Granted I don't keep up with this board as much so I haven't been made aware the heat he's caught, but to me, the biggest problem continues to be Otega Oweh -- by a country mile.
He's the "leader" of this team, and by God, they certainly follow his example. Dude consistently lolly-gags around the court. Doesn't fight through screens nor does he talk on on switches (leaving his teammates on islands). He is horrendous defending straight-line drives, despite his athletic gifts. His continuous lack of effort getting back in transition is embarrasing. Then you see his horrible body language (on the court AND off the court in press conferences) -- you name it. Go back and watch the film. It's unbelievable.
Yeah, the pieces don't fit. Pope did a horrendous job with roster construction, no question about it. He tried to upgrade athletically and ended up with team that is good at absolutely nothing. Whatever. It is what is at this point.
However, OO was pre-season SEC POY, given All-American consideration and we were told this was 'his' team. Welp. Absolutely incredible results despite his big NIL bag that this is how he chooses to represent himself, his team and university.
But hey -- he gets his numbers, usually after we're already toast (a lot like last year, actually). Good for a nice highlight reel or two that ends up on SC. So what if he dogs it out there giving up countless buckets?
I'd be fine thrilled with Pope sending a *real* statement, at least going into next year, that this ish won't be tolerated at the University of Kentucky -- by benching his butt. Our little league coaches always told us that attitude and effort were the only two things you could control on the court/field. Both, of which, he's failed miserably and embarassed us as fans of the state's flagship athletic program.
Hansbrough said as much after the Gonzaga clownshow during the Field of 68 after dark. If nothing else, "have respect for the game" with your effort/energy.
You're doing *yourself* a disservice to basketball with that kind of example. It incenses me to no end.
/rant