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[UKHoops01]

I was just asking about that (Folgueiras) in another thread. Pope should be all over Folgueiras, I don't get it.

This is nothing but speculation on my part...but I think Pope suffers from tunnel vision and the idea that UK sells itself, and that simply offering a roster spot with enough money should be the end of it. I think that's why we're waiting on Freeman. I also think he lets pride get in the way. In the case of Folgueiras, I can't help but wonder if the fact that he offered him last year and Alvaro chose elsewhere is keeping him from going there again. Maybe it's a pride thing..."don't let the same dog bite you twice" kinda thing. Who knows. All I know is he better swallow some of that pride and realize that it's a new world. Playing for UK doesn't have the same meaning to today's kids as it did 30 years ago...he better try some new tricks (and I still think getting Orlando Antigua back on staff should be a main priority).

[UKHoops01]

Justin McBride might be the other guy Pope is trying to get. Not sure if he is a 3 or a 4 but he does shoot 40% from 3.

I'd be fine with McBride as a backup, but as a starter that's reaching. I think he'd be fine filling the Ansley Almanor role...but Almanor was brought in specifically to backup Andrew Carr. The problem we're having now is we don't even have an Andrew Carr! We could have had Rancik but we were screwing around waiting for Freeman!

[Rondo#9]

This is nothing but speculation on my part...but I think Pope suffers from tunnel vision and the idea that UK sells itself, and that simply offering a roster spot with enough money should be the end of it. I think that's why we're waiting on Freeman. I also think he lets pride get in the way. In the case of Folgueiras, I can't help but wonder if the fact that he offered him last year and Alvaro chose elsewhere is keeping him from going there again. Maybe it's a pride thing..."don't let the same dog bite you twice" kinda thing. Who knows. All I know is he better swallow some of that pride and realize that it's a new world. Playing for UK doesn't have the same meaning to today's kids as it did 30 years ago...he better try some new tricks (and I still think getting Orlando Antigua back on staff should be a main priority).

I started wondering the same thing. Anybody who's turned Pope down before, he doesn't seem to even want to reach out to (except for Gwath? lol) I can understand that, but put your pride aside and do your job. I'm just speculating, same as you. That might not be the case... but it seems like it could be a thing.

[EKYCat]

Keegan Brown is the GM... don't let the title "Director of Roster Management" fool you.

https://ukathletics.com/news/2026/03...er-management/

JFCats would tell you not naming him GM accurately is also grounds for immediate termination LOL

[Rondo#9]

Sebastian Williams-Adams from Auburn hit the portal. Do we like him as an option if Freeman falls through?

[Pobilly]

He could be a backup PF but probably not a starter. Well, he was a freshman, biggest jump supposed to be freshman to sophomore, averaged 7 a game last year on 28 minutes a game, maybe a 12 ppg 6 reb guy, might work if you have stokes and the rest of the cats and maybe another pure shooter. Who knows at this point. I will keep waiting to see who Pope lures to UK.

[Pobilly]

This is nothing but speculation on my part...but I think Pope suffers from tunnel vision and the idea that UK sells itself, and that simply offering a roster spot with enough money should be the end of it. I think that's why we're waiting on Freeman. I also think he lets pride get in the way. In the case of Folgueiras, I can't help but wonder if the fact that he offered him last year and Alvaro chose elsewhere is keeping him from going there again. Maybe it's a pride thing..."don't let the same dog bite you twice" kinda thing. Who knows. All I know is he better swallow some of that pride and realize that it's a new world. Playing for UK doesn't have the same meaning to today's kids as it did 30 years ago...he better try some new tricks (and I still think getting Orlando Antigua back on staff should be a main priority).

I think you are on to something with tunnel vision, but also too trusting of these young men. The player (I do not think lie) but they are not in charge of their own lives. Agents and handlers are making the bigger decisions.

Say Freeman has a number in his mind, tell the agent, agent will not tell him he is crazy, he will tell him, find your place and I will handle it. Freeman might want to play here, might like Pope and company. But his agent gets, what 10 to 20% of the take, he wants more. He tells the guys, hey let me reach out to a few coaches to see if they are willing to pay more, sets up discussions, next thing you know the kid has no control, the agent probably telling him what ever he wants to hear but is still worried about #1 (himself).

[Rondo#9]

Crystal ball predictions for

Blackwell to Duke

Folgeuiras to Louisville

Freeman to St. John's


Woof

[UKHoops01]

I was looking through some sites to see who was still available over the weekend, and I stumbled across the name Drew Fielder. I wasn't familiar with him, but I checked out his stats and they weren't bad, so I watched some videos and came away thinking "he'd be a decent option, why isn't he being pursued?". I hadn't heard anything, anywhere about him.

I was just now looking through On3 transfer portal signings and saw that he just committed to Alabama. Typical.

What are Pope and staff doing? What are they looking for? Seems like they're sitting around waiting for Freeman to decide what he's going to do without addressing the rest of the roster. They need so many players and the ones that seem worthy of adding are all going elsewhere. I've been patient but this is starting to get ridiculous. Only two players have been signed and if you look at most top 50 or 60 or so lists there aren't many guys still available. Time for this staff to get with it!

[UKHoops01]

Crystal ball predictions for

Blackwell to Duke

Folgeuiras to Louisville

Freeman to St. John's


Woof

Yeah, but UK had crystal ball predictions for Wright and Rancik, so they do get them wrong pretty often.

Still, I hear what you're saying. Time for Pope and staff to get their ishte' together!

[TrueblueCATfan]

Crystal ball predictions for

Blackwell to Duke

Folgeuiras to Louisville

Freeman to St. John's


Woof

Ugh...I sure hope not

[Rondo#9]

Yeah, but UK had crystal ball predictions for Wright and Rancik, so they do get them wrong pretty often.

Still, I hear what you're saying. Time for Pope and staff to get their ishte' together!

Lets at least hope the one about Freeman is wrong considering our staff put all their eggs in his basket. Smh.

[Rondo#9]

Freeman has a prior relationship from the Bahamian team I think? With Coach McLean right? How are they unable to secure this dude.

Start looking at securing both of McBride & Sebastian Williams-Adams. Because Graves & Momciliovic seem like very long shots to me. I can't see them ending up at UK.

[Pobilly]

Freeman is a Johnnie. KSR Reporting.

On to the next big guy. Oh and Mo D is playing in Baton Rouge for Will Wade next year.

[JFCats22]

Pope is such a freaking joke.