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Can we talk about Almonor?

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SemperFiCat

Heisman
Mar 2, 2009
14,566
30,005
0
I like this dude. He's a really solid bench piece. Always plays under control, strong, and really solid on open looks. I really like what he brings. Maybe a bit of an under appreciated player. Actual legit depth. Glad we have a senior like that on the bench.

Per 13.6 a game;
7.3pts, 2.3 rbs, 0.1 TO
55%FG, 43%3PT, 89%FT
 
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EliteBlue

Heisman
Mar 27, 2009
16,751
20,269
0
Completely agree. Legit XFactor. Personally think he’s better that Brooks was and plays the role well that we hoped Brooks and Gabriel both would be.

Almanor has also held his own against 1seed and freak of nature Zach Edey. We don’t have to depend on him but he’s an extremely versatile depth piece….like a bench version of a Darius Miller/Brooks Hybrid
 
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Fadhi

All-Conference
Jan 11, 2013
907
1,293
0
He's the type of player who can hit a big shot late in the game for you. He's tall and long so it's not hard for him to get a good look and teams are probably prioritizing other shooters over him on defense.
I've been suprised with how well he finishes around the hoop. He's a valuable peice to the team for sure
 
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*Fox2Monk*

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
43,109
76,793
113
SemperFiCat said:
I like this dude. He's a really solid bench piece. Always plays under control, strong, and really solid on open looks. I really like what he brings. Maybe a bit of an under appreciated player. Actual legit depth. Glad we have a senior like that on the bench.

Per 13.6 a game;
7.3pts, 2.3 rbs, 0.1 TO
55%FG, 43%3PT, 89%FT
Click to expand...
He’s legit and can really shoot it. I’d love to see him get closer to 18-19mpg.
 
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revcort

revcort

Heisman
Feb 20, 2003
32,522
30,904
113
Yeah, I love Almonor. He could be a starter but he's chosen to come off the bench for the good of the team. It's a rare quality in a good player. He's making threes at a good percentage. He can defend pretty much anyone from 3 to the 5 because he has the mobility to defend the smaller players but enough strength to defend guys much taller. He can rebound. He also can finish on the break and handle the ball in the open court. And he's got tournament experience and a good mind for the game. I can't imagine having a guy off the bench who could do what he does any better.
 
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Tprinceuk

Senior
Jun 13, 2024
225
680
88
My favorite thing is looking back when he committed to us and all the people saying he wasn't good enough to contribute.
 
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S

SemperFiCat

Heisman
Mar 2, 2009
14,566
30,005
0
TM2013 said:
He reminds me of all those Jay Wright Villanova stretch 4s that seemed to always make smart decisions and knock down open shots.
Click to expand...
He seems like the type of dude that will go off for 26 &12 in a big game when everyone else is off. I bet he MVPs a game or two this season for us.
 
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J

JHannibalSmith

All-American
Sep 28, 2006
2,400
7,297
98
I’m a big fan. I love the whole roster. It’s built damn near exactly the same way I’d put together my ideal team. Skilled players are priority 1, for me. It’s non-negotiable. And, admittedly, I probably even overvalue the importance of shooting, passing, ball handling, etc. I’ve always thought like that.

But, the last 15 years of Calipari’s “athletes” have scarred me & I think a little PTSD set in. Lol. I value athleticism, too. But, not if the guy can’t walk & chew gum, or, spell his name. So, the last few years have been pure basketball hell for me. The exact opposite of what I want, in every way.

But, this season, with super skilled, senior citizen players playing for the name on the front of the jersey, with nary a whisper about the draft, has been nothing short of therapeutic bliss. It’s honestly the first time I’ve really enjoyed UK basketball in years & it feels like a reward after so many frustrating years on the (Cali)Prairie.
 
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ganner918_rivals60369

Heisman
Mar 13, 2004
14,745
12,925
0
bigblue1971 said:
Doesn't he have 1 year of eligibility left?
Click to expand...

chroix said:
Fifth year? If so, yes please. Kid is amazingly solid.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, no. This is his 4th year, and this year's seniors are the first class to start after the free covid year everybody got. This means there's going to be a LARGE exodus of experienced players out of the college game this year, the seniors and the super seniors. There are things that are way different than in 2019 - NIL and the transfer portal have changed the game in a huge way. But we're seeing the end of one massive change, which was having 5 full classes of talent to spread throughout the NCAA. There should be a bit less depth of talent, a bit less parity as there are fewer players to go around, and the top level programs continuing to get their fill.
 
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Bluefaithful

Bluefaithful

All-American
Mar 30, 2009
5,081
7,970
113
We will need him to step up and he will. How can you not love what he brings. I truly believe CMP plans on keeping him fresh for March.
 
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TTTblue24

All-Conference
Feb 1, 2004
3,647
2,142
113
Seems to have a very high basketball IQ and just does what’s needed, I like his game and can be someone reliable when we have those droughts or rough patches especially on the road. Could be a big factor tomorrow and going forward to help steady the ship.
 
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JASUN74

JASUN74

All-Conference
May 22, 2008
2,895
4,102
73
Not a single player on this team who I don’t love. lol. But yes, Almonor is one of the top bench players in the country in my opinion and I wouldn’t mind at all to have him in the starting lineup playing 25-30 minutes a game. He just plays so smart and uses his size so well by causing matchup problems. He can flat out shoot the basketball if he gets a silver of light and I also think his passing is very underrated. He’s just a really good smart older player who plays the game with all he has. I could write a book on all our guys. lol. I honestly couldn’t be more proud and happy to be where we are now compared to the last several years. I have loved every past player who chose to come here and play, but there isn’t a guy on this team who this time last year thought he’d be here and they’re making every second count. I start getting more emotional about this than a grown man should. Hahahaha.
 
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Phil_The_Music2

Phil_The_Music2

Heisman
Nov 29, 2010
3,064
12,495
113
SemperFiCat said:
I like this dude. He's a really solid bench piece. Always plays under control, strong, and really solid on open looks. I really like what he brings. Maybe a bit of an under appreciated player. Actual legit depth. Glad we have a senior like that on the bench.

Per 13.6 a game;
7.3pts, 2.3 rbs, 0.1 TO
55%FG, 43%3PT, 89%FT
Click to expand...
He's my favorite player, and that's saying a lot because I love everyone on this team!
 
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D

Digger-Cat

All-Conference
Oct 31, 2024
2,317
4,214
0
Absolutely love what Almonor brings to the game. Seems to hit every 3 and he is just a very steady player, makes the right play more times than not.

He said something a couple weeks ago along the lines of him maybe not being good enough to play here. I mean, I'm glad he's humble but that dude is easily good enough to not just play here, but start and play big minutes.

He's a great dude and I'm glad he wears Kentucky across his chest.
 
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Bluesbrother

Bluesbrother

All-American
May 23, 2002
4,535
6,372
113
SemperFiCat said:
I like this dude. He's a really solid bench piece. Always plays under control, strong, and really solid on open looks. I really like what he brings. Maybe a bit of an under appreciated player. Actual legit depth. Glad we have a senior like that on the bench.

Per 13.6 a game;
7.3pts, 2.3 rbs, 0.1 TO
55%FG, 43%3PT, 89%FT
Click to expand...
Couldn't agree more ... he's a very good player and one I had never heard of before. To me this team that Pope assembled is a testament to his thoughtful process of finding the best available players for his system. It's such a breath of fresh air compared to Calipari. I am very much looking forward to the future and watching him recruit and work the portal knowing he will have more time to work each year between rosters.
 
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B

BBNinSC_rivals62411

All-American
Jan 2, 2015
2,788
5,695
0
Bluesbrother said:
Couldn't agree more ... he's a very good player and one I had never heard of before. To me this team that Pope assembled is a testament to his thoughtful process of finding the best available players for his system. It's such a breath of fresh air compared to Calipari. I am very much looking forward to the future and watching him recruit and work the portal knowing he will have more time to work each year between rosters.
Click to expand...
and portal players will want to come here. Pope’s coaching style will be a huge attraction. Along with our elite brand at Kentucky, this will make for a huge recruiting advantage.
 
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germuk

Heisman
May 14, 2009
6,527
10,348
113
I knew he could shoot it but I’m very pleasantly surprised by his touch around the basket and knack for finding an open lane in the half court or running hard to the rim in transition
 
J

JonathanW_rivals

Heisman
Jan 3, 2003
145,534
15,709
0
germuk said:
I knew he could shoot it but I’m very pleasantly surprised by his touch around the basket and knack for finding an open lane in the half court or running hard to the rim in transition
Click to expand...
His game reminds me of mine, 15 years ago (@40), and if he was slow and couldn't jump. Lol.
 
AllBall

AllBall

All-Conference
May 5, 2015
3,869
4,669
93
SemperFiCat said:
I like this dude. He's a really solid bench piece. Always plays under control, strong, and really solid on open looks. I really like what he brings. Maybe a bit of an under appreciated player. Actual legit depth. Glad we have a senior like that on the bench.

Per 13.6 a game;
7.3pts, 2.3 rbs, 0.1 TO
55%FG, 43%3PT, 89%FT
Click to expand...
One of my favorites since his signing. Wants to be here and accepts his role. Yes, Ansley can knock down the open 3 but his defense and court awareness are criminally underrated. Proves you don't have to be a freak athlete to succeed. He provides the little things that often go unnoticed.
 
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R

Runnin'Ramel

Heisman
Jan 19, 2005
35,649
13,480
113
SemperFiCat said:
I like this dude. He's a really solid bench piece. Always plays under control, strong, and really solid on open looks. I really like what he brings. Maybe a bit of an under appreciated player. Actual legit depth. Glad we have a senior like that on the bench.

Per 13.6 a game;
7.3pts, 2.3 rbs, 0.1 TO
55%FG, 43%3PT, 89%FT
Click to expand...
He's a tremendous weapon. The type of role player title teams typically have, too. Those corner threes from him are money - reminds me of McCarty and Patterson, at least when it comes to those.
 
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