Why Tai?

[uk78]

Evidently, he is a project considering that he is getting zero playing time and not exactly having stellar superstar players performing ahead of him. So, the only conclusion is that he is not that good. Now, quite frankly, what I saw in that High School all star game didn't exactly impress me with his minimal minutes and that 3 on 3 contest mainly was about dunking the ball.

But..........if he can't make a dent in this roster why was he recruited at all? Cal has another amazing class coming next season with several very highly reviewed front court players. Plus, unlike Skal where he was a mystery man in terms of actual games, these new recruits are demonstrating decent skills on the court.

So, why go after someone you have no idea about or have him sitting on the bench. It seems unfair to the kid too. Can you imagine his excitement when making the trip in December and imagining what was going to happen. I doubt this was his plan. Plus, this is Kentucky where Cal can pretty much land the very best.

Why?

 

[mdlUK.1]

The ONLY conclusion is that he's not that good? How about he's only been with the team for a month and is well behind all the other players?

 

[Bungalow Bill]

Got here a little over a month ago and just had his 18th birthday. He said he came in early to get a head start on the '16 class. Anything he gives us this year would be gravy but he's obviously not ready yet.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

The redshirt issue was always in play. He was at a huge disadvantage coming in mid season. Unless he was really good and caught on really quickly, I don't think he was ever going to play this year. Cal is still teaching fundamentals to the whole team. Adding Tai to the mix may have made that situation even worse. Cal is hoping to get a couple of senior Jorts types out of Hump and Tai. That's what I believe and it would be a good thing. We don't need a team full of nothing but 5* players. Jmo

 

[UK_Is_Good]

It seems unfair to the kid too. Can you imagine his excitement when making the trip in December and imagining what was going to happen. I doubt this was his plan.

Didn't he say before coming here that he was open to redshirting? I can't imagine moving halfway across the world at age 18 and being able to play basketball at a high level right away while adjusting to all of the cultural changes.

 

[Icecoldbrewdoggy]

Evidently, he is a project considering that he is getting zero playing time and not exactly having stellar superstar players performing ahead of him. So, the only conclusion is that he is not that good. Now, quite frankly, what I saw in that High School all star game didn't exactly impress me with his minimal minutes and that 3 on 3 contest mainly was about dunking the ball.

But..........if he can't make a dent in this roster why was he recruited at all? Cal has another amazing class coming next season with several very highly reviewed front court players. Plus, unlike Skal where he was a mystery man in terms of actual games, these new recruits are demonstrating decent skills on the court.

So, why go after someone you have no idea about or have him sitting on the bench. It seems unfair to the kid too. Can you imagine his excitement when making the trip in December and imagining what was going to happen. I doubt this was his plan. Plus, this is Kentucky where Cal can pretty much land the very best.

Why?

Tai, HIMSELF, said it would probably be a good idea to redshirt. Relax.

 

[preacher_tom]

Q&A | UK assistant Robic says Wynyard helping
Kyle Tucker, @KyleTucker_CJ 2:17 p.m. EST January 11, 2016
John Robic
(Photo: James Crisp, AP)
JOHN ROBIC

On how Tai Wynyard has fared so far: “It was a whirlwind for him. Getting here and getting everything done with him the first day so he could travel with us to go to Brooklyn. He hit the ground running. He’s working hard. He’s getting better. He’s getting in better shape. He’s a physical presence. It’s helping us in practice a lot. He’s been able to push our other big guys to a physical limit. He’s done some nice things. He’s trying to pick things up. When you’re three months into when he got here, it’s hard to play catchup but he’s trying.”

On how the coaches balance when to play Wynyard: “I think it’s more when we have a comfort level that he can go in and do the things we need him to do without minimizing what we’re trying to do within the flow of the game. I think there’ll be certain matchups that will be better for him like with Isaac (Humphries) as well. Big, strong physical player. He has made us a better screening team because of what he does. He sets terrific screens. Our players like it because it’s getting them open. That’s been a big point for us lately.”

 

[Smashcat]

Didn't he say before coming here that he was open to redshirting? I can't imagine moving halfway across the world at age 18 and being able to play basketball at a high level right away while adjusting to all of the cultural changes.

Actually indicated he'd rather redshirt.

 

[The_Answer1313]

*sighs

He already indicated he wanted to redshirt. That is why he is not playing.

 

[Kybluedude]

Cal just mentioned Tai might still get his chance this season. Like to see him if he's gotten in playing shape and learned the system. Probably a big step up for him and no need to have rushed him but nows the time.

 

[dave5164]

We have heard different stories from him, coaches, and players at practice. Murray and Ulis said a couple of weeks ago that Wynyard was doing great in practice and was physical and doing well on offense. They did say he was still learning all the plays on both offense and defense. The coaches have said that too that he needs to learn all offense and defensive plays before playing. Wynyard has said he would rather redshirt coming in late and trying to learn both offense and defense plays. So, we have heard all different stories on how great and physical he was in practice from Ulis & Murray. Murray also said he already knew how good Wynyard would be since he played with him last year and he was outstanding. Then Coaches have said still working to learn all plays on offense and defense and Wynyard saying he wants to Redshirt. Just like with Humphries I would love to see both of these big men play 20-25 mpg for a few games and see how well they do play during the game. With what we have seen from our Center play lately they couldn't do any worse from Humphries or Wynyard and they both are big and physical players.

 

[Aike]

Ridiculous post. Only conclusion is that he's not that good? ONLY conclusion??

 

[yoshukai]

Evidently, he is a project considering that he is getting zero playing time and not exactly having stellar superstar players performing ahead of him. So, the only conclusion is that he is not that good. Now, quite frankly, what I saw in that High School all star game didn't exactly impress me with his minimal minutes and that 3 on 3 contest mainly was about dunking the ball.

But..........if he can't make a dent in this roster why was he recruited at all? Cal has another amazing class coming next season with several very highly reviewed front court players. Plus, unlike Skal where he was a mystery man in terms of actual games, these new recruits are demonstrating decent skills on the court.

So, why go after someone you have no idea about or have him sitting on the bench. It seems unfair to the kid too. Can you imagine his excitement when making the trip in December and imagining what was going to happen. I doubt this was his plan. Plus, this is Kentucky where Cal can pretty much land the very best.

Why?

Because you need at least 10 players to be able to practice . Cal NEVER wants to platoon again , so he has to bring in some guys that will never play but will be big , physical , practice dummies . That's all I got .

 

[K_TIME]

I've got no problem with stashing a few 3-4 year players each year. Willis and Hawkins have come in very handy this year. Tai is two years spaced out from Willis, so it isn't like we are stacked with projects.

 

[LetsHang#9]

Tai, HIMSELF, said it would probably be a good idea to redshirt. Relax.

This.

 

[Deli owl]

Faaaaarrr Cal

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

Are you under the impression every player we get is a robot, that they arrive and we just open the box, then they come out and play?

 

[CatPhight]

Good grief, Wyn and Hump were supposed to be in next years class.

Cut 'em some slack until there's actual evidence to the contrary.

 

[rye48]

Whole lot of slurping going on !

 

[crazyy8s]

I'm very thankful for the rational responses here. Tai is a young guy. He didn't get the benefit of playing (or even practicing) with these guys until December. It would be far more surprising if he was a contributor already. I'm excited about his potential going forward independent of any potential playing time this year. In Cal we trust.

 

[caneintally]

LOL at the OP . Just cmon Man .

 

[deplion]

Not sure if anyone's has mentioned this on here yet, but Tai himself indicated he wanted to red shirt.

 

[crazyy8s]

Not sure if anyone's has mentioned this on here yet, but Tai himself indicated he wanted to red shirt.

I think it had been mentioned already. I hope that's not an indication of a lack of confidence. I don't want him coming in thinking he needs all four years of eligibility. I remember something along the lines of Cal telling Ulis to not come to UK if he thought he was a four year player. I'm not saying he shouldn't stay for years, but I want him walking on the court day one thinking he is the man.

 

[ccukuk]

Why Derrick Willis? He should never have been allowed to stay around this long to finally find his role and contribute mightily. Bad decision to keep him.

 

[crazyy8s]

Why Derrick Willis? He should never have been allowed to stay around this long to finally find his role and contribute mightily. Bad decision to keep him.

Yes. Cal should have never recruited him. His first two years were proof of that. Now we're stuck watching him play quality basketball. That never should have been allowed.

 

[ccukuk]

Yes. Cal should have never recruited him. His first two years were proof of that. Now we're stuck watching him play quality basketball. That never should have been allowed.

You must be as delusional as me. Turrible

 

[uk78]

Didn't Willis get some clean-up minutes?

 

[Supafuzz75]

How many years will Tai get being he came in mid-season?

 

[CGblue]

Not sure if anyone's has mentioned this on here yet, but Tai himself indicated he wanted to red shirt.

He said it himself that he wanted to redshirt.

 

[deplion]

He said it himself that he wanted to redshirt.

Seems like I did read that somewhere.

 

[preacher_tom]

Tia the tourney tweak?

 

[Orange Soda King]

Not a good thread, haha.

 

[Bluewest]

What about redshirting?

 

[ThroughBlue]

I think Cal said last night that he was ready to play now

 

[The_Answer1313]

It would be good if he did play somewhat this year.

If anything it gives us an extra 5 fouls. Maybe Alex, Lee and Skal can stay on the court now lol

 

[Hoskins91]

Why not? It's not like he kept someone from coming here who could have been a contributor.

 

[Ben101er]

The ONLY conclusion is that he's not that good? How about he's only been with the team for a month and is well behind all the other players?

This, and they are probably not wanting to waste his redshirt year. Plus, being behind, he probably doesn't bring enough over what they get from Humphries, to use up that year.

 

[lkc1234]

Evidently, he is a project considering that he is getting zero playing time and not exactly having stellar superstar players performing ahead of him. So, the only conclusion is that he is not that good. Now, quite frankly, what I saw in that High School all star game didn't exactly impress me with his minimal minutes and that 3 on 3 contest mainly was about dunking the ball.

But..........if he can't make a dent in this roster why was he recruited at all? Cal has another amazing class coming next season with several very highly reviewed front court players. Plus, unlike Skal where he was a mystery man in terms of actual games, these new recruits are demonstrating decent skills on the court.

So, why go after someone you have no idea about or have him sitting on the bench. It seems unfair to the kid too. Can you imagine his excitement when making the trip in December and imagining what was going to happen. I doubt this was his plan. Plus, this is Kentucky where Cal can pretty much land the very best.

Why?

How about the conclusion that it is best to red shirt him this season since he came in so late and probably is not ready to add much to what we already have. Next year and thereafter may be a different story.

 

[awf]

Evidently, he is a project considering that he is getting zero playing time and not exactly having stellar superstar players performing ahead of him. So, the only conclusion is that he is not that good. Now, quite frankly, what I saw in that High School all star game didn't exactly impress me with his minimal minutes and that 3 on 3 contest mainly was about dunking the ball.

But..........if he can't make a dent in this roster why was he recruited at all? Cal has another amazing class coming next season with several very highly reviewed front court players. Plus, unlike Skal where he was a mystery man in terms of actual games, these new recruits are demonstrating decent skills on the court.

So, why go after someone you have no idea about or have him sitting on the bench. It seems unfair to the kid too. Can you imagine his excitement when making the trip in December and imagining what was going to happen. I doubt this was his plan. Plus, this is Kentucky where Cal can pretty much land the very best.

Why?

I don't guess it seeps into your gray matter that this kid just turned 18? He should be playing for his HS team this season. He gave that up to come here a semester early to learn and assimilate.
Quite frankly your insight into this kid doesn't impress me. Maybe you should consider maybe to quit posting if this is the best you can do?

 

[Comebakatz3]

The only logical conclusion is that he just doesn't know how to stretch yet. Word on the street is that Kentucky is going to bring in Bruce Pearl and Jarnell Stokes to show Tai how to do it. Naturally, Jimmy Dykes is going to be there to observe and to also make sure that Tai knows how to find the nail at the free throw line.

Here is a leaked photo of some of the training that they will be putting Tai through: