Which do you want? Warren/Clarke vs. Miller

[wildcatnc]

Who do you take if this is the choice? Do you take Miller and hope to get a big with the 3rd scholarship or do you take the combo deal of Warren/Clarke and hope we free another scholly for Zeller/Green?

I would like to have all of them. That would be a dream class - Liggins, Warren, Clarke, Miller and either Zeller or Green as a big. If Billy can move the schollies around to make that happen I will be convinced that he is a recruiting master! What am I saying I already believe he is a master. Is there a higher level. He is above so many other coaches.

[blewis18]

I think the question is for the individual how high their expectation is of the freeing up of schollies. I say this because, yes, I think we all would like what you like, all of 'em. It is a scholly issue though. My opinion of it is we need a big man more than anything and i drool over Zeller. I want Zeller more than anyone right now. I like all of these kids. The Warren/Clarke combo would be huge, but I really REALLY want a dominate big man. My issue is that i don't see how the schollies will be freed up. If it can happen, in the words of David Starsky, "Do it!"

[countrycat]

We need a big man so probably Zeller with Warren.

[Caveman Catfan]

With Legion and Meeks in the mix for the next few years and Liggins able to play a few perimeter positions, similar to Jasper (not to mention Porter, who could be a very solid SG off of the bench), I am inclined to want a pure SF and a big man.

Therefore, I prefer landing Miller and Zeller. If a fourth spot opens, I would want a pure PG or Czyz.

[Will Lavender]

I don't understand where Clarke fits in. I love the kid's game, but I just don't think we've got room for him unless Gillispie can do some massive shuffling of scholarships.

Right now, after the signing of Liggins, we need frontcourt help more than anything.

I'd like to see Washington added for '07. Then I'd like to see the Polish kid, Zeller, and Miller/Warren for '08. (Assuming we can free up two schollies, which I think he'll be able to do; I see some kids unhappy with playing time this coming season.)

I realize that's not really answering the OP's question, but that's my take.

[JohnJ]

Rotnei Clark probably fits in as the next commitment to UK, with Willie Warren to follow, then a big man.

[Caveman Catfan]

I
I'd like to see Washington added for '07. Then I'd like to see the Polish kid, Zeller, and Miller/Warren for '08. (Assuming we can free up two schollies, which I think he'll be able to do; I see some kids unhappy with playing time this coming season.)


I like that scenario, but I am not convinced that Washington should be added this year. At 6'6" he seems to play bigger (from the limited video I have seen and from discussions), but he is still only 6'6". How many guys that tall can you have on one team? Jasper, Harris, Liggins, and Washington? Meeks just an inch or so shorter. I realize that Washington is dubbed a PF and I like the way he uses his pivot around the basket and protects his shot with the rim and backboard, but don't we need more size?

[bluecat406]

Funny how things change isn't it? Last year we would've been saying please please let us get this guy or that guy, and now its like, hmmm, which guys should we choose from? This is the most excited I've EVER been about Kentucky basketball, and I've watched every game for the last 15 or 16 years.

[Caveman Catfan]

Gillispie certainly is all over the place and it is fun.

Even so, last year, I feel we would have landed Stewart, Williams, Patterson and Lucas. That class would have been wonderful, just like the Legion and Patterson class is wonderful.

Tubby had Draymond Green who reportedly just committed to Michigan State committed for the 2008 class. Other than next seasons non-existent junior class, I think Tubby would have had three excellent classes at UK when the 2008 class played as freshmen (not to mention that this year's senior class of Crawford, Bradley and two NBA players was a fine class).

I think Tubby would have righted the ship, but I think he made the right call to get away.

[DCWildcat]

I'd like Miller. And Dunigan.

[JohnJ]

I don't understand where Clarke fits in. I love the kid's game, but I just don't think we've got room for him unless Gillispie can do some massive shuffling of scholarships.

Right now, after the signing of Liggins, we need frontcourt help more than anything.

Liggins can play in the frontcourt some at 6'6". With those long arms and awareness of spacing, he can snag some rebounds quickly, and then he throws a great outlet pass in that video.

With all that versatility that he and some others have, you could switch him up, like to pointguard on offense. Imagine absolutely lethal shooters like Alex Legion and Rotnei Clark rotating out on the wings offensively, someone who could really drive to the basket and a big man that can score and that an opposing team could not team up on because they don't want to leave Legion and/or Clark score or someone else drive in and score. I love all the offensive firepower. How does an opposing team guard that?

[Caveman Catfan]

I'd like Miller. And Dunigan.

Who is Dunigan, DC?

My son tells me Michael Dunigan, a center? Any more info.

[Hurricanefballfan]

It looks like, via other boards that Clarke is ready to commit, if this is the case, then Warren mostly likely will follow. Billy G maybe wanting speed more than anything else. based on what he has been recruiting. he seems to shoot first and ask questions later. With Clarke's shooting ability, and Warren's great game. i would much rather have them than a big who may or may not develop. Just my take. One thing is for certain, Coach Cylde has been such a breath of fresh air from the previous coach, that i am not going to be critical.

[WildcatRick]

Who is Dunigan, DC?

My son tells me Michael Dunigan, a center? Any more info.

http://www.wildcatnation.net/forum/showthread.php?t=24754

[countrycat]

if we sign Clark is Porter (who I really like) may be the odd man out. I am certanly appreciate what our coach has done but that being said we need some big people. If we also get Warren, all available scollys are gone.

[matt colvin]

if we sign Clark is Porter (who I really like) may be the odd man out. I am certanly appreciate what our coach has done but that being said we need some big people. If we also get Warren, all available scollys are gone.

All currently available schollies would be gone. There is always the possibility that someone could go on academic scholarship.

[RCS]

I tend to think we may lose some kids. I have never seen a coaching change where at least 1 or 2 kids transfer. I imagine it will work itself out.

[DCWildcat]

Who is Dunigan, DC?

My son tells me Michael Dunigan, a center? Any more info.

Yeah, one of the biggest guys in a small class at 6'10" 240 lb. with a bit of a mean streak and skills to back it up. I haven't seen anything on him and I'm relying on what Scout is saying; Rivals isn't nearly so glowing. If UK plays in the same manner that A&M did, we'll be getting a lot of points from traditional post players, and I think Dunigan fits that bill and may be more college ready than Zeller.

If, on the other hand, we play the up-tempo style Gillispie described at his first press conference, Zeller may be the better choice.

[KYISSUPREME]

I tend to think we may lose some kids. I have never seen a coaching change where at least 1 or 2 kids transfer. I imagine it will work itself out.

That has been my exact thoughts the last couple of weeks. I don't think Coach G would be after all these players if he knew he wouldn't have room for them. There is also the possibility that someone may go pro early (Meeks), if they have an outstanding season.

[countrycat]

Yeah, one of the biggest guys in a small class at 6'10" 240 lb. with a bit of a mean streak and skills to back it up. I haven't seen anything on him and I'm relying on what Scout is saying; Rivals isn't nearly so glowing. If UK plays in the same manner that A&M did, we'll be getting a lot of points from traditional post players, and I think Dunigan fits that bill and may be more college ready than Zeller.

If, on the other hand, we play the up-tempo style Gillispie described at his first press conference, Zeller may be the better choice.

Thats why I would rather have Zeller. With all the guards and the way Patterson can run the floor I see us running other teams in the ground. The way it should have been all along. Exciting basketball gets exciting players.

[Wildcat Larry]

It's beginning to look like UK might run out of rides, if Miller doesn't commit pretty soon. Gillispie has a unique way of putting pressure on recruits. He applies no pressure at all, but lets other player's commitments subtly apply pressure. Interesting way of recruiting.

[Caveman Catfan]

http://www.wildcatnation.net/forum/showthread.php?t=24754


Thanks.

Looks good!!

[Caveman Catfan]

Yeah, one of the biggest guys in a small class at 6'10" 240 lb. with a bit of a mean streak and skills to back it up. I haven't seen anything on him and I'm relying on what Scout is saying; Rivals isn't nearly so glowing. If UK plays in the same manner that A&M did, we'll be getting a lot of points from traditional post players, and I think Dunigan fits that bill and may be more college ready than Zeller.

If, on the other hand, we play the up-tempo style Gillispie described at his first press conference, Zeller may be the better choice.


I have coveted (yes, I admit) Zeller, but this kid seems impressive. Built like Jordan of Texas A&M who impressed the hell out of me at the Derby Classic. I like the choices. I think we will know by August. It is on the streets, Gillispie will have a great class with you or without you. Decide now.

[Caveman Catfan]

It's beginning to look like UK might run out of rides, if Miller doesn't commit pretty soon. Gillispie has a unique way of putting pressure on recruits. He applies no pressure at all, but lets other player's commitments subtly apply pressure. Interesting way of recruiting.


It's a good way, so long as the balance in the class fits his needs. Miller's return trip this week seems to confirm what you have posted. These next two weeks will be interesting.

[Doug Hardin]

On the one hand, news of blue chip players picking UK sounds A LOT better than "Player X chose UNC/Florida/Georgia Tech over UK" that we had gotten used to the last few years. I can't complain at all.

However, at some point, part of me is saying, "Geez, do we really need this many guards on the roster? Don't we need some big men?" With the news of Ross-Miller's commitment, Gillispie already has a PG committed for each of the next 3 classes (Liggins, Vilarino, and Ross-Miller), plus there are already 2 PGs on the current roster who are just sophomores (Porter and Jasper). Sure, a lot of those guys are versatile and can play the 2 or 3, but there's some good talent at those positions, too.

By contrast, there's not much down low unless Mike Williams and Perry Stevenson really develop or Jared Carter gets healthy and develops. That's why I think signing Zeller, Dunigan, Woods, or some other big has to be the #1 priority.

You also would think Miller needs to be one of the top targets since in-state talent like that only comes along once every 4 or 5 years these days. Plus he plays the 3 and could be a small 4 in a small-ball system, which is a position of need.

If no one transfers, quits, or goes pro, there are just three scholarships. One is already off the board (Liggins), and another one could be if Washington commits for this season. Considering the talent already on the roster and the limited scholarships, I have a hard time seeing how Rotnei Clarke and Willie Warren fit in here (though Warren is talented enough to fit in anywhere). I know these things tend to work themselves out, but realistically, it'll be really hard to find room for 5 commitments--Liggins, Miller, Warren, Clarke, and a center) with the limited scholarship numbers short of cutting players for non-disciplinary, non-academic reasons, and I don't think any coach wants to set that precedent for his program. Hopefully it won't come to that, but I'm not sure how much a coach can rely on that happening when offering new scholarships.

Or maybe Gillispie thinks small-ball is the next phase of the evolution of basketball and is stockpiling perimter talent to play that style.

But even though it sounds like I'm complaining about offering too many scholarships or offering them to the wrong people, I'm not. If this is a problem, it's a good problem to have, and it sure beats scrambling for Tyrone Nash and Dan Werner-type players in the summer.

[poodoo]

Gillispie certainly is all over the place and it is fun.

Even so, last year, I feel we would have landed Stewart, Williams, Patterson and Lucas. That class would have been wonderful, just like the Legion and Patterson class is wonderful.

Tubby had Draymond Green who reportedly just committed to Michigan State committed for the 2008 class. Other than next seasons non-existent junior class, I think Tubby would have had three excellent classes at UK when the 2008 class played as freshmen (not to mention that this year's senior class of Crawford, Bradley and two NBA players was a fine class).

I think Tubby would have righted the ship, but I think he made the right call to get away.

FWIW, I certainly agree with what you say here, Caveman. Based on the evidence, I think the ship "would been righted" in that area that had unfortunately been harmful to the team and program the past couple of seasons.

Having said that, I'm looking at the PRESENT and the FUTURE. There is no doubt that following recruiting RIGHT NOW is FUN. Too, I honestly do not believe ANY coach could recruit any harder and more aggressively than Coach Gillispie. His efforts have simply been AMAZING and are so EXCITING for us UK fans.

The only downside at all is that we are eventually going to have to say "NO" to some top players, if things continue the way they are going.:icon_sad: Having said that, I agree with Doug Hardin that if you have to have a problem, this problem is a GOOD one to have. KUDOS to Coach Gillispie for getting us in such good shape with SO MANY top players. :) GO CATS! GO BILLY G!