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Topic: Cal's NBA draft streak may be over
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catmandoo
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Member # 1284
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posted 05-30-2018 04:00 PM
John Calipari’s name is often synonymous with one-and-done. While that connection really took off when he got to Kentucky, Calipari was putting college freshman in the NBA several years before he came to Lexington.
In fact, every player that Calipari has ever coached that left after one year of college basketball has been drafted in the 1st round of the NBA Draft. That list dates back to Dajuan Wagner in 2002 and the streak has nearly ended on several occasions, but Coach Cal is currently 25 for 25 and looked to extend the streak another year.
Obviously Kevin Knox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will land in the first round, giving Calipari 27 consecutive 1st round selections from his one-and-done pool. But if either PJ Washington or Jarred Vanderbilt declare for the draft and do not go in the 1st round, then the streak is over.
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http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186359 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
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SCWC
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Member # 2464
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posted 05-30-2018 04:56 PM
Washington is coming back so we can take his name out of the mix. No one seems to know what Vanderbilt will do but if he wants an NBA career, he will need a year of college basketball, something he has not yet had. If he does stay in the draft, he will be the one to break Cal's streak, I don't see anyone taking him in the first round.
Posts: 17777 | From: Myrtle Beach, SC | Registered: Jun 2005
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handycat
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Member # 2323
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posted 05-30-2018 05:01 PM
SCWC, has Washington said he is coming back? I hope so.
Posts: 5393 | From: decatur ill. | Registered: Feb 2005
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Old Norm
Administrator
Member # 1482
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posted 05-30-2018 05:59 PM
quote:
Originally posted by handycat:
SCWC, has Washington said he is coming back? I hope so.
He has indeed. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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Pray For Our Country!
Posts: 36269 | From: Western KY | Registered: Aug 2001
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ukman
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Member # 3032
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posted 05-30-2018 06:11 PM
Glad to have Washington back, but I will really miss Gabriel. I thought he could be a big factor this year. I hope he gets to play pro somewhere and make the money he needs to help his family. He seems like a great kid and his energy will be missed this year. I looked for him to be a Darius Miller type player this year, that glue guy.
I hope Washington comes back and is a beast on the boards, and inside. It will be interesting to see who gets the minutes at the 4 and 5 spots. We have lots of quality guys there, especially if Vanderbilt comes back.
Posts: 5431 | From: georgia | Registered: Jan 2009
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handycat
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Member # 2323
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posted 05-30-2018 06:17 PM
Did not know about Washington or Gabriel. I guess this happens when you live under a rock in Illonois.
Posts: 5393 | From: decatur ill. | Registered: Feb 2005
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Old Norm
Administrator
Member # 1482
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posted 05-30-2018 07:10 PM
I had not heard about Gabriel until I read uk's post. Had to go to KSR and verify, and sure enough. I'll never doubt ukman's word again!
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Pray For Our Country!
Posts: 36269 | From: Western KY | Registered: Aug 2001
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Old Norm
Administrator
Member # 1482
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posted 05-30-2018 07:12 PM
Just keep one eye on kentuckysportsradio.com handy. They pretty well stay on top of things.
[ 05-30-2018, 07:13 PM: Message edited by: Old Norm ]
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Pray For Our Country!
Posts: 36269 | From: Western KY | Registered: Aug 2001
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SCWC
Player
Member # 2464
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posted 05-30-2018 07:39 PM
KSR on Gabriel's decision:
Wenyen Gabriel has decided to stay in the NBA Draft, ending his career as a Kentucky Wildcat. He announced the news via social media moments ago.
“BBN, thank you for supporting me for the last two years and being patient with me through these last few weeks,” Gabriel said. “This process hasn’t been easy for me and it’s choosing between a lifelong dream and playing in front of a fan base that I’ve grown to love so much. Opportunities like these don’t come without the support and encouragement from my family, Coach Cal, the coaching staff, my teammates, and of course, the fans.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment of this journey at the University of Kentucky and I just want to thank everyone for who has supported me through both my ups and my downs. Lord knows this hasn’t been easy, but my time here has only better prepared me for what the future has for me.
“After receiving positive feedback, my dreams of becoming a professional basketball player are that much closer to reality. I believe that I’m ready to take that jump and will be keeping my name in the 2018 draft.”
Last season, Wenyen averaged 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds but came on strong in the final stretch. Over the last nine games of the season, he averaged 9.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 3-point field goals per game, becoming UK’s go-to perimeter shooter. He set a UK and SEC Tournament record in the semifinals by going a perfect 7-7 from the outside en route to 23 points.
“Wenyen’s game is where the league continues to trend towards,” John Calipari said. “He’s a position-less big man who can shoot, guard multiple positions and is willing to do what it takes to win. Wenyen grew so much from his freshman season to his sophomore year. If he continues to make those same strides, he’s going to carve himself a role with a team. He and I have talked and he knows he’s going to have to work hard to get there, but I’m confident he can.”
Not listed in any major mock drafts or top 100 prospect rankings, Wenyen’s best chances of playing professionally will likely be the G-League or overseas. So far, he’s worked out for Oklahoma City, Utah, Milwaukee, Brooklyn, and Sacramento, so here’s hoping he gets a spot in a summer league.
“Big Blue Nation, we’ve shared some exciting memories together,” he added. “From the first time I walked out for Big Blue Madness all the way to walking out of St. Louis as SEC champs, Kentucky will always be my home.”
Posts: 17777 | From: Myrtle Beach, SC | Registered: Jun 2005
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SCWC
Player
Member # 2464
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posted 05-30-2018 07:41 PM
Handy, you need to start following Kentucky Sports Radio, they have a lot of early information on what is going on in Kentucky. I know Norm and I tend to read it daily for data on all UK sports. That will get you out from under that big Illinois Rock you are hiding under.
Posts: 17777 | From: Myrtle Beach, SC | Registered: Jun 2005
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handycat
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Member # 2323
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posted 05-30-2018 08:16 PM
SCWC, Norm, thanks I just added it. Glad Washington is back but really hate to see Gabriel leave. I know he is very inconsistent but I liked him a lot.
[ 05-30-2018, 08:19 PM: Message edited by: handycat ]
Posts: 5393 | From: decatur ill. | Registered: Feb 2005
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boomdaddy
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Member # 2644
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posted 05-30-2018 09:55 PM
I'm no NBA scout, but Gabriel could go undrafted, in my opinion. He may end up lanquishing in the D league.
Posts: 8791 | From: paris, ky | Registered: Mar 2006
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Old Norm
Administrator
Member # 1482
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posted 05-30-2018 10:39 PM
Unless I miss my guess, Gabriel will play overseas. There is good money to be made there, and he would be a star in those overseas leagues, IMO.
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Pray For Our Country!
Posts: 36269 | From: Western KY | Registered: Aug 2001
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SCWC
Player
Member # 2464
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posted 05-31-2018 06:04 AM
I am truly surprised that Vanderbilt is staying in the draft. He was invited to the NBA combine but did not participate. I seriously doubt he will be drafted. Were I an NBA official I would be very concerned about his feet and ankles, he has had major problems from them for some two years now and has played very little basketball. I hope he realizes his dream and always want any of our x players to attain their goals at the next level.
Posts: 17777 | From: Myrtle Beach, SC | Registered: Jun 2005
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