TheCatsDomain.Com Message Boards: Wow. I think this can be an EPIC year

This is topic Wow. I think this can be an EPIC year in forum UK / NCAA Basketball at TheCatsDomain.Com Message Boards.

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Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 11-06-2021, 01:01 PM:

The pieces are all there for a great, great year for UK basketball.

The W's have it: Sahvir Wheeler and Ty Ty Washington are a great guard combo. Really like Wheeler's ability to drive and score, as well as his decision making. Ty Ty is great off the ball, and can handle the point when needed (as can Mintz). Our point guard position rates an A.

It is a shooter's game. And we have shooters! Ty Ty, Grady, Mintz, Allen, even Wheeler can hit the trey. I don't remember having so many good shooters on a single team EVER. Heck, Brooks can shoot the three, although his mid-range game is even better.

We have some big boys inside. Tshiewbe is a rebounding machine. He reminds me of Chuck Hayes in his ability to be where the ball goes. Toppin has springs in his legs, as does Collins. Ware is a raw-boned big guy that can punish people. And Brooks is becoming a smooth operator on the elbow and inside.

Those wings are HOT. Grady, Mintz, Frederick, Hopkins... so many choices for that SF/third guard position, and all of them can shoot and create their shot. In fact, Grady, Mintz, and Frederick can play the 2 or the 3, and Hopkins can play the 3 or the 4.

So, offensively, we have a LOT of options, a lot of scorers. Defensively, we need to tighten up, but that is Cal's forte, and we should expect another top-10 ranking in both defensive and offensive efficiency this year.

The key to success is building a TEAM out of so many accomplished PLAYERS. The four transfers (Wheeler, Tshiewbe, Grady, Frederick) all expect to make an impact, as do the returnees and the freshman. That is a lot of talent, a lot of egos, that need to be blended and tamed. This will be the challenge for the coaching staff.

Right now, I would love to see us start a veteran lineup against Duke:

Wheeler
Grady
Mintz
Brooks
Toppin

Those can all play, and three of the four are veterans of Cal's system. Bring the freshmen and others in to sub, but let's shock Duke with a team of grizzled upperclassmen.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 11-07-2021, 06:30 PM:

Good post and agree Cal has plenty of talent, just hope he lets them. play and doesn't yank them every time they make a mistake.

Posted by WildcatFanatic (Member # 2932) on 11-09-2021, 05:37 PM:

I like your starting lineup Tiptree.