Kerr Kriisa

[K_TIME]

Call me when Perry gets back on defense after experiencing a season ending injury. Both can be good, don’t have to put down one to raise the other

I see your point...and I don't like that it does get to pitting one player vs. another.

I'll leave at this...I like Perry's growth/proven shooting acumen from HS vs. Krissa as PG rotation guy in 2025.....but both have been good pieces for UK as best they can in 2024

 

[Tayshaun4Three]

Sorry if I misunderstood but it really was meant as joke rather than a personal attack...but I realize I did offend you and I take responsibility for that and I am sorry.

I swear to you I wasn’t hurt a bit. These chats are awesome but they don’t show the inflection. That’s my bad. Hope we get both players back and they ball out. I’m sorry for not communicating better. It’s all family in Big Blue Nation.

 

[TriangleUKCat]

I can see a scenario where Kerr’s injury is bad enough that he’s compromised in the future playing too many minutes but wants to be at UK and act as an emotional leader who can also help out in spurts. Pope pursued him for many years and it may be a situation where he just wants to learn more from the staff with the aim of potentially joining down the line. He clearly loves being at UK.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Yeah...not too excited about this...not a pure no but there are issues...

1. We need a starter level PG to pair with Acaden Lewis. And Krissa is not a starter level PG and that is easy to see. (FOr all the rah-rah stuff that people love...he was shooting 28% FG and 27%3pt....and he's not defensive dynamo)
2. What does this do to Travis Perry...who I think is perfect to get those extra minutes behind SG/PG topline guys. Perry is improving, he's got s scorer pedigree and I'd love to keep him at UK for 4 years.

So Krissa back.....does he bump Perry down (heck Perry could conceivably beat him out next year)....I don't mind as long as Pope is dead set on getting another Butler to run the team next year.

This. Someone was saying on here JJ could play some PG too if needed. Seems like a logjam already with Lewis, perry and now Kerr. And most of us agree none of those 3 should be starter.

 

[Doc4UK!]

Kind of wonder if Noah is being red shirted. Not sure of the rules on that . Would however love to have Kerr back

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Again..>Kerr may be a favorite with his fire and emotion...but he was shooting 27%FG and 26%3pt (albeit in 10ish games off bench)....and not a lockdown defender. So he was not exactly lighting anything up...he was a serviceable backup PG to Butler....I think he's been overplayed on this board a bit.

And Perry is up to 35%3pt.....so you could make a case he's catching up/exceeding Kerr in that backup PG already.

I get what you are saying. BUT…Kerr has a 4 year history (at P5 schools) shooting in the high 30’s from 3. But also there is a lot more to a PG than shooting 3’s, and Krissa if better than Perry in most all of those areas. Doesn’t mean in 2-3 years Perry doesn’t get there, he may.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Sorry, but I'm in the minority. I'd rather have him back this year. I don't want to be in a situation where either Kriisa or Lewis is our starting point guard.

 

[AJG-15]

I have my doubts that Perry or Kriisa are good enough to start next year. This year having Butler cover luck of depth at PG.

Yeah I know we use the bigs to initiate offense in half court but without Butler this team will be sitting on double the losses we have right now.


We need someone as good his him and ideally couple inches taller next year.

Both Perry and Kriisa cannot play defense. Yes offensively they can fill a role but even that role is not at level of a Kentucky starting PG like Butler, Tyler U. , Reed S. , Andrew Harrison, Murray , Fox , SGA or Wall. Hey they are not even at level of Wagner or Ty Ty Washington.


We need someone to start. If your hope is in Perry or Kriisa then will be a long year next year similar to when Wheeler was running the PG….We got very lucky with Butler this year. We need someone as good from transfer portal if not better to be relevant next year.

 

[cats#1again]

I'd like to have him back, but I'm hoping we can do better for the starting spot.

Next year perry will be pushing starter mins. Needs to get in the weight room and become as fast as he possibly can. I think this is where pope will be really good. Getting the most out of his players, similar to pitino

 

[Randy Bob]

Redshirt sounds good by the time he gets back this year do not think it will help much.

 

[storm1507]

I just hope he comes back...either this year or next. The only thing I want to see is better shot selection. This is not the local YMCA or rec center. I wonder what his 3 pt % would be if you take away the 5-10' beyond the arch shots?

Anyway, he's not the best defender but he has great upside (what this year's team is sorely missing). If next year, Perry would hopefully get some time at shooting guard.

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

Geez, we have a lot of people here who are just convinced that Kerr can't improve into being a starter after a full year in Pope's system, working on his shooting, getting comfortable at UK, and maturing another year. Good to know. Some are still just too blinded by Cal's 5-star freshmen recruit point guards like Wall, Fox, Knight, SGA, et al.

Many were VERY disappointed he went after Butler to be the starter, too. Don't forget that.

 

[catsfan325]

As someone who loved the Butler signing and did not love the Kerr one, I didn't see enough from him this season to change my mind. Especially coming back from a non-minor injury. Would much rather get a starter out of the portal with Acaden backing up and Travis Perry fighting for minutes. Kerr played in 9 games this year and was a net negative in like half of them.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Sorry, but I'm in the minority. I'd rather have him back this year. I don't want to be in a situation where either Kriisa or Lewis is our starting point guard.

I'm not saying I disagree (or agree). But I just find this comment interesting, given that just a few months ago many on this board (I'm not saying you, I have no idea if you were one) thought that Kriisa should start over Butler or along side Butler (over Oweh).

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Geez, we have a lot of people here who are just convinced that Kerr can't improve into being a starter after a full year in Pope's system, working on his shooting, getting comfortable at UK, and maturing another year. Good to know. Some are still just too blinded by Cal's 5-star freshmen recruit point guards like Wall, Fox, Knight, SGA, et al.

Many were VERY disappointed he went after Butler to be the starter, too. Don't forget that.

Is Kerr a better shooter than he showed in his 9 games and 156 minutes at UK? I have no doubt that he is a better shooter than that.
UK: 26.3% (10-38) 3pt, 40% (2-5) 2pt
Zona & WV: 36.8% (238-647) 3pt, 40.2% (68-169) 2pt

Looking at this drop in 3pt shooting statistically, ignoring his Zona & WV %'s, the 95% confidence interval around his 26.3% is +/-14%, meaning we are 95% certain that given an infinite # of shots he would make between 12.3% & 40.3% of them. The 90% CI is +/-11.7%, putting him between 14.6% & 38%. So within the 36.8% he made at Zona & WV. He simply started the season in a slump. Recall Grady finishing the season in a similar slump, but he played the first 2/3 of the year making 50%, in the end finishing slightly better than his Davidson days. So, statistically had he not gotten injured, there is every reason to believe Kerr would have turned it around.
If you look at his WV & Zona days, with 647 3's, you can get a much more precise estimate of that 90% confidence interval, it is +/-3.1%, meaning we are 90% confident (going into the season) that Kerr is a 33.7-39.9% 3pt shooter (given enough attempts). But in just 9 games, he didn't build up a large enough sample size. Now that we can include his 9 games at UK, that 90% CI is 33.2-39.2%.

 

[mdupchurch]

According to Joe Tipton, he's heard Kerr is exploring the option of getting a medical redshirt so he can return to UK next season

I think it's important because Kerr is as valuable off the court as he is on it. He's passionate, he's a leader, he can definitely mentor Jasper and Lewis coming in. And he's a true competitor. This would be a great addition to next year's roster, for sure

 

[bucsrule8872]

I am fine with Kriisa returning, but he needs to understand that he is a reserve and that Pope is going to sign a top tier PG in the Portal to be the starter.

Lewis also needs to be okay with competing for the backup spot. Lewis can also play off the ball, so he should be okay with being a backup at both spots.

Perry will have to be patient as well. It’s going to be a little crowded in the backcourt.

I see Oweh playing the 3 spot to make more room in the backcourt. The 2 and 3 are basically the same position, so that would make sense.

I see it being like this:

PG Portal/Kriisa
SG Johnson/Lewis/Perry
SF Oweh/Chandler/Noah
PF Portal/Portal/3 to 4 star Freshman
C Garrison/Moreno

I think that’s a solid roster, depending on who can be added from the Portal.

And there’s also the potential that Almonor might return, if the new fifth year rule is implemented.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

I am fine with Kriisa returning, but he needs to understand that he is a reserve and that Pope is going to sign a top tier PG in the Portal to be the starter.

Lewis also needs to be okay with competing for the backup spot. Lewis can also play off the ball, so he should be okay with being a backup at both spots.

Perry will have to be patient as well. It’s going to be a little crowded in the backcourt.

I see Oweh playing the 3 spot to make more room in the backcourt. The 2 and 3 are basically the same position, so that would make sense.

I see it being like this:

PG Portal/Kriisa
SG Johnson/Lewis/Perry
SF Oweh/Chandler/Noah
PF Portal/Portal/3 to 4 star Freshman
C Garrison/Moreno

I think that’s a solid roster, depending on who can be added from the Portal.

And there’s also the potential that Almonor might return, if the new fifth year rule is implemented.

I think we will have a portal guy either at the 2 or 3, with Oweh at the other. And as you said, 2 of them at the 4 (unless the 5th yr rule happened and Almonor returned).

 

[SandyBell'sFaxMachine]

"Call me when Perry gets back on defense"

I read it as you saying that Perry doesn't get back on defense when you were defending Kriisa. Now that I know you can't take some good natured joking I won't joke with you anymore so there's no need to blow a fuse. We're not even in disagreement about anything since I respect and like both players.

No he specified after having what looks to be a season ending injury, because when Kerr fractured his foot he ran back on defense and contested he fast break layup. He wasn't saying in general.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Next year perry will be pushing starter mins. Needs to get in the weight room and become as fast as he possibly can. I think this is where pope will be really good. Getting the most out of his players, similar to pitino

I seriously doubt that if Kerr returns along with Lewis and a potential transfer PG.

 

[anon1751545683]

Kind of wonder if Noah is being red shirted. Not sure of the rules on that . Would however love to have Kerr back

Noah can’t be redshirted except for medical.

He has played in a game.

 

[4Frusciante#]

No he specified after having what looks to be a season ending injury, because when Kerr fractured his foot he ran back on defense and contested he fast break layup. He wasn't saying in general.

Thanks for the help. I now finally realize exactly what B.B.H. was saying; it slipped past me that Kerr had ran downcourt to defend after the injury.

 

[HoneyMoon155]

Noah can’t be redshirted except for medical.

He has played in a game.

I think you can play in up to 4 maybe. How many has he played?
Could be wrong though

Edit: Nevermind I am wrong, that’s football I’m thinking of

 

[ganner918_rivals60369]

Kind of wonder if Noah is being red shirted. Not sure of the rules on that . Would however love to have Kerr back

If you play in even 1 game, you can't redshirt. So Noah is not redshirting. Kerr is eligible for a medical hardship waiver if he can't play rest of the year.

 

[anon1751545683]

I think you can play in up to 4 maybe. How many has he played?
Could be wrong though

Edit: Nevermind I am wrong, that’s football I’m thinking of

You can't play at all and get a redshirt. Except for medical.

 

[bucsrule8872]

I think we will have a portal guy either at the 2 or 3, with Oweh at the other. And as you said, 2 of them at the 4 (unless the 5th yr rule happened and Almonor returned).

The backcourt gets a little crowded, if that happens.

Add an experienced Portal PG and an experienced Portal SG as starters with Oweh, with an experienced Kriisa on the bench, where does that leave Johnson and Lewis? I figure the staff is planning on giving Johnson and Lewis at least a shot at significant playing time.

It’s going to be tough to balance winning now with winning in the future. Add too many starter level Portal guys and Chandler and Lewis start thinking it might be time to transfer. Got to get some guys to stick around for 3-4 years. Pope has to careful not to recruit over guys instead of developing what we have.

 

[kennyskywalker34]

Kind of wonder if Noah is being red shirted. Not sure of the rules on that . Would however love to have Kerr back

Noah has played in 7 games. I think 7 is the limit a player can play in and still redshirt.
I'm not certain on this. Someone chime in on 7 games. Might be different for a injured player like Kerr

 

[SandyBell'sFaxMachine]

Noah has played in 7 games. I think 7 is the limit a player can play in and still redshirt.
I'm not certain on this. Someone chime in on 7 games. Might be different for a injured player like Kerr

If you play any games you can't redshirt. Only medical.

 

[anon1751545683]

Noah has played in 7 games. I think 7 is the limit a player can play in and still redshirt.
I'm not certain on this. Someone chime in on 7 games. Might be different for a injured player like Kerr

You can't play at all and then chose to redshirt. I'm not sure on the medical now. It used to be a percentage. Like 20%. It may be games now? Either way Kerr is eligible for a medical redshirt.

 

[Hoskins91_rivals]

That's one heck of a player to have as your 2nd or 3rd string PG.

That’s the point, somebody would leave. Or someone we are after would choose not to come here.

 

[Hoskins91_rivals]

Geez, we have a lot of people here who are just convinced that Kerr can't improve into being a starter after a full year in Pope's system, working on his shooting, getting comfortable at UK, and maturing another year. Good to know. Some are still just too blinded by Cal's 5-star freshmen recruit point guards like Wall, Fox, Knight, SGA, et al.

Many were VERY disappointed he went after Butler to be the starter, too. Don't forget that.

He’s already a senior. Most people don’t suddenly become drastically different players.

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

He’s already a senior. Most people don’t suddenly become drastically different players.

Ever had employees who worked somewhere for 20+ years become a different person when new leadership arrives? I have. Many times. That's the point. He's getting leadership and coaching that he probably hasn't had before. It can happen.

 

[Doc4UK!]

Kerr is on a student VISA so if he wants to stay in the country easiest way might be to remain a graduate student?

I for one hope he stays.

 

[Hoskins91_rivals]

Ever had employees who worked somewhere for 20+ years become a different person when new leadership arrives? I have. Many times. That's the point. He's getting leadership and coaching that he probably hasn't had before. It can happen.

Wouldnt bet on it.

 

[rivercatinfl]

If he can play unencumbered, I'd let him play.
We need him for the final push to get a good seed.

If not, he will be valuable next year.

 

[Myotis]

Many on here note that Kerr doesn’t have impressive numbers and consequently won’t be much of an addition / isn’t costing us much being out. On the other hand many are complaining that the team gets lazy, doesn’t compete for loose balls, is slow to pick up defense, doesn’t fight for rebounds. Isn’t this exactly what Kerr brings to the table? Desire, heart, attitude, swagger. These attributes are infective, I think have him in the rotation will see the other players feed off this and pick up their own games as well.

 

[billoliver40]

Kind of wonder if Noah is being red shirted. Not sure of the rules on that . Would however love to have Kerr back

I would think Noah is being looked at in Carrs spot. Or maybe the three. He really isn't a point guard. Perry is a different situation though. A red shirt year might (might) help him.

Chandler is a question for me. His defensive effort is really good, but his offense is out of sync.

 

[Cleatortoises]

But your assumption, if I am reading it correctly, is we would run with Kerr/Lewis as PG...and forego a bigtime portal PG (like Butler).

I think I am not willing to take that risk next year...I 100% believe UK should not assume Acaden Lewis can take PG starter.....this is the mindset Calipari would do and you most years fall short. And Lewis is not rated like a John Wall type PG...he's more like a SGA rated PG..

Well that would stink.
Only SGA level phhhhhhhtt.

 

[kyhoward]

Believe that CMP will pick up a point guard, power forward, and another big man at the least. Hopefully, Otega will come back and also Ansley if he is allowed to have another year. I think you will see big jumps from all 3 of this year's freshmen next season. Chandler has been picked on some, but his defense the past few games has been outstanding and he has excellent athleticism. I believe it has taken this year for him to shake off the 2-year layoff and his offensive game will be much improved.

 

[RunninRichie]

Yeah...not too excited about this...not a pure no but there are issues...

1. We need a starter level PG to pair with Acaden Lewis. And Krissa is not a starter level PG and that is easy to see. (FOr all the rah-rah stuff that people love...he was shooting 28% FG and 27%3pt....and he's not defensive dynamo)
2. What does this do to Travis Perry...who I think is perfect to get those extra minutes behind SG/PG topline guys. Perry is improving, he's got s scorer pedigree and I'd love to keep him at UK for 4 years.

So Krissa back.....does he bump Perry down (heck Perry could conceivably beat him out next year)....I don't mind as long as Pope is dead set on getting another Butler to run the team next year.

He's a bench player. I'd take him back, as a bench piece. Glue-guy.