With Kerr out does Travis Perry step up to take the backup PG role?

megablue

Heisman
Oct 2, 2012
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I haven't seen anything to this point that has shown me he's capable, but do others here think he is?

Does Pope try to get him more minutes to find out?
We've not seen enough to conclude anything, but the second part of your post makes good sense to me.
If Perry cannot get any meaningful minutes now to see what he can do in game situations, it might not bode well for his staying.
Not trying to be negative, just realistic. He does not need to start, of course, but against the lesser teams, he should get some minutes to prove that Pope has some confidence in him, or is at least willing to see what he can do during the balance of the game, not during mop-up. Colgate and Brown should be games where Perry might get some quality time. We'll see ...
 
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Jan 3, 2003
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I think vs these next 2-3 mid-majors (yes, I count UL as one, lol), we need to try him out. If he can't handle that, then the answer is no, if he can then maybe he can give us (Butler) a 3min rest in each half.
Not asking for him to be Reed. Just don't turn it over, don't get abused on DEF, and if they do leave you open hit a few of those.

But for anyone not on our coaching staff to say "he's not ready" is ignorant. We simply have not seen enough of him yet to know if he is or not. So against these 3 coming mid-major games, I'd like to see him get 10-15min, to give us a good idea if he can handle 4-8min in SEC games.
 

LineSkiCat14

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I don't see a scenario where you DON'T start using him. Kerr is out for a month, and who knows how effective he is ROS with an injury like that. Butler already rolled an ankle. We need every and all bodies on the court IMO. Perry can have a total pass if he struggles this year, because this likely wasn't the plan, but we have no choice.
 

BlueBomb

Heisman
Apr 3, 2009
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There's no reason Perry should have to play. We have Butler and Jaxson. Then Otega. We play five out. Most everyone can dribble. Heck, even Amari brings the ball up court. Point guard by committee.
 
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katwest

Heisman
Feb 16, 2003
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I think he is going to have to play him some now, whether he wants to or not, nobody knew Shepard was ready until he was. Perry can score, and we will need scoring, if his defense is adequate and he just holds his own, that will be good. Having one good guard is not going to be enough once conference play begins. If Butler has to do it all, he will be less effective playing even more minutes. That being said I was proud of the way Robinson handled himself the other night.
 
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I think we will see quite a bit of Perry Wednesday night vs Colgate. I am sure that he needs to be prepared to play more. Losing Kerr hurts the depth of the team. Get into a game where the refs have a quick whistle, and Perry will be needed and be counted on. Also, if Robinson is playing point more and Brea has foul problems we may see Trent Noah more.
 
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FirewithFire

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Play some yes. Play meaningful minutes no. If he does have to play big minutes it means we are in deep trouble. For now Robinson / Brea will handle the backup role.
 

rob_47

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I actually thought he looked quite capable the other night. You could tell he belongs. Does a good job getting space for himself to get off shots and he knows where to be on defense and is good at getting his hands on long rebounds. Knows his capabilities defensively and I don't think he is as inept on defense as some on here want to believe. He will get the opportunity with Kerr being out.
 
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I’d give he and Chandler 15-20 minutes each against toothpaste and see what they do. Go from there.

Oh yeah, F the voters in the AP poll who are ACC homers. Not like the whole world didn’t see the head to head games.
 
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Eccain01

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I mean he’ll prolly play spot minutes until everyone gets back. I’d imagine we’ll get a look at home vs Colgate and brown to try and see where he’s at.
 

Tayshaun4Three

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I hope Perry can play some and do good i always love seeing a ky boy do well.
We have a team full of Kentucky boys and I’ll be happy with whichever of them Pope thinks is ready. I’d expect we start to see some Perry at this point or you might start playing some Chandler at point. Regardless, they are ALL Kentucky boys. All of them.
 

UKWildcats1987

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I hope JR gets most of the backup 1 minutes. Play Brea more with OO and JR.

I definitely feel Perry and Chandler will have to play more now though. Time to put on their college basketball big boy pants and contribute.
 

Cats192

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Apr 22, 2011
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I don't see a scenario where you DON'T start using him. Kerr is out for a month, and who knows how effective he is ROS with an injury like that. Butler already rolled an ankle. We need every and all bodies on the court IMO. Perry can have a total pass if he struggles this year, because this likely wasn't the plan, but we have no choice.
After seeing Robinson really ball out as the PG against Gonzaga--I think you give him the non-Butler minutes at PG

Butler plays 30 minutes at PG
Robinson plays 10 minutes at PG, 20 as a wing.
 
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Cats192

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We've not seen enough to conclude anything, but the second part of your post makes good sense to me.
If Perry cannot get any meaningful minutes now to see what he can do in game situations, it might not bode well for his staying.
Not trying to be negative, just realistic. He does not need to start, of course, but against the lesser teams, he should get some minutes to prove that Pope has some confidence in him, or is at least willing to see what he can do during the balance of the game, not during mop-up. Colgate and Brown should be games where Perry might get some quality time. We'll see ...
I think/hope we can reset freshman expectations.

Once upon a time, freshmen knew that not all of them would play significant minutes.

If Pope isn't playing him, it's because Perry hasn't earned it. I hate to think he'd run away from earning it.
 
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Wildcats1st

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Sep 16, 2017
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I haven't seen anything to this point that has shown me he's capable, but do others here think he is?

Does Pope try to get him more minutes to find out?
Jaxon Robinson just went 5-0 assist to TO ratio in his time at PG. the guy is better than Krissa we are better with Robinson at the point I mean we don’t win without Robinson at the point. Butler starts Robinson at 15 min a night at pg. yeah he’s smooth and has great vision not to mention his size makes him a matchup problem. I’m surprised this has mnt been the narrative after that game because we won bc Robinson made shots, created, shut down nemhard and led the team to a massive comeback.
 

Wildcats1st

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Robinson had 5 assists and 0 turnovers running the 1 when Krissa went out.
I’ve seen some really questionable takes but this is spot on. I mean are folks blind? Imo Robinson changes the entire makeup of our team bc of his pg skills. Even when Krissa comes back jr should be back up. It’s kinda like being 6th man and he flourishes in that type of role
 

Wildcats1st

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I know JR doesn’t want to play point guard but Damn is he good at it .
What are you talking about doesn’t want? He doesn’t want to play in the nba? Because he’s going to have show some pg skills. You make it the best way you can I have never heard Robinson doesn’t want to play pg.
 

Bungalow Bill

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We need to find out in the next few games because people thinking Brea can play point must not have been watching the same player I have been. His handle is really loose. Plus he's a good rebounder. Got to play him where his strengths are. Hoping Butler is ready Wednesday.
 

Panthur

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Aug 5, 2008
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No.

Pg for the near term is Butler/Robinson assuming Butler makes it back soon. Even if Butler can’t go we’ll probably use a backcourt of Robinson/Oweh/Chandler with Perry getting only emergency minutes.

All the same, Pope is a thinking man and I fully expect him to give Perry some clock at least vs Colgate. Doing everything he can to shorten Perry’s runway to readiness against the horrible eventuality that Perry may actually be needed to fill a backup PG role this season.
 
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megablue

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I think/hope we can reset freshman expectations.

Once upon a time, freshmen knew that not all of them would play significant minutes.

If Pope isn't playing him, it's because Perry hasn't earned it. I hate to think he'd run away from earning it.
I understand your point and do not disagree.

My only point is that Perry was regularly considered the 3rd point guard, behind Butler and Kriisa. If both of them are unavailable, if Butler's time is limited or he takes breaks during the games, and Perry is not inserted, especially against Colgate and Brown, I would think he might re-evaluate his future playing time here. This is only logical, because you know Pope will be recruiting additional point guards, probably a veteran to bring in next year via the portal. Kids want to play and Perry might be forced to re-think/realize that he is not figuring significantly into Pope's plans for the future. Remember: Pope did not recruit Perry, Calipari did.

If playing for Kentucky means as much as many here think it does (or, at least, it should), then Perry might stay here like Hawkins and Willis did ... for the full four (4) years. However, that was BEFORE NIL$$$ and the ability to transfer through the portal and gain IMMEDIATE playing time. I hope he gets an opportunity for extended minutes against Colgate and Brown. We'll see what happens ...
 
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Tayshaun4Three

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I understand your point and do not disagree.

My only point is that Perry was regularly considered the 3rd point guard, behind Butler and Kriisa. If both of them are unavailable, if Butler's time is limited or he takes breaks during the games, and Perry is not inserted, especially against Colgate and Brown, I would think he might re-evaluate his future playing time here. This is only logical, because you know Pope will be recruiting additional point guards, probably a veteran to bring in next year via the portal. Kids want to play and Perry might be forced to re-think/realize that he is not figuring significantly into Pope's plans for the future. Remember: Pope did not recruit Perry, Calipari did.

If playing for Kentucky means as much as many here think it does (or, at least, it should), then Perry might stay here like Hawkins and Willis did ... for the full four (4) years. However, that was BEFORE NIL$$$ and the ability to transfer through the portal and gain IMMEDIATE playing time. I hope he gets an opportunity for extended minutes against Colgate and Brown. We'll see what happens ...
What did Pope say in his press conference when he accepted the job? The players will play for the name on the front of the jersey. If the players are doing that, they will be ready to play when coach calls their name. If they leave because the coach didn’t think they were ready, it confirms they were playing for a name but not the one on the front. If you disagree, replace the name Perry with Hagans and ask yourself if you see the point I’m making
 

megablue

Heisman
Oct 2, 2012
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What did Pope say in his press conference when he accepted the job? The players will play for the name on the front of the jersey. If the players are doing that, they will be ready to play when coach calls their name. If they leave because the coach didn’t think they were ready, it confirms they were playing for a name but not the one on the front. If you disagree, replace the name Perry with Hagans and ask yourself if you see the point I’m making
I understand your sentiment and it is a traditional one, if not noble. I'd like to think most kids play for the school and state, but am certainly not convinced of it. Players are leaving everywhere these days in all of collegiate sports and I think playing for name on the front of the jersey means far less now than many people think it does ... or, at least, less than it used to. I would love to see EVERY kid stay at Kentucky for the full four (4) years, regardless of whether they play much, or not. I just do not see this as being realistic these days. If a kid stays, great !! If a kid decides to leave, I understand, and best of luck to him/her.
I definitely can understand the desire to play. versus sit ... as they only have four (4) years of eligibility.
 

Tayshaun4Three

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I understand your sentiment and it is a traditional one, if not noble. I'd to think most kids play for the school and state, but am certainly not convinced of it. Players are leaving everywhere these days in all of collegiate sports and I think playing for name on the front of the jersey means far less now than many people think it does ... or, at least, less than it used to. I would love to see EVERY kid stay at Kentucky for the full four (4) years, regardless of whether they play much, or not. I just do not see this as being realistic these days. If a kid stays, great !! If a kid decides to leave, I understand, and best of luck to him. I definitely can understand the desire to play ... as they only have four (4) years of eligibility.
I won’t be upset if Perry leaves. I understand why kids do that. I’m just saying, for Pope, has to do the job he said he would do. He can’t show any favoritism. When a kid is ready, he has to make that call.
 

megablue

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I won’t be upset if Perry leaves. I understand why kids do that. I’m just saying, for Pope, has to do the job he said he would do. He can’t show any favoritism. When a kid is ready, he has to make that call.
I think we understand each other and are actually saying the same thing. I never said Pope should play Perry, if he doesn't deserve it. If the third-string point guard is passed over by a player who wasn't slotted as a point guard, especially in lesser game situations, then I just think a player might re-evaluate the situation going forward. That's all ...
 
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wccat

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I haven't seen anything to this point that has shown me he's capable, but do others here think he is?

Does Pope try to get him more minutes to find out?
Probably not good that Travis follows Reed as not all Kentucky boys are Reed. Contrary to a previous coach, I believe Pope will play him the amount of time he feels he is ready to play.
 

Tayshaun4Three

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I think we understand each other and are actually saying the same thing. I never said Pope should play Perry, if he doesn't deserve it.
Oh no, you’re correct. I absolutely agree with you. We are saying the same thing a tad different way. I love being able to trust the coach. It is a new feeling for me to be frank