More room for bad fans.

Tho also more room for good fans as well.

We have a lot of both lol

So a fan who questions anything about the team is a bad fan. Got it.

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

Look at it from Cal's point of view. He targets the top prospects and recruits them on the promise that they'll be a top NBA pick after only one year of college. He can't then bench them without going back on his word. He's promised playing time to certain prospects and he has an obligation to fulfill his end of the bargain.

According to Cal, he doesn't promise playing time or the NBA, and that's why kids prefer coming to UK. So, if we go by that premise than there should be open competition for playing time.

 

[brianpoe]

So a fan who questions anything about the team is a bad fan. Got it.

Or a dumb fan. Most can see that Cal is trying to get the talented young ones plenty of experience in hopes that they get it together by season's end.

 

[brianpoe]

According to Cal, he doesn't promise playing time or the NBA, and that's why kids prefer coming to UK. So, if we go by that premise than there should be open competition for playing time.

A good fan would know Fred is a major troll.

 

[kybassfan]

Yeah, It's a vast Calipari conspiracy. He's just trying to throw the truly basketball savy fans off by winning all those games, final fours and championships and stuff.

I bet aliens are in on it too.

 

[The_Answer1313]

So a fan who questions anything about the team is a bad fan. Got it.

No one said that.

 

[Cousin Vinny]

But this isn't true. Unless he's lying to us he's constantly said that playing time and nba are not discussed when meeting with recruits.

That's not the reason Skal is still playing. Cal realizes this is a kid who hasn't played a lot of basketball recently. It's gonna take some time.

Look ... I love Cal. He's winning, and that's the top priority. I struggled through the Gillispie era and never want to return to those days. Still, I have to agree with Fred on this one.

Cal has top prospects falling into his lap, and you can bet it's not because of his in-game coaching skills. Fortunately for us, he's seen as a conduit to the NBA. If you believe he's not speaking with recruits about their dreams of professional basketball then I have some ocean-front property in Lexington to sell you.

Believe me, I'm fine with what he's doing as long as the W's keep coming in!

 

[brianpoe]

Look ... I love Cal. He's winning, and that's the top priority. I struggled through the Gillispie era and never want to return to those days. Still, I have to agree with Fred on this one.

Cal has top prospects falling into his lap, and you can bet it's not because of his in-game coaching skills. Fortunately for us, he's seen as a conduit to the NBA. If you believe he's not speaking with recruits about their dreams of professional basketball then I have some ocean-front property in Lexington to sell you.

Believe me, I'm fine with what he's doing as long as the W's keep coming in!

Again Fred is a troll. Talking to a kid about playing in the NBA is a far cry from promising him he will start and get guaranteed minutes and shots.

 

[The_Answer1313]

Look ... I love Cal. He's winning, and that's the top priority. I struggled through the Gillispie era and never want to return to those days. Still, I have to agree with Fred on this one.

Cal has top prospects falling into his lap, and you can bet it's not because of his in-game coaching skills. Fortunately for us, he's seen as a conduit to the NBA. If you believe he's not speaking with recruits about their dreams of professional basketball then I have some ocean-front property in Lexington to sell you.

Believe me, I'm fine with what he's doing as long as the W's keep coming in!

He doesn't have to speak with them about it. It's understood.

 

[The_Answer1313]

Again Fred is a troll. Talking to a kid about playing in the NBA is a far cry from promising him he will start and get guaranteed minutes and shots.

Exactly

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

Or a dumb fan. Most can see that Cal is trying to get the talented young ones plenty of experience in hopes that they get it together by season's end.

Some would say a dumb fan sheepishly goes along with anything the team does.

 

[Icecoldbrewdoggy]

And some never get it.
In the end this is an meaningless loss however embarrassing it was.

If the loss Breaks Murray out and he's off to the races, I'll take that loss any day.

 

[LetsHang#9]

The losses really bring out the stupid in our fan base every time

fixed

 

[willievic]

Listen up genius, Cal has won us a title already and not only did he wipe out our longest final four drought in our history, he has had us playing on the last weekend of the tournament four out of 6 seasons. He has won by far the most tournament games in the last 6 years and it's not even close. He's won the most regular season games as well doing it his way. The boosters and whiners can shove it.

Michaeluk, wise up! I'm a booster and the money I, and many boosters give helps with this program.Just ask Billy Clyde what happens when you don't show up for booster meetings.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[willievic]

The best players play. It is pretty simple. UK fans always think they know more than the coach. This is not some newfound stance with Coach Cal, although his amazing recruiting success magnifies the issue. People bitched about Pitino not playing the right guys, Tubby, Coach G (Ok, I'm giving those posters a pass on this one!), etc. After Coach Cal leaves and UK is not as good year in and year out for a while people will bitch about the new coach not playing the right guys AND why isn't he recruiting better? Just like they did with Tubby.

The fact of the matter is, most of the time coaches know more than the dumb***es on this board (including me) about who to play and what buttons to push. Not always, but most of the time. Having said all that, do I wonder a little why Willis can't play at all after scoring in double digits a few games and showing some hustle the last game and doing some good things? No, I do not get that, but I am wondering if there is more to the story than just he "isn't good enough" to get some minuts here and there. We may never know the whole story there, and hence, Cal looks like an ahole to some fans for not playing him.

Ok, blunt talk time: Skal is definitely not playing well right now, but if he does not come around...this team will never be anything anyways so people should just accept that now, today. The team has negative 5 percent of a shot at making the Final Four, much less winning a title, if Skal does not get stuff right. 2015 is almost over and 2016 is coming soon so he has time, but we need him if this team is to improve. Other quick notes...please God someone else help poor Murray out. He can have more games like today, but no one else helped at all really. Poy crapped the bed again and again, Ulis sucked in the clutch, Lee had some bad moments, etc. People always want to blame the one and dones but down the stretch I saw Murray keep UK in the game while Poy, Ulis (veteran players) wilted under the pressure. That does not fit peoples' agendas though who hate Cal and the fact he recruits the best players (as opposed to not doing so, which is clearly what some on here want for whatever bizarre reason), so it is all on the frosh.

Idk who should start at each position but it is time to run this team fully through Murray. He may have some off nights, but he is the ONLY guy who I trust can give us 15-30 points a night if he puts up a lot of shots. Ulis continues to suck at shooting so cannot count on him, so he just needs to set up Murray, which he is good at doing as good PG. The front court...who the hell knows. We have a bunch of WCS show up one night and disappear the next types...is what it is right now. I'm done, 36 hour cooling off period for me until Monday morning. I came on here to see the board and as expected total chaos and stupidity reigns! To those sane ones of you, I wish a happy rest of the weekend and remember it is just a game.[/QUOTE

Willis was hurt! He didn't practice yesterday, and was limping today.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[brianpoe]

Some would say a dumb fan sheepishly goes along with anything the team does.

My team and coach go to FFs almost every year, I guess I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on the 3rd loss in 2 seasons. Lots to improve, no doubt. But you go on how Cal is all of a sudden terrible. That's not dumb...

 

[The_Answer1313]

Lol this team has had tremendous success under Cal.

Why on earth complain or criticize lol

 

[Chairman Meow]

Cal definitely plays his pet "one-and-dones" over more experienced players, particularly talking about Willis. He lets Briscoe throw up bricks and praises him for playing tough. But let Mulder or Willis make one mistake and to the bench they go.
This team pksys better when Willis is in the game, but even if Cal realizes this he refuses to play him.
Cal is not coaching this team to win games for UK, but to make sure his kids get to the NBA.

Darius Miller disagrees with you...

 

[jameslee32]

Haarr Pettina!!!

 

[uk_king_cat2]

Good post OP....

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

My team and coach go to FFs almost every year, I guess I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on the 3rd loss in 2 seasons. Lots to improve, no doubt. But you go on how Cal is all of a sudden terrible. That's not dumb...

Who is going on saying Cal is terrible? You seem to be inferring a lot from what was actually written.

 

[brianpoe]

Who is going on saying Cal is terrible? You seem to be inferring a lot from what was actually written.

You are the one telling all of us what "Cal fails to realize" and how we shouldn't just "go along with anything he does"

You are a genius in your own mind but you look silly to me and others with these responses. Cal has earned plenty of lead way from you experts that crawl out from under your rocks when times get bumpy.

 

[CatDaddy4daWin]

so did some people not get the memo that Willis was injured so he didn't play/ i know he's the guy to cure all ills and alleviate cancer but he was injured so didn't play. Otherwise he would have been playing.

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

You are the one telling all of us what "Cal fails to realize" and how we shouldn't just "go along with anything he does"

You are a genius in your own mind but you look silly to me and others with these responses. Cal has earned plenty of lead way from you experts that crawl out from under your rocks when times get bumpy.

Is this you accepting that I never said Cal was terrible? Just wondering, because I claimed he was terrible.

And no, you should go along with anything anybody does solely based on their position. Grow up.

People are allowed to criticize and give their opinions in every facet of life, include...no especially sports.

Didn't say I was a "genius" or an "expert", and didn't know I had to be to have an opinion on sports.

You want to know what looks silly to me? Adults getting upset and being incapable of having an open discourse about a topic without resorting to insults.

I mean if you had an actual point besides, Cal's the coach and he knows more than you. If not, you'd be the coach. I'm sure you would've offered it by now, but since you do not. I guess I can end this petty back and forth right now.

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

so did some people not get the memo that Willis was injured so he didn't play/ i know he's the guy to cure all ills and alleviate cancer but he was injured so didn't play. Otherwise he would have been playing.

I honestly did not see that story about Derek's injury until way after I made this post.

 

[bananapants]

lol, cats are 8-2 with a young team. this is normal. we are spoiled fans, for sure.

 

[Myth Buster51]

The best team doesn't always win. It happens. We move on. No biggie. It's December.

This team has a lot to learn. They will figure it out

...not looking to start a p%ssing contest, but isn't that the same hollow mantra many on here kept regurgitating during the 2012-2013 season - right up to the epic NIT showdown with Bob Morris?

 

[Yahtzee43]

Cal has had most of his success when he plays "tough love" with the players. They respect him more and sacrifice for the team. But, lately, he has gotten away from that and is coddling the best players too much.

 

[Yahtzee43]

I don't agree that it is "about the players". It needs to be a mutual and symbiotic relationship. But, at the end of the day, I want them playing for the name on the front of the jersey, the university and the fans, and not for themselves.

 

[permdaddy]

I don't agree that it is "about the players". It needs to be a mutual and symbiotic relationship. But, at the end of the day, I want them playing for the name on the front of the jersey, the university and the fans, and not for themselves.

We're not recruiting kids from the mountains whose dreams are to play for UK. We are getting the best high school players on earth that dream of playing in the NBA and taking care of their families. Now that doesn't mean that they don't care or don't love playing for UK it just means they have bigger goals. It's our favorite team that we love and identify with but it's their life. The NBA can change the outlook of all their families future. Most of the time the players drive to be great benefit UK and it's fans greatly.

 

[The_Answer1313]

...not looking to start a p%ssing contest, but isn't that the same hollow mantra many on here kept regurgitating during the 2012-2013 season - right up to the epic NIT showdown with Bob Morris?

Yes in the six seasons that Cal has been here you have pointed out the ONE season we did poorly.

Which is more likely to occur.........a season like that one or a season closer to the other five?

 

[brianpoe]

Is this you accepting that I never said Cal was terrible? Just wondering, because I claimed he was terrible.

And no, you should go along with anything anybody does solely based on their position. Grow up.

People are allowed to criticize and give their opinions in every facet of life, include...no especially sports.

Didn't say I was a "genius" or an "expert", and didn't know I had to be to have an opinion on sports.

You want to know what looks silly to me? Adults getting upset and being incapable of having an open discourse about a topic without resorting to insults.

I mean if you had an actual point besides, Cal's the coach and he knows more than you. If not, you'd be the coach. I'm sure you would've offered it by now, but since you do not. I guess I can end this petty back and forth right now.

You are right and wrong.

You are not a genius or expert. However, you are the only one upset.

Again, your rant was emphatic and began with what "Cal fails to realize" and "hard working players who deserve to play", - who in the hell are you to make such definitive statements.

You have zero basis to make any claims that you realize something more than Cal, you have no idea who works hard or deserves more.

It is all conjecture - you do not present these thoughts as an opinion, but as facts, and then you get pissy when challenged.

I have criticized Cal plenty but never acted as if I knew more than him. Your presentation is more the issue than your opinion.

 

[Blueaz]

...not looking to start a p%ssing contest, but isn't that the same hollow mantra many on here kept regurgitating during the 2012-2013 season - right up to the epic NIT showdown with Bob Morris?

nope...most reasonable fans knew that team had many flaws. thanks for trying.

 

[Peeled Oak Cat]

Cal has been pretty clear that the players come first and I feel like he truly means it. I don't see him ever putting the teams needs over what is best for the kids future. I don't agree with it because I'm a lifelong UK fan, I will always want what's best for the team but Cal isn't a lifelong UK fan. He wants these kids to be great, make a lot of money and will give them every opportunity to do so. It probably hurts the team this year because Skal is going to play no matter what. It's also a big reason that we will be preseason #1 next year and get the recruits every year because they know Cal has got their back. .

Great post. I don't always agree with how Cal divides the most minutes (nor does any other fan on any other team) but it's what gets the kind of talent get year in and year out. I trust that he Cal knows more than me and anyone else on this board.

 

[Jamal Sunburn]

You are right and wrong.

You are not a genius or expert. However, you are the only one upset.

Again, your rant was emphatic and began with what "Cal fails to realize" and "hard working players who deserve to play", - who in the hell are you to make such definitive statements.

You have zero basis to make any claims that you realize something more than Cal, you have no idea who works hard or deserves more.

It is all conjecture - you do not present these thoughts as an opinion, but as facts, and then you get pissy when challenged.

I have criticized Cal plenty but never acted as if I knew more than him. Your presentation is more the issue than your opinion.

I am the only person upset about the loss and how this team has played recently? You sure about that? Or are you convinced me and all the other posters on this board who are expressing critical sentiments are one in the same?

It's easy to see who is working hard by watching the games. You know, the action that occurs while the clock ticks. You see who is working hard by moving their feet on defense, working for position on offense, and fighting for position for rebounds and consequently making an effort to secure the ball on a rebound.

I did not need a press conference for a coach to tell me a players effort is not where it needs to be. Yes, Skal's effort was better than previous games, but that is only because it was previously horrendous.