They made an effort and were rejected. They contacted him initially and were told "Not going to even consider you until I know what Oscar does"--which was about role/minutes. Well apparently he didn't want to wait or didn't like what he heard--but end of day you can't make people come who don't want to come.
The younger guys are going to take OV's and that's fine. That doesn't mean they aren't trying to get other veteran players. But if you can lock in 2 more guys and hopefully a 3rd with Reeves--who I think we'll know if Kentucky keeps him by Monday---then you go after another Vet and things are a lot better than they were going into the weekend.
Understand frustration. I don't care for how Cal/program has approached the portal this year. But in one way it's loyalty to your players who are undecided and you still may get one back (Reeves)--and in another you just have to go get people and if Oscar ended up going elsewhere--so be it. Livingston same thing. But if they landed someone like a Kaluma--I think he's a better fit than Livingston for this year's team-older, more experience and winning experience on teams who have been in NCAA and a step away from Final Four.
Young guys, I'm just looking at it as a coach-I like what I've seen from Burks/Hart. Burks is very intriguing. Specifically with the height added. 6'9+ guys with wing skill sets are not easy to find. He also mentioned he passed on G-League with plan to play in CBB for at least 2 yrs. This would be a John Welch special too. Here's where that hire comes into play. If the player is willing to work, he's someone who can accelerate with an NBA skill guy working with him. He is already on NBA's radar if they wanted him in G-League and he signed with SEC school originally with interest from Missouri and Dennis Gates who I've liked a lot I've seen in his brief time as a HC at Cleveland State and Missouri. Also like his eye for talent at FSU which has gone down the crapper since he left as an Assistant. He was very high on Burks.
Hart being a kid who can shoot the ball but is also someone athletic enough Dawkins figured was good enough to bring into a program heading into the toughest conference in country the past few years (UCF into the Big 12). And he's willing to look at UK and compete and want to be part of the program? Respect it. This is the type of guy like Adou that I like seeing brought into Kentucky and should be every yr or other year. Get a guy who can grow into his role or he surprises and gets on the court. I loved Dom Hawkins-but at no point did I expect to see him on the court in '14 Postseason but there he was--playing a role. We saw what he grew into. Derek Willis grew into a role as well. Mychael Mulder. As fans we need to see more guys like this while also using all other avenues to get players but it's why I'm not down or angry about it.