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Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 04-25-2014, 01:51 PM:

The Harrisons more than likely will not get the minutes they did last year.

If the Harrison twins had declared for the NBA Draft, Ulis and Booker probably would have started and played significant minutes during their first season in Lexington. Instead, the two newcomers will get to practice every day against two future NBA players — and defensive stalwart Dominique Hawkins — and they should still see quite a bit of time on the court.

“I think what Kentucky (could do) is probably just amp it up more on defense. Extend the defense, play more aggressive and utilize your depth.”

Ulis could be a big part of that depth. The 5-foot-9 signee would give the Cats a true point guard to back up Andrew Harrison, something they struggled with this past season. It would also give Calipari more options in his backcourt.

With the Harrisons, Booker, Ulis and Hawkins, the Wildcats will have five guards who can play solid minutes, and most of them can do it from at least two different positions.

Meyer also described Booker and Ulis as two players who “are going to stick around a little bit” — meaning they don’t fit the one-and-done mold of many past Calipari recruits.

Both players obviously have dreams of playing in the NBA, but neither is expected to be a draft pick anytime soon. “They’re not physically imposing like your typical one-and-done guys,” Meyer said. “But they both have a great feel for the game. They have an IQ for the game.”

They’ll need to work on the rest, and learning against the Harrison twins will be a good place to start.

“They’re fringe NBA players,” Meyer said. “Booker probably has a little better chance just because of his size. It’s really tough for a guy at Ulis’ height to play in the NBA. It can be done, but usually those guys are freakishly athletic. Ulis is a good athlete, but he’s not a freak athlete. But … Ulis shoots the ball, he’s a smart player — I would never say he’s not going to be an NBA player.”

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[ 04-25-2014, 01:52 PM: Message edited by: catmandoo ]

Posted by Trey Ball (Member # 332) on 04-25-2014, 02:36 PM:

I don't understand why everyone thinks that Cal will extend the defense and press because of roster size.

History tells you that will not happen. Cal, and I agree with him, does not like to extend the pressure. His coaching philosophy is the direct opposite of that.

I also don't understand why everyone thinks that Cal is going to play 9 to 10 guys double digit minutes. Once again, that is not his coaching philosophy. He will play 7 guys the majority of the minutes with the expectations that guys 8-12 be ready to contribute when needed and called upon, like Lee was this year during tourney time when WCS went down. I would almost bet my house that both Harrisons will average over 30 minutes per game again next year. They will not see a significant reduction in minutes played.

UK will have some competitive practices and it will be interesting to see how those on the bench handle their roles.

[ 04-25-2014, 02:38 PM: Message edited by: Trey Ball ]

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 04-25-2014, 02:47 PM:

Listening to coach cal I think he'll expand the roster this year and play an 8 to 9 man rotation.The Harrison's WCS,Dakari, Marcus, poy, towns and booker, cal said they all deserve to be on the floor. that puts maybe Hawkins on the outside looking in.

Posted by bayer (Member # 462) on 04-25-2014, 10:02 PM:

But, Coach Cal can now go big and strong in the backcourt or small and quick. That's a nice option to have.

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 04-25-2014, 10:13 PM:

We might as well get ready for it because it will be there. There will be a lot of second guessing coaches who will have plenty of advice for Cal on who and how to play guys. That's just the way it is in the BBN. [Big Grin]