Scrooge, The Grinch, The Ghost of Christmas Future: UCLA Edition

[Jload]

Let’s face it folks Cal missed this year, no elite NBA talent, His point guard went to Oklahoma, his 4 guy went to Texas, Knox is a good player but he will not be a lottery pick or probably even a first rounder , Vanderbilt, who knows. For Cals deal to work he has to get the top guys in every class and this year he didn’t. Equally disturbing to me is that he hasn’t gotten them for next years class either. I don’t like Cals one and done culture but I live with it because it’s UK and my team. I must say however if he doesn’t start getting the top 10 guys again nobody will be happy. This team could lose 10 games easily, and be out of the tourney in March on the first weekend.

[Lighthouse]

To even hint that Knox will not be a first round pick is just pure nonsense!

[catfaninin]

To even hint that Knox will not be a first round pick is just pure nonsense!

Definitely. Knox and Diallo are sure fire first round picks.

[KCKUKFan]

Re: apathy.

That's not the word to use, but I will say this: I've watched Cal's teams long enough now, especially the super young ones. I've conditioned myself to not get all torn up about losses until at least late February (and sometimes later than that). I think this team still has a high ceiling, and a lot of the breakdowns we saw yesterday are things that can be fixed. But they're gonna lose a few, they're probably gonna get throttled once or twice, and they'll be battling for around a 4 seed in the tourney. We just need to adjust our expectations.

Crazzed went all crazzed and called the Murray/Ulis team "bad" in this very thread. Good Lord.

[Friendsofcoal]

I see a best case 8-10 range in seeding and worst case NIT trip. I’m now hoping that all but 1-2 stay for another year. We’ve got loads of talent but they need experience. Keep all but Diallo and Knox and I’ll be pumped for next year! Quickly running the point with Keldon Johnson at the 2 and Green, SGA, and Herro backing them up and we’ll be tough. Williamson, Vanderbilt, Richards, Wenyan, SKJ, Washington down low battling it out. Man, that would be fun!

I don’t care what Cal says, he really needs to talk a couple of these guys into staying. If they all bail out for the G league or overseas then we’re in trouble and I could really imagine that Cal would be doing some serious thinking about his future at that point.

[boomdaddy]

UK will only go as far as their PG play will take them. No, Green is not as great as the kid that decided to stay home and take all the shots for Oklahoma. But, Green is not chopped liver, either. He is having a few up and down games. The whole team's poor defense and rebounding are more to blame for the loss to UCLA than Green's play, in particular. That being said, Green had a bad game. So what. They are the youngest team that Cal has ever had. They have a huge upside and will improve.

[Dwight Schrute]

Wait...crazzed is back?!

[Dwight Schrute]

As for apathy...I have no expectations for this team and very little excitement. I’m marginally more excited about this team with Vanderbilt, but I’m skeptical we’ll ever see him in a game.

My only hope is a few return next year and we have the backbone of a veteran team.

[Westtncat]

This might be a decent team next year. Nothing about this team impresses me. Maybe its my lack of interest in a completely new team? We have been wanting some experience. Looks like a lot of these guys will be coming back. Thats not a failure either. MIght be what we need.

[Friendsofcoal]

Hey, if all but 2-3 guys return then it’s a huge win/success for the fan base and the basketball program!

[Dwight Schrute]

This might be a decent team next year. Nothing about this team impresses me. Maybe its my lack of interest in a completely new team? We have been wanting some experience. Looks like a lot of these guys will be coming back. Thats not a failure either. MIght be what we need.

I agree with this. I can tolerate a rebuilding year when it’s the foundation of a better team in the future.

[boomdaddy]

I don't see this season as bleak as some are seeing it. I don't claim to be a guru. but the history of the Calipari era keeps me from throwing the towel in, after a loss this early in the season.. A win over UL at home should stop the "sky is falling" mentality of a small portion of Big Blue Nation.

[Lighthouse]

I find reasons to agree with both sides of this discussion. First, I'm a Kentucky Fan and I expect this team to win every game and hope they do, but second I would like to see some returnees to solidify a great run next year. I really don't expect a NC this year, but I do expect this team to improve with or without Vanderbilt, and make a run in the NCAA.

[CATHYnKY]

I don't see this season as bleak as some are seeing it. I don't claim to be a guru. but the history of the Calipari era keeps me from throwing the towel in, after a loss this early in the season.. A win over UL at home should stop the "sky is falling" mentality of a small portion of Big Blue Nation.

The game Friday scares me. Not much discussion about it here. Good or bad sign?

[TrueblueCATfan]

I would be happy to get a couple of these guys back next year...