we need to accept Skal

[bigblue7609]

Not sure why we are so hard on this kid. He is one of our own, he's having a tough time right now but that's when we get behind him and encourage him. We are wanting a Davis or Cousins type player but I think we have a Caley Stein type of player. The media hyped him up way to much, he will come along let's just give him some time

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

He was trying today
I think he will get it eventually.

 

[CatPhight]

I saved the parts that were true. Yer welcome.

Loser in life and a loser in trolling TARD!

 

[kyboy1998]

It's sucks people work so hard and for so long to provide and make a living.

This guy will literally leave after the year. Get drafted on "upside" and make more than 30 years worth of contributions to a retirement account. Be traded after his first contract and disappear from the game soon after.

All because he had a few good AAU tournament games, in which he must have drawn good match ups, and was luckily hidden his last year.

Only in America...wish I was 6' 10".

 

[LmdCat]

Not sure why we are so hard on this kid. He is one of our own, he's having a tough time right now but that's when we get behind him and encourage him. We are wanting a Davis or Cousins type player but I think we have a Caley Stein type of player. The media hyped him up way to much, he will come along let's just give him some time

There is zero reason to be hard on him. He should be used as a stretch 4 facing the basket. Making him play with his back to the basket makes as much sense as Ulis in-bounding the ball in the second half.

 

[CatPhight]

Why it's our little rasslin' buddy! How did Mom like them Christmas sheep the boys at the American Legion sent over?

Boo hoo - is the itty bitty trollin' Tard gonna cry?

 

[ala_kat2]

He may eventually mature and pick up some weight and muscle, but right now he's just too weak. Cal should not recruit a kid that skinny and expect him to play amongst the tall, muscular, talented upperclassmen that opposing teams have.

 

[NoDef]

Skal will be okay. Did a few nice things today. Just doesn't have the body to get away with not knowing how to play right now. He will "get" it and contribute before the season is over.

 

[LmdCat]

It's sucks people work so hard and for so long to provide and make a living.

This guy will literally leave after the year. Get drafted on "upside" and make more than 30 years worth of contributions to a retirement account. Be traded after his first contract and disappear from the game soon after.

All because he had a few good AAU tournament games, in which he must have drawn good match ups, and was luckily hidden his last year.

Only in America...wish I was 6' 10".

You have no idea what you are talking about. Skal is having trouble because he isn't being used appropriately. If this is truly a "player's first team," Skal would be playing in the 4 spot and seeing lots of pick-and-roll action.

 

[CatPhight]

Except that stretch 4's are expected to rebound on more than twice in occasional quarter. Once again, he stood at the top of the key and immediately ran away when Loserville shot the ball. His rep as being weak is spreading. The red crows just reached out and took the ball out of his hands when ever he touched it.

There have only been three Haitians ever in the NBA. Now we know why.

Here troll.

 

[kyboy1998]

You have no idea what you are talking about. Skal is having trouble because he isn't being used appropriately. If this is truly a "player's first team," Skal would be playing in the 4 spot and seeing lots of pick-and-roll action.

You're probably right. His only issue had been standing on the other side of the lane from Poythress.

 

[Chuckinden]

He may eventually mature and pick up some weight and muscle, but right now he's just too weak. Cal should not recruit a kid that skinny and expect him to play amongst the tall, muscular, talented upperclassmen that opposing teams have.

I met a recruit at an exhibition game that I thought was skinnier than Manute Bol and wondered how he was going to fit in with the big boys. He did alright though and now is a star player for the New Orleans Pelicans.

 

[LmdCat]

Except that stretch 4's are expected to rebound on more than twice in occasional quarter. Once again, he stood at the top of the key and immediately ran away when Loserville shot the ball. His rep as being weak is spreading. The red crows just reached out and took the ball out of his hands when ever he touched it.

There have only been three Haitians ever in the NBA. Now we know why.

Before Skal's brain was completely scrambled by trying to do things that he can't do, he was collecting more than a couple of rebounds. As the season has progressed, Skal is playing worse because he isn't happy and he totally confused and out-muscled under the basket.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I saved the parts that were true. Yer welcome.

So, according to you Skal is NOT one of ours and we do NOT need to be behind him? That's your position?

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Before Skal's brain was completely scrambled by trying to do things that he can't do, he was collecting more than a couple of rebounds. As the season has progressed, Skal is playing worse because he isn't happy and he totally confused and out-muscled under the basket.

Too bad Cal winning another one against UL doesn't let you bash him like you want to. Maybe next year.

 

[kyboy1998]

Before Skal's brain was completely scrambled by trying to do things that he can't do, he was collecting more than a couple of rebounds. As the season has progressed, Skal is playing worse because he isn't happy and he totally confused and out-muscled under the basket.

You throw around random terms like "face up and stretch 4" like we have some Kevin Durant and we are playing him wrong. He isn't that good and even if we played a highly skilled tall guy like Durant at the 5 they would still manage to create things and accomplish.

Most of these "Stretch 4s" you speak of can also handle, make decisions with the ball and shoot. Do you trust Skal to do that?

Face it. The kid is tall, runs good and has good measurables but isn't that good and ready for this yet.

 

[.S&C.]

You have no idea what you are talking about. Skal is having trouble because he isn't being used appropriately. If this is truly a "player's first team," Skal would be playing in the 4 spot and seeing lots of pick-and-roll action.

See, this is why it seems like Skal is being bashed, and some might be, but what you just said is crazy. He cannot rebound at 7 feet, he has terrible hands, he's incredibly weak, his defense is the worst of any player on this team, and maybe any recruit I've seen Cal bring in. Pick and pop? He looks awful shooting the ball against real competition. Louisville put his ass to the bench and quick on both ends.

These types of post are exactly why some of us sound like we're bashing. Just say he's got issues to work through or something. Stop bending reality into a pretzel. Skal shows some AAU ability on the offensive end against sisters of the blind and some of you become retarded over it.

I would LOVE to be proven wrong over SL, but I'm going with exactly what he's giving me so far.

 

[BoulderCat]

I'm pulling for him as much as any of us, but I have to be honest. My feeling right now is he is one of the most overrated recruits in UK history. Murray is nearly as bad. Skal looks like a little boy lost among men. I'm nearly as disappointed in Murray who just seems unable to realize he can't drive at will again elite Div 1 defenses. He's a great spot up shooter, but Ulis, Brisco, and Dom need to handle the ball. We're nearly half way through the season. These are not knee jerk reactions.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

See, this is why it seems like Skal is being bashed, and some might be, but what you just said is crazy. He cannot rebound at 7 feet, he has terrible hands, he's incredibly weak, his defense is the worst of any player on this team, and maybe any recruit I've seen Cal bring in. Pick and pop? He looks awful shooting the ball against real competition. Louisville put his ass to the bench and quick on both ends.

These types of post are exactly why some of us sound like we're bashing. Just say he's got issues to work through or something. Stop bending reality into a pretzel. Skal shows some AAU ability on the offensive end against sisters of the blind and some of you become retarded over it.

I would LOVE to be proven wrong over SL, but I'm going with exactly what he's giving me so far.

It's just another avenue for the guy to bash Cal. It's his raison d'etre. I'm just shocked at this development to be honest. After the first few games, I thought Skal was the real deal. He showed touch on a variety of shots and was putting up good numbers. I know it was against poor competition, but that's all we had to go on at the time. Then he just drops off the map. And it started in the Illinois State game, so it wasn't just finally playing a good team. In the last 6 games he's looked awful in all but the EKU game, where he had an ok stat line for a freshman. Still not giving up on him though. We can't afford to.

 

[WallMashKyBall]

There are basketball plays that require skill and finesse - like shooting a 3, shooting free throws in the 80% or a spin move to the basket.. And there are basketball plays that just require focus and grit and effort, like making a chest pass, blocking out your man, grabbing a rebound with two hands. It is so freaking odd, and frustrating, that Skal is better at the former, and totally SUCKS LEMONS at the later.

 

[.S&C.]

It's just another avenue for the guy to bash Cal. It's his raison d'etre. I'm just shocked at this development to be honest. After the first few games, I thought Skal was the real deal. He showed touch on a variety of shots and was putting up good numbers. I know it was against poor competition, but that's all we had to go on at the time. Then he just drops off the map. And it started in the Illinois State game, so it wasn't just finally playing a good team. In the last 6 games he's looked awful in all but the EKU game, where he had an ok stat line for a freshman. Still not giving up on him though. We can't afford to.

Cal is playing Skal the way he needs to be played. I thought Skal was truth for a while as well, but we've just got to let him be what he is now. I support him, but I'm not suprised either. Memphis city kids are notorious for being overrated.

He needs to come off the bench and im suprise it took this long. I wish he'd commit to playing here 2 or 3 years for his future career, but he's had it rough and should probably should just move on if he's able.

Maybe he will read all of his detractors on here and shut us up. That would always be preferred.

 

[CatPhight]

My Mom warms Buttholes and cleans whorehouses. I like it Reversed and backwards...

Your mom warms your anus? No wonder you're a little brothel fan.

 

[63in62]

It looks like he may have more problems than maturity and experience. Hope I am wrong.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

Your mom warms your anus? No wonder you're a little brothel fan.

You both sound like you're in a high school pissing contest.

Be quiet. This board doesn't need that nonsense.

 

[bigbluelou]

Skal will be a solid contributor by tourney time...not AD or Cousins, but pretty respectable. Watch.

 

[CatPhight]

You both sound like you're in a high school pissing contest.

Be quiet. This board doesn't need that nonsense.

So you hear sentences that sound like a squirt? Quiet yourself tinkler.

 

[.S&C.]

You both sound like you're in a high school pissing contest.

Be quiet. This board doesn't need that nonsense.

Found steelers KAYUTSPAW account!

 

[.S&C.]

Skal will be a solid contributor by tourney time...not AD or Cousins, but pretty respectable. Watch.

Noted.

 

[manu1433]

There is zero reason to be hard on him. He should be used as a stretch 4 facing the basket. Making him play with his back to the basket makes as much sense as Ulis in-bounding the ball in the second half.

Stretch 4's can hit 3's. Skal doesn't have that kind of range.

He's also terrible at rebounding and playing defense, but yea, that's evidently Cal's fault too.

 

[.S&C.]

Stretch 4's can hit 3's. Skal doesn't have that kind of range.

He's also terrible at rebounding and playing defense, but yea, that's evidently Cal's fault too.

I thought he was trying to describe kyle wiltjer.

 

[catsfan3523]

Skal will be a solid contributor by tourney time...not AD or Cousins, but pretty respectable. Watch.

I agree. I'm hoping to see Cal start doing some pick and pop for him while he is in the game instead of just straight posting up all the time. Skal has a very good shot from 15 to 18 feet

 

[LmdCat]

Stretch 4's can hit 3's. Skal doesn't have that kind of range.

He's also terrible at rebounding and playing defense, but yea, that's evidently Cal's fault too.

How do you know what his range is since all we ever see is him being forced under the basket? I have never seen so much effort used at trying to turn a thoroughbred into a plow mule. This kid will be the real deal in the NBA no matter what happens here. It is no different than what was done with AD when he was here. No one would have ever known that he could shoot from the basket based on how he was used at UK. However, just because AD was able to adapt doesn't mean that Skal or the next player will be able to. If the coach wants a true low post player, then recruit them. However, don't bring in some kid that is thin as a rail and expect him to be able to play like he weights 250.

 

[LmdCat]

You throw around random terms like "face up and stretch 4" like we have some Kevin Durant and we are playing him wrong. He isn't that good and even if we played a highly skilled tall guy like Durant at the 5 they would still manage to create things and accomplish.

Most of these "Stretch 4s" you speak of can also handle, make decisions with the ball and shoot. Do you trust Skal to do that?

Face it. The kid is tall, runs good and has good measurables but isn't that good and ready for this yet.

You have no idea what Skal can do. If Durant had been on a team that forced him under the basket like Skal, it would have been ugly. He was lucky enough to be on a team that coach was willing to go against conventional wisdom by playing him in ways that were typically different from how guys his size are typically used. There isn't much you can tell me about Kevin Durant since I live in the area where he grew up playing ball: Boys and Girl's club and AAU ball.

 

[.S&C.]

I agree. I'm hoping to see Cal start doing some pick and pop for him while he is in the game instead of just straight posting up all the time. Skal has a very good shot from 15 to 18 feet

How do you know what his range is since all we ever see is him being forced under the basket? I have never seen so much effort used at trying to turn a thoroughbred into a plow mule. This kid will be the real deal in the NBA no matter what happens here. It is no different than what was done with AD when he was here. No one would have ever known that he could shoot from the basket based on how he was used at UK. However, just because AD was able to adapt doesn't mean that Skal or the next player will be able to. If the coach wants a true low post player, then recruit them. However, don't bring in some kid that is thin as a rail and expect him to be able to play like he weights 250.

There's some mild truth to this but not much. There's no comparison between Skal and AD. good lord, Davis was making game changing defensive plays against teams like unc in December homeslice. We didn't need Davis to shoot those shots, but most of us knew with more time and practice he'd have some range. Maybe you didn't, but don't speak for me on that.

You obviously just aren't watching him play without assigning motives. Off the ball he stands around and gets put where people want him. Cal couldn't even play him today during mildly competitive parts of the game. He would have single handedly cost us the game today if Cal were to play him in those moments.

Maybe he will turn into something, and hopefully he does, but you are going way out on a ledge here.

 

[kyboy1998]

You have no idea what Skal can do. If Durant had been on a team that forced him under the basket like Skal, it would have been ugly. He was lucky enough to be on a team that coach was willing to go against conventional wisdom by playing him in ways that were typically different from how guys his size are typically used. There isn't much you can tell me about Kevin Durant since I live in the area where he grew up playing ball: Boys and Girl's club and AAU ball.

Case closed. You lived where Kevin Durant was playing ball in some random part of a town you were in. You win.

Even using your horrible example of Davis being misused you must have forgotten that Davis, being an elite athlete like you're wanting to make Skal out to be, became the NPOY being played out of position and hand cuffed. Skal isn't special. As I said, he runs well and has combine measurables. It will get him paid, but won't do much for us.

I'm sure Durant could have been fairly effective, even at the 5 against the teams we've played this far.

 

[Dakota25]

I think Skal will be a two or three year player. He will get better and be more of an asset eventually but Lee is better right now.

 

[LmdCat]

There's some mild truth to this but not much. There's no comparison between Skal and AD. good lord, Davis was making game changing defensive plays against teams like unc in December homeslice. We didn't need Davis to shoot those shots, but most of us knew with more time and practice he'd have some range. Maybe you didn't, but don't speak for me on that.

You obviously just aren't watching him play without assigning motives. Off the ball he stands around and gets put where people want him. Cal couldn't even play him today during mildly competitive parts of the game. He would have single handedly cost us the game today if Cal were to play him in those moments.

Maybe he will turn into something, and hopefully he does, but you are going way out on a ledge here.

By the way, AD wasn't playing in a foreign land. He didn't lose everything he had in a killer earthquake. He wasn't separated from everything and everybody that were familiar. Some of these kids can't even tolerate living out of state let alone living out of country. Some of you guys are unbelievable in how you will say almost any thing to defend a 7 or 8 million dollar paid coach while trashing a sensitive kid that has been through hell and continues living through it.

 

[LmdCat]

Case closed. You lived where Kevin Durant was playing ball in some random part of a town you were in. You win.

Even using your horrible example of Davis being misused you must have forgotten that Davis, being an elite athlete like you're wanting to make Skal out to be, became the NPOY being played out of position and hand cuffed. Skal isn't special. As I said, he runs well and has combine measurables. It will get him paid, but won't do much for us.

I'm sure Durant could have been fairly effective, even at the 5 against the teams we've played this far.

How many players like AD are you aware of playing in the NBA? Based on your description of said player, there must be 10s and 10s of them in the league. Players like AD are very rare in any level of basketball.

 

[Brando Mac]

Skal will improve, I believe that, and I also believe that Cal will eventually use him correctly, but right now I think the best thing for the team is to use him in limited situations and play the guys that are more capable of contributing and put us in the best position to win.

Gradually work him in over the course of the season, hope his strength improves, and that he gets more use in a pick and roll game ala Jorts. Sending out good, positive vibes to the young man.

 

[Pulaski Cat Fan]

There is zero reason to be hard on him. He should be used as a stretch 4 facing the basket. Making him play with his back to the basket makes as much sense as Ulis in-bounding the ball in the second half.

I agree completely on Ulis on the inbounds. My dad and I where debating on why in the hell he kept on doing that.