Fan investment

[justafan]

Starting new thread as I hosed the roster thread - apologies!

Regarding twitter - it really was EXACTLY what I wanted "100 years ago" when Cal was hired. I could follow him, UK MBB, and 3-5 others. I could get a few nuggets that seemed pertinent to me and my interests, I could drop a follow and add one, etc. Somewhere along the line Twitter as a whole failed me and I've never been a FB user (a totally different topic).

So, WCN fits "just right". Not too big, not too small, some invested posters. I know some of the old guard remember a bigger base, and thats fine.

As my handle states, I'm just a fan!

[justafan]

I am probably in the minority here - I don't pay any attention to recruiting. When they show up on campus and are playing I pay attention. I blame Cal's 1-and-done program. There are players I see mentioned (a few, but still) and I'm like "They played here?" No investment in the players over the last 10 years - wasn't worth it to me. [EDIT: I have clarified this poorly worded statement below. I'm leaving it here "as is" for history]

I was in Columbus for the FDU upset of Purdue - that was 2 YEARS ago. I had no idea who Almonor was (w.r.t FDU) until like game 7 or 8.

[Matt Dillon]

I am probably in the minority here - I don't pay any attention to recruiting. When they show up on campus and are playing I pay attention. I blame Cal's 1-and-done program. There are players I see mentioned (a few, but still) and I'm like "They played here?" No investment in the players over the last 10 years - wasn't worth it to me.

Same here.

[KCKUKFan]

I don't understand how UK fans can have no attachment to the players, no matter how long they're here .

It sounds like your problem is with the system moreso than the player.

If a kid puts Kentucky on his chest and plays hard for us, I don't care if he's a one and done or a sixth year senior.

[George]

I don't understand how UK fans can have no attachment to the players, no matter how long they're here .

It sounds like your problem is with the system moreso than the player.

If a kid puts Kentucky on his chest and plays hard for us, I don't care if he's a one and done or a sixth year senior.

Same. Pretty sad way to approach fandom.

If that's your stance, you're much more of a problem than any coach's recruiting philosophy.

[justafan]

I don't understand how UK fans can have no attachment to the players, no matter how long they're here .

It sounds like your problem is with the system moreso than the player.

If a kid puts Kentucky on his chest and plays hard for us, I don't care if he's a one and done or a sixth year senior.

Ah, I see - you think I'm holding it against the player. I'm not. If they play for UK for a year I'll happily cheer them on - but that doesn't mean I'm going to follow their career at Providence or Michigan or wherever afterwards. Likewise with the NBA. Sure I'll see a headline that Davis got traded - good for him, I think, and hope he made lots of money.

I like stories where players come back and support the program, good on them.

But, I'm not going to chase them down on the internet while in HS because someone here mentioned they might possibly be interested in UK. Likewise when they leave.

If they're here 3+ years in a meaningful capacity, then I'll likely remember them 2 years later.

I feel like this is getting back to the "you're not a real fan because .... " topic.

[Joneslab]

No investment in the players over the last 10 years - wasn't worth it to me.

This is wild.

[George]

But, I'm not going to chase them down on the internet while in HS because someone here mentioned they might possibly be interested in UK.

Pretty condescending, but okay.

[justafan]

This is wild.

I should edit my post as "after they leave here 1 or 2 years later".

But again, we all have different approaches to fandom. I'll happily attend my kids' wedding on a day when UK is playing

[Joneslab]

I've always like high school basketball. My whole family did: when I was a kid my dad would drive us to all kinds of games the alma mater played, some other games, didn't matter. High school basketball is awesome, almost like a sport distilled.

Following recruiting is just another version of that, except for the possible connection to UK.

I went to the Peach Jam a few years back. The old adage of AAU ball is that it's weak, streetball, etc. Um...no. I beg anybody who thinks AAU summer ball is garbage to go watch the level of play at the Peach Jam.

I do think there's a type of poster/fan who gets more into recruiting than the games. You don't see that here but on Rivals you'll see it. I.e. guys who just seem to be living for next season all the time. That's kinda weird.

[Lighthouse]

I pay attention to possible UK players when they're mentioned here but, I pay more attention when there's serious word that Kentucky's interested. Then I'll Google their name to see their height and weight. The only concern I have with recruiting D2 or lower level D1 players is, they have to learn the difference in the level of play here almost like freshmen.

[Joneslab]

I should edit my post as "after they leave here 1 or 2 years later".

But again, we all have different approaches to fandom. I'll happily attend my kids' wedding on a day when UK is playing

No good UK fan sets that wedding on a day when UK is playing. If they do, they deserve to be dog cussed.

My daughter, apathetic toward sports and owner of several UofL shirts, wouldn't even do that. My son is like me: we'd look at the dang calendar first VERY closely. If it's more of a far-flung relative, like a cousin? Ha ha, get out of here. I'll send a gift basket.

[justafan]

Pretty condescending, but okay.

Nope - I have no illusions that people enjoy tracking down each and every recruit. Have fun! People spend their entertainment time how they see fit. I love how a lot of people here/KY go to the SEC tourney each year. I don't do it, its not something I got into. I'd post a story about someone I ran into at Rupp this past weekend, but its long winded and fairly boring.

Judging - now I'll judge people that post on players feeds mean/hateful things. Yes, I will judge those people.

[George]

I pay attention to possible UK players when they're mentioned here but, I pay more attention when there's serious word that Kentucky's interested. Then I'll Google their name to see their height and weight. The only concern I have with recruiting D2 or lower level D1 players is, they have to learn the difference in the level of play here almost like freshmen.

There's certainly truth to that, but I think that unlike a traditional freshman, the lower-tier transfer is still likely to be more prepared for the expectations of a P5 program.

[KCKUKFan]

If my daughter plans her wedding on a UK game day, I failed as a father.