""Here Comes the Lord" - 2018-19 University of Kentucky Basketball Post"
"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.
3. "What can you say about Jermal Baker?" In response to Reply # 0
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?
-------------------------------- "I'm sick of following my dreams, man. I'm just going to ask where they're going and hook up with 'em later." -- Mitch Hedberg
4. "Damn... I knew I forgot somebody." In response to Reply # 3 Sat Feb-02-19 02:52 PM by TheRealBillyOcean
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.
5. "Cool, thanks for the info!" In response to Reply # 4
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!
-------------------------------- "I'm sick of following my dreams, man. I'm just going to ask where they're going and hook up with 'em later." -- Mitch Hedberg
8. "They punched the Vols in the fuckin mouth. Thugged then out." In response to Reply # 7
>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.
16. "UK dictated that entire game." In response to Reply # 7
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.
14. "better? no. THIS much better...yeah." In response to Reply # 13
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.
15. "Like I said. Same thing every single year." In response to Reply # 14
>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**