Center Spot Concerns

[Jort's Fastball]

Feel like most people have been focusing on Jaland Lowe as the key for the team to hit its ceiling. I know he's important, but I think Denzel Aberdeen is capable enough in that position to take that role over if needed. Where I'm more worried is the center spot. BG was great at times (Duke, Oklahoma), but usually was a significant dropoff from Amari when he came off the bench. Didn't really seem like it improved as the season went on, and early reports from Justin and Jack in practice seem to indicate not much has changed in the early offseason. I know that we have JQ for this reason, but two concerns with him. 1) Can we afford to drop a seed line or two waiting for him to get healthy and take losses? 2) How much improvement can he make from last season when he's had an ACL injury, and how can the team be at its best for March when they're only getting 2 months to play with him and vice versa? I think knowing what we've spent on the roster (and it's probably the last year we get to outspend everyone like this with rev-share coming in), the expectations should be that we're Final Four competitive. Not sure that we're at that level with the current standing of the 5 spot. Am I missing something?

 

[JPFisher]

Jelavich, Moreno, and Garrison will be more than enough to hold us over until JQ comes along, if there's even any more than a week without JQ. Last I heard from KSR, JQ is on campus (compared to everyone else who's left) preparing for the bulk of his conditioning and is on track or better than what we'd hoped (a return to cutting and playing by September).

Even without JQ, this is still a team that has ever chance to get to Indy. No reason to freak out.

 

[hoggwildcat]

Should be more concerned about point guard, we have one.

 

[JwUKFan11]

Should be more concerned about point guard, we have one.

This isn’t last year where we had one guy that could dribble the ball.

 

[rivercatinfl]

Feel like most people have been focusing on Jaland Lowe as the key for the team to hit its ceiling. I know he's important, but I think Denzel Aberdeen is capable enough in that position to take that role over if needed. Where I'm more worried is the center spot. BG was great at times (Duke, Oklahoma), but usually was a significant dropoff from Amari when he came off the bench. Didn't really seem like it improved as the season went on, and early reports from Justin and Jack in practice seem to indicate not much has changed in the early offseason. I know that we have JQ for this reason, but two concerns with him. 1) Can we afford to drop a seed line or two waiting for him to get healthy and take losses? 2) How much improvement can he make from last season when he's had an ACL injury, and how can the team be at its best for March when they're only getting 2 months to play with him and vice versa? I think knowing what we've spent on the roster (and it's probably the last year we get to outspend everyone like this with rev-share coming in), the expectations should be that we're Final Four competitive. Not sure that we're at that level with the current standing of the 5 spot. Am I missing something?

I get your point and to me it's a bit smaller concern. I think we have enough size and athleticism to back up Garrison with Moreno and Jelevich until JQ is ready.
To me Garrison needs a fire lit under him. He has a nice game. But we need a fighter. I think he has that capability.

If we run up against a stud 5 man, do what Pitino did to Tim Duncan and smother him with 2 bigs.
I do believe our forwards and help D will be trouble for any opposing 5 if teams just feed the post.

 

[WildcatNC]

JQ dictates our ceiling imo.

We have enough good bigs (by comitee) to be elite without him at 100%, but he can be an AD like player in the post on D. Just takes our defensive capability to another level and let's us gamble more on the perimeter.

 

[Anon1751545683]

No concerns here.

As far as future spending, no concerns there either.

Revenue sharing is only for the school generated monies. That’s just a drop in the bucket.

Private funding will go unchecked. And UK has a blank check.

 

[Buckwheat Otay Is Dead]

Feel like most people have been focusing on Jaland Lowe as the key for the team to hit its ceiling. I know he's important, but I think Denzel Aberdeen is capable enough in that position to take that role over if needed. Where I'm more worried is the center spot. BG was great at times (Duke, Oklahoma), but usually was a significant dropoff from Amari when he came off the bench. Didn't really seem like it improved as the season went on, and early reports from Justin and Jack in practice seem to indicate not much has changed in the early offseason. I know that we have JQ for this reason, but two concerns with him. 1) Can we afford to drop a seed line or two waiting for him to get healthy and take losses? 2) How much improvement can he make from last season when he's had an ACL injury, and how can the team be at its best for March when they're only getting 2 months to play with him and vice versa? I think knowing what we've spent on the roster (and it's probably the last year we get to outspend everyone like this with rev-share coming in), the expectations should be that we're Final Four competitive. Not sure that we're at that level with the current standing of the 5 spot. Am I missing something?

Thats stupid. The 5 is solid

 

[Catsfan2025]

Lol, Aberdeen at point ?? Garrison will make the big jump this year, Jr. year for bigs is usually about the time. Nick Richards anyone ?

To the other poster who suggested someone needs to "light a fire" under Garrison, WTF ? He plays very hard and is very competitive, that is how he gets in trouble at times.

 

[The Ganner]

Without a full strength JQ, I don't think the Center spot is a strength but I also don't think it's a weakness. We have enough strengths across the other positions, though, that it doesn't bother me much. And I'm pretty confident in getting a full strength JQ by conference play, and if he ONLY gets back to where he was last year, the Center positions becomes a strength.

 

[true-blue1]

We need JQ to get healthy and play this season to be a real threat.

 

[Jort's Fastball]

We need JQ to get healthy and play this season to be a real threat.

My thinking too. I think Mo D is a great 4, but he’s foul prone and a bit undersized. Jelavic will hopefully be great, but you never know with Europeans. I think we need at least one great big. Worried about another ‘23-‘24 scenario

 

[Vek96]

I’m not concerned about anything related to the roster. All systems go.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

I think Garrison improves quite a bit this year. He had some flashes of greatness last year, he’s in good shape, and bigs usually really start playing their best after 3 years. It’s his second year in the system too. He will be good enough to hold the fort down and contribute when needed.

 

[Vek96]

I think Garrison improves quite a bit this year. He had some flashes of greatness last year, he’s in good shape, and bigs usually really start playing their best after 3 years. It’s his second year in the system too. He will be good enough to hold the fort down and contribute when needed.

I agree. He has a ton of talent. I think that he needed a coach like Mark to guide him. That being said, he has to grow up emotionally, to become a special player. I think he will.

 

[Jkr21790]

Lol, Aberdeen at point ?? Garrison will make the big jump this year, Jr. year for bigs is usually about the time. Nick Richards anyone ?

To the other poster who suggested someone needs to "light a fire" under Garrison, WTF ? He plays very hard and is very competitive, that is how he gets in trouble at times.

Bro. I strongly but respectfully disagree with you here. Yeah. Aberdeen would be our backup PG as of rn. But Jasper can also play some 1 if he needs to. Like if DA isn’t giving us 10 solid mins at the 1. Then we know Oweh could in an emergency. But I want him off the ball.

But the 5. BG is a WC. You can’t compare him to Nick or anyone else. Yeah he’s got the passion. And one thing I love is that he’s a trash talker who gets at opposing players (At Oklahoma last year). But that doesn’t change the fact he’s inconsistent and can disappear or have a monster game that helps push us to a big win. I’ve heard Moreno is possibly ahead of him rn and could be a surprise instead of a project player. At least he’ll push BG. Then Jelevic is 6’11. They say JQ will be ready by September. But let’s say mid November and we bring him along slowly his first 4/5 games and he’s ready to go off Dec. I like DA as a backup 1-2. But I see Kam starting. Man if all this translates for Noah he could be one of the biggest surprises in the country I’d go Lowe. Oweh. Kam. Jelevic. JQ. I’d put the backups as Aberdeen. Jasper. Noah. Mo D. BG/Moreno. Then Chandler. Then the guys who prolly won’t see the court much. Hawthorne and Potter. Were a legit 10 deep. I’m not trippin. We’re every bit as good as Duke or anyone else. We have legit 1st RD NBA talent this year and a handful of 2nd rounder who’ll prolly carve out roles as solid backups in the league.

 

[Jkr21790]

Thats stupid. The 5 is solid

I agree as long as JQ is back 100% playing 25 mins a game by Dec 1. We’ll be fine if he misses a couple gsmes. Then if it takes him 4/5 games to get going. I think he’ll take a huge jump in his all around game as well. Especially by league play. BG is a WC. Same with MM. then imo. Jelevic will end up being our starting 4. But I definitely think he’s capable of manning the 5 if JQ misses the first couple games or if he only plays 10/12 mins the first 2/3 games to build himself up. Jelevic is gonna be a surprise man. 6’11. Can handle the ball. Great pssser. He’ll be a man coming to college from one of the toughest pro leagues in the world. I’d love to see BG or MM end up being a breakout stud either way. Hell odds are one of em will be at least a solid contributor

 

[Jkr21790]

My thinking too. I think Mo D is a great 4, but he’s foul prone and a bit undersized. Jelavic will hopefully be great, but you never know with Europeans. I think we need at least one great big. Worried about another ‘23-‘24 scenario

Dude. JQ is a great big. He’ll be a top 15 draft pick. He’ll be 100% by at least Dec 1. He may be the best defensive player in the country. And his whole game should take a giant step forward this year. He was 17!!!! Last year. He has a season of college under his belt. With the elite defense, rim protection and rebounding he provides If we just get 10 Pts. 8 Rbs. 2 blks. 2 ast. 1 ast we have plenty of other big time scorers ,1-3 starting and off the bench.

 

[Anon1751658263]

I think Garrison improves quite a bit this year. He had some flashes of greatness last year, he’s in good shape, and bigs usually really start playing their best after 3 years. It’s his second year in the system too. He will be good enough to hold the fort down and contribute when needed.

He has all the physical tools to be a true center. He just needs to work on his skills around the rim. I think he could have a big year.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

He has all the physical tools to be a true center. He just needs to work on his skills around the rim. I think he could have a big year.

I agree, he plays with passion, but he always doesn’t give 100% around the rim contesting shots. If his defensive intensity would match his mental intensity he would be something special.

 

[WallMash]

I take your point, Garrison has never put up great numbers in 2 years of D 1, but I think we are so much stronger/deeper with our bigs this year as has been said. Jvich may be our best passing big man. Moreno doesn't back down from a fight. We have another Kentucky big. And Mo has a 7 footer wing span. And Q's coming back. We will never have to go small because of foul trouble.

 

[JonathanW2]

Garrison was a bad rebounder last year. Otherwise, he was pretty solid.
We are all hopeful that Quaintance can play the last 2/3 of the season and be an upgrade.
Jelavic is quite a bit of an unknown to us, but based on other Euro's he is probably skilled offensively, but defensively lacking.
Then there is Moreno, although not a top 10 recruit, was a top 25-30 recruit, and reports are that he has held his own, and should improve as the season progresses.

So while I don't think we can pinpoint who will be our best guy at the 5, I think we have enough options that someone steps up.

My biggest concern is 3pt shooting. I think we have several guys who are capable, just about everyone other than JQ or Moreno. But I don't see a Brea, Sheppard, Reeves on this team. It's very possible we don't have a single 40% 3pt shooter. But maybe having several (5-6-7) of 35%+ 3pt shooters will suffice.

 

[rivercatinfl]

Lol, Aberdeen at point ?? Garrison will make the big jump this year, Jr. year for bigs is usually about the time. Nick Richards anyone ?

To the other poster who suggested someone needs to "light a fire" under Garrison, WTF ? He plays very hard and is very competitive, that is how he gets in trouble at times.

I am the one who said Garrison needs a fire lit under him. I believe he has the skill set to improve massively.
He has the physical attributes to be massive at the 5 but in my opinion, he needs to be more aggressive and almost dominate rebounding and scoring around the rim. The guy is a beast, what a 6-10 240 lb man with superior athleticism.

 

[Jkr21790]

Garrison was a bad rebounder last year. Otherwise, he was pretty solid.
We are all hopeful that Quaintance can play the last 2/3 of the season and be an upgrade.
Jelavic is quite a bit of an unknown to us, but based on other Euro's he is probably skilled offensively, but defensively lacking.
Then there is Moreno, although not a top 10 recruit, was a top 25-30 recruit, and reports are that he has held his own, and should improve as the season progresses.

So while I don't think we can pinpoint who will be our best guy at the 5, I think we have enough options that someone steps up.

My biggest concern is 3pt shooting. I think we have several guys who are capable, just about everyone other than JQ or Moreno. But I don't see a Brea, Sheppard, Reeves on this team. It's very possible we don't have a single 40% 3pt shooter. But maybe having several (5-6-7) of 35%+ 3pt shooters will suffice.

Kam and Jasper could very well be 40% from 3.

 

[Anon1754542884]

Dude. JQ is a great big. He’ll be a top 15 draft pick. He’ll be 100% by at least Dec 1. He may be the best defensive player in the country. And his whole game should take a giant step forward this year. He was 17!!!! Last year. He has a season of college under his belt. With the elite defense, rim protection and rebounding he provides If we just get 10 Pts. 8 Rbs. 2 blks. 2 ast. 1 ast we have plenty of other big time scorers ,1-3 starting and off the bench.

I TOTALLY agree that JQ is a great player, but his free-throw shooting is a legitimate concern … especially late in tight games. Hopefully, it is vastly improved.

Jayden Quaintance College Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

Jayden Quaintance - Stats, Game Logs, Splits, and much more

www.sports-reference.com

 

[BlueBlood96Cat]

Mo D, Jelavich, Moreno, Garrison, Potter can hold it down until JQ gets healthy. I say that because one I believe it and two I’m just not so sure how much JQ plays this year. I think he had the green light to come here and heal without having to rush back and Pope took the risk of maybe he is able to help us even if a few games.

I hope I’m totally wrong about JQ and we get him for 3/4 the season.

 

[Ky_Bred_Cat]

Isn't Houston knocking on the door playing 2-3 Mo D types inside? Even if JQ is only 85% with our options inside I'm not worried at all.

BTW - I saw JQ walking down the sidewalk in front of Memorial on Friday. He had a backpack on and was dressed like he'd been to class. He was dribbling a basketball the entire time. Putting in the work! I'm sure it was him but oddly he didn't seem that big compared to the students around him. I'm 95% sure it was him and not another player.

 

[Skyguy27]

I think Garrison improves quite a bit this year. He had some flashes of greatness last year, he’s in good shape, and bigs usually really start playing their best after 3 years. It’s his second year in the system too. He will be good enough to hold the fort down and contribute when needed.

Man I hope you are right. He has some great talent for sure. The thing that concerns me is his thinker. Seems sometimes he is slow to decide what to do with the ball and the flow stops with him. I’m hoping that goes away.

 

[OliverSimmonsTwinBrother]

Maybe I just stupid (yes, I am!) But we seem to have alot of depth at the 5. The 1 is my only concern as far as depth goes.

 

[Jkr21790]

I agree, he plays with passion, but he always doesn’t give 100% around the rim contesting shots. If his defensive intensity would match his mental intensity he would be something special.

If BG is consistent. Plays with that non stop intensity and doesn’t disappear. We’re gonna be hard af to beat. He could become one of the best bigs in the country if he plays every minute like he did vs Oklahoma then JQ would be a luxury. This is saying alot. But BG has this potential. If he starts the year as the 5 and give us 10-11 pts 7-8 rbs. 1 ast. 1 blk and shoot like 34-35% from 3. We can wait until JQ is 100%. Imagine that version of BG. A healthy JQ. Mo D. A more experienced Jelevic and Moreno in SEC play. We’d be psychical af. Pair that with Oweh and Lowe in the backcourt. Aberdeen. Jasper and Kam. We’re a legit title contender

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

If BG is consistent. Plays with that non stop intensity and doesn’t disappear. We’re gonna be hard af to beat. He could become one of the best bigs in the country if he plays every minute like he did vs Oklahoma then JQ would be a luxury. This is saying alot. But BG has this potential. If he starts the year as the 5 and give us 10-11 pts 7-8 rbs. 1 ast. 1 blk and shoot like 34-35% from 3. We can wait until JQ is 100%. Imagine that version of BG. A healthy JQ. Mo D. A more experienced Jelevic and Moreno in SEC play. We’d be psychical af. Pair that with Oweh and Lowe in the backcourt. Aberdeen. Jasper and Kam. We’re a legit title contender

I agree, he has a lot of potential and showed flashes of being a good college big man last year.

 

[Jkr21790]

I agree, he has a lot of potential and showed flashes of being a good college big man last year.

I wish Moreno would come out and be the next SGA. Reed etc type of surprise. lol at least sorta. If he could rebound. Protect the rim. Defend and get some second chance offensive boards I’d be more than happy. Like 6pts 5rbs. 1blk. That’d be awesome. But I think we’re good until JQ comes back. We have 3 options in MM. BG and AJ