This team has progressed nicely and they appear to look better each and every week. While not the same caliber of star power as last season's team, this year's UK squad seems to be more basketball IQ savvy despite their age. Jones seems to have regressed of late, but a lot of that has to do with teams focusing on him and others picking up their game. Cal has done a tremendous coaching job, imo.

 

Depth continues to be a concern outside the six man rotation. Vargas looks like he plays with mittens on his hands. Hood just can't cut it. Poole does not seem ready or have the confidence. Polson is a walk-on. Kanter would be a good holiday addition, but I would not hold my breath on ever seeing him suit up.

 

What are your thoughts thus far?

I agree with all of the above.

 

When this team knocks down shots, they can play with anyone. My concern is that when they are not knocking down those shots, will Jones or Harrellson or someone else step up & carry them?

While not the same caliber of star power as last season's team, this year's UK squad seems to be more basketball IQ savvy despite their age.

 

I absolutely couldn't agree more with this. While last year's team was definitely fun and exciting to watch, I like this team so much more. I feel like they play harder, smarter, and more together. One thing I notice between the two teams, is this year they go out and beat the snot out of teams they are suppose too, didn't seem like that really happened the majority of last year.

 

I said Doron Lamb was going to be my favorite players coming into the season and he definitely still is. I love the kids attitude from what I can tell. He has to be one of, of not the best, 6th men in the entire country. The kid can flat out shoot.

 

I'd really like to see them get Poole going. I thought he was suppose to be pretty decent, but we haven't seen much from him at all. Depth is a concern though.

Overall, I believe they have been impressive during their non-conference games and have definitely improved as the season has went on. I don't see any problems in SEC play and would be surprised if they lose any more than one more.

Unfortunately I feel that size or lack thereof will be their undoing in the tournament.

Other than a two game stretch in early February at Florida and at Vanderbilt, there is no reason to believe that this team can't run the table in a weak SEC

This team is good but they won't run the table. I'd expect 2-4 losses in SEC play and a #2 or #3 seed in the tournament. Last year's team was so unbelievably talented and even they dropped a couple in SEC play.

Sure would like to see Hood do something positive. He has a very small window in which to garner any PT in the next two years.

Sure would like to see Hood do something positive. He has a very small window in which to garner any PT in the next two years.

 

I feel like he sort of looks lost out there at times.

Other than a two game stretch in early February at Florida and at Vanderbilt, there is no reason to believe that this team can't run the table in a weak SEC

 

I agree, I don't see any team beating them at Rupp. If they lose it will be on the road in a hostile environment.

I've given up on Hood. He's clearly too slow on the defensive end, and Cal just isn't going to play him if he can't play defense. Not to mention he rarely can get a shot off unless it's against a Penn or a Pikeville. I think the best option for him would be to transfer.

This team is good but they won't run the table. I'd expect 2-4 losses in SEC play and a #2 or #3 seed in the tournament. Last year's team was so unbelievably talented and even they dropped a couple in SEC play.

But the SEC was much better last year too

I've given up on Hood. He's clearly too slow on the defensive end, and Cal just isn't going to play him if he can't play defense. Not to mention he rarely can get a shot off unless it's against a Penn or a Pikeville. I think the best option for him would be to transfer.

 

He's a sophomore. Not everyone comes in like Cousins, Wall, Knight and Lamb.

 

He's definitely a step slow on the defensive side, but I'm not writing him off yet. He doesn't need to be a superstar.

I feel like he sort of looks lost out there at times.

 

??? He ALWAYS does to me. Hopefully he can contribute by his sr season.

??? He ALWAYS does to me. Hopefully he can contribute by his sr season.

 

Maybe like Cameron Mills?