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Posted by SCWC (Member # 2464) on 05-25-2017, 02:54 AM:

From KSR:

“I can’t wait to play in a Kentucky jersey for the first time.”

Read Hamidou Diallo’s full statement on withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to the University of Kentucky:

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 05-25-2017, 02:59 AM:

Bring on #9

Posted by boomdaddy (Member # 2644) on 05-25-2017, 06:56 AM:

I am as optimistic as anyone, but is this kid really that good, to be the missing piece of a championship puzzle?

Posted by PaulCat (Member # 513) on 05-25-2017, 09:11 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by boomdaddy:
I am as optimistic as anyone, but is this kid really that good, to be the missing piece of a championship puzzle?

Boom, check out the video on this KSR page and then see if you still want to ask that question. [Wink]

http://kentuckysportsradio.com/basketball-2/hamidou-diallo-will-return-to-kentucky/

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 05-25-2017, 11:23 AM:

Wow! He looks to a very special player..

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 05-25-2017, 12:00 PM:

As you all know, a little luck is required, in addition to talent, to win the NCAA championship. Just remember our 38-1 team. There was none better in the land, but Lady Luck was not cooperative. Hence, I will enjoy the season and hope for another banner, but will not get my drawers in a wad if it doesn't happen. I just hope we don't have any butt holes like Grayson Allen on our team, nor any academic fraud like UNC. That's all I can hope for.

Edit: Oh, one more thing: I also hope that John Higgins never, ever calls another basketball game ANYWHERE!

[ 05-25-2017, 12:11 PM: Message edited by: Old Norm ]

Posted by boomdaddy (Member # 2644) on 05-25-2017, 12:05 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by Old Norm:
As you all know, a little luck is required, in addition to talent, to win the NCAA championship. Just remember our 38-1 team. There was none better in the land, but Lady Luck was not cooperative. Hence, I will enjoy the season and hope for another banner, but will not get my drawers in a wad if it doesn't happen. I just hope we don't have any butt holes like Grayson Allen on our team, nor any academic fraud like UNC. That's all I can hope for.

I am hoping for luck as well.....and, a big and...unbiased, fair refs. I know, I know, if you are going to dream, might as well dream big.

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 05-25-2017, 12:12 PM:

I fixed that, Boom!

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 05-25-2017, 08:40 PM:

Diallo WILL make a huge difference, especially if he focuses on becoming a defensive monster. His vertical and agility could make him the premier perimeter defender in the whole country.

He is a 'shooting guard', but his shooting is a bit suspect. All in all, I think we have three potential weaknesses next year:

(1) 3-point shooting
(2) Defending against a skilled "widebody" big man (our centers and forwards are on the thin side; I don't know if they can hold their position in the post)
(3) Potentially we might have a bit of a down year at point... but Green may make me eat those words. If he plays his usual game of dishing and creating for others to score, we will be fine.

We will have plenty of scoring options across the lineup. Just have to make sure that each player plugs in and focuses on his/her strengths. We should be long, lean, and quick. I am looking forward to seeing them play!

Posted by boomdaddy (Member # 2644) on 05-25-2017, 08:46 PM:

I read somewhere that Baker is very under rated and that he is a gamer.

Posted by WHO?UK (Member # 2286) on 05-26-2017, 10:04 AM:

GREAT NEWS!!!

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 05-26-2017, 11:19 AM:

Here is some info on Baker:

The four-star shooting guard picked Kentucky after being released from his national letter of intent with Cal following Cuonzo Martin’s departure. Baker has been back on the market for just over two weeks, but Kentucky moved quickly enough to secure his services ahead of the start of the spring signing period on Wednesday.

"I'm honored and humbled by the experience and greatly appreciate coach Cal believing in my abilities," Baker told Scout.com. "I work extremely hard and to see it paying off means the world to me. I know I'm going to be challenged and pushed every day by the coaching staff and it's something I look forward to. I get to compete with some of the best players on a daily basis."

The 6-3, 185-pound Baker is ranked 119th overall and the 22nd-best shooting guard by 247 Sports. ESPN ranks him 65th overall and the 19th-best shooting guard. Scout.com ranks Baker 87th overall and the 20th-best shooting guard. Rivals.com ranks him 80th overall.

Link

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 05-26-2017, 12:17 PM:

It's going to be a fun season with a lot of good basketball being played. Can't wait!

Posted by Old Norm (Member # 1482) on 05-26-2017, 11:14 PM:

This is why I'm so happy to be a Cats fan AND have John Calipari for the head coach. Ncaa Championship or no championship, we get to do this anticipation thing every single year. We always have a shot. I absolutely love it.

Posted by m hamilton (Member # 127) on 05-27-2017, 08:46 PM:

An IU fan told me how jealous he truly was of our Kentucky team. In his words "All we do is win, win, win!"
You are right, we haven't won a ton of championships but we've been in position. That does mean something! And we do WIN, WIN, WIN!!

Posted by WHO?UK (Member # 2286) on 05-28-2017, 08:53 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by Old Norm:
This is why I'm so happy to be a Cats fan AND have John Calipari for the head coach. Ncaa Championship or no championship, we get to do this anticipation thing every single year. We always have a shot. I absolutely love it.

Could not agree more!!!

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 05-28-2017, 09:26 AM:

Just knowing that we have a chance every year is super exciting