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Author
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Topic: What to think?
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Bigcatdaddy
Player
Member # 21
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posted 06-01-2023 09:06 AM
I'm not sure what to think about the state of our favorite basketball team.
It certainly feels as if the times they are a changin'
Factor in NIL, ease of transfer, pressures of fans and the immediate access through social media, it just seems like there's more than just one strand unravelling.
The pressures of playing at UK aren't for everyone, and with NIL, the hometown kid may, well stay at home and be the hero (with a pocket full of money)
This is hard to say, but as Kentucky fans, we tend to eat our own. If things are going well, man we're the best. If they aren't going well, whewwheee, we can be a tough lot.
It takes a special person to handle that. Not all can. In fact I'd say fewer and fewer young men/kids can handle it.
Participation trophies have made us soft like the stick of butter left on the stove.
As I age I do not let the games of young adults affect me like I did 20 and 30 years ago.
I suppose that's just part of becoming 'seasoned'
Part of me misses that passion and fight though. But with players quitting on teams and sitting out to not hurt draft prospects, it certainly puts a little vinegar in the mix.
Anyway, just my $0.02.
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It's me, the cat.
Posts: 10224 | From: Macy, Ind. | Registered: Aug 1999
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Tiptree
Administrator
Member # 844
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posted 06-01-2023 09:48 AM
Agree with most of what you say, BCD. But, I think schools like UK are "NIL magnets", primarily because of our large, national fan base. Without a lot of fans, there just isn't much NIL cash.
I hate to say it, but the days of the Big Dynasties are over. Easy transfer rules, skipping to the NBA, and (of course) booster money have corrupted the game we grew up loving.
Now, a hot coach can draw in superstar players from recruiting or the portal, shine for a year or two, then fade, only to see another hot coach rise in his place. The purpose of college athletics has shifted 100% to short-term gain for the players and money for the school over tradition, loyalty, or school pride. I don't think it will ever go back.
That makes 4 cents in the opinion pot.
[ 06-01-2023, 09:49 AM: Message edited by: Tiptree ]
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Tiptree
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” Thomas Jefferson
Posts: 13595 | From: Terre Haute, IN | Registered: Sep 2000
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Bama Cat
Player
Member # 153
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posted 06-01-2023 10:35 AM
Yeah, it's like now the boosters can provide incentives legally. Anyone who wants to support a team can do it thru NIL money. It's just about to the point that home grown kids, like you said, can stay at home and reap the NIL harvest. I'll throw in a nickles worth to bring the pot up to 9 cents. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
[ 06-01-2023, 10:36 AM: Message edited by: Bama Cat ]
Posts: 14124 | From: berea, ky, usa | Registered: Sep 1999
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Bigcatdaddy
Player
Member # 21
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posted 06-01-2023 11:02 AM
I felt obliged to throw in another penny to make it a dime's worth of opinion.
Lexington doesn't have the size and resources to compete with other large cities in the NIL department.
Not much, but surely worth $.01
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It's me, the cat.
Posts: 10224 | From: Macy, Ind. | Registered: Aug 1999
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