To everybody looking for a bridge to jump...

[MdWIldcat55]

Forget who is gone. Who is still here?

* Kentucky will have Davion Mintz, a red-shirt senior point guard who started for a high-D-1 team in a better conference top-to-bottom than the SEC and has played (very well) in an NCAA tournament game.

* Kentucky may well have Matt Haarms, a starter on a team that came within a fluke play by Virginia of going to the Final Four in 2019, and who scored 18 points, with 9 rebounds, in an NCAA tournament win over defending champion Villanova.

* Kentucky will have sophomore 5-star Keion Brooks, who looks poised to have a break out year. And Dontaie Allen, a kid who scored like a machine in high school, will be healthy.

* Kentucky might have EJ Montgomery, a 5-star, 6'10'' forward back.

* Kentucky will have two top 5 recruits in Boston and Clarke who are pretty close to can't miss. These are guys rated in the same range as guys like Fox, Monk, Murray, etc.

* Kentucky will have four other very good recruits -- a 5-star point guard in Devin Askew and three other guys in Fletcher, Ware and Jackson who could be contributors as freshmen.

* Hell, if Cal sees a hole in all that, he'll add someone else.

I'm not seeing the reason to panic. That's very possibly a Final Four roster.

 

[YardCat]

Kentucky is Kentucky and we will be ranked every year like we always do, we can what-if it all we want. Thank the guys that were here and cheer on the new guys.

 

[FtWorthCat]

Here is the depth chart as I see it right now. Add Haarms and/or get EJ back, and it has a lot of potential.

PG
Devin Askew - Fr - 6-3/195 - #6CG
Davion Mintz - tSr - 6-3/185 - #26CG - 41.6% fg 34.7% 3pt 72.3% ft 9.7 ppg 3.0 rpg 3.0 apg 1.1 spg

SG
B.J. Boston - Fr - 6-6/175 - #2SG
Cam'Ron Fletcher - Fr - 6-6/180 - #11SF

SF
Terrence Clarke - Fr - 6-7/185 - #1SG
Dontaie Allen - rFr - 6-6/185 - #12SF

PF
Isaiah Jackson - Fr - 6-9/200 - #3PF
Keion Brooks - So - 6-7/195 - #5SF - 47.2% fg 26.3% 3pt 63.0% ft 4.5 ppg 3.2 rpg

C
Lance Ware - Fr - 6-9/215 - #5PF

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Forget who is gone. Who is still here?

* Kentucky will have Davion Mintz, a red-shirt senior point guard who started for a high-D-1 team in a better conference top-to-bottom that the SEC and has played (very well) in an NCAA tournament game.

* Kentucky may well have Matt Haarms, a starter on a team that came within a fluke play by Virginia of going to the Final Four in 2019, and who scored 18 points, with 9 rebounds, in an NCAA tournament win over defending champion Villanova.

* Kentucky will have sophomore 5-star Keion Brooks, who looks poised to have a break out year. And Dontaie Allen, a kid who scored like a machine in high school, will be healthy.

* Kentucky might have EJ Montgomery, a 5-star, 6'10'' forward back.

* Kentucky will have two top 5 recruits in Boston and Clarke who are pretty close to can't miss. These are guys rated in the same range as guys like Fox, Monk, Murray, etc.

* Kentucky will have four other very good recruits -- a 5-star point guard in Devin Askew and three other guys in Fletcher, Ware and Jackson who could be contributors as freshmen.

* Hell, if Cal sees a hole in all that, he'll add someone else.

I'm not seeing the reason to panic. That's very possibly a Final Four roster.

If EJ stays and we add Haarms we could lose 7 players and still be preseason #1 the following year!

You would be talking about 7 five stars and 2 solid grad transfers.

 

[thecatsareback#8]

Edit. Nvm. This is a positivity thread. I do think Kentucky will be a top 5 team next year. Add Harmms and possibly EJ and I would roll with that team against anyone.

 

[Smashcat]

Forget who is gone. Who is still here?

* Kentucky will have Davion Mintz, a red-shirt senior point guard who started for a high-D-1 team in a better conference top-to-bottom that the SEC and has played (very well) in an NCAA tournament game.

* Kentucky may well have Matt Haarms, a starter on a team that came within a fluke play by Virginia of going to the Final Four in 2019, and who scored 18 points, with 9 rebounds, in an NCAA tournament win over defending champion Villanova.

* Kentucky will have sophomore 5-star Keion Brooks, who looks poised to have a break out year. And Dontaie Allen, a kid who scored like a machine in high school, will be healthy.

* Kentucky might have EJ Montgomery, a 5-star, 6'10'' forward back.

* Kentucky will have two top 5 recruits in Boston and Clarke who are pretty close to can't miss. These are guys rated in the same range as guys like Fox, Monk, Murray, etc.

* Kentucky will have four other very good recruits -- a 5-star point guard in Devin Askew and three other guys in Fletcher, Ware and Jackson who could be contributors as freshmen.

* Hell, if Cal sees a hole in all that, he'll add someone else.

I'm not seeing the reason to panic. That's very possibly a Final Four roster.

I like that team. I would love it if EJ tests the waters and is told to come back.

 

[Blueaz]

Our only constant is the fans that will still go crazy at every loss, go ballistic on a certain player throughout the season and ONLY be happy with a NCAAT.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I'd make the argument that Clarke and Boston are in better spots than even the guys like Fox/Monk/Murray.. at least from how much we hear about this recruiting class. Clarke has a chance to go #1 next year. I would give these two the slight edge over the other 3.. but that obviously can change very quickly.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

I'd make the argument that Clarke and Boston are in better spots than even the guys like Fox/Monk/Murray.. at least from how much we hear about this recruiting class. Clarke has a chance to go #1 next year. I would give these two the slight edge over the other 3.. but that obviously can change very quickly.

For our recruits to crack the top 5 they must be #1 and #2 in all honesty.

 

[STL_Cat]

I think you’re being really optimistic, which is fine. But Mintz is a role player here. Which we need. But I think you might be expecting a little much from him.

 

[Big Cat fan]

It's alright if you put in your mind that this program will no longer win another Championship. They may go to a Final 4 or two. But they don't get superstars like you have to once the roster turns over every year.

This team next year will be the same as the last 5 years. 6-15 best team but will lose a bad one against the likes of a K State and AU. Just beat ul and have draft night baby

 

[MdWIldcat55]

It's alright if you put in your mind that this program will no longer win another Championship. They may go to a Final 4 or two. But they don't get superstars like you have to once the roster turns over every year.

This team next year will be the same as the last 5 years. 6-15 best team but will lose a bad one against the likes of a K State and AU. Just beat ul and have draft night baby

If you are "Big Cat Fan" I hope I never meet "Little Whiny Cat Fan."

There is absolutely no reason Kentucky can't win multiple additional championships over the next 5-10 years under Cal. I believe that will happen -- no team is better positioned year after year than Kentucky. Nothing you said is a fact, or even likely. It's just the take of someone who, for whatever pathetic reason, wants to be a constant complainer.

 

[FishersBlue]

If EJ stays and we add Haarms we could lose 7 players and still be preseason #1 the following year!

You would be talking about 7 five stars and 2 solid grad transfers.

I think fans need to quit thinking about "stars" and rankings when it comes to evaluating the Cats. High rankings sound amazing, but it also ignores things like experience, readiness, skill, and mindset. All of which the Cats will be severely lacking OR will be untested.

It's likely the Cats ill improve and get better...they always do under Cal. But compete for a title? We shall see.

 

[Sparkaces1]

I'd make the argument that Clarke and Boston are in better spots than even the guys like Fox/Monk/Murray.. at least from how much we hear about this recruiting class. Clarke has a chance to go #1 next year. I would give these two the slight edge over the other 3.. but that obviously can change very quickly.

I have seen people compare this team to the Zion team minus Zion lol! Basically Barrett and Reddish = Boston & Clarke. The only issue there is while Reddish was a great talent he certainly didn't play to his potential, he didn't even play in the loss to Mich St. I think for this team to max out both guys not only need to be potential top 5 picks but also play like it during the year!

 

[jameslee32]

 

[HerrosHeroes]

I think fans need to quit thinking about "stars" and rankings when it comes to evaluating the Cats. High rankings sound amazing, but it also ignores things like experience, readiness, skill, and mindset. All of which the Cats will be severely lacking OR will be untested.

It's likely the Cats ill improve and get better...they always do under Cal. But compete for a title? We shall see.

Let me ask you this then:
How would you feel about next year if all these guys coming in were 3 star players?

 

[somersetcat]

Forget who is gone. Who is still here?

* Kentucky will have Davion Mintz, a red-shirt senior point guard who started for a high-D-1 team in a better conference top-to-bottom than the SEC and has played (very well) in an NCAA tournament game.

* Kentucky may well have Matt Haarms, a starter on a team that came within a fluke play by Virginia of going to the Final Four in 2019, and who scored 18 points, with 9 rebounds, in an NCAA tournament win over defending champion Villanova.

* Kentucky will have sophomore 5-star Keion Brooks, who looks poised to have a break out year. And Dontaie Allen, a kid who scored like a machine in high school, will be healthy.

* Kentucky might have EJ Montgomery, a 5-star, 6'10'' forward back.

* Kentucky will have two top 5 recruits in Boston and Clarke who are pretty close to can't miss. These are guys rated in the same range as guys like Fox, Monk, Murray, etc.

* Kentucky will have four other very good recruits -- a 5-star point guard in Devin Askew and three other guys in Fletcher, Ware and Jackson who could be contributors as freshmen.

* Hell, if Cal sees a hole in all that, he'll add someone else.

I'm not seeing the reason to panic. That's very possibly a Final Four roster.

What's on paper doesn't always translate into a good team. Probably best not to get your hopes to high.

 

[frettyb]

EJ isn't coming back. Cal has to find a way to add another player next season (after Haarms if they do land him). Can't do this 10 scholarship roster stuff again.

 

[shaudyshaud]

I’m not ready to jump off of the bridge but I can see the reason folks would be concerned considering we haven’t seen the freshman play yet .

To think Juzang and Whitney would be listed as the positives going into this past season . I always temper my expectations on these freshmen.

 

[southvillecat]

If EJ stays and we add Haarms we could lose 7 players and still be preseason #1 the following year!

You would be talking about 7 five stars and 2 solid grad transfers.

You’re somebody enamored by the stars next to their name. We need basketball players not flashy high school dunkers.

 

[BBUK]

Darned if I want to live my day angry or upset, or dejected for that matter. I'm soon to be 59 and look forward to the time going as..................................slowly and joyfully as possible...

 

[Codeblue96]

Could be worse guys. Michigan says hello...

 

[JerseyCat84]

I appreciate your optimism OP. I just don’t see a FF as “very possible” with that roster. Could we make it if the bracket breaks perfectly and we hit some lucky shots? sure.

 

[JerseyCat84]

Our only constant is the fans that will still go crazy at every loss, go ballistic on a certain player throughout the season and ONLY be happy with a NCAAT.

Why would you be happy without a NCAAT? You’d be happy with an NIT?

 

[K_TIME]

1. If we get EJ back, add Haarm, pretty good team but probably not elite (i.e. top 5-ish team).
2. If we don't get EJ back and just add Haarm....solid team but not very good (i.e. 3-4 seed-ish team in NCAA).

None of this assumes we get Banchero who nothing has been mentioned in a while of him re-class and to UK. We have to hope that Clarke and Boston are as good as rankings and can have impact like a Jamal Murray and/or Monk on the wings and EJ (if he comes back) can give us a poor man's PJ kind of production. All of those are best case scenarios and not overly likely IMO.

 

[TJ-Cat]

I think the OP is right about a lot of things. Cal will probably have the team playing well by the end of next season. However, I believe what causes the angst among the fan base is the growing pains we have to endure every year. Kentucky seems to drop games they should not early in the season, they can't seem to blow teams out anymore and are always clawing and fighting for a higher seed in February and March, instead of having a 1 or 2 seed already locked in. Plus, this roster turnover is taking a toll on win totals. Kansas has actually gained ground (2 games I believe) since the '09-'10 season. I am a Cal fan and want him to stay for a long time, I just hope some things change and we can get some continuity from season to season.

 

[CB3UK]

Championship teams are built through trench warfare together. Over multiple seasons. Not with star ratings and plugging holes.

 

[kl40504]

I think you’re being really optimistic, which is fine. But Mintz is a role player here. Which we need. But I think you might be expecting a little much from him.

I think Mintz will be just what we needed.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

You’re somebody enamored by the stars next to their name. We need basketball players not flashy high school dunkers.

So you think you cant be a “basketball” player and be a 5 star recruit?

 

[kl40504]

Championship teams are built through trench warfare together. Over multiple seasons. Not with star ratings and plugging holes.

So what are you saying? Kentucky just needs to hang it up this season. You have already decided there is no chance for a final four. You need to tell Cal so he doesn't waste his time with this team.

 

[MdWIldcat55]

I think you’re being really optimistic, which is fine. But Mintz is a role player here. Which we need. But I think you might be expecting a little much from him.

I played college basketball on a full scholarship at a D-1 school many moons ago. But even though it has been a while, I picked up a little about the game. I went on YouTube and watched Creighton games -- not Mintz highlight games, just games against high level teams.

You can relax your normal cautious pessimism. Mintz can play for Kentucky. If Askew isn't ready, he can start.

 

[kl40504]

What's on paper doesn't always translate into a good team. Probably best not to get your hopes to high.

Maybe it best not to get your hopes too low?

 

[Blueaz]

Why would you be happy without a NCAAT? You’d be happy with an NIT?

NCAAT
the T is for TITLE...not tournament
i can see the confusion

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

Matt Haarms wasnt even the starter on a Purdue team that just went .500

people are over hyping him already and we havent even landed him...

 

[JFCats22]

Matt Haarms wasnt even the starter on a Purdue team that just went .500

people are over hyping him already and we havent even landed him...

And Mintz wasn't going to be a starter at Creighton which is why he left. Yet, somehow these two guys are going to be the saviors that lead next year's team to #9....it's nonsense.

 

[Crankdatmustard]

And just like every year at this Cal figures it out. Anyone who didn't think he was going to hit the transfer market once the rule is passed isnt paying attention.

 

[coryrusso]

Having concerns about the roster when we only return one player who actually played doesn't make someone a bad fan.

 

[Bigblueamdyou]

Imagine being Michigan

 

[dckala2]

Ooooof

 

[Sparkaces1]

Mintz wasn't going to be the starter before he got hurt? That'll come as a surprise to everyone covering the team: Here's his line from the summer tour in Australia last year:

Summer 2019: Australia Trip
Davion Mintz

• Started all three games in Australia, averaging 13.3 points per game and dishing a team-high 13 assists.

He may have started, but to be fair their star guard didn’t make the trip.