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The Way Too Early Preseason Top 25 | CollegeBasketballTalk
Will we never escape the tyrrany of the Commonwealth?
“1. KENTUCKY
Record: 21-12, lost in 1st round of NIT
Who do they lose?: Nerlens Noel*, Archie Goodwin, Julius Mays, Ryan Harrow
Who comes back?: Alex Poythress, Kyle Wiltjer, Willie Cauley-Stein
Newcomers?: Julius Randle, Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison, James Young, Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee
Outlook: We’re assuming here that Andrew Wiggins is going to be heading to Florida State, but that doesn’t really matter. Kentucky’s recruiting class is still the best recruiting class of all time, and they also return two future lottery picks in Poythress and Cauley-Stein. I have some doubts about this group, but it won’t change the fact that they are the favorite to win it all as of today.” -
“Kentucky became the second reigning national champion in the last four years to miss the NCAA tournament on Sunday evening, and their consolation prize?
A No. 1 seed in the NIT.
And a trip to Robert Morris to play their first round game.
Seriously.
At least Coach Cal will be making a return trip to Moon Township.”
(via Kentucky headlines the 2013 NIT Bracket, visits Robert Morris? | CollegeBasketballTalk)
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“This is the final game of the regular season, but it is Kentucky’s first signature win. In a weak SEC, the chance for a win like this does not often come around, and the Wildcats missed out on quality-win opportunities earlier in the year against Duke, Notre Dame, Baylor, Louisville, and Florida. Add that to back-to-back unpalatable losses to Arkansas and Georgia, and this win Saturday becomes even more important.”
(via Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky get crucial victory over No. 11 Florida | CollegeBasketballTalk)
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Maybe Noel’s knee-injury can be a catalyst for change in the next collective bargaining agreement, but that seems unlikely. The NBAPA is an unmitigated disaster right now, and those NBA owners want an extra year — maybe more — of scouting and evaluation and development before they decide to invest millions into an athlete. It’s their money, and they want every bit of information possible to ensure they’re spending it wisely; they want to know they’re spending it on a kid that’s going to be ready to contribute, not a player that needs the length of his rookie contract just to develop enough skill to break into the rotation.
That rule isn’t changing.
"― Nerlens Noel’s knee injury and the unfairness of the ‘one-and-done’ rule | CollegeBasketballTalk
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Kentucky’s defensive shortcomings continue to be exposed in the most baffling way. If the Aggies had had a balanced scoring attack, perhaps we could understand, but one guy? No amount of defensive trickery or individual athleticism could stop… Elston Turner? That’s tough to swallow. Ryan Harrow and Archie Goodwin combined for nine backcourt turnovers in the loss.
(via Elston Turner scores 40, A&M beats Kentucky at Rupp | CollegeBasketballTalk)
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“Following a win against Jabari Parker and Simeon Career Academy (Ill.), the nation’s top center Dakari Johnson (Montverde Academy/New York, N.Y.) announced live on ESPNU that he has committed to the University of Kentucky.
Johnson, who reclassified to the Class of 2013 before the season, decided recently to end the recruiting process. The 6-foot-10 center picked the Wildcats over Syracuse and Georgetown.”
(via Dakari Johnson commits to Kentucky, adds to greatest class ever? | CollegeBasketballTalk)
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“This lack of effort, especially in Tuesday’s second half against Samford, sparked Coach Cal to use a “forced breakfast club” to get players to begin their days together with training. Classes have already ended at UK, meaning more time has opened up for extra workouts. However this could all be over soon – or extended through Christmas break – depending on the Wildcats performance against 3-5 Portland on Saturday”
(via Kentucky’s ‘Camp Cal’ could turn the season around | CollegeBasketballTalk)
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“Saturday against Portland, the Wildcats were firing on all cylinders, shooting nearly 50 percent from the floor, blocking 12 shots, and cruising to a 74-46 win at Rupp Arena.
Four players scored in double figures, including Archie Goodwin and Alex Poythress with 15 points apiece. Freshman center Nerlens Noel only had three shots, but was close to a triple-double with seven points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks.
Is this the work of “Camp Cal,” the practice policy instituted by Calipari in response to Kentucky’s fall?”
