What I've heard over the last week (COACH)...

[UKCATSFREAK]

I love Bamba's upside, but the single biggest item on my wish list is a return of Bam. With Bam, the floor is extremely high. We know at a minimum that he is going to be a rock solid front court player that can defend, rebound, and dunk everything near the rim. Don't get me wrong though, I would love to have both.

Most years, I would say that I agreed completely with having the sophomore but I think Bamba can be an elite talent. I'd literally be happy with either one of them being in the roster next year and I don't think you can go wrong with either. The only reason I would tend to lean towards Bam would be the experience factor that we will be sorely missing next year. If we can get Bam and Johnson, I think it would really help in that department, not to mention having Diallo. Even though Diallo didn't play, he at least won't be brand new to the tournament experience. I've always said that I want Johnson more than I wanted Knox, simply for the experience aspect but with Bam and Bamba, I'd be happy with either.

 

[Supafuzz75]

If Bam came back AND we get Bamba AND Johnson, I will have an anxiety attack sometime between this summer and this fall.

My crop will be in by then,, I'll share some with ya..

 

[JimBR]

I smell Platoon system Part 2.

 

[KyCatFan]

If Bam comes back and we get Bamba you have to think Platoon part two will be in full effect.

PG - Green, Alexander
SG - Diallo, Baker
SF - Vanderbilt, Johnson
PF - Bam, Washington
C - Bamba, Richards

Bench - Gabriel, Jones, Wynyard

This could change if any of the bench players step up.

 

[Rhavicc]

Gabriel is a better shooter. He has very good form compared to Vanderbilt. I don't think Gabriel will be fighting Vanderbilt for minutes anyway if Vanderbilt plays SF.

Form is one thing, results are another. If shooting was as simple as proper mechanics and nothing else, then most pros would be elite shooters. More to it than that.
Wenyen's results are unimpressive, and while his form is solid, he's not a good enough shooter to label as "indefinitely better" than ANYBODY.

 

[turkeywildturkey]

Here is what I've heard over the last week or so...

I'm not predicting the following, but here is my best guess on where things stand on some topics...

1. Knox- Latest buzz has been Duke has been coming strong. I think it's Duke/UNC/UK in that order right now.

2. Bamba- UK until I hear something credible enough to change my mind. Mo really likes Shaka that is why you hear some Texas stuff. Writers take that and run, well Texas is also leaking that.

3. Cam Johnson- Pitt guy is still set for UK. Florida is fall back plan right now. Good player, question if there is room.

The BIG ONE...

4. Big Bam Abedeyo- I've heard by someone close to him, he's coming back to UK unless his stock increases here soon.

Now, this a single source on that end, but a good one. Mom in on board with a second year now, both looking big picture.

What I do know is that people around UK has contacted multiple NBA teams about whether they think he'd be around early 2nd round. Basically looking for a guarantee that he's a first rounder.

If he starts working out for some of the scrub teams, then they're preparing for a 2nd round slot. If he's working out mainly with playoff teams then he's probably in the 20's.

Feedback is right now, is that he's late 1 (probably)... It's a tough call. Mom loves Coach Cal and trusts him. Coach Cal is doing everything possible for Bam to get him a locked 1st round.


^ All this is coming from NBA front office person I'm friends with and has taken a call.

No offense, but I could've told you that Bam's probably coming back unless he's a guaranteed 1st round pick. Most everyone else has predicted Bamba to UK and Knox to UNC or Duke, so the only new prediction is Johnson to UK, and that's not really new. Let's hope you're right on all counts.

 

[Crankdatmustard]

If we get Bam back and Bamba doesn't pick Duke that is also a win.

 

[Bobcat94]

If Bam comes back and we get Bamba you have to think Platoon part two will be in full effect.

PG - Green, Alexander
SG - Diallo, Baker
SF - Vanderbilt, Johnson
PF - Bam, Washington
C - Bamba, Richards

Bench - Gabriel, Jones, Wynyard

This could change if any of the bench players step up.

I don't see no way that lineup happens but if it does it is by far the most deep and balanced team Calipari has ever had. The year we platooned it was a unbalanced lineup with more Bigs and no definite SF type players. We would be strong with a good backup at every position. That team would kill teams once they got acclimated to college ball.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

PG: Green / Vanderbilt
SG: Diallo / Vanderbilt
SF: Washington / Gabriel
PF: BAM / SKJ
C: Bamba / Richards

Baker, Alexandria are a few years away from this level.

says the guy who goes by stars and stars alone

 

[Sparkaces1]

Form is one thing, results are another. If shooting was as simple as proper mechanics and nothing else, then most pros would be elite shooters. More to it than that.
Wenyen's results are unimpressive, and while his form is solid, he's not a good enough shooter to label as "indefinitely better" than ANYBODY.

Not sure most pros have great mechanics, but my point is Gabriel is a better shooter than Vanderbilt. That is the only thing he is better at though.

 

[JohnnyGentle]

bam isn't a 4. especially not in college

elbow jumper should develop, but he is not a face-up player, and uk plays with 4 around 1

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

You can list the names at the positions to make it work, but how does it fit on the court? Our best five guys would be Bamba, Bam, Vanderbilt, Washington, Diallo. Cal likes to play talent over fit, but even the lineup you listed is clunky and lacks any perimeter threat.

I also think Washington playing extended minutes at the 3 negates his best advantages.

It'll be a tough fit, but you ultimately take the talent and figure it out. Maybe Washington comes off the bench and is totally fine with it. Maybe we have an injury. Maybe someone isn't as ready as we expected. Always good to have options.

I'm seeing "Platoon: The Sequel"....and I'm OK with that

 

[Rhavicc]

Not sure most pros have great mechanics, but my point is Gabriel is a better shooter than Vanderbilt. That is the only thing he is better at though.

31.7% from 3
40.5% FG percentage
61.8% free throw percentage

If you're willing to bet on Gabriel being a better shooter than anybody, then be my guest. Not me though. He could have form like Devin Booker, but without results, I still won't bank on him.

 

[Blue Decade]

So Johnson is essentially waiting to make sure Bam leaves.

I don't see why he would do that. They play different positions. Bam is an interior player. Johnson is a perimeter player. I think Johnson is waiting to be sure that Calipari doesn't sign Knox. And if Calipari signs Mark Smith, that means he doesn't think Johnson is coming.

 

[Madcat62]

I find it very hard to believe Bamba aint waiting to see if Bam comes back. Mind you I would much rather have Bam but I just don't see anyway Bamba would play with Bam as he would of committed by now as there is no one else to wait for . It just makes too much sense.

bam has no business being the starting center next year no rim protection if he comes back he should play the 4 bamba and richards at the 5 bam will have to play the 3 or 4 at the next level

 

[Blue Decade]

I'm seeing "Platoon: The Sequel".

I think the platoon system is a possibility, but only if Bamba comes. I am not necessarily confident at this point that Bamba will sign with Kentucky, and it doesn't sound like the OP is either. I respect the OP post, but the key there is his description of Calipari trying to secure a place for Adebayo in the 1st round. I think Adebayo will be seen by some GMs as a legitimate 1st round talent, and I doubt he will be back here next year.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Said this before .. Bam has a tough decision ahead of him, especially with Hump leaving. IF he returns and Bamba does not come then he has to know he will be forced to play a lot of minutes at the 5 and not the 4. Richards, imo, is not ready for even 25 minutes a game at the 5, given his inexperience and his likely proclivity to foul.

Obviously, if he's not first round, Bam should come back anyway, as he will get SOME minutes at the 4. Best case scenario for all involved, is Bamba coming to UK. The fact that Bamba may be waiting on Bam is just another issue for Bam, altho you'd think Cal might know about Bamba. Certainly he has to be telling Bamba that Bam returning affects him in NO way.

Good problems for UK to have but there is that possibility that Cal strikes out on all fronts (other than Johnson). Bam OR Bamba is certainly a MUST HAVE.

 

[Madcat62]

31.7% from 3
40.5% FG percentage
61.8% free throw percentage

If you're willing to bet on Gabriel being a better shooter than anybody, then be my guest. Not me though. He could have form like Devin Booker, but without results, I still won't bank on him.

gabriel looks lost on the court no basketball IQ washington will start ahead of gabriel

 

[Blue Decade]

Said this before .. Bam has a tough decision ahead of him, especially with Hump leaving. IF he returns and Bamba does not come then he has to know he will be forced to play a lot of minutes at the 5 and not the 4. Richards, imo, is not ready for even 25 minutes a game at the 5, given his inexperience and his likely proclivity to foul.

Obviously, if he's not first round, Bam should come back anyway, as he will get SOME minutes at the 4. Best case scenario for all involved, is Bamba coming to UK. The fact that Bamba may be waiting on Bam is just another issue for Bam, altho you'd think Cal might know about Bamba. Certainly he has to be telling Bamba that Bam returning affects him in NO way.

Good problems for UK to have but there is that possibility that Cal strikes out on all fronts (other than Johnson). Bam OR Bamba is certainly a MUST HAVE.

I have seen a lot of speculation on this board about Bamba and Adebayo both being 4s here next year. Some think Adebayo will come back and play 4 while Bamba plays 5. Others say Bamba will play 4 while Richards plays 5. My guess is that all if this will be proven wrong. I think many here are overconfident about signing Bamba. We might get him, but I think it's 50-50 at best. I doubt Adebayo comes back. Adebayo is a legitimate back half of the 1st round talent unless he performs poorly at the draft combine. As an NBA player, Adebayo will have to play 4. But in Calipari's system, Adebayo is a 5 all the way. Same for Bamba, a 5 all the way as a college player. We will not have both of them next year, which could be 1 of the reasons Bamba is delaying his decision. We might not have either of them. If we have Bamba and Richards, both will play 5. Gabriel and Washington will be the 4s. Some say Washington is the best rebounder in the entire national class.

 

[GonzoCat90]

I don't see why he would do that. They play different positions. Bam is an interior player. Johnson is a perimeter player. I think Johnson is waiting to be sure that Calipari doesn't sign Knox. And if Calipari signs Mark Smith, that means he doesn't think Johnson is coming.

Because Johnson won't play over Bamba, Bam, Vanderbilt, Washington, Diallo, Richards, or Green and may not play over Gabriel.

We've seen that Cal will play talent over position. If that means Trey Lyles at the 3 with Willie and Towns, so be it. Johnson isn't going to transfer to be the 9th man, and he isn't going to play over the guys we have. If Bam comes back and Bamba commits, there's just no minutes/shots.

 

[Blue Decade]

Because Johnson won't play over Bamba, Bam, Vanderbilt, Washington, Diallo, Richards, or Green and may not play over Gabriel.

We've seen that Cal will play talent over position. If that means Trey Lyles at the 3 with Willie and Towns, so be it. Johnson isn't going to transfer to be the 9th man, and he isn't going to play over the guys we have. If Bam comes back and Bamba commits, there's just no minutes/shots.

I think Johnson is waiting on Knox's decision. Comparing Johnson to Adebayo, Washington, Richards, Gabriel is irrelevant because they are 4s and 5s while Johnson is a perimeter 2/3 player. Bamba, if he comes at all, is a 5, so Johnson would not be competitor for his time either. Green is strictly a point guard. But if Knox comes, then no room for Johnson. I do not believe Knox is coming, but Johnson might.

 

[caneintally]

If Bam comes back and we get Bamba you have to think Platoon part two will be in full effect.

PG - Green, Alexander
SG - Diallo, Baker
SF - Vanderbilt, Johnson
PF - Bam, Washington
C - Bamba, Richards

Bench - Gabriel, Jones, Wynyard

This could change if any of the bench players step up.

Never ever will happen again. Also Gabriel would be in the top 10 for sure . Platoons hurt his recruiting too much and was used against him. He said he would never do it again for that reason. We will play 10 regardless next season as there is just too many good players not too. I just see no way Bam and Bamba are on the same team but as long as we get either /or we should be the best team in the country.

 

[rgbowlds]

Some of you guys give Gabriel no credit. He was a FRESHMAN last year, in case you all forgot. Give him a chance to have a full offseason with Coach Cal and Co. to get better and then judge his game. I think Gabriel will have a big impact next year with his intensity and effort. Even as a soph he will bring much needed experience and defensive mentality. Just my opinion though

 

[JohnnyGentle]

I think Johnson is waiting on Knox's decision. Comparing Johnson to Adebayo, Washington, Richards, Gabriel is irrelevant because they are 4s and 5s while Johnson is a perimeter 2/3 player.

the entire point of his last post was that cal prioritizes talent over position

one thing to disagree. another to just talk past people

 

[caneintally]

I think Johnson is waiting on Knox's decision. Comparing Johnson to Adebayo, Washington, Richards, Gabriel is irrelevant because they are 4s and 5s while Johnson is a perimeter 2/3 player. Bamba, if he comes at all, is a 5, so Johnson would not be competitor for his time either. Green is strictly a point guard. But if Knox comes, then no room for Johnson. I do not believe Knox is coming, but Johnson might.

Good post and I agree completely.

 

[mj2k10]

Some of you guys give Gabriel no credit. He was a FRESHMAN last year, in case you all forgot. Give him a chance to have a full offseason with Coach Cal and Co. to get better and then judge his game. I think Gabriel will have a big impact next year with his intensity and effort. Even as a soph he will bring much needed experience and defensive mentality. Just my opinion though

Gabriel has potential, but I see him fighting an uphill battle next year. Cal isn't going to platoon, so where does Gabriel play? The eye test just tells me, almost instantly, that Vanderbilt and Washington are way more developed players. That perception could be wrong, but Gabriel didn't exactly set a high bar this past season. And Gabriel is not big and strong enough to be an undersized 5 man, not skilled enough to be a 3. With his lack of ball skills, Gabriel is almost exclusively a stretch 4. He needs to hustle, play D, rebound, and make some spot-up jump shots, because offensively, that's all he has to offer right now.

One thing working in Gabriel's favor is the way his HS career went. He was on no one's radar at all, then made a huge leap before his final season. Maybe he can manage something like that with a year of college under his belt.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Because Johnson won't play over Bamba, Bam, Vanderbilt, Washington, Diallo, Richards, or Green and may not play over Gabriel.

We've seen that Cal will play talent over position. If that means Trey Lyles at the 3 with Willie and Towns, so be it. Johnson isn't going to transfer to be the 9th man, and he isn't going to play over the guys we have. If Bam comes back and Bamba commits, there's just no minutes/shots.

UK had no 3 in 2014-2015. That was its one issue.

 

[KMKAT]

1- First of all, I make Johnson a priority, and keep him away from Florida. He could end up fighting Diallo for most minutes at the 2 based on experience and if Cal wants to win a tough game early on. Solid backcourt depth then.

2- If Cal can reel in Bamba, does he tell Bam he has to go and take the Skal route? Isn't it incredible that he isn't rated higher than Skal after a year of play? With Bamba, whew, would we be something?

3 - Is it realistic to think we can get Knox? I heard Cal is visiting today, so unless Cal convinces him today, does Knox take a chance on UNC with their problems? I see Mizzou as a solid no way based on where Knox could go. I think Knox to UNC, and since I saw Vanderbilt play, I like what we have to fight for minutes with Gabriel.

4 - Has K taught Capel the best way to a recruits' emotions is to cry in front of them together? Has that worked since Patterson turned them down?

 

[FFWhite]

Vanderbilt and Washington are way ahead of Gabriel in skill level and basketball IQ

 

[YaySports]

bam isn't a 4. especially not in college

elbow jumper should develop, but he is not a face-up player, and uk plays with 4 around 1

Bam played mostly on the perimeter in high school. His face up game is better than youd think.

 

[Dablueman]

I love you guys but you guys forget who are coach is. Mr I don't really have a 4 and a 5 but two bigs. No way Bamba comes in not knowing his job defensively will be to protect the rim. It should be no problem at all to sell Bamba on I will rotate you and Bam around so teams can see your versatility. Remember Bamba your my Anthony Davis he wasnt locked into being a 5 in the pros just cause that is what he mostly played with us. The key will be to get u drafted high maybe number one and we will prepare you just like we did Anthony davis. Cal knows the lingo positionless the words 4 and 5 are all our words. How offer do u hear Cal use them. The only thing that matters here is that u get on the court. Bamba is really smart. He knows he is going to play here. He is buds with Green and Diallo. Adding Bam can be sold easily to as it will make us the odd on favorite to win it all and that means more publicity for Bamba as well.

 

[Dablueman]

I smell Platoon system Part 2.

I can see this just don't call it platoon. Only reason Cal really doesn't want it called that was because of the negative recruiting. However he now has an unbelievable counter to that with 2 bonafide NBA superstars in Booker and Towns a guy who may take the next step up player rankings on WCS. Lyle's having dominated summer league just waiting his turn and Tyler on the verge of being pretty solid player all he has to say is how did it hurt them?

 

[Stonewall12]

Thanks coach

 

[Aike]

Just isn't natural to him, at least not at the moment. It doesn't help a ton that he's "only" 6'10, which limits him as an elite shot blocker, and his 7'1.5" wingspan is ever-so-slightly above average for a power forward, below average for a center. That's partly why he needs to come back, needs to show he can play as a 4. Needs to show more skill overall, and needs to have a full season as a dominant rebounder, rather than the last 12-13 games or so.
If he can extend his range to a corner 3, rebound at a very high level, run the floor well, and be a versatile perimeter defender, and a stout post-defender that doesn't give up position or foul a lot, he'll be a high lottery pick. He has the ability to do these things, just needs to do them with consistency, and thanks to Richards (possibly Bamba too), he'll get to display that. He won't be forced to play a position that he shouldn't be at anymore.

One thing I've noticed about Bam is that he's a better leaper when he's able to gather himself. He doesn't have that quick twitch native to elite rim protectors.

What he can do is carve out space and use his brute force to snag rebounds. He got better at that as the year went by.

He's a much more impressive jumper when he has a head of steam, like when he's coming off a PnR.

 

[jof2]

Alexander will play next year and he will be our back up PG. The kid is very talented.

This is the truth!

 

[kyjeff1]

Much appreciated. I would love to see a Bam & Bamba frontcourt. That would be incredible.

Is it wrong that I'm sporting some serious wood after reading your post?
Cause I am.
I'm not gay, but a big strong frontcourt kinda gets the motor going and that would be an incredible front court.

 

[EclipsingYou]

Other than your surprising (Thought he was 100% gone), news concerning Bam, after hours of reading any article with any mention of a possible recruit & speaking with a couple of my less than stellar personal "insiders" (My family has always been in the steel trade while being hardcore UK fans. One relative is in LA & another is in Pitt). Your comments line up with everything I am hearing.

Bamba is strong to UK.

Cameron Johnson is strong to Kentucky with our lack of experience and plenty of time at the 3 for him to shine from day 1. FR like Vanderbilt are great players, but I can't see Cam not starting at the 3, to which most everyone strongly disagrees with.

Johnson waiting has little to do with Bam. Bamba doesn't see himself playing next to Bam next season, for whatever opinion, if you were to ask me.

I believe Cam and Bamba are at the top of the board and they will both be at UK.

Players like Mark Smith might commit on the spot, but I think Cal feels too good about Cam to bring Smith aboard. Even though, I still think Smith could get over 12 ppg while backing up the 2 and playing the 3 against teams starting 3 6'3" guards. Whoever ends up with Smith will be very happy.

Glad to see someone as respected as you agrees with my insights, but the Bam with Bamba thing just seems impossible.

I doubt you get far enough in this thread to see this, but do you really think that Green, Diallo, Cam, Bam, Bamba with Vanderbilt, SGA, Baker, WG, Washington, Richards, SKJ, and Tai is a realistic option? Are you talking a 5% chance or 50%, in your best guess?

Even if Bam declares and we finish with Bamba and Cam, I'm going to be so damn excited to see UK next season. The most talented team, ridiculous talent at every position, and all along with an otherwise down year for college hoops in general. It couldn't have worked out any better...

Give me Bamba and Cam and Bam is just a luxury on our romp to #9 and I have NEVER been the type of fan on this board to make outlandish pre-season predictions.

I just love the buildup of next year's roster so freaking much that I can't see a weakness other than experience.

All in my completely worthless opinion as always.

 

[kyjeff1]

No doubt he grabbed a rebound and took it the other end at times, definitley capable of that. Not sure I ever remember us taking the ball out of bounds to him and he walk it up.

Ah come on BP, TJ was a press wrecker. He was our go to guy against Press Virginia in that second half comeback.

 

[Rogocop]

Florida just landed Egor Koulechov today, so they may not have room for Johnson and Egor gives them outside shooting they need.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Concerning Johnson, I took it as he was waiting to see if there is a spot for him. Right now that spot has been offered to Knox (and Cal has been recruiting him much longer). Once Knox decides, then Johnson will know whether he has a spot open for him.

Smith is the third option, I would think.

As for Bam and Bamba, I really want both and if Cal wants both, he will sell them on "positionless ball." Hopefully, he convinces them that they can co-exist.

If we get all three, I think Cal will play a 9-man rotation (like this past year): Bam, Gabriel, Diallo, Johnson, Bamba, Green, Vanderbilt, Washington, and Richards. I think Bam, Diallo, Bamba, and Green will be on the floor as much as possible. The other five will fight for minutes.