that Cal implemented last season be hurting his current recruiting? We really don't have a clue what these teenagers are thinking. Could at least a couple of the current crop of recruits be shying away from signing because of the fear they might be platooned? Would Cal have landed his entire 2014 class if he had told them prior to signing that some of their minutes might be cut dramatically. Would AD and MKG had of signed knowing that their minutes might be cut playing in a platoon system? I could be off here but something seems definitely wrong. At least I feel it is worth a discussion.
Try to think a little open minded here, but could the platoon system
- Thread starter louisvilleblue
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I have no doubt that it has had an impact. And I'd still want him to have done it, because when Poy was healthy it was best for everyone. But you'd have be incredibly naive to think that opposing coaches aren't negatively recruiting the hell out of us because of it. Cal has been out in public LOUDLY proclaiming that the platooning won't happen again. There's a reason he's so vocal about it.
It shouldn't though. If Diallo and Newman were to both come here then Willis and Hawkins aren't going to get much more playing time than last year. UK would still run with a mainly 8 man rotation(Ulis, Briscoe, Matthews, Newman, Diallo, Lee, Labissiere, Poythress). That's not enough for a platoon. It was out of necessity last year.
With Skal and Diallo you also have two guys who would already be better offensive threats than Lee. If Lee doesn't show some improvement offensively and defensively that rotation might dwindle down to 7.
With Skal and Diallo you also have two guys who would already be better offensive threats than Lee. If Lee doesn't show some improvement offensively and defensively that rotation might dwindle down to 7.
Who did it hurt us with? Swanigan was always expected to go to MSU. Bryant said he hadn't heard from UK for a long time. Zimmerman also turned down powers UNC, KU, UCLA and Zona, which didn't platoon, to stay home. Bragg was an Adidas guy. Brown said early on his family doesn't like UK. Etc, etc.
Its an argument that could be made, another is that it weeds out players who don't buy into the whole "there is no I in team" philosophy which is essential when you're basically starting anew every single year with a plethora of the nation's top recruits.
Think that would the case if UK were still doing it but no matter what, UK will likely be paper thin and young next year
Not necessarily.
Karl was part of that "platoon" and he's likely to be the #1 NBA draft pick. Willie and Trey will both be lotto picks at worst. Devin was part of the "second platoon" and he's a first round lock bordering on lotto. Dakari is late first round in most of the mock drafts I've seen. Davis and MKG showed that sacrificing and not "getting theirs" the way they could've done at other programs doesn't hurt you in terms of national recognition, historical significance, or draft status.
On the flip side, though, the Harrison's stock didn't improve much, if any, but to me Andrew was a MUCH better player this past season than he was as a freshman. He played with so much more confidence, poise, and leadership. He doesn't have blazing speed like the prototypical NBA point guard, but to me I think he should be a late first round pick and at worst a lock to be a second round pick. Aaron is the only one that probably hurt himself with the way he shot the ball from 3 in the regular season, IMO.
The only way that I see "the platoon" hurting UK is if you're a recruit whose main concern is "getting yours" and being "the man" and not playing unselfish team ball with other great players. As for coaches that will use that against UK in recruiting, the smart recruits are going to see right through that and take a measured evaluation of the situation and how they would fit in instead of simply believing the sweet nothings being whispered in their ears as the gospel.
Karl was part of that "platoon" and he's likely to be the #1 NBA draft pick. Willie and Trey will both be lotto picks at worst. Devin was part of the "second platoon" and he's a first round lock bordering on lotto. Dakari is late first round in most of the mock drafts I've seen. Davis and MKG showed that sacrificing and not "getting theirs" the way they could've done at other programs doesn't hurt you in terms of national recognition, historical significance, or draft status.
On the flip side, though, the Harrison's stock didn't improve much, if any, but to me Andrew was a MUCH better player this past season than he was as a freshman. He played with so much more confidence, poise, and leadership. He doesn't have blazing speed like the prototypical NBA point guard, but to me I think he should be a late first round pick and at worst a lock to be a second round pick. Aaron is the only one that probably hurt himself with the way he shot the ball from 3 in the regular season, IMO.
The only way that I see "the platoon" hurting UK is if you're a recruit whose main concern is "getting yours" and being "the man" and not playing unselfish team ball with other great players. As for coaches that will use that against UK in recruiting, the smart recruits are going to see right through that and take a measured evaluation of the situation and how they would fit in instead of simply believing the sweet nothings being whispered in their ears as the gospel.
My question would be, if the NBA is drafting on "potential", wouldn't it be more beneficial to the player if their coach would only play him in certain situations? Meaning, by playing less, the harmful parts of an individual player's game could be masked more easily.
I also realize that most of these high level recruits believe their individual game only needs to be maximized by being "The Man". So it really depends on the player. That's why I will always trust Cal with who we end up signing. If a recruit ends up going elsewhere, UK wasn't the place for them. That's Cal's mantra. It has worked great for UK.
I recall after the 2010 season, Cal stating that he would never put up with the things he did from certain player's entourage again.
I also realize that most of these high level recruits believe their individual game only needs to be maximized by being "The Man". So it really depends on the player. That's why I will always trust Cal with who we end up signing. If a recruit ends up going elsewhere, UK wasn't the place for them. That's Cal's mantra. It has worked great for UK.
I recall after the 2010 season, Cal stating that he would never put up with the things he did from certain player's entourage again.
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No, Cal said he wasn't gonna use the platoon next year, plus I'm sure he's had those conversations w recruits. I'm sure other coaches have tried to use that as a negative for UK, but don't think it hurts. Heck, we currently have 2 top tens and the number 2 class. We'll be ok
I know it worked out with this years players but maybe this was just an extremely rare situation. Cal did not announce the platoon system until after they signed. You never can be sure what their attitude would have been if Cal had included this in the recruiting process. IMHO given the choice the larger percentage of these elite players would say no to the platoon system. Just my opinion.
I know it wasn't a "platoon" but it worked out for Davis and Gilchrist not being "the man" on offense and instead opting to play winning team ball. They still got the individual accolades and went 1-2 in the draft. Coming to UK and playing with other great players is a great way to prepare yourself for playing in the NBA, because the odds say you'll either be a role player or one of 2-3 "star" players on a team.
I think other coaches may have tried to use it against Cal/UK. But I don't think players (or their parents or coaches) are that stupid. All they had to do was watch a game (after the Poythress injury). You saw a 7 player mix, and then 2 guys at around 10 minutes or less. Pretty similar to most other teams.
If a player (or his parents or coaches) think about it, Cal's platoon system showed that Cal will try to fit his playing style around his team/players, rather than trying to force his players into his playing style.
The other think the platoon system revealed (to future players), and Cal kept talking about this so I think it is important to him, is that he wants guys who play "FOR their brothers", that you put the team first, and then your individual goals will follow. I think this is something he learned from the 2013 team, and has since tried to implement in who he recruits (& thus why we won't get Newman).
If a player (or his parents or coaches) think about it, Cal's platoon system showed that Cal will try to fit his playing style around his team/players, rather than trying to force his players into his playing style.
The other think the platoon system revealed (to future players), and Cal kept talking about this so I think it is important to him, is that he wants guys who play "FOR their brothers", that you put the team first, and then your individual goals will follow. I think this is something he learned from the 2013 team, and has since tried to implement in who he recruits (& thus why we won't get Newman).
I don't think kids our picking colleges based on where they could end up getting drafted. Most of these kids believe they are ready for the draft today and would not attend college if they did not have to. Basketball players want to be on the floor playing, not sitting on the bench waiting for the next TV timeout so they can get back in the game for a few minutes. That is not being selfish nor not being a team player. You cant help your team sitting on the bench. Cal did not intend to platoon this last year and it certainly was not a pitch to last years class or this years class but I would venture to guess it has scared off a at least a couple of recruits.
