2026-2027 Roster discussion thread

[Pete Hogwallop]

I agree, he forced a few shots every time he got in the game. And I am sure he could score 20-30 points a game on a mid major college team, but not against elite competition. I don't know what his uncle said but if he's trying to say he's NBA ready, someone should tell him to compare his nephew to Acuff. That is the difference between a stud PG and a twig running around jacking up shots.

The uncle said that the "fans" were nasty to Jasper online and in social media. And I don't disagree with him. He's just a freshman with a small body. Probably played more than he should have due to the injury situation. And fairly quickly, people were calling him garbage and worse.

[GOCAT15]

Derrick Johnson, Jasper's Uncle just went full nuclear today over his nephew..

I get it but here is the reality, he's not as good as those think he is, never was in my opinion.

Sounds like he may be gone but I am absolutely 1000% good with it, don't need him trying to showcase and prove that he belongs in the NBA at Kentucky.

Maybe it was the pressure, maybe it was just being a freshman who knows?

All I know is every time he was on the floor he wanted to prove to everyone that he could score. Good shot, bad shot, this and that, it was very clear what he was all about.

Maybe another summer getting bigger and stronger helps him out but with all the hype, I expected more.

One of the most selfish players I have seen in some time to be frank.

in today's age of social media etc, he brought a lot of negative on himself trying to do too much...

I agree, he forced a few shots every time he got in the game. And I am sure he could score 20-30 points a game on a mid major college team, but not against elite competition. I don't know what his uncle said but if he's trying to say he's NBA ready, someone should tell him to compare his nephew to Acuff. That is the difference between a stud PG and a twig running around jacking up shots.

[Matt Dillon]

In today's lovely age of social media, players get roasted and called trash for any subpar performance. I wish there was a way to change that.

The best way would be to hold people accountable for what they put on social media.

[Pete Hogwallop]

In today's lovely age of social media, players get roasted and called trash for any subpar performance. I wish there was a way to change that.

[Pete Hogwallop]

Seen UK many times live. Good and bad games. But not in the last 2 years except exhibition. Anyway. Do not care how bad the team plays I will not boo. I have left early 1 time in a game where there was little effort on one of Cal's last teams (last year or 3).. But that is it. I have booed the other team on a bad foul, bad play and of course I have booed the refs. Now if you want to count 77-78 season where we started each game with GOOOOOOOOSe that is the closest thing to booing the team, lol.

Agree. I won't boo the team either. It makes me mad when people do - whether they are professional or not.

[Matt Dillon]

Know it's been a spell since I posted but fact is the money thing has burnt bridges for me. As far as playes getting booed...if I'm making hundreds of thousands or millions to half ass a game and not follow pretty basic defense and offense I'd expect to be booed.

If you can't give it from love of school and team at least act like youre a professional.

As far as players coming or going...up to them. UK can throw money all day but didn't deserve to beat Santa clara. If oweh hadnt had a pro level effort they wouldnt have.

It's great to see you back Bill. I was concerned about you. I tried to find out about you but couldn't.

[KentuckyWild2020]

Derrick Johnson, Jasper's Uncle just went full nuclear today over his nephew..

I get it but here is the reality, he's not as good as those think he is, never was in my opinion.

Sounds like he may be gone but I am absolutely 1000% good with it, don't need him trying to showcase and prove that he belongs in the NBA at Kentucky.

Maybe it was the pressure, maybe it was just being a freshman who knows?

All I know is every time he was on the floor he wanted to prove to everyone that he could score. Good shot, bad shot, this and that, it was very clear what he was all about.

Maybe another summer getting bigger and stronger helps him out but with all the hype, I expected more.

One of the most selfish players I have seen in some time to be frank.

in today's age of social media etc, he brought a lot of negative on himself trying to do too much...

[40bill]

Know it's been a spell since I posted but fact is the money thing has burnt bridges for me. As far as playes getting booed...if I'm making hundreds of thousands or millions to half ass a game and not follow pretty basic defense and offense I'd expect to be booed.

If you can't give it from love of school and team at least act like youre a professional.

As far as players coming or going...up to them. UK can throw money all day but didn't deserve to beat Santa clara. If oweh hadnt had a pro level effort they wouldnt have.

[Pobilly]

Seen UK many times live. Good and bad games. But not in the last 2 years except exhibition. Anyway. Do not care how bad the team plays I will not boo. I have left early 1 time in a game where there was little effort on one of Cal's last teams (last year or 3).. But that is it. I have booed the other team on a bad foul, bad play and of course I have booed the refs. Now if you want to count 77-78 season where we started each game with GOOOOOOOOSe that is the closest thing to booing the team, lol.

[TrueblueCATfan]

Jason Hart is leaving for SMU

[TrueblueCATfan]

per KSR

Pope has hired Keegan Brown as associate Director for Player Development

[Jload]

I never have and never will boo a UK player or coach. That said most of these guys are making more money for 1 season than the average Kentucky resident makes in 20 years. Does that lower the tolerance threshold for perceived under performance and lack of effort, I think it does. Most of our players are not your daddies " student athletes ". You want to get paid like a man then booing may be something you have to deal with, just like the pros.

[GOCAT15]

I will say this and it might tick some fans off, but whatever...I wouldn't be surprised to see any of these guys leave after this season. They got boo'd off the court in Nashville, got boo'd in Rupp, and have been run up and down most of the season online (never would boo, but guilty of online venting). I am not telling anyone how to be a fan, but lets not act surprised if some of the guys we hoped would be back are gone.

Valid point. As frustrated as I have been with this team and it's apparent lack of effort at times I would never boo them. I just don't know how as a player that wouldn't anger you and pretty much want to tell the whole fanbase to screw off.

[WeWant9]

Collin was talking about the amount of pressure from the fans when this team is having issues and such. He also was directly asked and he did not say he was coming back. Gave the i will talk with my family. If he got way less $$$ than some of the other guys he might be searching for some extra $$$. He is the family man on the team as well as BG and his children. I think everyone is also projecting feelings on or to the guys, heck even my post here can be that.

I will say this and it might tick some fans off, but whatever...I wouldn't be surprised to see any of these guys leave after this season. They got boo'd off the court in Nashville, got boo'd in Rupp, and have been run up and down most of the season online (never would boo, but guilty of online venting). I am not telling anyone how to be a fan, but lets not act surprised if some of the guys we hoped would be back are gone.

[Pobilly]

Anybody COULD make a decision to leave but I'm not sure why so many people think Chandler is going to leave. He committed to Pope at BYU, followed him to UK, and this year started most games and played a lot of minutes. There's been zero rumbling of discontent. I'd expect him to return, along with Williams and Hawthorne.

There's been talk of Moreno seeking money this coming year, so we'll have to see what happens there. I have no idea if Lowe is being asked to come back, if he would come back with a reduced role... I'd have to guess gone. Dioubate might have gotten more of a paycheck than we want to give him. I'd be ok with him back as a reserve (provided we have other guys who are playmakers/shooters) but at a reduced cost. Jelavic is giving vibes of a guy who's unhappy. I think we need a stud 4 in the portal but one of Jelavic and Dioubate as reserve would be good. Pope always seemed to like Garrison but he's just so hit or miss and he almost left last year... no idea what to expect here. I'd welcome Noah back as a depth/practice/emergency piece but who knows if he's ok continuing in a minor role.

We need a stud point guard, we need a stud forward, we need more shooting.

Collin was talking about the amount of pressure from the fans when this team is having issues and such. He also was directly asked and he did not say he was coming back. Gave the i will talk with my family. If he got way less $$$ than some of the other guys he might be searching for some extra $$$. He is the family man on the team as well as BG and his children. I think everyone is also projecting feelings on or to the guys, heck even my post here can be that.