I'm not doubting a UK visit but can't believe their serious about James. He's just too small. Cal likes size and the bottom line on James is that he's 5'11 ish and most likely won't get much/any bigger.

 

What he lacks in size at the current moment he makes up for with his quickness, athleticism, and pure basketball savvy. This kid has the "IT" factor. He may only be 5'10'' right now and he may not grow much more but he doesn't play like he is 5'10''. He is pretty long for his build and has proven he doesn't have trouble scoring on bigger and stronger defenders. For example, 29 on Hawkins and 37 on Seibert who is 6'4'' ang long. I won't say quicker because to be honest whenever he is on the court in the state of KY he is always the quicket player on the court especially with the ball in his hands.

 

I believe you are reading way too much into a sterotypical Cal player and not evaluating the surrounding factors. The kid scored 29 points and almost knocked off the eventual state champions MC who has a player that is now going to UK on scholarship. Also, that kid who is now going to UK, a senior, guarded Bolden and Bolden scores 29 on him. Hawkins wins Mr. Basketball as well. All of this and Bolden is only a sophomore with several D1 offers already. Not to mention this occured on the big stage at Rupp infront of Cal.

 

Bolden is going to make every all-star list and all state team the next two years. He has to already be the front runner for Mr. Basketball his senior year. With all of this in consideration how doesn't Cal offer this kid when he offered hawkins? He is on track to be one of the biggest recruits out of KY in a long time, especially NKY. Even from a Ky politic standpoint Cal would be crazy not to offer him....

 

Let's also keep in mind that Bolden is a pure PG. At the high school level he is obviously going to score and put up huge numbers. But on a team like KY with so many talented players, players aren't going to be averaging 20+ a game. Now if we consider Bolden's pure PG skills, offensively, ball handling is second to none. His shooting continues to keep improving. Court vision and passing ability is off the charts. His weaknesses are strength and defending bigger and quick guards. But he has two years to mature....

What's your point? Regardless of age, Bolden is still better.

 

Read my posts and you will see my point. It was not a shot at him.

 

Some one made a comparison, cannot remember who it was, they said Bolden reminded them of Rondo. I think that is a great comparison with the way he handles the ball and his looong arms.

Aren't they the same age?

 

I am a big fan of both so I am not trying to put one down to build one up.

 

Bolden has two year of high-school left

Bolden has two year of high-school left

 

Uh...I know!

 

Uh...I know!

 

Warning: Don't broach the subject of age here. You will be attacked by a bunch of wild dogs. Grade only matters on BGP.

Warning: Don't broach the subject of age here. You will be attacked by a bunch of wild dogs. Grade only matters on BGP.

 

As 17 year olds, Hawkins was Mr. Basketball and Bolden was not. Bolden has more chances as he still has 2 seasons left. Hawkins is much more defined physically than James. To say that James has two more seasons to get better is fair but don't try to tell me it isnt an apples to apples discussion.

As 17 year olds, Hawkins was Mr. Basketball and Bolden was not. Bolden has more chances as he still has 2 seasons left. Hawkins is much more defined physically than James. To say that James has two more seasons to get better is fair but don't try to tell me it isnt an apples to apples discussion.

 

You guys are placing too much emphasis on the "physical strength and look" aspect of the game. Bolden is stronger than he looks. Ask any kid that has to go against him. I have personally had college kids who played against him in my open gym tell me how strong he is despite his frame. Don't be fooled. Kid doens't have an ounce of fat on him.

 

As far as comparing them at the same age, again, Bolden is still the better player and prospect regardless of age and grade. Quicker, better handle, and better shot.

 

At the same age, Hawkins has offers from Western, Morehead, and UK.

 

Bolden has offers from Xavier, Purdue, and Ohio U. Can you honestly say he wouldn't have a UK offer if he were a senior as well? Much higher ceiling and more potential than Hawkins. Don't think I'm bashing Hawkins either. I am a huge fan of the kid and his game. I know the response will be "you're a Holmes homer so it clouds your judgement" but ask national guys and they will echo my observation that Bolden is the better prospect at the same age.

Hawkins has far less skill than Bolden .

In YOUR eyes only.:popcorn:

When Hawkins was a Sophomore (or even a Senior) he was not getting the looks and offers that Bolden is (and will continue to get).

In case you missed it, Hawkins is a Senior and he got a scholarship to UK ! Unlike You, most people were able to recognize his talent. Also, did he not outscore Bolden as well as beat Bolden's team in the Sweet 16. You "really" need to pay attention to what you're posting.

In YOUR eyes only.:popcorn:

 

Mine and most college coaches

 

You guys are placing too much emphasis on the "physical strength and look" aspect of the game. Bolden is stronger than he looks. Ask any kid that has to go against him. I have personally had college kids who played against him in my open gym tell me how strong he is despite his frame. Don't be fooled. Kid doens't have an ounce of fat on him.

 

As far as comparing them at the same age, again, Bolden is still the better player and prospect regardless of age and grade. Quicker, better handle, and better shot.

 

At the same age, Hawkins has offers from Western, Morehead, and UK.

 

Bolden has offers from Xavier, Purdue, and Ohio U. Can you honestly say he wouldn't have a UK offer if he were a senior as well? Much higher ceiling and more potential than Hawkins. Don't think I'm bashing Hawkins either. I am a huge fan of the kid and his game. I know the response will be "you're a Holmes homer so it clouds your judgement" but ask national guys and they will echo my observation that Bolden is the better prospect at the same age.

 

Weren't you touting Rico and Elijah as future McDonalds at roughly the same age??? :sssh:

So, Bolden has offers from Xavier, Purdue, and Ohio U. Dominique had offers from UK, Purdue, Western Ky, S. Carolina, Morehead, Murray St., and Wright St. as well as interest from Tennessee and Butler. Explain to me how you think "Most College coaches" think Bolden has more talent than Hawkins. I can't wait to hear your logic on this one !:popcorn:

Weren't you touting Rico and Elijah as future McDonalds at roughly the same age??? :sssh:

 

Definetly talked them up but never as McDonald's All Americans.

 

I always felt Elijah would have a better college career and he had a very good jr season for Marshall.

 

Ricardo was never going to play above mid major but he has been a nice role player off the bench for Ohio U.

 

Bolden has a lot more skill than Ricardo did. I'm not saying he will be a McDonald's AA. I do think he will be a top 100 talent though and have his pick of where he wants to go when his Sr year finishes.

 

Ask Hep what he thinks about Bolden. See you tomorrow night.

Edited April 13, 201313 yr by Walter

So, Bolden has offers from Xavier, Purdue, and Ohio U. Dominique had offers from UK, Purdue, Western Ky, S. Carolina, Morehead, Murray St., and Wright St. as well as interest from Tennessee and Butler. Explain to me how you think "Most College coaches" think Bolden has more talent than Hawkins. I can't wait to hear your logic on this one !:popcorn:

 

I'd be willing to bet by the end of the school year Bolden has more than just those three offers... GT may not agree with me but it wouldn't surprise me if Mick and UC extend an offer Tues.

 

My judgement of Bolden being better is from watching Hawkins absolutely get killed off the dribble by Bolden because he wasn't quick enough. Watch Bolden sophomore mixtape then get back to me.

I'd be willing to bet by the end of the school year Bolden has more than just those three offers... GT may not agree with me but it wouldn't surprise me if Mick and UC extend an offer Tues.

 

My judgement of Bolden being better is from watching Hawkins absolutely get killed off the dribble by Bolden because he wasn't quick enough. Watch Bolden sophomore mixtape then get back to me.

Bolden is very good. Dribbles too much, but he'll learn as he ages. Seen the mixtape. Seen Hawkins whole career. If you're basing your opinion of Hawkins only on what you saw in Rupp, you really don't know him or his game. He had a very poor shooting performance at Rupp. Dominique does all the things you need to win games. Some are big, some are small, most don't look "flashy" on a "mixtape". Either way I'll take him in UK blue, and as you've seen, so will Cal.