March 25, 201016 yr I do agree that this team, particularly Wall and Cousins, are really special. PG's like Wall and bigs like Cousins don't come along every year and we were lucky enough to land both at the same time. That said, nobody expected this group to have a season like they have. And, they haven't been viewed as the favorite to win a championship all season...even now I hear Syracuse mentioned just as much, if not more, than UK. If UK ends up with the roster you've suggested in your post, I see no reason why they couldn't be a serious title contender again next year. Will they go 30+ and 2? That's not likely in any season. Excluding the freshmen listed, the other guys have a lot of potential, so I'd expect to see some real improvement. And, adding a talented group of freshmen would only make it better. Perhaps that hypothetical team wouldn't be able to develop chemistry. Or, maybe they'd struggle early on before developing into a team capable of competing for a championship. Or, maybe they'd come out of the gate like a juggernaut. I'd say any of the three would be possible with a roster that talented. I wouldn't expect a 2 loss season, but a title contender by March wouldn't surprise me at all. I'm just happy we're having this discussion. :idunno: There are too many unknowns next year. -Who knows which Bledsoe will show up most nights if he comes back? -Will Orton be ready to play a full game? Much improvement would be needed. -Are Knight, Leslie & Kanter going to be ready to go? I'd say they will be more like Bledsoe & Orton were this year than like Wall & Cousins. -Miller, Liggins & Dodson will have to step up alot. Title contender? I'l be happy with a good seed next season and making the Sweet 16 looking at it right now.
March 25, 201016 yr Call me crazy but I'm not sold on Knight being one and done. Obviously he is one and done type talent, but anything that knows anything about Knight knows he is all about education. Pine Crest is a very academically acclaimed high school, and academics are a going to be a big part of his college career. Hopefully he will sign with UK the way it is looking like he will, then hopefully we can worry whether or not he stays longer than one year. As for the thread topic, this years recruiting class is vital to the success of UK. The bar has already been raised again back to Kentucky standards, regardless of tonight's outcome against Cornell. If we lose every piece of this years puzzle except for Miller, Liggins, and Dodson, we will be hurting. I look for Orton to come back though, and hopefully Bledsoe, that would help a lot. The key to this class though is stocking up on not only talent to fit needs, but talent that will be staying for at least a couple of years. 2011 is shaping up to be a huge class with the potential for two or three one and doners, so surrounding those guys with sophomore talent almost becomes more important than how successful they are in their freshman seasons. Kentucky cannot afford a drop off next year, similar to that of what North Carolina experienced this year. They need to stay at the level they are at right now, and in order to do so MUST bring in another talented class to cover for the departures of last years class. Perfect dream type scenario (With Bledsoe and Orton coming back) Knight Poole Leslie Jones Kanter Leslie could play a lot of minutes at the three, and Jones play a lot at the four. Also can be interchangeable. Would have Orton/Kanter at the five, or if you wanted to go real big play Orton and Kanter together. You have Miller, Liggins and Dodson who can give you minutes at the two and three spots. Of course this is the best possible situation that Kentucky could have. More than likely Jones will not be here, but instead Washington. This class though would bring in a lot of talent, a lot of athletes, fill a lot of different positions, and still leave room for the 2011 guys. Most likely scenario (Bledsoe and Orton return) Knight Poole Leslie Kanter May could add Lamb in there as well but it just depends. Cal also has a couple more guys on the radar, and depending on how much room he wants to save for 2011 guys, could add another addition. Most likely scenario (With Orton returning, Bledsoe leaving) Knight Lamb Poole Leslie Kanter
March 26, 201016 yr I think if you give Coach Cal 7 or 8 open schollies as it seems we may have for next year . This recruiting Class will turn into another scary team next year. If everyone goes Pro that is suspected ,Coach Cal comes out with both barrels smoking after the tourney .:banana:
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