Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
The top five teams in college basketball are very strong. The teams have more strengths than weaknesses, says Myron Medcalf of ESPN. But college basketball is a funny game, and crazy things happen. The game is unpredictable, and a season’s worth of hope can flash before a rabid fan in the blink of an eye.
One too many out-of-conference losses, a freak injury, or the meat grinder of March could all set a team back from achieving the ultimate goal. To the surprise of no one, the youth argument is again being applied to this season’s Kentucky team.
What could go wrong with Kentucky? The freshmen play like freshmen.
Last season’s Kentucky team was special. Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist were the subjects of national headlines because of their youth and talent. But UK was bigger than the two freshman stars. Terrence Jones was mature enough – down the stretch – to take on a complementary role. Marquis Teague, Doron Lamb and Darius Miller solidified the nucleus … Throughout the history of college basketball; there are more examples of freshmen fumbling through a season than succeeding, especially when offered key roles with elite teams. Although Calipari has mastered the formula for the one-and-done generation better than any other coach in the country, there’s always the possibility the freshmen on his roster will make the mistakes most freshmen make. Calipari’s current group is young and strong. That’s the norm in Lexington. Youthful errors that lead to limited success, however, are the norm everywhere else.
Talent over experience, right Coach Calipari? The best players in the country will always be the best players, regardless of their class. I wonder how many coaches would turn down Andrew Wiggins from a starting spot on their team this season. Considering many NBA scouts would already have him drafted and playing in the league if he were able to, my guess is zero. The opinion of freshmen playing like freshmen already seems misplaced.
What leads writers like Myron Medcalf to believe Kentucky will fumble through this season with its freshmen? The norm in Lexington is to survive and thrive with diaper dandies. John Calipari has proven that you can win games and win championships with his absurd 102-14 record at Kentucky. And this year will be the first time he’s started a non-freshman point guard. John Calipari doesn’t recruit “freshmen” he recruits “the best players.” There seems to be a drastic leap between the two.
The only question now is when will this debate finally be put to rest? Is it going to take another banner? That likely won’t be a problem.
Not to disrespect this 2012 team by already looking ahead another season – but if Calipari is able to land Wiggins for 2013, you’re not only looking at a possible all-freshman starting five… Not only an all-freshmen National Championship starting five… But an all-freshmen undefeated National Championship starting five.
Think that would stop all the talking?
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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November 7th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
1st
November 7th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
That’s my preferred starting five — the five that opened the 2H against Transy the other night.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Can WCS not palm a basketball????
November 7th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
2) agree, Goodwin needs to play point over Harrow.
Mays is too good not to start.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Even with all that talent, an all-freshman undefeated starting five is pretty improbable.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
as long as we land wiggins or gordon, next yrs title or bust, and that 40-0 is a realistic goal
November 7th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
@Revolution#9
I believe that he is holding the ball with both hands for photographic symmetry.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
#3 He’s in the middle, if he poses like the others I think it would look funny. I’m not sure if he can or not though ha.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
#7 Yeah that.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Next year is next year. NOW is THIS years time to shine. Im feeling like this team can just blow up and take everybody down. We’ll see how good these other teams are and go from there. But if anybody else looks as strong as Nerlens, I’ll be blown away. Keep workin’ on that HOOK and bustin your ass in practice kidd.
See ya in Brklyn.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Easy, Romeo. Medcalf in your quote doesn’t say he ‘believes KY will fumble through this season with its freshman,’ as you say – he says it ‘could’ happen. What could go wrong, not what will go wrong. And he’s absolutely right, an unproven young team may have difficulties. I hope not and I doubt it will happen but it could.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Vote for UK to win Friday night:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/
November 7th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
What 7 said!!!!!!!
November 7th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Here’s the thing about this team…yes, they’re young like the teams before them (that went to Elite 8, Final Four, then won a Championship). But this really is the first year that there’s a lack of upperclassmen leadership SOMEWHERE on the team. Our only upperclassmen who will see time are transfers and are also new to the team. Don’t get me wrong, I think these guys are good, but I am expecting a bit more freshman-like play from these freshman. What last year’s team did was unbelievable, but let’s not let that become what’s expected.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Cats have secret weapon. Jimmy Dykes only national media person that has discovered WC-S. Bilas doesn’t even mention. If improvement continues he and Noel are 1-2 in draft next year.
November 7th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Caliperi gospel Article real nice shots @ knight and good read
November 7th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Playersfan – slowwwww down
November 7th, 2012 at 4:18 pm
I agree with those who say there is your starting five. Harrow and Wiltjer off the bench.
November 7th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
I’m the reason UK won’t win it all.
November 7th, 2012 at 6:41 pm
@ #3 – my exact thought when I saw this picture
November 7th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Uh….da ‘ELITE’ basketball I’d upside downish.
November 7th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
What could go wrong? Tyler Thompson could spread her legs for starters!