TheCatsDomain.Com Message Boards: Cats may not meet expectations at first

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Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 11-01-2017, 09:36 PM:

Kentucky’s basketball team notoriously hasn’t watched much film of opponents during the John Calipari era.

We’ll worry about what we do has been the approach. If players like John Wall, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns and Malik Monk do what they’re supposed to do, there’s not much point in diving deep into a film session on what other teams want to do.

That’s why Calipari prefers to show his players film of themselves. Last season, when the Wildcats dropped three of four games in late January/early February, the staff showed film of previous outings where Kentucky’s defense executed to standard.

Instead of looking ahead to get an edge on a specific opponent, Calipari had his players look back at itself to regain the track.

And the same thing happened before the SEC Tournament in March, when Calipari didn’t show a single clip of potential opponents. The Wildcats watched only themselves with the ball and only instances when the offense ran the way it was designed.

“I wanted them to see us at our best,” Calipari said.

So what happens when Calipari has a Kentucky team comprised of eight freshmen (seven newcomers, counting Hamidou Diallo’s jumpstart) and no major contributors returning?

It means this Kentucky team’s floor is much lower than it was at this point for last season’s group. That doesn’t mean the ceiling is also lower, but Calipari has altered his approach and schedule to get this bunch moving in the right direction.

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Posted by Cold Spring Cat (Member # 14751) on 11-02-2017, 03:04 PM:

I am expecting it is mid-to-late January before this team really "clicks". They will be a hard out come March.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 11-03-2017, 05:26 PM:

CSC, I think your right and it's what Cal is trying to do with this years team.

Posted by m hamilton (Member # 127) on 11-03-2017, 06:49 PM:

We're going to take some lumps early no doubt. Probably 3-4 losses before conference season starts.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 11-04-2017, 03:12 PM:

We will be ready come conference and that is what Cal is trying to do but wouldn't be surprised if we didn't beat UCLA and Louisville too.

Posted by PaulCat (Member # 513) on 11-04-2017, 11:46 PM:

We should beat everyone pre-conference with the exception of Kansas. UCLA and UL don't scare me. Our pre-conference schedule is awfully weak.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 11-10-2017, 06:34 PM:

The Cats should not have any problems tonight but the Kansas game on Thursday game will be a big test like Paul points out.

[ 11-10-2017, 06:35 PM: Message edited by: catmandoo ]

Posted by m hamilton (Member # 127) on 11-10-2017, 09:42 PM:

The Cats did struggle tonight. YE they won, but trailed by 9 at the half and 12 in the second half!

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 11-11-2017, 08:41 AM:

Our weakness is what most thought it would be, SHOOTING.

Posted by boomdaddy (Member # 2644) on 11-11-2017, 10:07 AM:

It was a great first game. Trial by fire is the only way a young team can be toughened up. All the talking and practicing is no substitute for the pressure of games in front of large crowds.

Will be interesting to see how they handle their first road game.

I was impressed by how they turned on the defense and made a run. With more experience, I would suspect that they won't wait to be down by so may points, before they ratchet up the defensive effort.

Posted by handycat (Member # 2323) on 11-11-2017, 10:27 AM:

My expectations for this team dropped after watching last night. Several good players but not great and IMO, not a leader in sight. It will be interesting to see who steps up to fill that role.

The good news is that I think opening night next year will have several players I recognize. Last night I was able to identify Gabriel and Mark Pope.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 11-11-2017, 12:20 PM:

The Kansas game will tell us a lot but it worries me a lot. Hopefully we will play a good game but I am afraid that this may not happen.

Posted by ukman (Member # 3032) on 11-11-2017, 04:23 PM:

My expectations for the season are about 8-10 losses, an SEC championship, and a loss in the sweet sixteen. Not a bad ride, but not what we are accustomed to. They could surprise and be like a few years ago with 10 losses and make a run to the final four, but I don't see that in this team. We just dont look to have thw studs overall.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 11-11-2017, 05:44 PM:

8-10 losses sounds about right, I guess we have been spoiled since Cal has been here. You never know with Cal coaching maybe he can turn this team into a special team. Time will tell.

Posted by boomdaddy (Member # 2644) on 11-12-2017, 07:04 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by ukman:
My expectations for the season are about 8-10 losses, an SEC championship, and a loss in the sweet sixteen. Not a bad ride, but not what we are accustomed to. They could surprise and be like a few years ago with 10 losses and make a run to the final four, but I don't see that in this team. We just dont look to have thw studs overall.

There have been several Cal teams that I have wondered, early on about, if they had the players. One of those won the championship.

Vanderbilt is supposed to be a special player. I don't know much about him, we will see if he is healthy, this year. I believe he is due back next month, not sure when.

Posted by PaulCat (Member # 513) on 11-12-2017, 07:40 AM:

We have a ton of talent and a ton of depth. The sky is the limit with this team. It's just gonna take time.

We should have one loss going into the conference schedule.