2026-2027 Roster discussion thread

[UKHoops01]

I will not be negative until the team gives me a reason (on the court) to be negative. We have 1 or 2 more possible pieces. No matter what they will be in Pope's hands with a somewhat new staff to help.

Here's where I'm at. And I'm not going to sugar coat it, because I appreciate honesty and I hope others do as well.

I don't think Pope is the right man to get Kentucky back where it needs to be. Was I willing to give him a chance? Yes. Absolutely. Did/do I want to see him succeed? Yes, of course. But did I see SEVERAL red flags last year that, quite frankly, were a little embarrassing? Yes. Sadly. Not to the level of Billy Gillespie, but unfortunately the multiple small little incidents piled up.

That said, I think it's going to take a roster full of A LOT more talent than what we're in a position to have next year in order for Pope to take this team where we'd like to see it go. Some coaches can coach lesser talented rosters to a place where they maximize talent and give superior effort and overachieve. I don't believe Mark Pope is that kind of coach.

As the roster currently stands, I won't get very excited about next year.... which is probably the best approach since all I'd be doing is setting myself up for disappointment. Anything better than last year will be a reason to celebrate. Even adding Momcilovic doesn't get me thinking national championship....but it does get me a little more excited that the season might not be a complete bust and that, with a bit of luck, maybe some levels to be proud of (Top 25 and SEC standings, SEC tournament and March Madness possibilities, etc.) could be achieved.

Time will tell. I know I'll be called the unrealistic fan and the reason that nationally Kentucky fans are given a hard time, but (and I'm just being honest) if this year is a repeat of last year....I won't be terribly disappointed as long as the end result is an upgrade at the coaching position at the end of the season. If it results in just changing the position without an upgrade, then why bother.

[UKHoops01]

Arizona is not a good fit for Momcilovic. They don’t shoot very many 3’s.

It would help Zona to add him for sure, to open things up inside, but his stats would likely drop there. Not as many opportunities to shoot it with their style.

If he is all about winning and being a contender, Zona is not a bad choice, but he will sacrifice his numbers in their system, most likely.

Teams/coaches change their strategy and approach all the time to maximize the players, talent and abilities currently on their roster. If Arizona landed Momcilovic, you don't think Tommy Lloyd would be encouraging Milan to do what he does the best of anybody in the country??? I'm sure he would. Brayden Burries was a good 3 point shooter and he took about 5 per game last year, it's just that nobody else shot them all that well and they had Motiejus Krivas and Koa Peat on the interior, so there was no reason to jack up as many threes.

[EKYCat]

Here's where I'm at. And I'm not going to sugar coat it, because I appreciate honesty and I hope others do as well.

I don't think Pope is the right man to get Kentucky back where it needs to be. Was I willing to give him a chance? Yes. Absolutely. Did/do I want to see him succeed? Yes, of course. But did I see SEVERAL red flags last year that, quite frankly, were a little embarrassing? Yes. Sadly. Not to the level of Billy Gillespie, but unfortunately the multiple small little incidents piled up.

That said, I think it's going to take a roster full of A LOT more talent than what we're in a position to have next year in order for Pope to take this team where we'd like to see it go. Some coaches can coach lesser talented rosters to a place where they maximize talent and give superior effort and overachieve. I don't believe Mark Pope is that kind of coach.

As the roster currently stands, I won't get very excited about next year.... which is probably the best approach since all I'd be doing is setting myself up for disappointment. Anything better than last year will be a reason to celebrate. Even adding Momcilovic doesn't get me thinking national championship....but it does get me a little more excited that the season might not be a complete bust and that, with a bit of luck, maybe some levels to be proud of (Top 25 and SEC standings, SEC tournament and March Madness possibilities, etc.) could be achieved.

Time will tell. I know I'll be called the unrealistic fan and the reason that nationally Kentucky fans are given a hard time, but (and I'm just being honest) if this year is a repeat of last year....I won't be terribly disappointed as long as the end result is an upgrade at the coaching position at the end of the season. If it results in just changing the position without an upgrade, then why bother.

This is where I am too. Call me a bad fan, but we can’t just be OK. Pope either has to turn the corner and be really good (I’m talking Elite 8 or better with a legit record) or we have to stink. Being just good enough to retain him and delay the inevitable in year 4 or 5 sets us back that much further. So, either do it or don’t. Win big or move on.

[Pobilly]

Teams/coaches change their strategy and approach all the time to maximize the players, talent and abilities currently on their roster. If Arizona landed Momcilovic, you don't think Tommy Lloyd would be encouraging Milan to do what he does the best of anybody in the country??? I'm sure he would. Brayden Burries was a good 3 point shooter and he took about 5 per game last year, it's just that nobody else shot them all that well and they had Motiejus Krivas and Koa Peat on the interior, so there was no reason to jack up as many threes.

Michael Luke: Arizona insider / reporter stated: i Goodman report on Momcilivic to Arizona is a troll move. Arizona isnt going to pay him what he wants and is far down the list of their options. Aaron Torres has a podcast with this info at the 16 minute mark plus some seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zzg_PeAe2s

[Pobilly]

Here's where I'm at. And I'm not going to sugar coat it, because I appreciate honesty and I hope others do as well.

I don't think Pope is the right man to get Kentucky back where it needs to be. Was I willing to give him a chance? Yes. Absolutely. Did/do I want to see him succeed? Yes, of course. But did I see SEVERAL red flags last year that, quite frankly, were a little embarrassing? Yes. Sadly. Not to the level of Billy Gillespie, but unfortunately the multiple small little incidents piled up.

That said, I think it's going to take a roster full of A LOT more talent than what we're in a position to have next year in order for Pope to take this team where we'd like to see it go. Some coaches can coach lesser talented rosters to a place where they maximize talent and give superior effort and overachieve. I don't believe Mark Pope is that kind of coach.

As the roster currently stands, I won't get very excited about next year.... which is probably the best approach since all I'd be doing is setting myself up for disappointment. Anything better than last year will be a reason to celebrate. Even adding Momcilovic doesn't get me thinking national championship....but it does get me a little more excited that the season might not be a complete bust and that, with a bit of luck, maybe some levels to be proud of (Top 25 and SEC standings, SEC tournament and March Madness possibilities, etc.) could be achieved.

Time will tell. I know I'll be called the unrealistic fan and the reason that nationally Kentucky fans are given a hard time, but (and I'm just being honest) if this year is a repeat of last year....I won't be terribly disappointed as long as the end result is an upgrade at the coaching position at the end of the season. If it results in just changing the position without an upgrade, then why bother.

I never wish for a bad year, but get what you are saying. If Pope fails again this year, he will be like that little feller in the desert (GHANDI). If that happens, hopefully the new AD will be up to the task to hire the right guy. CM Newton is not coming to the task of hiring the next Ricky P. If we get another Barnhart as AD then we might be in bigger trouble. I just do not see anyone wanting this job. The most difficult job in college basketball.

[EKYCat]

I never wish for a bad year, but get what you are saying. If Pope fails again this year, he will be like that little feller in the desert (GHANDI). If that happens, hopefully the new AD will be up to the task to hire the right guy. CM Newton is not coming to the task of hiring the next Ricky P. If we get another Barnhart as AD then we might be in bigger trouble. I just do not see anyone wanting this job. The most difficult job in college basketball.

I’ll never understand the mentality that nobody wants to coach at Kentucky. UK has had some of the greatest coaches of all time coach here.

[Pobilly]

I’ll never understand the mentality that nobody wants to coach at Kentucky. UK has had some of the greatest coaches of all time coach here.

Yes all in the past. There are no Pitino's or Rupp's wanting this job. Few has turned down many a time already, heck even the bumpkin in Tennessee orange has turned it down many times. Billy the Kid has turned it down many times. Why do you think someone wants a job where fans are ready to roast a coach that when he took over had 0 players and went to a sweet 16 year one, then got caught up in thinking I need to get guys over guys that are good for my style of play in year 2, and those guys did not get along so you had a very bad year for UK standards. 2 years and 2 tourney appearances and people are ready to put him on a pole and run him out of the bluegrass. Now year 3 is a make it or break it year. You think if we have another year like last year, UK fires Pope that a new coach will have a player to build from? You think we are back in the same boat for a couple of year? You think Michigan's coach would want to leave there for here? You think Arizona coach would want to leave there for here? I do not think so. Times are different. There is no patience in KENTUCKY by the fans what so ever.

I hope he does well, surprises the world, wins #9 this year. Do I expect it, nope.

[EKYCat]

Yes all in the past. There are no Pitino's or Rupp's wanting this job. Few has turned down many a time already, heck even the bumpkin in Tennessee orange has turned it down many times. Billy the Kid has turned it down many times. Why do you think someone wants a job where fans are ready to roast a coach that when he took over had 0 players and went to a sweet 16 year one, then got caught up in thinking I need to get guys over guys that are good for my style of play in year 2, and those guys did not get along so you had a very bad year for UK standards. 2 years and 2 tourney appearances and people are ready to put him on a pole and run him out of the bluegrass. Now year 3 is a make it or break it year. You think if we have another year like last year, UK fires Pope that a new coach will have a player to build from? You think we are back in the same boat for a couple of year? You think Michigan's coach would want to leave there for here? You think Arizona coach would want to leave there for here? I do not think so. Times are different. There is no patience in KENTUCKY by the fans what so ever.

I hope he does well, surprises the world, wins #9 this year. Do I expect it, nope.

There’s been pressure to win at UK since Adolph Rupp was here. Nothing has changed in that regard. Do you think nobody wants to coach LSU or Alabama football? How about Ohio State? Day wins a title and loses to Michigan and they want to run him out. People line up for those jobs. UK basketball is not unique in fan expectations. You just have to find the guy that embraces it. Cal did. Pitino did.

[Pobilly]

There’s been pressure to win at UK since Adolph Rupp was here. Nothing has changed in that regard. Do you think nobody wants to coach LSU or Alabama football? How about Ohio State? Day wins a title and loses to Michigan and they want to run him out. People line up for those jobs. UK basketball is not unique in fan expectations. You just have to find the guy that embraces it. Cal did. Pitino did.

well they did not line up 2 years ago. I expect the same next year if it is needed. Just like the other post, I call it the way I see it. Pope stated today that the foreign summer tour appears to be off this year. I think it is a huge mistake for a man with a job on the line. He might not see it that way. He might think he is here for 5 years no matter what. If he fails, i will be ringing the bell loudly to have him leave.

I do not count CAL as a UK great coach. I never wanted him hear (just like never want Pearl here). Pitino is the last great UK coach in my book and I really disliked the person (not the coach). I cannot think of one name out there right now that I want representing UK, Oats (heck no), Wade (barf), Few (P E U), Billy the Kid (turned us down too many times), Golden (maybe but not making me jump for joy).

Who do you see jumping at the prospect to coach UK next year? Being totally serious. Hopefully you make me like someone. I love this conversation and appreciate you taking the time to discuss.

[UKHoops01]

Pobilly

I completely and totally understand what you are saying, and usually I would be predisposed to agree. That said, I've heard and read from reliable sources that Billy Donovan might seriously be interested in the Kentucky job. I wouldn't have believed it, considering he has TWICE turned it down...but I heard from multiple reliable sources that this time is different. And if you think about it, it is. He wouldn't be leaving a good situation in Florida to take a rival job in-conference like he would have before. He'd be going from unemployed to taking the job at a different level, much like his mentor Rick Pitino did after he was fired from the Celtics and took the Louisville job. And the Cardinals weren't even a conference rival, just a once a year in-state rival (which, unfortunately for Rick, was worse than leaving Kentucky for a n SEC rival.... isn't that right, John Calipari?).

[Pobilly]

That could be careful what you wish for situations. Do I think he ends up here if Pope fails next year. Not sure. Billy is a slippery guy. If I remember correctly it was reported 2 times that he was interested in the UK job with one being the year we got Pope. One around the time of Tubby or after Tubby (cannot remember). If he took the job how many years does he get to turn it around? 2.

[EKYCat]

well they did not line up 2 years ago. I expect the same next year if it is needed. Just like the other post, I call it the way I see it. Pope stated today that the foreign summer tour appears to be off this year. I think it is a huge mistake for a man with a job on the line. He might not see it that way. He might think he is here for 5 years no matter what. If he fails, i will be ringing the bell loudly to have him leave.

I do not count CAL as a UK great coach. I never wanted him hear (just like never want Pearl here). Pitino is the last great UK coach in my book and I really disliked the person (not the coach). I cannot think of one name out there right now that I want representing UK, Oats (heck no), Wade (barf), Few (P E U), Billy the Kid (turned us down too many times), Golden (maybe but not making me jump for joy).

Who do you see jumping at the prospect to coach UK next year? Being totally serious. Hopefully you make me like someone. I love this conversation and appreciate you taking the time to discuss.

Cal was a great UK coach. He went to four Final Fours and won a title. His last few years weren’t good and it was time to move on.

As far as the last search goes we will never know who or who wasn’t lined up because Mitch jumped to option number 4,000 after Drew and Hurley stayed put. Who is to say May or Golden (not sure other than he’s a dirtbag doesn’t impress you) wouldn’t have come.

Names that I’d take a run for (in no particular order): May, Oats, Lloyd, Donovan, Golden - you say some of these don’t excite you but they’d excite me more than Pope. And maybe you’re right. They may all say no but you at least have to give it a whirl.

[UKHoops01]

That could be careful what you wish for situations. Do I think he ends up here if Pope fails next year. Not sure. Billy is a slippery guy. If I remember correctly it was reported 2 times that he was interested in the UK job with one being the year we got Pope. One around the time of Tubby or after Tubby (cannot remember). If he took the job how many years does he get to turn it around? 2.

I think Donovan WAS interested in the Kentucky job when it was offered to Pope....but the reason Donovan didn't accept was because he wasn't offered. Remember? Donovan was competing to make the playoffs with the Bulls... and there was a week left in the regular season and Barnhardt couldn't wait, so he immediately turned to Pope after Drew and Hurley both turned him down.

Now....if you're thinking about the time that John Calipari was offered the job instead of Pope, that's a possibility. I know that Barnhardt wanted him when Tubby left AND when Gillespie was fired (and Cal was hired).

[EKYCat]

That could be careful what you wish for situations. Do I think he ends up here if Pope fails next year. Not sure. Billy is a slippery guy. If I remember correctly it was reported 2 times that he was interested in the UK job with one being the year we got Pope. One around the time of Tubby or after Tubby (cannot remember). If he took the job how many years does he get to turn it around? 2.

It doesn’t take time to turn a program around these days. Michigan just won a title 2 years after going 8-24.

[UKHoops01]

It doesn’t take time to turn a program around these days. Michigan just won a title 2 years after going 8-24.

I was just going to point that out. Calipari had UK in a position to win a national title in his first year with Wall and Cousins and Bledsoe and Patterson, etc., he just choked against Huggins and West Virginia in the Elite Eight.