Haven't posted much lately due to various reasons mostly health related, but wanted to congratulate the Wildcats on a season that I may be in minority but felt Cal got the most out of this group which had some limitations. 100% agree with the horrendous draw UK received and the fact that 3 conference champions from Power 5 will have played prior to Elite 8 is laughable considering what the criteria supposedly is based on regarding how to seed teams. Some bullet point things on UK:
1. Derek Willis no show in the last game was why I thought UK lost. Talk about interior play,etc...but Willis was the guy who was key in so many of the games late (OT against A&M in particular) and he was just not invested in this game. Little things--not bumping cutter--game was tied and Bryant flashed and Willis lets him go free and Skal gets over late and it's an "and 1" for IU. The pull up indecisive jumper from corner that hit side of backboard. Know some think Cal was mistaken for playing him less--I thought he got more time then his effort deserved in that game.
2. That said--as of now--he's bigger piece to next year's team than some think because he can provide shooting. Next year's team needs a shooter--and Willis at his best provides that-and at worst the threat of that--so it will open the court for superior guys off the bounce in Fox/Monk. Ulis and Murray were outstanding overall but these guys are superior in getting to the rim/finishing. Bigger, faster, and more athletic.
3. I was critical of Ulis lack of leadership early in season (losses to UCLA and Ohio St). Thought he was pouting a bit and not demanding more and man did he prove to shut people like myself up. Wonderful year and even more impressive--he adjusted and made guys better and tougher-which is not easy to do. This group was a Sweet 16 type of team with some luck can go further but seeing draw--they ended 1 game short of where I thought they'd lose. Winning SEC and SEC Tournament was a great accomplishment and a lot needs to be credited to Tyler Ulis leadership. Here to say if I was going to be critical, have to pay respect and commend him.
4. With way Skal Labissiere gets scrutinized by all--I actually think he's a better fit for next year's team then this one. He was never an Anthony Davis--which so many wanted to make comparison due to size/skill set. Do I think he'll stay? No--but if he did--he's ideal fit to play alongside the class UK is bringing in and would play his more natural position of Stretch 4 and would make more of a defensive difference being a weakside/help defender. Not to mention he'd be getting full offseason workouts to get stronger and first time in 4 years he'd have played 2 full seasons back to back without injury, quirky schedule, etc.....but I fully expect him to depart. If not--he'll be overlooked and held to standard he was this year and would surprise many how he'd be the guy you thought you were getting this year and did in flashes. Think LSU game in Lexington as more the usual then exception.
5. Jamal Murray was as advertised. Not much to say about a guy who put up 700+ pts in 1 year and had to for this group to win. That's a lot of pressure and expectation. Throw in fact that he re-classified and think he was underrated/undervalued nationally by so many media members who were on the "Seniors are Storyline" agenda this year.
6. Isaiah Briscoe is an odd player to evaluate. In many ways he ended up being a 6'3 MKG like player--but difference being--that MKG was 6'8. Briscoe surprised by being a defensive stopper and also for his shooting going haywire to start year. I still attribute it to his conditioning where he got almost too bulky through chest and shoulders and obsessed with being strong/in shape and forget that flexibility and shooting mechanics need to be honed while doing so. I liked how he was shooting later in year and think results showed it. Never think he'll be a point guard and not sure he's a great fit with Fox/Monk coming in. I'd rather have a shooter/wing type with them then a guy who is at his best having ball roaming around. Fox can do just fine with ball finding players and Monk can too--Monk had to score for HS team--he showed in AAU he'd vastly improved his all around game.
7. Interior wise--Marcus Lee is what he is--energy guy who is an athlete and not a basketball player. For every hustle play/lob finish--there is a play where you wonder if he's engaged at practice and understands the game? I could easily see him departing via Graduate Transfer rule. If he stays--he will be same--bench guy who provides a few lobs and some blocks but will stay keep hands at waist when switched up top on a hedge and guy drains a 3 in face, or can't finish over a 5'10 guard when given ball on a mismatch. That's just him. UK has developed far too many kids to blame the staff here--it's on the kid. What does he want from his career?
8. Poythress had a solid career and I always have liked him. Injuries robbed him of being a 1000 pt scorer, and no he didn't develop a consistent jumper/ball handling skills but he did play hard and was as responsible for the '14 run to National Championship Game/Runner up as anyone. His hustle plays helped against Wichita St, Louisville (game I thought he won as much as Harrison's shot) Michigan, Wisconsin, and UConn--where officials robbed him of an "And 1" with a ridiculous and typical charge call. Last year--he was missing piece against Wisconsin--Dekker never goes off on UK if he's playing and you've already got #9 and I know he wasn't great against IU--but he didn't completely disappear--he was screwed by officials again (a common theme in career) and still had a great steal/finish to give UK lead and played hard. Just never was what they wanted him to be--which can happen--but he wasn't a bust/stiff. Great kid too.
9. As for roster next year--the difference in UK's best teams with Cal and the ones who are in need of tweaks and figuring it out is mentality. Ulis/Murray were killers--they carried a group that is inconsistently confident with their personalities and performance. Next year--Fox, Monk, Bam, Gabriel are all alpha personalities who play hard until last second. Sacha Killeya Jones is vastly underrated--he's skilled and has great basketball IQ but underrated athletically. Whomever UK adds to mix--Bolden is guy they zeroed in for post scoring--and he is better athlete then Dakari Johnson--so when you see those comparisons they aren't accurate--Bolden is far more agile/athletic--he's also huge--type UK develops into a great player if pushed. Duke wants him because they promised Giles he'd not have to play 5--UK wants him because they turn kids like that into monsters. Soft touch, good range to FT line area--and finishes strong around rim--will look to rip rim down. All that being said, I think one more player is needed to get them over top--and again I'm an outsider looking in. To me--the difference between '12 team and rest of Cal's great teams is they had knockdown shooters in Lamb/Miller and then Wiltjer's role--where he'd not play a lot but he was open, did his job--which is huge-those shots that take a game from 3 to 6, 5 to 8, etc.....and with athletes around him--his defensive liability was covered up with--which you'll have next year--Gabriel has potential to be best defender Cal has ever had--because he can shot block/rebound and lock down. Fox/Monk are quickest backcourt Cal's had--only they both are 6'4 and can play bigger with their leaping. Bam is a warrior. So what is needed? Get that shooter. Willis can provide some (thinking Miller on '12) but who else do they have?
10. Charles Matthews was a kid I wasn't as high on in his class as most--but could see what UK liked--defensive ability, length, hustle. Thing is--he's got to develop a jumper and be more consistent finishing around rim if he's not going to be a shooter. Does he fit with this group? I don't see it right now. Mulder is a "shooter" but UK needs a "shot maker" not taker. Already addressed Briscoe, and thinking if he were to leave that might force them to get what is needed. Now that player may not be as talented as Briscoe but what Briscoe brought to team can be replaced by the '16 class and what he can't do is needed more imo. Making big shots matters in March and April and can't be playing 4 on 5 late in a tight game which is going to happen.
11. Dominique Hawkins was outstanding last game and in a few I watched this year. Think he's type who will be perfect to be around the FR next year and provides stability and leadership but can increase his role by playing defense/hitting the occasional open shot and being a soundboard for the kids when they have issues transitioning to college--not just on court--but more importantly off court--how to handle media, etc.....
12. Bigs that UK has in Humphries/Wynyard--have me a bit confused in all honesty. Developmental guys if they are patient. I like Humphries more due to skill and youth--but big bodies who can provide fouls are valable too. Just always see them being recruited over in all honesty. So put me down as a wait and see. Fact UK wants Bolden and or another big speaks more to me questioning them as well.
13. Brad Calipari addition should make UK fans happy knowing for 4/5 years Cal will be here--and you don't think he'll want his shining moment as a coach to be with his son part of the team?
1. Derek Willis no show in the last game was why I thought UK lost. Talk about interior play,etc...but Willis was the guy who was key in so many of the games late (OT against A&M in particular) and he was just not invested in this game. Little things--not bumping cutter--game was tied and Bryant flashed and Willis lets him go free and Skal gets over late and it's an "and 1" for IU. The pull up indecisive jumper from corner that hit side of backboard. Know some think Cal was mistaken for playing him less--I thought he got more time then his effort deserved in that game.
2. That said--as of now--he's bigger piece to next year's team than some think because he can provide shooting. Next year's team needs a shooter--and Willis at his best provides that-and at worst the threat of that--so it will open the court for superior guys off the bounce in Fox/Monk. Ulis and Murray were outstanding overall but these guys are superior in getting to the rim/finishing. Bigger, faster, and more athletic.
3. I was critical of Ulis lack of leadership early in season (losses to UCLA and Ohio St). Thought he was pouting a bit and not demanding more and man did he prove to shut people like myself up. Wonderful year and even more impressive--he adjusted and made guys better and tougher-which is not easy to do. This group was a Sweet 16 type of team with some luck can go further but seeing draw--they ended 1 game short of where I thought they'd lose. Winning SEC and SEC Tournament was a great accomplishment and a lot needs to be credited to Tyler Ulis leadership. Here to say if I was going to be critical, have to pay respect and commend him.
4. With way Skal Labissiere gets scrutinized by all--I actually think he's a better fit for next year's team then this one. He was never an Anthony Davis--which so many wanted to make comparison due to size/skill set. Do I think he'll stay? No--but if he did--he's ideal fit to play alongside the class UK is bringing in and would play his more natural position of Stretch 4 and would make more of a defensive difference being a weakside/help defender. Not to mention he'd be getting full offseason workouts to get stronger and first time in 4 years he'd have played 2 full seasons back to back without injury, quirky schedule, etc.....but I fully expect him to depart. If not--he'll be overlooked and held to standard he was this year and would surprise many how he'd be the guy you thought you were getting this year and did in flashes. Think LSU game in Lexington as more the usual then exception.
5. Jamal Murray was as advertised. Not much to say about a guy who put up 700+ pts in 1 year and had to for this group to win. That's a lot of pressure and expectation. Throw in fact that he re-classified and think he was underrated/undervalued nationally by so many media members who were on the "Seniors are Storyline" agenda this year.
6. Isaiah Briscoe is an odd player to evaluate. In many ways he ended up being a 6'3 MKG like player--but difference being--that MKG was 6'8. Briscoe surprised by being a defensive stopper and also for his shooting going haywire to start year. I still attribute it to his conditioning where he got almost too bulky through chest and shoulders and obsessed with being strong/in shape and forget that flexibility and shooting mechanics need to be honed while doing so. I liked how he was shooting later in year and think results showed it. Never think he'll be a point guard and not sure he's a great fit with Fox/Monk coming in. I'd rather have a shooter/wing type with them then a guy who is at his best having ball roaming around. Fox can do just fine with ball finding players and Monk can too--Monk had to score for HS team--he showed in AAU he'd vastly improved his all around game.
7. Interior wise--Marcus Lee is what he is--energy guy who is an athlete and not a basketball player. For every hustle play/lob finish--there is a play where you wonder if he's engaged at practice and understands the game? I could easily see him departing via Graduate Transfer rule. If he stays--he will be same--bench guy who provides a few lobs and some blocks but will stay keep hands at waist when switched up top on a hedge and guy drains a 3 in face, or can't finish over a 5'10 guard when given ball on a mismatch. That's just him. UK has developed far too many kids to blame the staff here--it's on the kid. What does he want from his career?
8. Poythress had a solid career and I always have liked him. Injuries robbed him of being a 1000 pt scorer, and no he didn't develop a consistent jumper/ball handling skills but he did play hard and was as responsible for the '14 run to National Championship Game/Runner up as anyone. His hustle plays helped against Wichita St, Louisville (game I thought he won as much as Harrison's shot) Michigan, Wisconsin, and UConn--where officials robbed him of an "And 1" with a ridiculous and typical charge call. Last year--he was missing piece against Wisconsin--Dekker never goes off on UK if he's playing and you've already got #9 and I know he wasn't great against IU--but he didn't completely disappear--he was screwed by officials again (a common theme in career) and still had a great steal/finish to give UK lead and played hard. Just never was what they wanted him to be--which can happen--but he wasn't a bust/stiff. Great kid too.
9. As for roster next year--the difference in UK's best teams with Cal and the ones who are in need of tweaks and figuring it out is mentality. Ulis/Murray were killers--they carried a group that is inconsistently confident with their personalities and performance. Next year--Fox, Monk, Bam, Gabriel are all alpha personalities who play hard until last second. Sacha Killeya Jones is vastly underrated--he's skilled and has great basketball IQ but underrated athletically. Whomever UK adds to mix--Bolden is guy they zeroed in for post scoring--and he is better athlete then Dakari Johnson--so when you see those comparisons they aren't accurate--Bolden is far more agile/athletic--he's also huge--type UK develops into a great player if pushed. Duke wants him because they promised Giles he'd not have to play 5--UK wants him because they turn kids like that into monsters. Soft touch, good range to FT line area--and finishes strong around rim--will look to rip rim down. All that being said, I think one more player is needed to get them over top--and again I'm an outsider looking in. To me--the difference between '12 team and rest of Cal's great teams is they had knockdown shooters in Lamb/Miller and then Wiltjer's role--where he'd not play a lot but he was open, did his job--which is huge-those shots that take a game from 3 to 6, 5 to 8, etc.....and with athletes around him--his defensive liability was covered up with--which you'll have next year--Gabriel has potential to be best defender Cal has ever had--because he can shot block/rebound and lock down. Fox/Monk are quickest backcourt Cal's had--only they both are 6'4 and can play bigger with their leaping. Bam is a warrior. So what is needed? Get that shooter. Willis can provide some (thinking Miller on '12) but who else do they have?
10. Charles Matthews was a kid I wasn't as high on in his class as most--but could see what UK liked--defensive ability, length, hustle. Thing is--he's got to develop a jumper and be more consistent finishing around rim if he's not going to be a shooter. Does he fit with this group? I don't see it right now. Mulder is a "shooter" but UK needs a "shot maker" not taker. Already addressed Briscoe, and thinking if he were to leave that might force them to get what is needed. Now that player may not be as talented as Briscoe but what Briscoe brought to team can be replaced by the '16 class and what he can't do is needed more imo. Making big shots matters in March and April and can't be playing 4 on 5 late in a tight game which is going to happen.
11. Dominique Hawkins was outstanding last game and in a few I watched this year. Think he's type who will be perfect to be around the FR next year and provides stability and leadership but can increase his role by playing defense/hitting the occasional open shot and being a soundboard for the kids when they have issues transitioning to college--not just on court--but more importantly off court--how to handle media, etc.....
12. Bigs that UK has in Humphries/Wynyard--have me a bit confused in all honesty. Developmental guys if they are patient. I like Humphries more due to skill and youth--but big bodies who can provide fouls are valable too. Just always see them being recruited over in all honesty. So put me down as a wait and see. Fact UK wants Bolden and or another big speaks more to me questioning them as well.
13. Brad Calipari addition should make UK fans happy knowing for 4/5 years Cal will be here--and you don't think he'll want his shining moment as a coach to be with his son part of the team?
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