"Lord Ash... hit me one time make it funky. Lord Ash... hit me one time make it funky"

I normally get this in before the season. But shit got in the way and I fucked up. But I can't let the season go past without talking about this squad.

Prior to this season, I thought this would be one our best and most balance teams since the 38-1 squad. And it kinda is. Just took some time getting there.

Quade left. Wish he would've stayed. But shit happens. Now lets go to squad.

PJ Washington - should be one of the most dominant players in the country. He's recently played that way, but can do all of the time. He's come back in better shape. And now has 3 point range.

Reid Travis - the 5th year transfer from Stanford. Not a big leaper but is built like Colossus. Provides veteran leadership on this team.

Nick Richards - the big man from Jamaica. One of the most naturally gifted bigs I've seen at UK. He just needs the confidence.

Keldon Johnson - A solid wing. Plays well on both ends. A better 3pt shooter than I imagined. I would not be surprised if he ends up being the best player getting drafted in June. Reminds me a lot of Pierce and Stackhouse.

Ashton Hagans - Lord Ash is the best perimeter defender in the country. He's probably one of the best defenders I've ever seen at Kentucky as a freshman. And he should be a Senior in HS. Tough player that is leading this squad.

Tyler Herro - solid Freshman. Okay shooter, but more than that. Can defend a bit. Can handle. Will be a NBA player.

EJ Montgomery - another solid Freshman that just needs time and confidence. Reminds me so much of Tayshaun.

Immanuel Quickley - low key one of my favorite players. Consistent. Good shooter.

Projection: This team should be the best team in the SEC and compete for a Championship. We're ahead of the learning curve right now. And I can only imagine how great they'll be by Tourney time. A lot hinges on Nick and EJ. But we're rounding into the most dominant team in the country.

if Tennessee and Kentucky don't drop another game between now and Feb. 16, that night at Rupp will probably be the biggest SEC game in a long time

single time.

Since his Freshman year really.

He's knocking on Chris Lofton amount of respect from me.

I know that’s going deep into your bench, but he was a student of mine three years ago and it’s always cool to hear some of our basketball players still talk about him. Any chance you think he’ll contribute in the coming years?

You know what, he's probably the biggest surprise for me this season.

I was curious all year last year while he sat, but as soon as he stepped on the court this year his talent was evident.

First, the one thing you heard when he was recruited was his shooting.

That's clear as day. He has one of the prettiest and softest jumpshots I've seen in a long time. Every time he shoots, I think it's going in. That's how pretty it is.

But the other thing that stands out was his defense. He's a gritty defender. A solid athlete, and can do things off the bounce. The next thing I want to see him work for is his passing, but he's gonna be a big piece of the team for this season and the throughout his career.

He's definitely a weapon. A hardworking kid too, because he's never seemed down while he was injured. I'm a huge fan. I think he has NBA potential as well.

I figured you’d be the go-to for all things Kentucky on this board, lol. Yeah, he has such a good jumper and he can shoot from deep. He committed to Berkeley, but when Calipari recruited him he said “you can’t say no to that.” He’s a good kid too. I’m happy for him and I hope he hits a three to win it for you guys in the national championship!

A playmaking , defensive dawg PG
Shooters
Do it all forward
Bruiser down low.
Solid bigs

Cal settled on his lineup and rotation and they’ve been rolling.

I like the physicality and intensity we played with yesterday. When we lock in on the defensive end we're unbeatable.

E.J. is really coming into his own. Next step is getting Nick and Manny Quicks on track.

>I like the physicality and intensity we played with
>yesterday. When we lock in on the defensive end we're
>unbeatable.
>
>E.J. is really coming into his own. Next step is getting Nick
>and Manny Quicks on track.

Manny playing tight as shit, damn near robotic. Cal in his head, boy is looking at the bench after every mistake.. He’s got way more game then he’s showing right now.

He's too good of a shooter to be this streaky. I still think he figures it out this year.

when they lock in on defense, they are going to be very tough to handle. PJ Washington had dominant flashes last year but now he's taking over for 40 minutes.

Tennessee seemed shocked that they were getting beat in the face. Which was really surprising and obviously needed.

before the calendar flipped i didnt think they would see the second weekend

now it's looking like they might be headed for the third

obviously dont agree that Hagans is a better defender than Zavier Simpson tho lol

And it's Cal with dogs.

dont usually expect a team that gives up 120 to anyone to make much noise

but its an entirely different squad now

You're surprised that a Kentucky team that's predominantly 1st & 2nd year players have gotten better since Game 1?

Cal does the same thing every year.

1:1 team A:TO in the first 13 games (ending with the bama loss). that schedule included SIU, N Dakota, VMI, Monmouth, and Winthrop.

VMI put up 82. it wasnt just game 1, but game 1 IS part of the season.

Regardless of the coach, 5 top 37 recruits are obviously going to improve. But "improving" and improving enough to beat a veteran team like Tennessee, that badly, are two different things.

Ive told you why i dont find Cal impressive as a coach, and im not going to rehash it. But im currently impressed.

>1:1 team A:TO in the first 13 games (ending with the bama
>loss). that schedule included SIU, N Dakota, VMI, Monmouth,
>and Winthrop.

Wait... a team of 1st and 2nd year players. Finally started trusting one another and listened to their coach? Say what now?

>VMI put up 82. it wasn't just game 1, but game 1 IS part of
>the season.

During that 1st 13, they also beat Louisville and UNC pretty easily. And showed their potential defensively in other games.

>Regardless of the coach, 5 top 37 recruits are obviously going
>to improve. But "improving" and improving enough to beat a
>veteran team like Tennessee, that badly, are two different
>things.

I don't know if that happens with other coaches. I know it happens with Coach Cal though. Every year.

>Ive told you why i dont find Cal impressive as a coach, and im
>not going to rehash it. But im currently impressed.

Well... you should be impressed every year. **shrugs**

He keeps getting better and better.

I don't know what his ceiling is. I keep raising it.

Hopefully we can lock up this #1 seed and win the SEC Tourney.

But above all that is get Reid back on the court. Shit is a whole lot easier with Colossus down low pushing people around.

We defended well. Everyone stepped up.

Now we gotta call Mr. Miyagi to work on PJ's foot.

looked fine against Tennessee then was in a boot all of a sudden

Then it swelled up during the selection show.

My guy PJ is becoming a Kentucky Legend.

Great win. Should be a battle with Auburn.

Damn, I love this team.

Still feel we could've shut the door on them in the 1st half, but we let them back in.

Oh well.

Til next year.