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Zagoria: Knox names coaches who contacted him before leaving for Jordan game.

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If UK wants to take Knox I'd assume they will take Johnson when they don't get Knox.

Adam Zagoria‏ @AdamZagoria
Kevin Knox said before he came to NYC he heard from Coach K, Cal and Kenny Payne, Roy Williams, Cuonzo Martin and Leonard Hamilton.
 
I would be more then happy with Johnson and I bet we add him. Knox ain't coming here when we have a better player committed at the same position and PJ can play a ton of SF as well if needed. Johnson could play guard as well and I love the fact he has proven he can score points against the big boys like UNC ect. I am not convinced Knox wouldn't have a season like Gabriel did this year where he has some big games and then just disappears for games at a time. I think Knox is slightly better then Gabriel but it happens to freshmen unless they are elite and Knox despite is ranking isn't IMO . But bbviously you never count out Cal with top 20 recruits.
 
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caneintally said:
I would be more then happy with Johnson and I bet we add him. Knox ain't coming here when we have a better player committed at the same position and PJ can play a ton of SF as well if needed. Johnson could play guard as well and I love the fact he has proven he can score points against the big boys like UNC ect. I am not convinced Knox wouldn't have a season like Gabriel did this year where he has some big games and then just disappears for games at a time. I think Knox is slightly better then Gabriel but it happens to freshmen unless they are elite and Knox despite is ranking isn't IMO . But bbviously you never count out Cal with top 20 recruits.
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Yeah, I'm not that big on Knox either. I'd take PJ and Vando over him without a second thought. Plus, he looks like Kennedy Meeks. :grimace:
 
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Knox just seems in love with UNC and was so happy about their championship that I don't see him coming here.I just hope doesn't hold back from recruiting Johnson hard because of Knox.
 
caneintally said:
I would be more then happy with Johnson and I bet we add him. Knox ain't coming here when we have a better player committed at the same position and PJ can play a ton of SF as well if needed. Johnson could play guard as well and I love the fact he has proven he can score points against the big boys like UNC ect. I am not convinced Knox wouldn't have a season like Gabriel did this year where he has some big games and then just disappears for games at a time. I think Knox is slightly better then Gabriel but it happens to freshmen unless they are elite and Knox despite is ranking isn't IMO . But bbviously you never count out Cal with top 20 recruits.
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I think Knox is better than Wenyen was at this point and I think Knox can be elite. At one point, I wanted him more than anyone in this class. Seeing how the class has rounded out, that distinction obviously goes to Bamba now and I've grown on the notion that I'd rather have Johnson than Knox at this point. I just think Johnson can add more important intangibles than Knox could bring. Also, we would get Johnson for likely 2 years when we only get Knox for what would most likely be only 1 season. Add in the experience that I think we desperately need on this team next year and I'm on the Cam Johnson train full speed ahead.

Losing Isaac today only cemented that thought for me. I do however believe that it's a sign that Bamba is likely coming here but SKJ is really going to have to step up and be the player we all thought he was going to be. The kid has tons of skill and I have faith that he'll contribute a lot next year and we're going to need it sorely.

Until it is done by someone, I'm going to be on the train that says we can't win the title with all freshman. I don't think we can start 5 freshman and win a title. Doesn't mean that I would cheer as hard as I always do but I would be extremely apprehensive about starting 5 freshman going into the tournament. That's why I hate the loss of Briscoe and Isaac and why I want Johnson so bad. A lot of people on here don't think he would play very much but i think that's ignorant. Contrary to what most believe on here, Cal has proven that he's not just going to play you based on your rankings and you're going to have to earn your mins on the court. He may start out playing by rankings but as the season progresses, the production takes over and the cream of the crop rise. So, I think Johnson will play. Especially because of what you said, he can play the 2 spot too.
 
Is Johnson a SG or a SF or both? Either way he is going to have to compete for mins, why does everyone assume he is coming here if we don't get Knox.
 
Knox listed UNC, then said North Carolina I guess for those who didn't know what that was. Probably an indicator of how he's leaning. If he waits until Jackson decides, it's a given. Didn't like Bamba listing Duke first, but I'm gonna choose to think that is insignificant.
 
UKCATSFREAK said:
I think Knox is better than Wenyen was at this point and I think Knox can be elite. At one point, I wanted him more than anyone in this class. Seeing how the class has rounded out, that distinction obviously goes to Bamba now and I've grown on the notion that I'd rather have Johnson than Knox at this point. I just think Johnson can add more important intangibles than Knox could bring. Also, we would get Johnson for likely 2 years when we only get Knox for what would most likely be only 1 season. Add in the experience that I think we desperately need on this team next year and I'm on the Cam Johnson train full speed ahead.

Losing Isaac today only cemented that thought for me. I do however believe that it's a sign that Bamba is likely coming here but SKJ is really going to have to step up and be the player we all thought he was going to be. The kid has tons of skill and I have faith that he'll contribute a lot next year and we're going to need it sorely.

Until it is done by someone, I'm going to be on the train that says we can't win the title with all freshman. I don't think we can start 5 freshman and win a title. Doesn't mean that I would cheer as hard as I always do but I would be extremely apprehensive about starting 5 freshman going into the tournament. That's why I hate the loss of Briscoe and Isaac and why I want Johnson so bad. A lot of people on here don't think he would play very much but i think that's ignorant. Contrary to what most believe on here, Cal has proven that he's not just going to play you based on your rankings and you're going to have to earn your mins on the court. He may start out playing by rankings but as the season progresses, the production takes over and the cream of the crop rise. So, I think Johnson will play. Especially because of what you said, he can play the 2 spot too.
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If retaining decent role players is your thing, then yes, Cam Johnson would be the way to go. He can shoot, has great length, and would be a solid two year UK player.

That said, outside of three point percentage, Kevin Knox is better in every other category – rebounding, defense, midrange shooting, attacking the rim, NBA-level athleticism, etc. He’s also not a bad perimeter shooter, having made 75/213 three pointers this season for 35%. He also shot 74% from the free throw line and 58% on two point field goals.

I’d rather have Knox, and it’s not because I feel like UK has any substantial shot at him. He’s the better player, and it’s not really close at this point.
 
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Son_Of_Saul said:
If retaining decent role players is your thing, then yes, Cam Johnson would be the way to go. He can shoot, has great length, and would be a solid two year UK player.

That said, outside of three point percentage, Kevin Knox is better in every other category – rebounding, defense, midrange shooting, attacking the rim, NBA-level athleticism, etc. He’s also not a bad perimeter shooter, having made 75/213 three pointers this season for 35%. He also shot 74% from the free throw line and 58% on two point field goals.

I’d rather have Knox, and it’s not because I feel like UK has any substantial shot at him. He’s the better players, and it’s not really close at this point.
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How can you compare Knox's stats against a college player of two years? Doesn't work that way.
 
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bigbluedon said:
How can you compare Knox's stats against a college player of two years? Doesn't work that way.
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I’m not comparing the stats based on any type of statistical comparison to Johnson, but rather merely showing a bit of what Knox is capable of (not unlike what some fans showed in regards to Baker’s percentages a few days ago) on the high school level. It is simply a point of reference, even if only on a small level, and highlights his efficiency on the high school level. That efficiency, when coupled with an elite physique, projects on a high level. Knox isn’t arbitrarily ranked high. There’s a reason he projects so well.

Knox is an NBA-level athlete with NBA-level skills and actually has a shot at next year’s NBA draft because of those skills. Johnson is on absolutely no NBA draft boards for the foreseeable future. Johnson averaged 12 points/game, playing 33 minutes/game, for a terrible Pittsburg team that was in desperate need of scoring. He’s a good player, but 12 points/33 minutes at Pitt translates to about 6 points/18 minutes at Kentucky.

I’m not knocking Johnson – we’d be fortunate to land him - but I am making a case that shouldn’t be a difficult one. Knox is the better player with vastly more upside. It’s okay to admit as much, even if he probably won’t be playing for Kentucky.
 
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Son_Of_Saul said:
If retaining decent role players is your thing, then yes, Cam Johnson would be the way to go. He can shoot, has great length, and would be a solid two year UK player.

That said, outside of three point percentage, Kevin Knox is better in every other category – rebounding, defense, midrange shooting, attacking the rim, NBA-level athleticism, etc. He’s also not a bad perimeter shooter, having made 75/213 three pointers this season for 35%. He also shot 74% from the free throw line and 58% on two point field goals.

I’d rather have Knox, and it’s not because I feel like UK has any substantial shot at him. He’s the better player, and it’s not really close at this point.
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I get that completely. You make very valid points. I agree with you on a lot of that but I said that I wanted him for the intangibles that he brings and I don't think he's that far behind Knox in some of the categories you listed but I do agree that he's more of an NBA talent than Johnson. Plus, those are high school stats and we know those can be meaningless with a freshman. With that said, I think Johnson can bring intangibles that we desperately need on this team next and unfortunately, he's the last place we are going to find that for next year. That's why I said I wanted him more than Knox at the moment. Had this been months ago, I wouldn't have even thought about taking Johnson over Knox but considering this is our last option to get some experience, leadership, 3 pt shooting, and a pretty damn good basketball in his own right, thats my reasoning for thinking this way.

Like I said in my other post, until it is done, I'm going to be on the train that believes we don't have a realistic chance to win the title playing with all freshman. If we got Knox and Bamba, we likely start 5 freshman, and at least 4 freshman for sure, with a sophomore. So, I realize that Knox is more talented than Johnson but I like what Johnson brings to this team and I think it's something we will desperately need next year. So much so, that I would rather add Johnson than Knox. We have everything that Knox can do, and then some, at other positions but I don't think we have what Johnson can bring at any other position. Just my take on it but I see your point completely and it's very valid.

I doubt either of us are crying if the other is wrong cause we'd take either one of them. LOL! I think our chances are a lot better with Johnson and that makes me happy.

Another point is that we know what Johnson is at the moment at the college level. We don't know what Knox is at the college level yet though. I think Cal is on your boat and would like to add Knox, so you may be 100% correct. We'll have to wait and see.
 
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2Dope15 said:
Is Johnson a SG or a SF or both? Either way he is going to have to compete for mins, why does everyone assume he is coming here if we don't get Knox.
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He's neither, as he's a "Positionless" player and that's why we all know he's coming to UK along with Bamba. [banana]

Go Big Blue!!!
 
Bambi is well spoken and very mature. Can't believe he's 18?

Sort of reminds me of Andrew Harrison, Speech wise.
 
PhattyJ4UK said:
Bambi is well spoken and very mature. Can't believe he's 18?

Sort of reminds me of Andrew Harrison, Speech wise.
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Can't believe you'd endanger a child by having him hold a black long gun that rapid fires. Terrible to see parents teach their children proper firearm safety at those ages.
 
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morgousky said:
dont know why but I don't see Knox being a big time impact player. I see Johnson as a huge guard who can hit which is what we need.
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I like Knox length and ability to score. It'd be very nice to have him drive the lane and have a shooter like baker in the corner. Mark smith is virtually an after thought now
 
Rupp'sRunt said:
What if CJ sucks?
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I'm not sold on Knox either. Watching these two all star games, he hasn't impressed much. But what do I know. I would be ecstatic if he came here if not no big deal.
 
track42 said:
Knox just seems in love with UNC and was so happy about their championship that I don't see him coming here.I just hope doesn't hold back from recruiting Johnson hard because of Knox.
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If he was happy about ther championship then we don't need him here
 
UKCATSFREAK said:
I get that completely. You make very valid points. I agree with you on a lot of that but I said that I wanted him for the intangibles that he brings and I don't think he's that far behind Knox in some of the categories you listed but I do agree that he's more of an NBA talent than Johnson. Plus, those are high school stats and we know those can be meaningless with a freshman. With that said, I think Johnson can bring intangibles that we desperately need on this team next and unfortunately, he's the last place we are going to find that for next year. That's why I said I wanted him more than Knox at the moment. Had this been months ago, I wouldn't have even thought about taking Johnson over Knox but considering this is our last option to get some experience, leadership, 3 pt shooting, and a pretty damn good basketball in his own right, thats my reasoning for thinking this way.

Like I said in my other post, until it is done, I'm going to be on the train that believes we don't have a realistic chance to win the title playing with all freshman. If we got Knox and Bamba, we likely start 5 freshman, and at least 4 freshman for sure, with a sophomore. So, I realize that Knox is more talented than Johnson but I like what Johnson brings to this team and I think it's something we will desperately need next year. So much so, that I would rather add Johnson than Knox. We have everything that Knox can do, and then some, at other positions but I don't think we have what Johnson can bring at any other position. Just my take on it but I see your point completely and it's very valid.

I doubt either of us are crying if the other is wrong cause we'd take either one of them. LOL! I think our chances are a lot better with Johnson and that makes me happy.

Another point is that we know what Johnson is at the moment at the college level. We don't know what Knox is at the college level yet though. I think Cal is on your boat and would like to add Knox, so you may be 100% correct. We'll have to wait and see.
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Good points. I agree with your logic. Knox’s strengths are, for the most part, apparently already highlighted on the current ’17-18 UK roster. Johnson would give UK a bit more of a place of need – high percentage shooting from the perimeter.
 
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Knox is a great player, but he's not a game-changer. Bamba is a game-changer! I think Cal needs to go ahead and seal the deal with Cam Johnson and focus ALL of his energy on Bamba.

Has anyone realized that if we land Johnson and Bamba and Bam comes back, that will be the full 13 scholarships taken up?

1. Wenyen Gabriel, 2. Sacha Kileya-Jones, 3. Tai Wynyard, 4. Hamidou Diallo, 5. Quade Green, 6. Jarred Vanderbilt, 7. P.J. Washington, 8. Shai Gilgeous Alexander, 9. Nick Richards, 10. Jemarl Baker, 11. Cam Johnson (maybe), 12. Mohamed Bamba (maybe), 13. Bam Adebayo (maybe).

Would that be the first time in the Cal era where every available scholarship was being used by a recruited player (i.e. no preferred walk-ons)?
 
Rupp'sRunt said:
What if CJ sucks?
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What if we all suck. Hey, someone start a thread that sucks, because that would be something never done before on RR. I vote for Ulismyman to start the suck thread, since we all know he is the best at it. Love and Peace. Hee Hee Haw Haw.
 
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