Next season is going to be rough.

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I'm going to go on record and say I think next seasons record will be good. I think they will win 20 games and make the NCAA. Just believe the team will be much more balanced and defense and rebounding will always be givens here.
 
I think the bigger question right now for next season is not how the team plays but who they play. This team will have some growing pains, but might not be so bad in a watered down conference. As far as the talent is concerned I think we will be fine.
 
I'm going to go on record and say I think next seasons record will be good. I think they will win 20 games and make the NCAA. Just believe the team will be much more balanced and defense and rebounding will always be givens here.

Who is going to score? Kilpatrick will be double teamed all season. That is a given. Who is going to put up the 20 points each game instead? Jackson? Gaines? Rubles? The key next season are the freshmen but Cronin's track record for freshmen is not good as far as pt. If we win 20 games, it will come with the help of a horrible OOC and we can expect a lot of 41-39 affairs. Exciting bball.
 
Who is going to score? Kilpatrick will be double teamed all season. That is a given. Who is going to put up the 20 points each game instead? Jackson? Gaines? Rubles? The key next season are the freshmen but Cronin's track record for freshmen is not good as far as pt. If we win 20 games, it will come with the help of a horrible OOC and we can expect a lot of 41-39 affairs. Exciting bball.

Mick is one of the best coaches in college basketball, the best coach UC has had since Ed Jucker. The team will be fine next season, injuries badly hurt this years team. Next season probably about 26-5 regular season record.
 
Who is going to score? Kilpatrick will be double teamed all season. That is a given. Who is going to put up the 20 points each game instead? Jackson? Gaines? Rubles? The key next season are the freshmen but Cronin's track record for freshmen is not good as far as pt. If we win 20 games, it will come with the help of a horrible OOC and we can expect a lot of 41-39 affairs. Exciting bball.

Having JD3 back will be huge, I thought he was really turning the corner. Really, if he/Guyn could be average, Rubles gets a new shot, and a few of the others continue to progress, we should be good if not better next year, especially with the recruiting class.

On a side note, I got to see Summit and KJ play yesterday, KJ looked much better, but I still am curious to see how Mick will use him. He is so quick, but I think it will take him a year or two to adjust to being a ballhandler, considering he is more of a SG in HS. Also, I can't root for his team, they were up 32 with 30 seconds left and still pressing. They kept jacking up 3s and not running out the clock with 10 seconds left. That is classless, won't keep me for rooting for KJ, but I can't stand their program. They had 2 guys "transfer" from Florida and their coach seems like a slimeball. My 2 cents.........
 
People will step up. I think G is they key. I would imagine Shaquille Thomas, G, JDIII will all be better scoring options. I think Shaquille could really pick up some scoring. I think we will be fine. I could see us in the same position next year.

If your saying we will have a .500 year or something I think your crazy.

I think it's possible that freshman could play a big role off the bench next year.

I can see Lawrence starting at some point and could see Strickland getting time.
 
as far as record goes, youre gonna have to take into consideration who were going to be playing. i think with the players returning, assuming SK does and i think he will, with lawrence, KJ, morman, caupain and strickland coming in...we can definitely make some noise. still have 1 more scholly than were allowed so im curious to see who goes but...

Starters IMO next year:
PG Guyn
SG SK
SF Shaq
PF J Jackson
PF/C Rubles/Nyarsuk

i could see Mick going with length and athleticism to start...i like that starting lineup. Bring Lawrence right off the bench, bring in Nyarsuk with another year of hitting the weight room and improving his footwork we can beat a lot of teams next year based on our weaker schedule with the big boys leaving the conference.
big question is scoring, we're going to have to rely a lot on our young guys to hit some shots next year.
 
as far as record goes, youre gonna have to take into consideration who were going to be playing. i think with the players returning, assuming SK does and i think he will, with lawrence, KJ, morman, caupain and strickland coming in...we can definitely make some noise. still have 1 more scholly than were allowed so im curious to see who goes but...

Starters IMO next year:
PG Guyn
SG SK
SF Shaq
PF J Jackson
PF/C Rubles/Nyarsuk

i could see Mick going with length and athleticism to start...i like that starting lineup. Bring Lawrence right off the bench, bring in Nyarsuk with another year of hitting the weight room and improving his footwork we can beat a lot of teams next year based on our weaker schedule with the big boys leaving the conference.
big question is scoring, we're going to have to rely a lot on our young guys to hit some shots next year.

Starters are the first name I mention in the list below:
Nyarsuk and Strickland C, JJ/Rubles PF, Shaq/Lawrence/Sanders SF, SK/JD3 SG, Guyn/Caupain PG.

I have a bad feeling Sanders maybe be the odd man out next year. I would redshirt KJ to help him transition to the PG spot. IDK about Gaines and Morman, I really like Morman, but I just don't know what they should do about freeing about a scholly for him. I seems illogical to ask Gaines to leave, with our lack of big men next year. Going to be tough to solve that puzzle.....
 
I agree with Jeff, I think this team wins 20 or near there and does enough to make the tourney.
 
The schedule next year won't be horrible, but no were near as good as this year. Assuming a 10 team league of UC, UofL, UM, USF, UCF, UH, RU, SMU, TU and UConn.

2 games vs Louisville
2 games vs Memphis
2 games vs Temple
2 games vs UConn
1 game at UNM
Potential games against SDSU and/or NC State
 
Who is going to score? Kilpatrick will be double teamed all season. That is a given. Who is going to put up the 20 points each game instead? Jackson? Gaines? Rubles? The key next season are the freshmen but Cronin's track record for freshmen is not good as far as pt. If we win 20 games, it will come with the help of a horrible OOC and we can expect a lot of 41-39 affairs. Exciting bball.

My opinion Amberly. Two years ago I was ridiculed because I said UC would be much better than people think and all I heard was Vaughn was leaving who would score and they won 26 games. I think they will be more balanced inside out and better. Just my opinion.
 
Jeff, I think cats will be fine next year. Actually I expect them to be more entertaining. The offense will still be centered on SK but I look for Thomas and Sanders to contribute much more. A newcomer will handle the Point. Don't think Guyn has the ability to lead team. Rubles will be better and Jacksion will fill a role as well. Key newcomers will be Strickland and Lawrence. If they can give us some consistent post play will be fine. I think we will be a work in progress and get better as the season goes on. Much like this years Kentucky team before Noel was injured.
 
Next year WILL be rough IF Sk leaves.

If he stays they may have a slight drop off but they will be okay.

I don't see SK leaving next year. If he wants his value to go up, he'll stay another year and put up some numbers. There are too many other good prospects out there for SK to be seriously considered. He does have size for a guard and a soft touch when he's on, but handles are still questionable.
 
I don't see SK leaving next year. If he wants his value to go up, he'll stay another year and put up some numbers. There are too many other good prospects out there for SK to be seriously considered. He does have size for a guard and a soft touch when he's on, but handles are still questionable.

Spot on with that.
 
Spot on with that.
I hope all of us are right and SK stays. The question is how many think his game actually translates to the NBA. Right now at best I see him as a stationary spot up shooter. He has good 2 guard size and his D has improved greatly. His real weakness is his handle and being able to create his own shot. Right now I do not see him makings a roster this year and it would take a lot of improvement for him to make It next year. Love SK but don't see him in The League. Overseas is another matter. The question is does he come out now hoping to get guaranteed money or stay hoping to improve his chances? He can go overseas in either case. You also have to consider he was a prep schooler and a red shirt. So he is older and his earning years are dwedling. Don't no his personal situation but if he needs the cash he may opt to go. Either way I have enjoyed his game and he seems like a fine young man and I wish him well.
 
Haven't posted in awhile, but thought I'd touch on SK staying or leaving. I did skim though a few of the pages so if I'm repeating anything already said, my apologies.

For those that think it's a given that SK stays to improve his stock, I wouldn't be so sure. Now, I'm not guaranteeing he leaves. I'm not even saying it's more likely to happen than not. But I do think there's a decent chance he decides to go. Here's why:

The kid played a year at prep school prior to coming here. He then redshirted. So he's already about the age of what a 5th year senior would be had he come out at the age of 18. He's 23 years old. If he stays another year that obviously puts him at 24 (and a 1/2) heading into the draft.

So you say he stays to improve his game? I'm not sure there's much improvement to be had in terms of him improving draft stock. Physically, he's about as good as he's going to get. There's no significant added muscle or added speed to be gained by another year at this level. The only thing he could do would be to work on his shot, but how much better is that going to be after one more year here than it is after 15+ years of playing ball, and 4 years in a major D1 program? And I have to ask, if you're an NBA scout, couldn't he work on his shot just as easily at the next level?

I really think for him to improve his stock he'd have to come out and average something crazy like 25 a game. He's as good as he's going to get in terms of scouting. Maybe he gets a little better, but that could easily be countered by the fact he's another year older. Guys hitting the league at 22 are often considered "old" nowadays. A lot of teams pass on those guys because 1.) They are older, and 2.) If they had a better skillset they would have come on a year or two earlier. The NBA generally drafts based on potential. Imagine what a 24 year old will look like to many GM's. I don't see him ever breaking into the first round.

Does he stay for the degree? Well, he'll earn that this year. I don't know him personally, but I somehow doubt that going into a graduate program is at the top of his list of priorities.

And yeah, there is a very good chance he ends up playing overseas. And that's probably the case whether he leaves this year or next. But a lot of guys that go that route only end up playing into their late 20's. Many are back home before they hit 30. He's running out of time. The 100k or whatever he could see is good money, but if you only get 5, 6, 7 years over there is obviously not nearly enough to retire with or anything like that. Delaying another year may be something that he can't afford to do.

Fwiw, I've also heard him discussing his kid and talking about wanting to provide for her. That could play a role in all of this. It's at least something else to consider.

So really think about it. If you're SK why do stay? Degree? Nope, it'll be done. Improve your game, better stock? It's probably as good as it's going to get? Win a BE title or NC? The BE, by all accounts, will be done after this season, and let's be realistic, the chances of us competing for a NC next year are slim to none.

He might stay just because he likes it here and wants another year. Maybe he really does think he can develop into a better pro prospect than he already is. But I wouldn't be so quick to jump all over people who think that there is a decent to good chance he may leave. It's a definite possibility. I think both sides have an equal case to make. Therefore, I'd personally put the odds of him staying at 50-50.

PS I see Ralph is still around. That's got to be cool for everyone. :rolleyes:
 
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Haven't posted in awhile, but thought I'd touch on SK staying or leaving. I did skim though a few of the pages so if I'm repeating anything already said, my apologies.

For those that think it's a given that SK stays to improve his stock, I would be so sure. Now, I'm not guaranteeing he leaves. I'm not even saying it's more likely to happen than not. But I do think there's a decent chance he decides to go. Here's why:

The kid played a year at prep school prior to coming here. He then redshirted. So he's already about the age of what a 5th year senior would be had he come out at the age of 18. He's 23 years old. If he stays another year that obviously puts him at 24 (and a 1/2) heading into the draft.

So you say he stays to improve his game? I'm not sure there's much improvement to be had in terms of him improving draft stock. Physically, he's about as good as he's going to get. There's no significant added muscle or added speed to be gained by another year at this level. The only thing he could do would be to work on his shot, but how much better is that going to be after one more year here than it is after 15+ years of playing ball, and 4 years in a major D1 program? And I have to ask, if you're an NBA scout, couldn't he work on his shot just as easily at the next level?

I really think for him to improve his stock he'd have to come out and average something crazy like 25 a game. He's as good as he's going to get in terms of scouting. Maybe he gets a little better, but that could easily be countered by the fact he's another year older. Guys hitting the league at 22 are often considered "old" nowadays. A lot of teams pass on those guys because 1.) They are older, and 2.) If they had a better skillset they would have come on a year or two earlier. The NBA generally drafts based on potential. Imagine what a 24 year old will look like to many GM's. I don't see him ever breaking into the first round.

Does he stay for the degree? Well, he'll earn that this year. I don't know him personally, but I somehow doubt that going into a graduate program is at the top of his list of priorities.

And yeah, there is a very good chance he ends up playing overseas. And that's probably the case whether he leaves this year or next. But a lot of guys that go that route only end up playing into their late 20's. Many are back home before they hit 30. He's running out of time. The 100k or whatever he could see is good money, but if you only get 5, 6, 7 years over there is obviously not nearly enough to retire with or anything like that. Delaying another year may be something that he can't afford to do.

Fwiw, I've also heard him discussing his kid and talking about wanting to provide for her. That could play a role in all of this. It's at least something else to consider.

So really think about it. If you're SK why do stay? Degree? Nope, it'll be done. Improve your game, better stock? It's probably as good as it's going to get? Win a BE title or NC? The BE, by all accounts, will be done after this season, and let's be realistic, the chances of competing for a NC next year our slime to none.

He might stay just because he likes it here and wants another year. But I wouldn't be so quick to jump all over people who think there's a decent chance he may leave. It's a definite possibility. I think both sides have an equal case to make. Therefore, I'd personally put the odds of him staying at 50-50.

PS I see Ralph is still around. That's got to be cool for everyone. :rolleyes:
I like your synopsis. Guess we'll have to wait and see. So if he leaves, this team will be hurting for a SG to replace him. And we'll be hunting for someone who can protect the ball as well as Cash. Next year should be interesting to say the least.
 
I honestly think SK is for the most part a finished product. He might with more repetition get a more consistent shot and might get stronger. He's not going to develop better handles, he's not going to get quicker. He could still develop intellectually to better use his body to help his ballhandling and to get his shot off, but for the most part he is a finished product. If he wants a shot at the NBA his best chance would be to leave now. I'm not saying he will make it, I don't think he will. I don't think he's good enough. I do think his weaknesses aren't as glaring to the NBA as some may think. The NBA is one-on-one and he usually gets in the most trouble when dribbling into traffic. He's somewhat effective when he has one man to beat and those "skills" will show off in individual drills. With that said I don't think he's good enough for the NBA, I think his asset would be as a shooter if any NBA team wanted to give him a look. And again I think his best chance to get a look is now and not after another year where he doesn't really improve. Seniors are almost dreaded by NBA teams anymore. His inevitability is to end up in Europe, but there's nothing wrong with that happening next year as opposed to in two years. The question is does he want to return or is he ready to get paid?
 
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