Starting Five?

[CATHEAD]

Let's speculate a little and say we sign Lucas. Who's got the starting five? Here's my guess:

Lucas, Crawford, Meeks, Stevenson, Carter

[got7ukblue]

I dont think Bradley will go too the bench his senior year.

[CATHEAD]

Then who do you sit?

[DCWildcat]

CATHEAD wrote: Then who do you sit?

Lucas. Other than that, I pretty much agree with your starting five.

[got7ukblue]

Good question. I still think Carter has something to show before he can start. I just dont think Bradley will sit. Could be wrong tho. I dunno who starts lol

[gpm61]

If Crawford doesn't learn to move he might come off the bench!!

[BigblueDrew]

I don't see how Carter doesn't start. We don't have another Center. In my mind a possible lineup is Meeks, Bradley, Crawford, Stevenson, and Carter, with Jasper coming off the bench.I don't countLucas because we don't have him yet. As for who comes off the bench afterJasperyour guessis as good as mine. We are liable to be thinner next year than almost any year I can remember. This line up will have to play tenancious defense and very few turnovers to be competative in the SEC.

[CATHEAD]

got7ukblue wrote: Good question. I still think Carter has something to show before he can start. I just dont think Bradley will sit. Could be wrong tho. I dunno who starts lol

I agree, Carter has a lot to prove, but he's pretty much our only true post presence. Don't get me wrong, I don't want Ramel to sit. We need his fire and leadershipon the floor, but I yearn for a true point.

[Tom Blevins]

All six of those guys will get a lot of playing time. Jasper would too. I believe Harris will surprisea lot of people next year and could possibly start. Joining the team in midseason, he never learned the system, but I believe he has a ton of potential. Stewart should see some significant minutes, too. especially if we don't get Patterson.

[tiffincatfan]

BigblueDrew wrote: I don't see how Carter doesn't start. We don't have another Center. In my mind a possible lineup is Meeks, Bradley, Crawford, Stevenson, and Carter, with Jasper coming off the bench.I don't countLucas because we don't have him yet. As for who comes off the bench afterJasperyour guessis as good as mine. We are liable to be thinner next year than almost any year I can remember. This line up will have to play tenancious defense and very few turnovers to be competative in the SEC.
as far as who comes off the bench, you are still going to have stewart and harris, plus porter, and anyone else that BG brings in too. that would give us at least 9-10 people to put in the rotation if he wished, or he could cut it to 8-9. even with those we have coming back and the ones coming in there are still lots of potential lineups after the starting 5.

[got7ukblue]

I hope Billy G. Teaches these players how to move without the basketball. I love watching these guys but i hope to see more movement.

[CatKroboth]

got7ukblue wrote: I hope Billy G. Teaches these players how to move without the basketball. I love watching these guys but i hope to see more movement.

Have you all forgotten about Mark Coury. It is like he doesn't even exist to you all. Show some respect to the guy.... ;);););)


Seriously.... I think it could be.... Stevenson, Meeks, JC, Bradley, Jasper. OR Carter, Stevenson, JC, Bradley, Jasper

If the first. Off the Bench We will have Harris, Porter, Carter, Coury, AJ, and Williams... Carter may start before years end, and Williams may be a suprise...

[CATHEAD]

Chuck at the 1, Chuck at the 2, Chuck at the 3,....... oh wait. Sorry, I was dreaming again. Man, to have just one more year of Chuck..........

[colonelcatfan]

CATHEAD wrote: Let's speculate a little and say we sign Lucas. Who's got the starting five? Here's my guess:

Lucas, Crawford, Meeks, Stevenson, Carter

I'd agree with this except Crawford may be the one to sit, not Bradley. If we get Lucas, I think he has to start, if not immediately, very soon. And guys, Carter is a sleeper, this guy will do fine...IMHO, of course, I don't know anything!!

[teamchemistry09]

Hopefully it will be meeks bradley crawford patterson and jordan but likely it will be meeks bradley crawford stevenson and carter unless we land PP jordan or lucas

[Doug Hardin]

This is a very good question, especially considering UK is woefully thin at certain positions (C, PF), and has plenty of talent at others (the backcourt).

Coach G will probably tell his players something like, "No one has secured a starting spot; you'll all have to earn it," and be one of the few coaches in the country who would really mean it. For every person on the team, you can come up with a plausible lineup that has him coming off the bench. Some of the smaller lineups don't look very realistic, but if you subscribe to the "play your 5 best players, regardless of position" theory, then you could realistically go with 4 guards and a post player.

Without Bradley: Jasper, Meeks, Crawford, Stevenson, Carter
Without Crawford: Jasper, Bradley, Meeks,Stevenson, Carter
Without Meeks: Jasper, Bradley, Crawford,Stevenson, Carter
Without Jasper: Bradley, Meeks,Crawford, Stevenson, Carter
Without Stevenson: Jasper, Bradley, Meeks,Crawford, Carter
Without Carter: Jasper, Bradley, Meeks,Crawford, Stevenson

If Patterson signs, I can't see any way he doesn't start. If Lucas signs, that gives you several other possibile lineups.

My guess (regardless of whether Jai signs)

PG - Bradley
SG - Meeks
SG - Crawford
PF - Stevenson (Patterson, if he signs)
C - Carter

[Bombastic Blue]

CATHEAD wrote: got7ukblue wrote: Good question. I still think Carter has something to show before he can start. I just dont think Bradley will sit. Could be wrong tho. I dunno who starts lol

I agree, Carter has a lot to prove, but he's pretty much our only true post presence. Don't get me wrong, I don't want Ramel to sit. We need his fire and leadershipon the floor, but I yearn for a true point.

Not only does he have a lot to prove, I think he still has a lot to learn. There's a big difference between practice and gametime. Basically, he hasn't played for two years.So, with him being the only option we have at center, the question is, will Coach sacrifice a few early wins by letting Jared stay in and learn to ensure a better team at the end of the year? That's what I'd do, but I don't get paid 2.3 mill, nor do I have to take the heat for a loss. It's whtacha call a conundrum.

[UKATFAN]

If Lucas signs, he'll either start or get a lot more playing time than Bradley or Jasper at point guard. Billy G will be playing players for experience and getting Lucas that at the point guardwould bereally important. I say Lucas (pg), Meeks (sg), Carter (c), Crawford , Stevenson forwards. But with Billy G's pressure defense, I think the backups will get plenty of playing time. If Lucas doesn't sign, Bradley will start but Coach will have to find a point guard for next year that has a point guard mentality. Jasper will make a great forward, but putting him at point guard was not doing him justice.:wildcatface

[cnice11]

Carter, if healthy, will be huge for us this year. We lost Morris, Woo, Thomas; that's 3 big men that played significant minutes last year. I like Meeks, Bradley, Jasper, Crawford, and Carter. But Stevenson and Harris will probably get a serious look too. If Billy G gets them in tip top shape, run from start to finish.Then off the bench there will bea variety of people that could be coming off thebench like Williams, if he's not starting, Jasper, if he's not starting,etc, etc. I dont think the talent level here is as bad as some make it out to be. I do think Carter will be ahuge factor this year, hopefully he stays healthy and shows the promise he showed his freshman year.

[wildcatlovingdad]

They cant deny Jodie Meeks. He was my favorite last year because of his work ethic and his ability to shoot the ball. The other four I would say will be this. I think definitely Stevenson will have to step in and play either power forward or center. I could also see crawford, bradley and big suprise, but jasper playing in a new position. He could be this 6'5" forward and we run an almost Villanova type offense with four guards and a semi power forward. One thing about it, we would be quick.



Nobody can say for sure until we get news on who we are recruiting. Dont be suprised to see some junior college transfers fill a couple of our scholarships this season though.

[t-rav4jesus]

I've played ball withCarter here in Gtown and he is gonna surprise some people. I know we were just playing pickup games and he was playing against guys who were only about 6'4''... but he has great hands and great touch. He just hasn't seen a lot of time, but with a new system I think he shines...

I think JC will breakout also. Once these guys learn how to move without the ball and get confidence in the new system, I think him and Brad will shine.

JC,Carter,Brad,Meeks,P.

[eman484]

Here's my predictions for the Cats starting five next year:

PG - Lucas

SG- Meeks

SF- Crawford

PF - Stevenson and Stewart rotation

C - Carter

My surprise player of the year: Jared Carter. After watching Randolph Morris and his 6-inch vertical for the past three years, it will be nice to see someone with some length who can actually get off the floor. He won't have the post moves that Randolph had, but he has better touch and will be a menace defensively around the rim. The crap of guards getting into the lane and scoring so easily will be gone with Carter in there. His long arms and athletic ability will affect a lot of shots in the paint. I am excited about our line-up possibilities and see us fielding a very competitive team.

[ShelbyvilleCathead]

I feel like the entire starting five could be shook up. "Billy Clyde" will use his BOOT CAMP to determine who willuse the TEAM concept the best. I think Crawford has awesome talent, buthe needs to remember he is not the only player on the court.He needs to let the game come to him instead of forcing it.If Jasper can develope a jumpshot or atleast drive to the basket every now and then,Ramel could shine as a 2 gaurd. Meeks will be Meeks and turn into a superstar, I think we can all agree on that. Carter worries me and Stevenson worries me. I hope they both EAT and PUMP IRON from now until the season begins. If they cant play in the paint Williams will be thrown to the wolves. But based on last year and recruits we have SIGNED I will go with

Jasper, Ramel, Crawford, Meeks:

Carter, Stevenson or Williams

[BlueRazor]

If UK plays an up tempo style of play I don't see Carter getting much playing time. The young man is an injury waiting to happen and he doesn't get up and down the court well enough.

Bradley, Jasper, Crawford, Meeks & Stevenson.

[got7ukblue]

I dont agree at all above. Jared Carter can't jump higher then morris.. Maybe taller but thats it..

[UKhoov]

Too many of us are getting caught up in style of play. The man said he would "love" to play full court man to man up-tempo, but then said he isnt going to playa style just for styles sake.

Remember he said the Seniors are very important as well. So I dont see Crawford or Bradley sitting the bench, unless they really screw something up. Dont buy much into positions either, Coach Clyde said he wont label players 1-5, he will let their play dictate position.

We have a couple of scholarships still yet to be signed and I have a feeling if Patterson or Lucas dont show up we will end up with some JUCO kids that are under the radar. It wouldnt surprise me if he held a scholarship over for next year either, albeit kinda crazy sounding, still a viable option.

I really like AJ Stewart, there is something about him that just screams

"SPECIAL TALENT"

But my starting five with our current signed players only:

Bradley, Crawford, Meeks, Stevenson, Carter

Bench:

Stewart, Harris, Jasper,Porter, Williams

[CK1979]

It all depends if Lucas comes...

Starting 5:

Bradley,Meeks, Crawford,Stevenson, ????

Either: JAsper, Carter,Lucas, Patterson...



I just don't think Patterson is coming here... Anyone here about the 7 foot recruit that signed to A&M... IS he still heading there?

Coach G might have to play small ball until he gets some recruits...

[DCWildcat]

Jared Carter is surprisingly mobile. I almost nailed him in my car today driving down avenue of champions. Jaywalking like that is not a good idea on the road to recovery.

[bobbyadkins]

I say do a 4 guard lineup, run them out of the building, win by halftime, and go with the bigger second five. :D

[kyrem]

I THINK JASPER WOULD MAKE A GOOD FORWARD IF HE CAN GET SOME CONFIDENCE.

[PitinoLooksBetterInRed]

kyrem wrote: I THINK JASPER WOULD MAKE A GOOD FORWARD IF HE CAN GET SOME CONFIDENCE.
I see that too if he learns how to finish against the big boys inside. I see some Tayshaun in him if he gets a shot going.

[Wildcatcrazy11]

PitinoLooksBetterInRed wrote: kyrem wrote: I THINK JASPER WOULD MAKE A GOOD FORWARD IF HE CAN GET SOME CONFIDENCE.
I see that too if he learns how to finish against the big boys inside. I see some Tayshaun in him if he gets a shot going.
Tayshaun? I see absolutely NO tayshaun in him at all. they just play different games. Jasper hasnt even shown a willingness to shoot. Thats bad. At least if he were shooting some and missing all the time hed have something to work on. For all we know if he pulls up for a jumper his arm might fal off.

[Wildcatcrazy11]

IMO this team is in DESPERATE need of a true point guard. Every great team has one. I want Lucas right now more than Patterson. Lucas is the true "one" that we need out there. Handles, assists, the occastional three ball,grew up in a "basketball smart" family so we know he has a head on his shoulders.

As for DJ he needs to develop his game inside and get some confidence. If DJ looks the same next year as he did this year I honestly believe billy won't play him much (assuming we have Lucas).

Stevenson really needs to work on bodying up and using his size (needs to get bigger) on both ends of the ball. I believe he has the touch to be a threat inside over the top. I look for him to start early in the season and possibly make his mark. If any recruit and/or Jared Carter can step up early on in the season, PS time might gradually fall off.

The second most important problem to address is the PF spot. If this position can get filled with anyone who can avg. 10 points a night this team can compete with anyone. We will be very good in the back court again. But will need Patterson, Williams, Stew, or Mark C. (haha) to have outstanding seasons if we are going anywhere.

Joe C and Ramel are the key to next years team. Again going back to the importance of a point guard... Having a true PG out there will free up Joe and Ramel to focus on getting open looks. Senior leadership will be key. I look for billy G to realize this and start both for most if not the entire season.

With that said Jodie might not be starting. GASP! If Joe or Ramel slip up at all Meeks will be right there to take playing time away if not a starting position. However everyone that is shocked at what i just said think about this... If you are Crawford and Ramel,hands down the upcoming senior leaders of this team,Are younot going to work you a$$ off this summer whn you know that the next UK basketball Phenom is breathing down your neck for your starting spot?I lookfor the three of themto really push eachothertoimprove all season. With PorterJoe C, ramel, and jodie (possiblyLucas) we willbevery deep at the guard position again.

Ramon Harris, not playing muchlast year, is mydarkhorse for the 07-08 season.From what i have seen (not much obviously) the kid is strong, athletic and can take it hard to the rack. He might just mature even faster than Jodie did this past year and move into thatvery important 6th man spot.

Dream 5 : Lucas, Crawford, Bradley, Patterson, Carter

Likely 5 : Lucas, Crawford, Bradley, Stewart, Carter

If We Wanna Run 5 : Jasper, Crawford, Bradley, Meeks, Stevenson

In the Game WhenWeare Beating Florida by30 5: Porter, Jasper, Coury, Williams, Stevenson.

[poodoo]

With that said Jodie might not be starting. GASP! If Joe or Ramel slip up at all Meeks will be right there to take playing time away if not a starting position. However everyone that is shocked at what i just said think about this... If you are Crawford and Ramel,hands down the upcoming senior leaders of this team,Are younot going to work you a$$ off this summer whn you know that the next UK basketball Phenom is breathing down your neck for your starting spot?I lookfor the three of themto really push eachothertoimprove all season. QUOTE by wildcatcrazy11

__________

I laughed when I read the "GASP!". I hear you, wildcatcrazy11. :)

Don't get me wrong. I think Jodie Meeks is our BEST player, and ILOVE him as both a player and person (and having had the honor of meeting his parents makes me feel even more that way). HOWEVER, I think Meeks is a player who is "BIG" enough to handle not starting, onewho is big enough to do whatever is best for the team.For the sake of team chemistry and the overall betterment of our team and its potential for success next season (only while Ramel and Joe are seniors), it justMIGHT be better for Jodie still to come off the bench. (GASP!, again, for I know some are horrifiedat the thought, :lol:although I don't suspectMr. Meeks is one of those.)

What matters more than startsis who is playing at the end ofthe game, as they say. More than that, Jodie can play THREE positions. We saw him "spark" the team when he came into the game this past season.

Having said that, I absolutely think Jodie wouldHAVE to get AS MANY MINUTES as any player on the team. That's pretty easy to decide since he's the BEST player, as I see it. No, though, I'm not sure thatit's essential (or even a good thing :)) for Jodie to be in that startinglineup and moveout one of the seniors. Too, here's hoping that Joe and Ramel do see Jodie as competition and work EXTRAHARD toinsure that they do stillstartnext season.

I neverpublicly select a favorite playeramong Cats currently playing the game.Yet, ifsomeone were to point a gun at me andmake me say a name, I think youmight know which one I would say. No, though, STILL, I do not think Jodie Meeks necessarily must start for the Cats next season. :DAll decisions, of course, are left up to the one who will ACTUALLY select that starting lineup, Coach Billy Gillispie. :D

[Lexvol]

As an outside observer, I think that Bradley and Crawford still have an upside, or untapped potential. I also thought that at times Porter showed the most potential as a true pointman.

The question I pose to the WN is how much will Billy Clyde get out of Crawford?

[matt colvin]

Lexvol, you hit the nail on the head for me with Crawford. Coming out of highschool, I thought Tubby had gotten the next DA. Seriously thought that. But I think that the offense of lack thereof for the last three years has really hidden Joe C's athleticism. Joe is tough, and built like a TANK. And he's got hops. But you might not know that judging from the in-game performances. I look for a rejuvenated Crawdaddy to have some nice throw-downs this coming season, and return to the confidence you saw for a stretch this year.



Bradley is going to have to calm his itchy trigger finger, and learn to "keep both eyes open" as some shooters might say. Include the whole environment, not just the target. There are other guys who will be making moves this year, and he needs to keep that in mind. I have confidence in him though, he has the heart for sure. As another comparison to shooting guns, Bradley jerks the trigger as soon as he sees the target, not the smooth pull that's often needed. He's gotta keep in rhythm with everbody else, and the good shots will fall for him.



Meeks, well :ggrin::ggrin::ggrin:. Enough said, lol.