OT: Duke and Kentucky game

[Tommaker]

Got to see a little of Gillis in the loss. Glad he's getting some PT. Was listening to the talking heads as they gave the background on the players and kept hearing "transferred from". Doing a quick look at the Kentucky roster and not counting scrubs, they have 2 freshman recruits, 1 recruited player that's been there three years and the rest of the roster are transfers over 20 years old (with most being 21 and 22). Big change around from Caliparis "NBA prep machine" strategy, I think coaches see the future of championships in older players with more experience (wow! What a throwback.) Now, whether or not a coach can get those guys to "gel" and play to strengths on the floor may make the difference in a championship season and a losing one. The other factor will be "glue" guys, although you are getting some of that in transferred seniors and grad students. Painters long term advantage may be in keeping guys together for 4 years and having a great team with good players.

 

[Chi-Boiler]

Pope had no choice. The roster was basically gutted, half going to the NBA and half following Calipari to Arkansas. He essentially had an expansion franchise.

 

[Hausta01]

And Calipari spent the last 4 years floating back and forth between old guys and 5* freshman.

 

[DwaynePurvis00]

Got to see a little of Gillis in the loss. Glad he's getting some PT. Was listening to the talking heads as they gave the background on the players and kept hearing "transferred from". Doing a quick look at the Kentucky roster and not counting scrubs, they have 2 freshman recruits, 1 recruited player that's been there three years and the rest of the roster are transfers over 20 years old (with most being 21 and 22). Big change around from Caliparis "NBA prep machine" strategy, I think coaches see the future of championships in older players with more experience (wow! What a throwback.) Now, whether or not a coach can get those guys to "gel" and play to strengths on the floor may make the difference in a championship season and a losing one. The other factor will be "glue" guys, although you are getting some of that in transferred seniors and grad students. Painters long term advantage may be in keeping guys together for 4 years and having a great team with good players.

It’s what happens when the whole UK roster leaves for nba or hits the transfer portal when cal left. All the recruits Cal had went to Arkansas with him.

Pope has 2 freshman Kentuckians on the team…one by the name of Travis Perry who we were recruiting heavily….until paint saw CJ Cox and offered him instead (also rumored Perry was just waiting for Cal to offer him and he’d commit instantly). Perry isn’t even going to see the court much this year at UK.

So not sure it’s UK valuing older talent…it’s just what pope had to do to field a team. He has a 3rd overall ranked recruiting class next year coming in.

 

[Estes]

Play Gillis more early and star freshman not gassed last 2 minutes