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Posted by PaulCat (Member # 513) on 04-07-2023, 11:26 PM:

It's possible that Oscar may come back and play another year at UK. Oscar is a unanimous POY (2022) and 2nd-team All-American (2023), yet he is unlikely to be picked in the first round of the NBA draft. This has to be negative as far as Calipari's track record of producing top draft picks.

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 04-08-2023, 09:48 PM:

I'm now thinking that he most likely won't like what he hears from the NBA and he'll return to play with his third different team at UK. I believe the NIL will look better to him than riding the bench in the NBA or worse yet getting less than $100K in the Dleague.

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 04-08-2023, 10:51 PM:

IF he comes back, and if he cannot improve his defense, Cal may be in the awkward position of not starting a two-time All-American and former unanimous POY.

Teams beat us primarily because they could beat Oscar.

Posted by ukcatfannfl (Member # 1425) on 04-09-2023, 08:19 AM:

Tip I don't agree with u 100% as to be a "great" defensive rebounder, Oscar would most always get into position and that means leaving or playing loosely on his man.

Hard to be both imo

Posted by handycat (Member # 2323) on 04-09-2023, 09:06 AM:

For me, Oscar’s upside far outweighs his downside.

I shudder to think where we would have been without him the past two years.

I’ve often wondered why he is such a liability on defense. He is obviously quick on his feet, has a nose for the ball and has a quick first step. Plus, while not a prolific leaper, he is is a “quick jumper”. His piss poor hands shouldn’t come into play that much on defense. You would think that equates to a very good defensive player, Unless it’s simply a matter of desire. What Ed said makes sense to me.

[ 04-09-2023, 09:21 AM: Message edited by: handycat ]

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 04-09-2023, 09:18 AM:

And there's always the possibility he might learn a little from Bradshaw. I believe Bradshaw will start by getting at least half the minutes, 20 per game. And if Collins decides to stay we would have double depth at the 2 front court positions. Oscar and Bradshaw with Collins and Ware to relieve. Everyone else could be considered guards or wings. If Thierro also stays we could possibly have as deep a team as we had with the Harrison twins.

[ 04-09-2023, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: Bama Cat ]

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 04-09-2023, 09:35 AM:

quote:
If Thierro also stays we could possibly have as deep a team as we had with the Harrison twins.

Now, that is an encouraging thought!

I agree that Tshiebwe is a monster rebounder and can be an effective scorer if he isn't swallowed up by a longer, taller defender. But the fact remains that he was a huge defensive liability. Not sure how to deal with that going forward, other than have him focus on improvement relentlessly. I WANT him on the floor, but he can't be the easy target he was last year.

[ 04-09-2023, 09:35 AM: Message edited by: Tiptree ]

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 04-09-2023, 01:03 PM:

Playing a zone defense could help Oscar a lot.

Posted by Trey Ball (Member # 332) on 04-10-2023, 12:08 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by PaulCat:
This has to be negative as far as Calipari's track record of producing top draft picks.

I don't think so. NBA is just a different game than college. Oscar at 6'9" is not a true center in the league and even 95% of the true centers over 7'0" in the league can shoot the three and defend.

Oscar's two main deficiencies, lack of 3 Point shot and defense, are what have to be strengths to play in the NBA as un undersized center.

I agree that Oscar may come back for his final year. I would take him in a heartbeat as well.

[ 04-10-2023, 04:11 PM: Message edited by: Trey Ball ]

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 04-10-2023, 12:25 PM:

Let's face it, Oscar and Wheeler have deficiencies that make them non desireable NBA players. They really have two niches, one the NIL system getting money from the local advertising area or going over seas to play pro ball for less than the NBA salary. Good luck to both of them whenever they decide to call it a career in college.