By GREG WEIR
I know it appears Coach Cal is running a little behind his usual stellar recruiting success, but I’m not worried in the least. At least according to my Ouija Board and Magic 8Ball.
The way these things have played out in recent years it’s, all up in the air and also anybody’s guess what the makeup of our 2012 roster may ultimately look like. Goodwin was a “huge get” for UK, and yes it was disappointing that Perry Ellis slipped through the proverbial cracks. It is widely assumed we will lose 5, 6, 7 guys from the 2011-2012 class. But if history
proves anything, it confirms that no one knows how things will shake out come late spring 2012.
There are two guaranteed certainties we know without a doubt. Darius Miller and Eloy Vargas will be out of eligibility. We also must assume that Terrence Jones is as good as gone. But here’s where it gets a little fuzzy for me based on several factors. I think most everyone felt strongly Jones would not be back this year. Honestly I was more surprised that he stayed and Brandon Knight left.
I also remember back to the first couple of months of the 2009 season. I think pretty much everyone thought we had a chance of getting Cousins and P Pat back for 2010, but I was amazed when Bledsoe and Orton put their names in the draft. Shows what I know, which obviously is not much. Thats why I consult a higher force in such matters, tea leaves etc.
So it’s a given that Miller and Vargas are gone, Jones is probably 99.9 percent out of here. If Anthony
Davis is as good as advertised we can also take him out of the equation, but Lamb, Teague and Kidd-Gilchrest are another matter entirely. I contend that if Patterson can stick around for his junior season, why not Doron Lamb. Gilchrist has stated he’s in no hurry to get to the NBA, and after all the kid just turned 18 this week. Teague I think is the one guy of these three that is most likely to put his name in the draft, but all of this is assuming he progresses and develops in the same fashion as Wall, Evans and Rose. And though that scenario is likely it’s certainly not a forgone conclusion.
So where does that leave us? Goodwin is on board. Ryan Harrow, who was a 5-star recruit, is the point guard heir to the throne. Kyle Wiltjer is also a McDonalds all-american and the No. 22 guy in his class and should be returning, although I’ve heard peeps out of the early practice sessions he has been very impressive. It was also reported this week that Alex Poythress is a lock for UK by a supposedly very reliable source. If that indeed plays out as indicated, looks to me as though there isn’t alot more really needed to have a really solid team for 2012-13, especially if Michael Kidd-Gilchrist returns for year number two.
Calipari has turned up the heat on recruit Mitch McGary. And when Cal is on the case, I like his chances better than anyone in the game. If there is one thing that is for certain in the recruiting business, it’s that nothing is for certain! Shabazz Muhahammad is also still on the board, and I’m not sure why but I have a real good feeling Cal has the inside track on this kid.
Call it a hunch, but I’ll get back to all of you with “the straight skinny” just as soon as my Crystal Ball and Magic Carpet are ready for pickup from “Achmeds Scratch and Dent Flying Carpet Emporium.” Until then, bring on November and the Quest for national championship No. 8. I can’t wait!
19 Responses to Kentucky’s 2012-2013 roster will work out just fine
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I’m not worried about 2012 either. There are plenty of big time recruits left on the board, and Kentucky WILL get at least 2 or 3 of the ones left, depending on what our needs are projected to be. I love the Goodwin pickup. He is perfect for the DDM. Losing Ellis was somewhat disappointing, but honestly I think it just opens the door for Poythress and either McGary or Coleman, all of which I would rather have over Ellis. Mohammed is one I can’t really get a handle on. I think he ends up at UK–if we lose alot to the draft. He may be one of those “wait and see” players. Harrow will be outstanding at the PG next season, especially with a year under Cal as a redshirt to learn the system going in.
I don’t think we will lose as much to the draft as everyone is predicting right now. The NBA lockout could easily lead to a 2 and done rule for college players, which means our freshmen would be back. How awsome would that be?! Not likely to happen, but it would be unbelievable if it did. I to think Gilchrist could be back and Wiltjer is the forgotten man in all this. He will be back too. Teague is another that may or not be ready for the NBA next season. It depends on his progression. Either way with the returning talent we are gonna have and the incoming new guys we will be fine next season. Lets just sit back and enjoy the ride THIS season. It will be exciting!!
SuzieCat said it all. Also like Rodney’s thought process.
In Cal we trust.
Amen, Suziecat2!
And united we stand! Go Cats!
Nerles Noel hs reclassified to 2012! We need this kid very badly!
Noel is the kid playing in Huntington, right? If so, I agree
Don, he would be a great get, the kid is supposed to be one of the best defensive, shotblocking big guys to come around in the last 10 yrs. And besides you have to love the fro!
I doubt if we will have Davis for more than one year, but could you imagine Noel and Davis on the defensive end of the court…Swat City. The game would probably run out of basketballs if the fans refused to give them back-Ha!
If I were a NBA General Manager I would be pushing for the two year rule. Too many mistakes when you are drafting potential. I think that has played more into Cal’s thinking than we will ever know. How many does he take waiting on that decision?
Some of these top recruits maybe waiting on this two year rule to see which schools will have playing time.
I love my fellow Cat fans… we are unhappy that we have one and dones and have to keep replacing them, then we are unhappy that we are not replacing people who have not even played their first game yet… it’s like complaining about the cost of a security system, then getting upset because no one has tried to break in the house.
We are definately a hard crowd to please.
Unfortunately Classy, is it stands now that is the nature of the beast ,these revolving door recruits are part of the equation. It would be a glorius day in the BBN, if the “league” did adopt a 2 and done rule. It would change the entire landscape of college hoops, in mind boggling ways. But until that day arrives I’m afraid were stuck with the system as it plays now! On the other hand I’m blame Calipari for “spoiling” us, it’s like giving candy to a greedy child! (tongue in cheek)
I hear ya Greg, now let go of my Snickers bar!
If the league were to move to a 2 year minimum, UK and Calipari would be the biggest beneficiary because UK/Calipari is having the greatest impact of the 1 and done rule. The change to a 2 year minimum would have change the matriculation of players through Ohio State, UNC, Duke, Kansas, UConn, ….. but for UK, instead of field teams essentially dependent upon 3 or more true freshmen, the UK team would be transformed to one that will depend upon some number of true sophomores. However, the number of these top of the top recruits that UK would bring in, on average, would have to decline because the extra year of play would reduce the scholarship demand at UK from the current 5 or 6 per year to a more manageable 4 or 5 per year. But, with Calipari/UK’s track record of player development, that means the supply/demand ratio for UK becomes slightly more favorable for UK, and a UK Ticket to ride becomes even more precious and valuable.
My how life is so good these days for the BBN.
Thank you John Calipari for restoring our basketball program to these lofty levels.
Tea leaves? Ouija Boards? Get real!!!
Use the real deal – the Magic 8 ball!!
Sarah, I heard a rumor that Larry dropped and broke his Magic 8 Ball when it actually started laughing at him as he asked, “Will Kentucky upset LSU in Red Stick this Saturday?”
with coach cal win or loss its always exciting . But we still enjoy winning
go win about 35 games guys