Rupps Rafters....WOW!

[UKHoops01]

I don't frequent RR anywhere near as often as I used to and haven't checked it out in a couple of years, but I thought I'd see what I could find out there, since this place has been eerily silent the last day or so.

And boy, oh boy....is that place a zoo! A complete madhouse! I honestly don't think I've ever been to an online forum that is as negative and full of hate as that place!

I like variety and difference of opinions, so it's nice to see some criticism with some cheerleading. But man.... there's nothing but negativity coming from that place! You'd think Mark Pope was a serial killer judging from all the nonsense and trash being spewed over there. It's absolutely out of control vitriol!

[JFCats22]

I don't disagree. But.....what is there to be positive about around UK basketball?

[***St.Patterson-54***]

Rafters is a zoo, but unfortunately the content is largely legitimate and accurate. Pope has found a way to absolutely bungle the entire recruiting class. UK basketball is a laughing stock with recruits right now. It's really not good. It's depressing.

[WeWant9]

Rafters is like Reddit. Anyone and everyone can join and it’s a lot of trolls, people with multiple accounts, and group think. It’s also now three boards merged into one, so you get a bit of everything over there. You kind of have to search through the trash to find some decent info, but any breaking news will be on there right away.

[TrueblueCATfan]

I don't go to those sites

This is my home

[UKHoops01]

I don't disagree. But.....what is there to be positive about around UK basketball?

True. I guess I was shocked by all the absolute hate for Pope. It's one thing to be disappointed and feel like he's not getting the job done, but the attacks people were throwing at him were beyond personal in a way that makes us (the UK fan base) look REALLY bad!

[***St.Patterson-54***]

True. I guess I was shocked by all the absolute hate for Pope. It's one thing to be disappointed and feel like he's not getting the job done, but the attacks people were throwing at him were beyond personal in a way that makes us (the UK fan base) look REALLY bad!

Totally get it and agree that taking it to a personal level is ridiculous, but I would argue that the average UK fan is going to be INSANELY upset with Pope when they see what product he's about to put on the floor in 2026-27. It's going to get worse.

[Pobilly]

I do not get real upset till we actually see what that product is that will be wearing the blue and white. Heck he has not even signed anyone yet.

[***St.Patterson-54***]

I do not get real upset till we actually see what that product is that will be wearing the blue and white. Heck he has not even signed anyone yet.

I think that's the point. Everyone he's targeted has run for the hills. Essentially the top talent is using UK to drive up their NIL at their actual intended destination. We're going to be left with not much in the cupboard unless something changes really fast.

[UKHoops01]

At this point, I'm thinking he's going to get pretty close to what he had last year.

For starters, it's now looking like we're going to have to be real happy if he's able to land Zoom Diallo, who is rated closer to #10 at PG rather than #1 (Wright), and is closer to the # 30 overall range than Wright (top 5). Not to mention, Diallo is basically Aberdeen 2.0, only with more experience playing the point and without the proficiency of Denzel's 3-point shooting.

That said, Pope seems intent on pairing whatever PG he gets (most likely Diallo) with ANOTHER Point/Combo Guard because he seems to think that will create more offense. Problem is, he's looking at guys like Terrence Brown, who is equally as mediocre/poor at 3-point shooting, while being awfully shot hungry (averages taking about 15 shots per game). Having a backcourt of 6'3", 6'4" guys who aren't great at perimeter shooting but like to drive for their own shots doesn't exactly seem like a winning formula to me. You'd think he'd like to have a 40+% 3-point shooter to pair up with a Diallo type PG...but I haven't heard any mention of a guy like Paul McNeil, who stroked it at a 43% clip from deep last year. So who knows what we'll end up with when this nightmare is over with.

[Tomcats1990]

We should have known his first season if he can’t get his best friends son to stay 1 more season how in the world is he going to get elite talent. Pope is smart but seems way too nice and no offense a big dork. Absolutely nothing to look forward to as a KY fan right now.

[Cawood86]

I do not get real upset till we actually see what that product is that will be wearing the blue and white. Heck he has not even signed anyone yet.

Same for me

[South jones]

Trying to figure out what the issue is with attracting new players to the program

Kentucky has the great history and tradition
. They have great facilities, an awesome fan base that is second to none and in a great conference
that leaves two things, money and the recruiting process. The reported 20/22 $ million
May not be a fact and they simply don't have the money to compete. OR, THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THE COACHING STaff d their recruiting presentation.
personally, I'm sitting back with.my popcorn waiting to see how it all plays out

[Jeffky62]

Alot of trolls no doubt however it has been depressing about no recruits wanting to come here so it seems still isn't over to the fat lady sings

[BlueBlood]

I do not get real upset till we actually see what that product is that will be wearing the blue and white. Heck he has not even signed anyone yet.

This is where I am,wait and see what the product is going to be.