Kentucky versus Ohio State: Game thread

[Dwight Schrute]

Ohio St lost to Tx Arlington and La Tech as well as by 20 to a average UConn team.

Time (if you haven't already) to drastically change your expectations of this team.

After they lose to UL and at LSU on Jan 5, I think Uk falls out of the top 25.

Just way too many issues with too many guys.

Dude...chill out.

[justford]

I agree it was not Poythress free throws that lost the game. We always remember the misses at the end of the game but never the ones in the first half. As J. Jennings stated, plenty of reasons why we lost.

[JFCats22]

Dude...chill the **** out.

I'm totally chill. Not as mad as I used to get over this stuff.

I've just adjusted my expectations for this team. If they surpass them then I am lucky and will be thrilled.

[JFCats22]

Pretty sure projects aren't drafted and highest seeds don't always win the tourney. Pitiful that has to be said huh?

Go take a look at the teams and their respective seed that have won the NCAA tourney. Then get back to me and tell me how seed doesn't matter.

[ukwebfan]

Web,... I can appreciate being a fan, but Skal isn't getting drafted this year. I mean, he just isn't. al tools. But, he would be a second round project at best, and that's with the understanding that he would still need 2-3 years to be the kind of player you could make a final consideration on.

Fathom this, Archie Goodwin was a first rounder.

[ukwebfan]

Go take a look at the teams and their respective seed that have won the NCAA tourney. Then get back to me and tell me how seed doesn't matter.

Reading comprehension perhaps? I say 38-2 which is nowhere near as ridiculous as the words coming out of your mouth.

[lilproUK98]

I find it absolutely HILARIOUS that everyone predicts 1-3 losses in non-conference and some 7-10 overall, and when they do lose people freak out lol

This team has some issues right now, though, obviously. One BIG problem I'm not sure can be fixed. Low-post presence on both ends of the floor. We just don't have it. I don't see Cal playing Wynyard and/or Humphries enough to try to fix that problem.

I honestly think we NEED Wynyard to play. He has the size, strength, and toughness we desperately need. Just go in there be an enforcer, rebounder, and tough guy for us...that's it.

[teamchemistry15]

Fathom this, Archie Goodwin was a first rounder.

Goodwin, as a guard, averaged more rebounds than Skal, as a center. I didn't look up the numbers so I might be wrong, but I am confident enough I don't have to look it up. In no way, shape, or form will Skal make an NBA roster right now.

[teamchemistry15]

I think it might be time for Cal to give Murray the green light. I know he gets wild sometimes, but he is our only guy who can put up points. Skal needs to be benched. I would be willing to bet Tai and Isaac could have both matched his performance over these last few games.

[ukwebfan]

Goodwin, as a guard, averaged more rebounds than Skal, as a center. I didn't look up the numbers so I might be wrong, but I am confident enough I don't have to look it up. In no way, shape, or form will Skal make an NBA roster right now.

Fine, but you won't be drafting him either.

In year 7 of the Cal era, it should be no surprise to you that he is being groomed to do just that and he doesn't have to be a great rebounder or shot blocker to do so. Only one of 30 GM's have to like him. It is what it is. Love Cal or fight Cal. Your choice.

[teamchemistry15]

Fine, but you won't be drafting him either.

In year 7 of the Cal era, it should be no surprise to you that he is being groomed to do just that and he doesn't have to be a great rebounder or shot blocker to do so. Only one of 30 GM's have to like him. It is what it is. Love Cal or fight Cal. Your choice.

So, he isn't a great rebounder or shot blocker at 6'11 and weak, what exactly is he good enough at that would get him drafted right now? Scoring?

[Westtncat]

Fine, but you won't be drafting him either.

In year 7 of the Cal era, it should be no surprise to you that he is being groomed to do just that and he doesn't have to be a great rebounder or shot blocker to do so. Only one of 30 GM's have to like him. It is what it is. Love Cal or fight Cal. Your choice.

So that's the only two choices we get? I don't love Cal but I cant fight him. I just question him at times. Pushing Skal relentlessly is concerning to me. I mean he will give other guys a try and yank them at the first sign of anything. Name we one player that isn't playing right now and give me a reason why. Then compare their contribution to Skal and try and justify that.

[Lighthouse]

Wow. Didn't expect a loss, and maybe our players didn't either. Missed the game while at Fairdale watching some good HS teams, and the Officials.

[ukwebfan]

So, he isn't a great rebounder or shot blocker at 6'11 and weak, what exactly is he good enough at that would get him drafted right now? Scoring?

You answered some of it perhaps. Size and possibly the dreaded ceiling for someone of his skill set shooting the ball.

[ukwebfan]

So that's the only two choices we get? I don't love Cal but I cant fight him. I just question him at times. Pushing Skal relentlessly is concerning to me. I mean he will give other guys a try and yank them at the first sign of anything. Name we one player that isn't playing right now and give me a reason why. Then compare their contribution to Skal and try and justify that.

Skal gets yanked when he messes up. He was out of there early when he didn't come up with a rebound.

I'm not justifying it other than what's been said. Seems to me others could have played but it was the starters and Lee that dug the hole but also brought us back from down 16. Cal in the postgame said Willis was hurt. He also never plays Humphries in games he looks over-matched in the quickness department. Matthews surprised me. Seemed like the perfect game for him but he barely saw action.