BG - yikes?

$Z71$

All-American
Nov 14, 2002
3,718
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BG transfer rumors warming up - TOS.

You better not go, BG!
Honestly this would be a blessing in disguise. We could get a better fit equally as good or most likely a few notches better from the portal. Garrison is like a square peg being forced into a round hole in Popes system. Would be addition by subtraction and best for both parties.

If he does stay no harm no foul but I don’t expect
him to get more than 12-15 minutes per game.
 

ManitouDan

Heisman
Dec 7, 2006
20,074
32,442
0
I'm mixed about him .. ultimately would like him to stay , but I trust Pope on how badly we need him and the psyche of one Mr BG .. can he be trusted to make plays in an EE or FF game ? I thought Golden showed tremendous faith in his big ( haugh ?) that had like 3-4 TO's in half 1 . The coach has to have that same type faith in his starters whether it be the PG or a 5 . No one really knows how mature BG can be , his talent is HIGH , kid is gifted . Can he fit in the system and not cost you more than you get from him. He was more up n down than a EKG monitor last year
 

Drcatfan

All-Conference
Apr 14, 2015
1,371
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I can see BG not liking a role as the 5 likely to be replaced as the starter by Moreno (when he gets experience) or JQ (when he gets healthy).

A lot of comments said to just move BG to the 4. IMO, if we thought he needed some upskilling to be a good 5 then he needs a tremendous amount of upskilling to be a good 4.

Honestly, if he transfers no big loss. I think Pope could get more skilled 4 that fits our system better in the portal. If BG stays and wants to put in the work to improve I'm good with that also.
 

Titpwhami2014

All-American
Feb 17, 2018
3,466
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Guys I know you don't remember that players can drastically improve the second year in a system and thrive and it really bothers me so many are hoping he leaves or just flat out badmouthing him. But you do you, I hope he stays.
Players can improve but it’s a lot harder when they are immature. I don’t think that’s badmouthing BG, it’s simply stating a fact. Can he mature? Yes and for his sake I hope he does. Whether it be at UK or another program.
 
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Mar 13, 2004
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Is this conjecture based on any fact or statement made by kid of any kind, or is it the standard ******** you read on here on a daily basis
Hard to tell how much is real smoke and how much is just RR pouncing on yet another rumor. We've had a bunch of our fans hoping BG leaves and wishcasting that he'll leave so give a spark of a rumor and it takes off.
 
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UK90

Heisman
Dec 30, 2007
31,460
27,814
0
I figured this was a possibility the moment we got the Quaintance commitment. It suddenly got a bit too crowded at his position.

If we add another wing/shooter, I suspect the same may happen with the Perry/Noah duo. Adding someone like Yates or Wilkerson would effectively end their hopes for a real role next season.
 

catswin

Heisman
Jan 3, 2003
10,082
12,710
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In the old days I would definitely want BG to stay. Today when you can go out and replace him with a better player immediately, I couldn’t care less. He is still a project that we are hoping will develop.
 

CincinnatiWildcat

All-Conference
Feb 8, 2015
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I don't know that we will be able to find someone with his ability that is willing to be a backup center in the portal so I hope he stays. I think you could go JQ as your main center with Moreno and BG getting back up minutes and then do PF by committee with Diobate as your athletic guy, Williams as the true stretch 4 and BG as your twin towers lineup. Get BG some minutes at both the 4 and 5.

The problem I see with swapping out BG for a stretch 4 like AF is I would like to have 3 true bigs for games with foul trouble or if someone gets banged up. I don't know that I would feel good about having to play the Robert Morris kid at Center if JQ and Moreno both foul out.
 

JimboBBN

Heisman
Jan 26, 2016
14,256
27,434
113
Unless we have another big lined up that is as good or better, I hope BG stays. As I’ve mentioned before and others in this thread, I think he could do really well at the four alongside JQ as long as he improves his jump shot a little. Passing is one of his strengths, which is a plus is Popes offense.
 

TopCatCal

Heisman
Dec 10, 2012
5,483
21,434
0
Actually with JQ at the 4 now (and possibly Alvaro also a PF).. do we use Garrions departure to go get a true center of some sort?
If Garrison would leave and we got to replace him with a true center like 6'11" 265/300 pound Eddie Lampkin from Syracuse who averaged right at a double/double last season. HECK YEAH, I would take that trade off 8 days a week.
 
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seccats04

Heisman
Dec 6, 2004
14,205
22,434
113
For those of you saying good riddance to BG and we could just easily replace him from the portal, have you glanced at the portal and looked for available Centers? There's not many in there and there's not much quality. Unless someone better enters over the next two weeks before the portal closes, keeping BG is very important because we're not going to be able to replace him, at least the way things stand as of now.
 
Jan 3, 2003
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Guys I know you don't remember that players can drastically improve the second year in a system and thrive and it really bothers me so many are hoping he leaves or just flat out badmouthing him. But you do you, I hope he stays.
I agree guys can improve. I expect guys will/to improve.
But he has a lot of areas to improve in, not just a couple. Rebounding (a lot), post defense, rim protection (I just don't think he has that quick twitch ability), ball handling (especially if he were to play some PF/4), 3pt shooting if to play some PF/4.

But I don't hope he leaves, I just am not upset if he left (same place I am w/ Perry)
However, I did warn everyone to be prepared that adding JQ may result in him leaving, and then our C/5 situation the first couple months of the season may be a FR backed up by a 6'7 guy.
 

LineSkiCat14

Heisman
Aug 5, 2015
38,308
59,934
113
If Garrison would leave and we got to replace him with a true center like 6'11" 265/300 pound Eddie Lampkin from Syracuse who averaged right at a double/double last season. HECK YEAH, I would take that trade off 8 days a week.

I wonder if we could ever get to a point with NIL and the transfer portal, where say we really need a center. We have everything else but we don't have a starting 5. Could we just, put out some sort of notice thats like "thinking about your role on your current team? Well we need a center, so reach out to us at 555-1234"

Like why not send out some blast message for 350 D1 teams to see that literally advertises an opening for a premier program with great pay? You can't tell me there wouldn't be guys from like Oral Robert and Greenbay who wouldn't at least be interested.

Were technically not recruiting anyone who is already committed.. all we are saying is "hey we have a job opening"
 

cats#1again

All-Conference
Nov 27, 2011
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A little surprised it's a front court player to potentially go first.. but at the same time, i guess not really. We grabbed a more talented big today. And we might still get another.

I think if BG was a little more polished, the staff might not be going after two 6'9 guys. I think them going after JQ and AF sort of says they aren't ready to just give BG the keys to the PF spot.
That's cause he isn't a pf. Won't ever be a pf . Can't guard pf . He's not smooth in his defense movements on the perimeter
 

Cats192

Heisman
Apr 22, 2011
14,638
17,056
93
I hope he stays unless we already have someone else lined up.

The Quaintance thing is a brilliant move when you have BG and Moreno as backups/floor options. If JQ isn't ready, Garrison is at least serviceable. You know what he can do. You hope he takes a step forward (he should). And he is kind of an insurance option in case JQ isn't ready, isn't as effective, etc.
 
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Eagles_Ball_69

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2003
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I agree with that. You could be insanely good on defense if BG wanted to be a 3 and D power forward. He likes to shoot — it could be Brandon Garrison time all the time
I can't see any scenario where BG plays the 4. He just doesn't possess the skill set. He's a really nice backup center. If we are extremely lucky he'll make a Marcus Lee type jump, but I think that's a reach. Just because he made a few 3's doesn't necessarily mean he "shoots the 3". I think most of our opponents would like a UK offensive possession to end with a BG 3 attempt. They'd call that a win.

This was my big worry signing JQ, and btw, I still REALLY like the signing. But the concern was BG bolts, JQ isn't ready until about Feb, and Moreno is our only real option at the 5. I know a poster or two has proven me wrong and found one or two examples of a guy coming back prior to the 9 month recovery window, but I think anyone that looks at it with any sort of common sense knows JQ won't be ready before Xmas. And then it will take a month or so to knock off the rust and gain some trust in the knee. And, btw, that's if EVERYTHING goes as planned.
 

Eagles_Ball_69

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2003
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That's cause he isn't a pf. Won't ever be a pf . Can't guard pf . He's not smooth in his defense movements on the perimeter
Agreed. I honestly can't wrap my mind around why some think it's an option for him. Just because he shoots some 3's and made about a 1/3 of them? He struggles to defend a mobile 5, a 4 would just run circles around him.
 

Digger-Cat

All-Conference
Oct 31, 2024
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The way Pope shuffles players in and out, especially at the 5 spot, Garrison should know he will get playing time.
Heck, Amari Williams sat for some very long stretches last season. Pope was pulling most, if not all, of the starters out before the first media timeout.
 
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Eagles_Ball_69

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2003
2,901
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82
It’s not his ability that frustrates me it’s his ability to control his emotions
100% accurate. I honestly think it's his biggest roadblock to being a truly good player. He's far too worried about all the noise and not the next play.
 

Eagles_Ball_69

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2003
2,901
3,714
82
I hope he stays unless we already have someone else lined up.

The Quaintance thing is a brilliant move when you have BG and Moreno as backups/floor options. If JQ isn't ready, Garrison is at least serviceable. You know what he can do. You hope he takes a step forward (he should). And he is kind of an insurance option in case JQ isn't ready, isn't as effective, etc.
Couldn't agree more. All excellent points.
 
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Eagles_Ball_69

All-Conference
Dec 19, 2003
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Players can improve but it’s a lot harder when they are immature. I don’t think that’s badmouthing BG, it’s simply stating a fact. Can he mature? Yes and for his sake I hope he does. Whether it be at UK or another program.
Sometimes it's really hard to hear the truth and get coached. I feel like some on here can take the truth as badmouthing or negative towards a player. Hell, one of the most critical parts of improvement is finding out the things (negatives) you're not good at and working on them. Polish the positives and attack the negatives.
 
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katwest

Heisman
Feb 16, 2003
39,485
13,157
113
I hope a rumor is all it is, I hope he stays, if I were him, I wouldn't let anyone Kentucky signed run me off. He will play as much as he wants too with Pope's style of play, he's already got a leg up on everybody now. as far as playing in his system. Kentucky is a good situation for him, I'm sure if he thinks about everything, he will see that.
 

Bluesnky

All-American
Jan 24, 2013
6,363
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Garrison mostly played like one of Cal’s players where the he would always say “Look, this guy only starting playing basketball six weeks ago.”

I’ve said it over and over but how can you be that big and play basketball your whole life and just watch rebounds bounce right in front of you and constantly be looking the wrong way on defense as the play develops two feet away from you? And why concede so many uncontested layups as the help defender?
 

LineSkiCat14

Heisman
Aug 5, 2015
38,308
59,934
113
That's cause he isn't a pf. Won't ever be a pf . Can't guard pf . He's not smooth in his defense movements on the perimeter

Yeah I don't disagree. But, I do think you have to give a little leeway to returning players. I'm not saying don't grab portal guys, but I don't want to be like Duke where they recruit over anyone and everyone just because some new guy is ranked slightly better. They have zero loyalty. Not even a bit. And I don't think that's a reputation you want to have, as it will make reserve/bench players not want to come.

Again, in BGs example, we can't use him as a starting PF or C this coming season.. he's more in line for a reserve role still. So I'm fine recruiting the right guys who can start. Maybe BGs time is the following season, or maybe he decides to go elsewhere. I just don't want to see us kick players to the curb the way Duke does. I don't think that's good business and I think theres a very reasonable middle ground where you can still create the team you want while also working with the guys who chose to come here the year prior.
 

G-PIP

All-American
Mar 14, 2014
5,286
5,964
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Some scuttlebutt on Trilly's discord (not from Trilly) that we may be trying to politely get BG out the door so we can take Alvaro
It seems kind of odd though that UK would need Garrison to transfer to "take" a commitment from Alvaro Folgueiras. It would have to be obvious to Folgueiras (his agent, etc.) that he is the starting PF from moment one. Nobody on the current roster is even comparable at the PF spot. I just hope whatever needs to happen happens to get Folgueiras.
 

bucsrule8872

Heisman
May 30, 2005
24,397
29,352
0
It is what it is.

I would like to see BG stay because I think player retention and development is a key part to building a program and every departure is a set back in that department.

But if BG wants to go, I wish him well. I just hope Pope has a plan for his replacement and this isn’t just because JQ is coming in.

We might be hurting inside until JQ is ready to return. Moreno might be the man until December or January, if we can’t find a viable replacement in the portal.

It is kind of disheartening reading this board over the last few weeks and seeing how so many fans are down on BG and ready to move on from him. He just finished his Sophomore year and people have already written him off as a lost cause. Kind of hypocritical that some posters on here complain about the portal and how kids show no loyalty to the name on the front of the jersey, yet they are hoping a kid will leave so they can get a better option. Why are kids villains for not showing loyalty when we as fans show them no loyalty? We are ready to send guys packing if they don’t play well enough from Day One. All in the name of potentially improving our team.
 

TX Wildcat

All-Conference
Apr 12, 2024
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BG is a father and also a former Burger Boy. The first should make him to want to provide and the second often times makes kids feel entitled. If he leaves, I'd not fault him for making a business decision.

Here he is kind of stuck between positions, unless he spends a season working to be a 4 or lets competition drive him to get tough and rebound/defend/pass like a Pope 5 needs to. I do like he exhibited some attitude and grit last season.

Hate losing depth and competition at a position, but provided JQ/MM stay healthy I would not think we lose much in production.

BG has promise, but is still raw. Going into his 3rd year though that promise and rawness needs to come to fruition.

I am sure his agent/handlers started this scuttlebutt in an effort to try to get UK to up the ante. Might not play out how they thought though.

Could easily see him at Oklahoma or Texas (both schools who actively pursued him last season and are much closer to "home".) Missouri, Arky, Texas Tech, SMU, or TCU could ea$ily be in play too I'd think.
 
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Dec 12, 2023
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Ya'll crazy! 7 footers with his athleticism and a decent shot are NOT a dime a dozen. I do hope he ups his game but he should do just that, becoming a junior and with a season of experience in Pope's system. I hope he stays. He has a ton of potential and can give us solid minutes at both the 4 and 5 spots. We can use his size in a lot of games, especially as the roster currently looks.
 

Cats192

Heisman
Apr 22, 2011
14,638
17,056
93
It is what it is.

I would like to see BG stay because I think player retention and development is a key part to building a program and every departure is set back in that department.

But if BG wants to go, I wish him well. I just hope Pope has a plan for his replacement and this isn’t just because JQ is coming in.

We might be hurting inside until JQ is ready to return. Moreno might be the man until December or January, if we can’t find a viable replacement in the portal.

It is kind of disheartening reading this board over the last few weeks and seeing how so many fans are down on BG and ready to move on from him. He just finished his Sophomore year and people have already written him off as a lost cause. Kind of hypocritical that some posters on here complain about the portal and how kids show no loyalty to the name on the front of the jersey, yet they are hoping a kid will leave so they can get a better option. Why are kids villains for not showing loyalty when we as fans show them no loyalty? We are ready to send guys packing if they don’t play well enough from Day One. All in the name of potentially improving our team.
I was initially thinking "Oh well."

He doesn't give you the strong rebounding presence you want. He averaged 4 rebounds in 17 minutes. At 6'10. Compared to Dioubate, who averages 6 rebounds in 16 minutes this past season. He hasn't been a strong shot blocker, which is the other big thing you'd like to see out of your potential starting center.

He makes some boneheaded plays trying to do too much. He forces some bad passes. When he puts his head down on the block, it's over. He's shooting it no matter what. He really likes that 3 point shot, and he's only 30% from there. Granted, I think Pope encourages him to shoot it.

All that said, if you watch the Oklahoma State highlights, you can see the potential/vision. He had better shot blocking numbers a year ago. So he can do it. All of the negatives you can chalk up to inexeperience and learning a new system. He needs to be more assertive/aggressive on the rebounding.

But I think he's extremely valuable to us in the event JQ's knee isn't 100/he's not himself early in the season.

Now, there are probably some portal options that are more exciting. And if Pope has one of those lined up, I'll certainly trust him.