Moreno and Boone did not participate in the second game. If a player is unwilling to compete in both games, then they should not be permitted to play in either—regardless of their collegiate commitments.

 

This reflects a complete disregard for the integrity of the process, and it’s deeply disappointing that those in charge continue to allow and accept such actions as if they are justified. Shame on the leadership for enabling this behavior

Before stating something as “disregard for integrity of the process” shouldn’t we at least find out why they didn’t play?

Could be an injury from the night before. Could be number of other things that we don’t know about.

Making judgments without the full story is what Social Media is great at but these are kids and MAYBE the reasons are valid.

I don’t know what happened with these two young men but it seems to be that Kentucky only has this issue. Indiana’s kids seem to always show up for this game. 

52 minutes ago, Falcon Pride said:

Before stating something as “disregard for integrity of the process” shouldn’t we at least find out why they didn’t play?

Could be an injury from the night before. Could be number of other things that we don’t know about.

Making judgments without the full story is what Social Media is great at but these are kids and MAYBE the reasons are valid.

And while these games are fun and nice, they really don't mean all that much. Is it honor to be selected? For sure. But I'm not ripping kids who decide not play, especially those who are moving on to bigger things. If they tweaked something, weren't feeling well, or decided one game was enough and decided not to play, then so be it. 

.

Boone got hurt in the game Friday. Idk about Malachi. 

6 hours ago, FlyPattern said:

Moreno and Boone did not participate in the second game. If a player is unwilling to compete in both games, then they should not be permitted to play in either—regardless of their collegiate commitments.

 

This reflects a complete disregard for the integrity of the process, and it’s deeply disappointing that those in charge continue to allow and accept such actions as if they are justified. Shame on the leadership for enabling this behavior

Sounds like you jumped in before knowing the facts!

3 hours ago, nikeman49 said:

Sounds like you jumped in before knowing the facts!

 

 

If a player is injured, they can still travel and support the team — one player even made the trip wearing a neck brace. I am not sure if Boone did or not but didn’t see him in any pictures so assume not.

 

As for Moreno, it feels as though we’re expected to be grateful just for the chance to see him play in Lexington as he “put on for the region”. That kind of attitude comes across as entitled and self-important. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mark Pope’s influence played a role in this as well.

Boone was reportedly dealing with back spasms both prior to and during the first game in Lexington. I would venture to say that if the locations of the games were reversed, he still would have played in the Lexington game — as would our esteemed Mr. Basketball.

4 hours ago, FlyPattern said:

 

Boone was reportedly dealing with back spasms both prior to and during the first game in Lexington. I would venture to say that if the locations of the games were reversed, he still would have played in the Lexington game — as would our esteemed Mr. Basketball.

Your attitude toward these young players is very lacking, it’s not 1960 anymore, you need a refresher course on 18 yr old 2025 high school basketball kids.

I agree Nikeman , but some of this basketball culture change ( me over we) is why Europeans are catching us if not surpassing us. I am not blaming Moreno or Boone in the least, because I have no ides why they didn't play. I just hate seeing Indiana mop the floor with us most years. Of course they are about double us in population so they should have better players. 

1 hour ago, KY_Wildcats said:

I agree Nikeman , but some of this basketball culture change ( me over we) is why Europeans are catching us if not surpassing us. I am not blaming Moreno or Boone in the least, because I have no ides why they didn't play. I just hate seeing Indiana mop the floor with us most years. Of course they are about double us in population so they should have better players. 

Euros passing us? Explain please?

On 6/8/2025 at 8:46 PM, FlyPattern said:

If a player is injured, they can still travel and support the team — one player even made the trip wearing a neck brace. I am not sure if Boone did or not but didn’t see him in any pictures so assume not.

As for Moreno, it feels as though we’re expected to be grateful just for the chance to see him play in Lexington as he “put on for the region”. That kind of attitude comes across as entitled and self-important. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mark Pope’s influence played a role in this as well.

1. You said Boone was dealing with back issues, right? Then you think he should take a 7 hour round trip in a bus then spend several hours sitting on a folding chair watching the game...all with a bad back. Evidently you've never dealt with real back pain, that would be a miserable day.

2. What makes you think that's how Moreno thinks at all? What makes you think Pope told him not to play? Sounds like you're letting your fandom taint your view.

I don't know why he didn't play, nor do you. You just seem to want to rip these kids, without knowing or caring about the facts.

On 6/9/2025 at 3:55 PM, nikeman49 said:

Euros passing us? Explain please?

It already happened and most are unaware.

Put simply the Euro model for youth is to practice 5 times to play 1 game. 
AAU is practice once (maybe)to play 5 games. There is NO DOUBT what the better model is. They also build in rest for kids.

Europeans are more skilled (IN GENERAL) and have a better understanding of the game. 

Look at the last Olympics. If Steph hadn’t gone nuclear the US loses. The women were lucky to win as well. These were to Nations that don’t have near the population of the USA.

We have been passed and act like we haven’t.

47 minutes ago, Falcon Pride said:

It already happened and most are unaware.

Put simply the Euro model for youth is to practice 5 times to play 1 game. 
AAU is practice once (maybe)to play 5 games. There is NO DOUBT what the better model is. They also build in rest for kids.

Europeans are more skilled (IN GENERAL) and have a better understanding of the game. 

Look at the last Olympics. If Steph hadn’t gone nuclear the US loses. The women were lucky to win as well. These were to Nations that don’t have near the population of the USA.

We have been passed and act like we haven’t.

So that’s strictly your opinion and respected, facts are the US did win the Olympics and the high school sports here in the US are predominantly better than the Euros even with the Euro training regime, there are Euros playing in the NBA but still totally dominated by US athletes, so really can’t see the presumption that the Euros have passed us up, just my opinion.