Kansas vs. Kentucky: Game Thread

[KentuckyWild2020]

Also, it's ironic we're having this conversation when Kentucky has right now one of the most solid people it's ever had in the program in Oscar.

It's also an old team. This isn't a bunch built on the one-and-done model. So the whole thing we're talking about really doesn't apply to this bunch.

Which is why our win/loss record hurts so much. Many believed the magic formula was veterans surrounded by a few good freshman. Combine that with a returning player of the year and I expected a monster year from this squad, especially after a 1st round NCAA loss, that didn't happen.

Brings me to this, what is the secret formula to success in todays basketball landscape? I think it all comes back to top tier game changing talent, you get the best of the best and enough of them you going to win some games and have a chance....

[Joneslab]

Which is why our win/loss record hurts so much. Many believed the magic formula was veterans surrounded by a few good freshman.

Only one really good freshman. And the vets have gotten better but outside Oscar there are no stars there.

Also the depth of talent is missing. The team doesn't have enough talented players so you absolutely have to have the talented players play well every game. If not then you're probably gonna lose.

Brings me to this, what is the secret formula to success in todays basketball landscape?

I think this year it's gonna come down to having a 7'4" behemoth in there.

But just generally I think hitting and defending the three-pointer is the lifeblood of basketball.

[Dwight Schrute]

^^
At least part of the problem is that our veterans don't improve much here.

[Joneslab]

^^
At least part of the problem is that our veterans don't improve much here.

Usually not. But also we don't usually have any of them.

I will give Jacob Toppin credit because he's doing a lot of things I didn't think he was capable of doing. I had no idea the guy could pass the ball like he does. He's still raw, and he still kinda floats in and out, but he has turned into a real playmaker. Had no idea he could do some of the things he does as sort of a point forward.

[Ratt]

Which is why our win/loss record hurts so much. Many believed the magic formula was veterans surrounded by a few good freshman. Combine that with a returning player of the year and I expected a monster year from this squad, especially after a 1st round NCAA loss, that didn't happen.

Brings me to this, what is the secret formula to success in todays basketball landscape? I think it all comes back to top tier game changing talent, you get the best of the best and enough of them you going to win some games and have a chance....

I never believed the formula was veterans. Sure, maybe one/two here there but in today's game - if you are a junior/senior in college, then most likely you're not playing or starring at the next level. It's just how the game has changed. And I don't believe the transfer portal is the answer but more of a "hole filler".

[KentuckyWild2020]

Only one really good freshman. And the vets have gotten better but outside Oscar there are no stars there.

Also the depth of talent is missing. The team doesn't have enough talented players so you absolutely have to have the talented players play well every game. If not then you're probably gonna lose.



I think this year it's gonna come down to having a 7'4" behemoth in there.

But just generally I think hitting and defending the three-pointer is the lifeblood of basketball.

Think the 7'4 guy plays for Purdue

You get both Reeves and CJ hitting shots, it changes this team, especially if Cason and Livingston can hit a few every now and then.

As for talent, most people don't see it but Toppin has potential at the next level in my opinion. He won't be a backdown 4 or 5 but if he continues to expand his range, that vertical and mid range game going to serve him well in my opinion, may be wrong. I didn't think J. Vanderbilt would be a good NBA player but he's actually thriving, hard to predict these players sometimes, boils down to the right situation...

Oscar will have to find the right team at the pro level, i don't know if he will ever extend his range to become a consistent shooter but any team looking for a hard nosed rebounder he's your guy but he will struggle posting up legit 7 footers with long wing spans who are as athletic as he is..

[KentuckyWild2020]

Usually not. But also we don't usually have any of them.

I will give Jacob Toppin credit because he's doing a lot of things I didn't think he was capable of doing. I had no idea the guy could pass the ball like he does. He's still raw, and he still kinda floats in and out, but he has turned into a real playmaker. Had no idea he could do some of the things he does as sort of a point forward.

What i like about him is 1. He's athletic and can hop and 2. He can shoot the basketball.

If im being honest, i wanted Toppin over Brooks, glad it worked out that way but if both would have stayed it would have been a problem....