Reasons for Optimism

[BlueRunner11]

Duke will not win the title in 2019. The more loaded they are the better imo. The more hype the better. The more expectations the better. I want them to feel the pressure we felt in 2015. I believe this Duke team will have so much pressure on them and so many teams gunning for them, I believe a 2019 NCAA tourney loss is pretty much a lock.

UK has the potential to have a heck of a team next year. The team could return more quality players next year than maybe any other year Cal has been here. Not saying it will happen, but if the season continues as is...there's a really good chance. Not only returnees, but contributing returnees. It cpuld also be a UK team that will be dismissed by the national media, given no shot at a title, that feels disrespected, etc with something to prove and thats always a good Calipari team.

This year is far from over (see 2014) but if it plays out the way it seems right now it could very well be a blessing in disguise for 2019.

I also say we beat them next year and Im normally a glass half empty kinda guy but Calipari will want that game...really really bad.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

They have no pressure........... NCAA will hand them a title the same way they did UNC.

Our only hope is they are undefeated and vegas would lose just too much money if Duke won it all.

 

[LadyCaytIL]

like I'm not even kidding......... every one needs to bet on Duke going undefeated next year the same way people did in 2015 for us.... make it to where Vegas would lose just too much money........

and then hope Duke isnt genius enough to just throw a meaningless game on the road ............. after hearing that sports book guy say vegas needs to beat UK to make any money at all.... i wish we would of just faked injures for a game and lost lol... effing vegas

 

[Thompkins4uk]

Duke will not win the title in 2019. The more loaded they are the better imo. The more hype the better. The more expectations the better. I want them to feel the pressure we felt in 2015. I believe this Duke team will have so much pressure on them and so many teams gunning for them, I believe a 2019 NCAA tourney loss is pretty much a lock.

UK has the potential to have a heck of a team next year. The team could return more quality players next year than maybe any other year Cal has been here. Not saying it will happen, but if the season continues as is...there's a really good chance. Not only returnees, but contributing returnees. It cpuld also be a UK team that will be dismissed by the national media, given no shot at a title, that feels disrespected, etc with something to prove and thats always a good Calipari team.

This year is far from over (see 2014) but if it plays out the way it seems right now it could very well be a blessing in disguise for 2019.

I also say we beat them next year and Im normally a glass half empty kinda guy but Calipari will want that game...really really bad.

When you say we have a chance to be really good next year, who are our bigs? Richards? Skj?

 

[BlueRunner11]

They have no pressure........... NCAA will hand them a title the same way they did UNC.

Our only hope is they are undefeated and vegas would lose just too much money if Duke won it all.

And thats the other side of things and it would not be a surprise at all.

 

[BlueRunner11]

When you say we have a chance to be really good next year, who are our bigs? Richards? Skj?

Obviously it will come down to returning the majority of our team and yes, Richards, SKJ, and a possible Wiseman. Solid frontcourt imo.

 

[Zjstep01]

When you say we have a chance to be really good next year, who are our bigs? Richards? Skj?

I would expect them to improve, but don’t forget about Wiseman, who we could add.

 

[arenk]

Obviously it will come down to returning the majority of our team and yes, Richards, SKJ, and a possible Wiseman. Solid front court imo.

SKJ has no post moves - not one that I have seen thus far.He did in high school, so I cannot imagine why he hasn't developed any in a season and a half at UK. Richards could be a good player and might even improve quite a lot by March. Wiseman has indicated that he does not intend to reclassify so forget that option next year. Duke is by no means a lock to win it all in 2019. They are freshmen and I'm not sure K can mold them into a cohesive unit that also plays adequate defense. Time will tell, but I do agree with those who have said that Cal has to change his recruiting pitch because he sure got his *** handed to him with this class. I'm sure Cal will make the necessary adjustments, but it appears to be too late to add much to the 2019 team. All we can do is hope that everyone returns which I think is unlikely. I don't think that any of them are NBA ready as of now though. Not that it ever matters!

 

[Cindog28]

UK played its SECOND game of the season with almost a full roster Saturday(can't wait for Baker!). There were times during the game you could see a LOT of improvement in the players (ESPECIALLY SKJ and Richards), but the on-court chemistry isn't there yet. I'm optimistic about UK's CURRENT team, and right now I'm not ready to throw in the towel and act like this season is over in January.

As far as next season some of the chatter is that Calipari may look at a grad school transfer to add to the '18 class depending on who wants to stay. Add another experienced player with the players returning with Johnson, Quickley, Herro, and I think they will be a Final Four/Championship team. Duke hasn't had a good defensive team in years. I don't think they are a lock to get out of the second weekend.

Wiseman keeps saying he's staying in the '19 class, so I'm not sure why posters and people like "Matty Bangs" keeps suggesting otherwise. Also the "crystal ball" (which means NOTHING) has him going to Texas, so he's not a UK lock. The 2019 class has a LOT of very intriguing players past the "private school paid for" Dukies. Kentucky is high on the list of #5 overall Matthew Hurt, #6 Bryan Antoine, #7 Scottie Lewis, and #11 Tyrese Maxey.

 

[Cawood86_rivals]

Team is getting healthy. JV is defining his role. Cal is still the coach.

 

[KyFaninNC]

SKJ has no post moves - not one that I have seen thus far.He did in high school, so I cannot imagine why he hasn't developed any in a season and a half at UK

I have asked this before. Who coaches our bigs? Because from what I see over the course of a year, they don't improve much if any at all, other than KAT. AD and Cuz was as good in November as they were in March, but those were two special players that were damn good from the start, with high basketball IQ's. I am starting to think we need new assistants, because something in our program is just not working.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

If Wiseman did decide on a reclass, he'd probably end up at Duke anyway. Sad to say, but K needs a big and this would probabky happen.

 

[awf]

I have asked this before. Who coaches our bigs? Because from what I see over the course of a year, they don't improve much if any at all, other than KAT. AD and Cuz was as good in November as they were in March, but those were two special players that were damn good from the start, with high basketball IQ's. I am starting to think we need new assistants, because something in our program is just not working.

Fishing again I see......

 

[MbergCat]

When you say we have a chance to be really good next year, who are our bigs? Richards? Skj?

Yes, and as a junior and sophomore I'm more than confident they will be a handful.

 

[MbergCat]

If Wiseman did decide on a reclass, he'd probably end up at Duke anyway. Sad to say, but K needs a big and this would probabky happen.

He doesn't need a big any more than we do. I like our chances with this kid.

 

[KyFaninNC]

Fishing again I see......

Stalking again? You wanna gimme a B/J, just ask. No need to follow me around.

 

[UKCAT5FAN]

When you say we have a chance to be really good next year, who are our bigs? Richards? Skj?

You not think Richards would improve from this year to next? I'd definitely be happy with a sophomore Richards as our big next year.

 

[akaukswoosh]

Duke will not win the title in 2019. The more loaded they are the better imo. The more hype the better. The more expectations the better. I want them to feel the pressure we felt in 2015. I believe this Duke team will have so much pressure on them and so many teams gunning for them, I believe a 2019 NCAA tourney loss is pretty much a lock.

UK has the potential to have a heck of a team next year. The team could return more quality players next year than maybe any other year Cal has been here. Not saying it will happen, but if the season continues as is...there's a really good chance. Not only returnees, but contributing returnees. It cpuld also be a UK team that will be dismissed by the national media, given no shot at a title, that feels disrespected, etc with something to prove and thats always a good Calipari team.

This year is far from over (see 2014) but if it plays out the way it seems right now it could very well be a blessing in disguise for 2019.

I also say we beat them next year and Im normally a glass half empty kinda guy but Calipari will want that game...really really bad.

I've thought since the summer that 2019 is the year. That said, I expected 6-10 losses with this team, but a nice run in March. Still do.

 

[akaukswoosh]

I'd definitely be happy with a sophomore Richards as our big next year.

I would too and hope he comes back with SKJ.

 

[awf]

Stalking again? You wanna gimme a B/J, just ask. No need to follow me around.

Aren't you original..........your the one that brought homosexual acts into the conversation jerk.....another name for the bucket.:flush:

 

[kevcat]

I think Duke has a better than 50-50 chance to win a title this season and next.

 

[JC CATS]

UK played its SECOND game of the season with almost a full roster Saturday(can't wait for Baker!). There were times during the game you could see a LOT of improvement in the players (ESPECIALLY SKJ and Richards), but the on-court chemistry isn't there yet. I'm optimistic about UK's CURRENT team, and right now I'm not ready to throw in the towel and act like this season is over in January.

As far as next season some of the chatter is that Calipari may look at a grad school transfer to add to the '18 class depending on who wants to stay. Add another experienced player with the players returning with Johnson, Quickley, Herro, and I think they will be a Final Four/Championship team. Duke hasn't had a good defensive team in years. I don't think they are a lock to get out of the second weekend.

Wiseman keeps saying he's staying in the '19 class, so I'm not sure why posters and people like "Matty Bangs" keeps suggesting otherwise. Also the "crystal ball" (which means NOTHING) has him going to Texas, so he's not a UK lock. The 2019 class has a LOT of very intriguing players past the "private school paid for" Dukies. Kentucky is high on the list of #5 overall Matthew Hurt, #6 Bryan Antoine, #7 Scottie Lewis, and #11 Tyrese Maxey.

You aren't ready to throw in the towel? Have you ever witnessed John Calipari take an 8 seed to the Title game? No way he can only recruit not coach...[banana]

 

[tm4uk]

I was thinking of putting $100 on Duke going undefeated and $100 on them just winning it all. Because if either of those happen the only thing that would make me feel better is winning extra cash and then go buy an xbox or a new tv. Worst that could happen is I lose 200$ which I would easily give to see these guys lose in the tournament.

Bet on your enemies and bet on something being fishy going on with officials.

 

[o_Ricky]

People were handing Duke the title in August when they cheated to get Bagley eligible and right now their KenPom D ranking is 80. The next worst in the top 10 is Kansas at 31. In 2014 their D was ranked in the 80s and Mercer sent them home in the first round, before being crushed by 11 seeded Tennessee. They aren't bullet proof and despite the talent influx they have next year there is no guarantee they mesh well out of the gate or ever.

 

[ConRay9]

UK played its SECOND game of the season with almost a full roster Saturday(can't wait for Baker!). There were times during the game you could see a LOT of improvement in the players (ESPECIALLY SKJ and Richards), but the on-court chemistry isn't there yet. I'm optimistic about UK's CURRENT team, and right now I'm not ready to throw in the towel and act like this season is over in January.

As far as next season some of the chatter is that Calipari may look at a grad school transfer to add to the '18 class depending on who wants to stay. Add another experienced player with the players returning with Johnson, Quickley, Herro, and I think they will be a Final Four/Championship team. Duke hasn't had a good defensive team in years. I don't think they are a lock to get out of the second weekend.

Wiseman keeps saying he's staying in the '19 class, so I'm not sure why posters and people like "Matty Bangs" keeps suggesting otherwise. Also the "crystal ball" (which means NOTHING) has him going to Texas, so he's not a UK lock. The 2019 class has a LOT of very intriguing players past the "private school paid for" Dukies. Kentucky is high on the list of #5 overall Matthew Hurt, #6 Bryan Antoine, #7 Scottie Lewis, and #11 Tyrese Maxey.

The crystal ball has a 100% prediction for Kentucky regarding James Wiseman. All 12 picks are Wiseman picking UK so I’m not exactly sure where you got Texas from. I think like 1-2 years ago some people had Texas as his pick but it’s been years since that was the case. You’re right though the crystal ball hasn’t had a great track record for future picks.

As for the whole reclassification thing, people mention it because recruits change their mind at the last minute ALL THE TIME. The Porter brother at Missouri and Bagley at Duke are just two examples this year off the top of my head. They say they aren’t going to reclassify and then college basketball ends and players declare for the draft and then they sneak into that little window in May/June and reclassify.

Not saying he will or won’t, but it’s not going to be set in stone whether he does or doesn’t until summer rolls around regardless of what he says.

 

[kevcat]

“Reasons for optimism “?

I think the defense played really well against Florida.
JV should get better with each game he plays.

 

[ZenCatFan73]

KWilt's gone, it appears.

 

[kevcat]

KWilt's gone, it appears.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

I have asked this before. Who coaches our bigs? Because from what I see over the course of a year, they don't improve much if any at all, other than KAT. AD and Cuz was as good in November as they were in March, but those were two special players that were damn good from the start, with high basketball IQ's. I am starting to think we need new assistants, because something in our program is just not working.

Where did you get the idea that bigs should improve significantly in 4 months. Try 4 years, at a minimum 2.

As a negative example, remember Zoubek at Duke. When he signed at Duke, longtime poster YouKay said he was a stiff and she was right ___ for 3 years. But in year 4 he was the main reason they won the NCAA title.

Or remember Jorts. Players can get better over time. Or they could be recruited over or could buy into a culture that says you should be leaving after a year or two at the most.

Now as for as Duke goes for next year, in a perfect world, we will beat them in the first game and face them again in the title game and beat them again.

 

[KyFaninNC]

Where did you get the idea that bigs should improve significantly in 4 months. Try 4 years, at a minimum 2.

As a negative example, remember Zoubek at Duke. When he signed at Duke, longtime poster YouKay said he was a stiff and she was right ___ for 3 years. But in year 4 he was the main reason they won the NCAA title.

Or remember Jorts. Players can get better over time. Or they could be recruited over or could buy into a culture that says you should be leaving after a year or two at the most.

Now as for as Duke goes for next year, in a perfect world, we will beat them in the first game and face them again in the title game and beat them again.

My point exactly. But we can’t get them to stay for 2 years, much less 4.

 

[KyFaninNC]

homosexual

What?? I thought you were female. My bad.

 

[Cindog28]

Not saying he will or won’t, but it’s not going to be set in stone whether he does or doesn’t until summer rolls around regardless of what he says.

"Wiseman said Sunday at Marshall County Hoopfest that reclassifying is “not an option.” He didn’t know where or why those rumors started.

“I have no clue,” Wiseman said. “I just looked on Twitter and they was talking about that. It was crazy.”

To each their own, but in my opinion I'm pretty sure it DOES matter what he says. If he's saying now it's "not an option", then why is it an option?

 

[ConRay9]

"Wiseman said Sunday at Marshall County Hoopfest that reclassifying is “not an option.” He didn’t know where or why those rumors started.

“I have no clue,” Wiseman said. “I just looked on Twitter and they was talking about that. It was crazy.”

To each their own, but in my opinion I'm pretty sure it DOES matter what he says. If he's saying now it's "not an option", then why is it an option?

I understand he said that. I’m not trying to dispute that he said anything different. I’m not saying it’s a for sure fire thing. But what else is he supposed to say? These player’s situations are fluid, it’s not a constant. It might be in his best interest to reclassify in May. Players RARELY reclassify on a whim in the middle of the season. They reassess their situation, the college teams rosters, and their relationship with coaches that are recruiting them. It may or may not happen, I really have no idea, but to completely dismiss the possibility of it happening is a bit silly, at least to me. It’s also probably some wishful thinking on my part, the kid is good!!