It's Rajon's Team

[I. Melvin]

For better or worse, the reigns have been handed to Rondo.

This could be exactly what we need and exactly what Rajon needs.

Or not.

But this happens a lot. Teams rise or fall depending upon how the logical leaders react to being given leadership responsibility.

Personally, I think Rajon will rise to the occassion.

[Old Blue]

Remains to be seen, doesn't it?

[KY Blue in Carolina]

I have a hunch that Bobby Perry may be the one to step up.

[Kentucky Jim]

Perry certainly can step up and be a leader.

Rajon though is the trigger man, the head of the ship. If he decides to stick around I think he will step up and then be a certain lottery pick in the 2007 NBA draft. There is no doubt he can get the job done and lead this teamto the Final Four.

[ukbob]

Might be tough leading when you are not here to lead.

[I. Melvin]

If Rondo is assured of NBA Lottery money, all you can do is wish him well.

Failing that, I think he'd be well-served to stay another year and lead UK deep into March Madness - all the while developing his PG skills and shooting touch.

I have no idea what the NBA talent evaluators think of Rajon's value at this moment. Then again, I've never understood drafting someone who isn't ready to contribute right away. All you're doing is developing a kid on your nickel so that he can go elsewhere in three years and beat you.

Clearly, I'm missing something because those guys get paid like smart guys ...

[RxRusty]

To be honest...I'm a little baffled about how I feel about this. IF he chooses to be a leader, we are really better with him. If he doesn't...? I hope he stays, helps us win, and raises his own stock. GO RONDO!!!

[NC Cat]

If Rondo comes back (and this is somethingnot even he probably knows at this point) he's going to have to make some significant changes in his attitude and his approach to the game.I guarantee thatTubby's comments about how we will not go throughanother season like this one,how changes will being made, and how the team will have the right attitude next year are being aimed directly at Rondo, among a few others. Rondo isa talented kid, and we could certainly benefit from that talent, but if his head isn't in the game then we're much better off without him.Watching him on the sidelines at the SEC tourney, I was surprised at how disinterested he appearedduring the timeouts, often looking everywhere but at the coaches.It appeared as though he felt he didn't need to be coached or was too good to be coached...and I was not the only one who noticed this.I don't know where the kid's head is at,but if he comes back it will be a serious adjustment,assuming Tubbywants him back at all.

[Lost Highway]

Rondo has not shown any leadership ability the two years he has been at UK. This isn't something you suddenly turn on. He may want to check out other options and let Tubby find someone to fill his small shoes.

[Athens2005]

I want to hear what the actual evidence is that says/shows that Rondo did not show any leadership ability and/or that he had an attitude problem.

[OldCatFan]

Of course, when you are a 19 yr old Sophmore, it is hard to be a leader. Sparks and Moss should have been the leaders this year. Next year, I feel certain that Rondo will be the leader. If not, maybe Perry will step up.

I sure wish some would quit hitting and bashing on the players, especially the younger ones. Once they are seniors and not showing up in games, then bash. Otherwise, keep in reined in a little.

[Aike]

Without looking it up, I would bet that Rajon Rondo lead this team in minutes played. I have trouble believing that this would have been the case if he was as big a problem as a lot of people seem to think.

Sharari Alleyne languished on the bench all season. Rekalin Sims went from starter to pine time. I know Sims was injured for a while, but he wasn't injured all season.

I'm not trying to call anybody out, just stating that the evidence might point to some other people being much bigger problems than Rondo.

It amazes me how many people want to look at every negative thing ever said or insinuated about this team and point it directly back at Rajon Rondo. I've never thought the kid was perfect, but it seems that Tubby likes him alright.

[Stucat]

Aike wrote: Without looking it up, I would bet that Rajon Rondo lead this team in minutes played. I have trouble believing that this would have been the case if he was as big a problem as a lot of people seem to think.

Sharari Alleyne languished on the bench all season. Rekalin Sims went from starter to pine time. I know Sims was injured for a while, but he wasn't injured all season.

I'm not trying to call anybody out, just stating that the evidence might point to some other people being much bigger problems than Rondo.

It amazes me how many people want to look at every negative thing ever said or insinuated about this team and point it directly back at Rajon Rondo. I've never thought the kid was perfect, but it seems that Tubby likes him alright.

I have a feeling that Rajon Rondo will be gone to the NBA. I know he will be if hecan be assured that he is going to be a first round lottery pick. Don't get me wrong if I were in his shoes and had some proof that I would be a first round lottery pick I would probably be gone too.

[Caveman Catfan]

KY Blue in Carolina wrote: I have a hunch that Bobby Perry may be the one to step up.



I think you may be right.

[Aike]

Bobby Perry has the potential to be a Scott Padgett type of player for us next year. I never would have thought that until these past few games.

Caveman Catfan wrote: KY Blue in Carolina wrote: I have a hunch that Bobby Perry may be the one to step up.



I think you may be right.

[bluegrassking]

I hope Rondo hangs with us. I can't even begin to imagine why he gets all the flack he has.

Do he and his game need to grow? Sure, but he has, I think easily been our best player looking at the season as a whole.

I think the fingers pointed at him for the most part are looking for someone to blame for this mediocre at best season but don't want to hold the coach responsible.

That's just an opinion but it seems hard to bash a player that literally carried us on his back until Morris came back and still contributed heavily.

Of all the players on the team Rondo is least deserving of the bashing. Everyone else was for long stretches of 10+ games MIA. Rondo was always there fighting for the Blue and White. Morris was suspended, Crawford was in the doghouse, Sparks was MIA, and honestly everyone else is a negligible talent (save the new BP we saw over the weekend).



Rondo is the TopCat in 2006. Bash away but in your hearts you know it's true.

[Caveman Catfan]

bluegrassking wrote: I hope Rondo hangs with us. I can't even begin to imagine why he gets all the flack he has.

Do he and his game need to grow? Sure, but he has, I think easily been our best player looking at the season as a whole.





I agree with this much of your post.


All of UK's players need to grow, especially the talented soph class.

[BigblueDrew]

Old Cat Fan made a great point , the kid was a sophmore, not even 20, he wasn't supposed to be the leader. I remember before the season MANY fans got on here and raved about Rondo and claimed he would ride out onto the court on his white stallion and lead us to number 8. I read posts about howhe might be the greatest point gaurd ever at UK, how he was unstoppable etc. I remembered watching the kid the year before and has seen some big flaws in his game, so I had trouble seeing where people were coming from. As the season went on and Kentucky turned in disappointing performance after disappointing performance,and these flaws continued to be obvious the same fans began to turn on the kid. It seems to me as it became apparent to fans that we were going nowhere this year they focused much of thier anger and resentment on Rajon. I never saw much reason for it personally. The kid played hard(one night playing with a 101 fever), hit a couple of game winning shots, grabbed a ton of rebounds and otherwise gave a good account of himself. Still many became enraged that Rajon didn't go out and exhibit offensive skills he doesn't possess. The kid is not a shooter period, not now, not next year, not ever(as I believe shooting is a skill that if it isn't acquired be college it never will be). He doesn't fit Tubby's style of offense AT ALL. Should Rajon made a greater effort to assimilate his talents to Tubby's system, probably, although at the end of the season I think he did. Should Tubby have realized his game was not suited to his style of play before he recruited him, absolutely. Watching Tubby and Rondo together kind of reminds me of watching Curry and Couch arguing over running the option. Will we be better off without Rajon, I say a resounding NO. Despite the limitations to his game he is the most gifted ahtelete on a team that has few of them. He has heart and he works hard( despite what some of the sages trashing him say to the contrary). I also say that now that he seems to have accepted running Tubby's offense he has and will improve greatly running the point. Cut the kid some slack folks, stop eating our young, take your anger and frustration out on someone more deserving AND CULPABLE than a 19 year old kid. I can think of someone with DECADES of experience, making MILLIONS of dollars, that is MUCH more accountable for this miserable season than Rajon Rondo.

[audacious1]

So what are the best Mock Draft sites? Here are the one's I know about:

NBADraft.net
http://www.nbadraft.net/
Rondo has been sliding. Now listed at #13 to Philly. (updated 3/20)

DraftExpress
http://www.draftexpress.com/mock.php?y=2006 (http://www.nbadraft.net/)
Rondo is listed at #12. (updated 3/20)

ESPN Big Board
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2006/index (http://www.insidehoops.com/nba-mock-draft.shtml)
Subscriber only. (updated when?)

Inside Hoops
http://www.insidehoops.com/nba-mock-draft.shtml
Rondo isn't currently listed. (updated 3/16)

HoopsVibe
http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba/nba_draft/2006_nba_mock_draft-ar22954.html
Rondo is at #15. (updated 3/5)

HoopsHype
http://www.hoopshype.com/draft.htm (http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/Draft/mockdraft.htm)
Rondo is at #15. (updated 2/26)

CollegeHoops
http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/Draft/mockdraft.htm
Rondo is at #10. (updated 2/8)

About.com
http://probasketball.about.com/od/nbadraft/l/bl_mockdraft_a.htm
It's a month old but has Rondo at #7. (updated 2/5)



I did come across this tidbit saying Rondo was "Staying Put".
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9324010

[audacious1]

Stucat wrote:I have a feeling that Rajon Rondo will be gone to the NBA. I know he will be if hecan be assured that he is going to be a first round lottery pick.
There are no "assurances."

[Chunks06]

BigblueDrew wrote: Old Cat Fan made a great point , the kid was a sophmore, not even 20, he wasn't supposed to be the leader. I remember before the season MANY fans got on here and raved about Rondo and claimed he would ride out onto the court on his white stallion and lead us to number 8. I read posts about howhe might be the greatest point gaurd ever at UK, how he was unstoppable etc. I remembered watching the kid the year before and has seen some big flaws in his game, so I had trouble seeing where people were coming from. As the season went on and Kentucky turned in disappointing performance after disappointing performance,and these flaws continued to be obvious the same fans began to turn on the kid. It seems to me as it became apparent to fans that we were going nowhere this year they focused much of thier anger and resentment on Rajon. I never saw much reason for it personally. The kid played hard(one night playing with a 101 fever), hit a couple of game winning shots, grabbed a ton of rebounds and otherwise gave a good account of himself. Still many became enraged that Rajon didn't go out and exhibit offensive skills he doesn't possess. The kid is not a shooter period, not now, not next year, not ever(as I believe shooting is a skill that if it isn't acquired be college it never will be). He doesn't fit Tubby's style of offense AT ALL. Should Rajon made a greater effort to assimilate his talents to Tubby's system, probably, although at the end of the season I think he did. Should Tubby have realized his game was not suited to his style of play before he recruited him, absolutely. Watching Tubby and Rondo together kind of reminds me of watching Curry and Couch arguing over running the option. Will we be better off without Rajon, I say a resounding NO. Despite the limitations to his game he is the most gifted ahtelete on a team that has few of them. He has heart and he works hard( despite what some of the sages trashing him say to the contrary). I also say that now that he seems to have accepted running Tubby's offense he has and will improve greatly running the point. Cut the kid some slack folks, stop eating our young, take your anger and frustration out on someone more deserving AND CULPABLE than a 19 year old kid. I can think of someone with DECADES of experience, making MILLIONS of dollars, that is MUCH more accountable for this miserable season than Rajon Rondo.


First and foremost, please use paragraph breaks so that we can actually read this in a smooth flow. Rajon had his ups and downs. I dont think he gave it his all but I agree that he should not be placed with the blame that everyone is giving him. As far as the shot not being developed after college thing your pretty far off. This is why he is a still a top draft pick because they know they can just breakdown his shot and build it back up and he can still turn into a shooter. Not a great one but a Jason Kid type player.



I hope Rondo stays anddoes become a leader but he jsut confuses me. He seems to get upse with Tubby's offense but he knew that coming in. I wish we could instill some of Bradley's vocals in Rondo. Many people overlook Bradley but I love his passion. I think he will be huge for our program the next two years.

[ukwildcatsks]

I am in complete agreement with you. Rondo is proud to wear the UK jersey andI hope he stays.



bluegrassking wrote:
I hope Rondo hangs with us. I can't even begin to imagine why he gets all the flack he has.

Do he and his game need to grow? Sure, but he has, I think easily been our best player looking at the season as a whole.

I think the fingers pointed at him for the most part are looking for someone to blame for this mediocre at best season but don't want to hold the coach responsible.

That's just an opinion but it seems hard to bash a player that literally carried us on his back until Morris came back and still contributed heavily.

Of all the players on the team Rondo is least deserving of the bashing. Everyone else was for long stretches of 10+ games MIA. Rondo was always there fighting for the Blue and White. Morris was suspended, Crawford was in the doghouse, Sparks was MIA, and honestly everyone else is a negligible talent (save the new BP we saw over the weekend).



Rondo is the TopCat in 2006. Bash away but in your hearts you know it's true.

[T75]

I. Melvin wrote: For better or worse, the reigns have been handed to Rondo.

This could be exactly what we need and exactly what Rajon needs.

Or not.

But this happens a lot. Teams rise or fall depending upon how the logical leaders react to being given leadership responsibility.

Personally, I think Rajon will rise to the occassion.


IMO, Rondo was a miserable failure as a leader this year. He is good enough to be able to lead by example, but he didn't. His caustic remarks to his mates from time to time simply PO'd them. He himself probably had the worst anti-system attitude on the whole team, trying to take on Tubby. Rondo will never be a team leader unless he somehow learns to develop some humility and gets off his hauty high horse. That kind of attitude by some "stars" has ripped open 3 or 4 NBA teams this last couple of years.

I'd really prefer that Tubby talk to Rajon before he has to make a decision about going for the draft. And in that talk, I'd like for Tubby to say: Rondo, this is my team. I'm the head coach and we'll play the game the way I say. Now, I'll loan this team to you to be a strong leader on the floor if you want to buy in, play your role, and get us to the final four. Now, Rajon, if you can't do that, then it's best you go ahead and announce for the draft, because one of our young fellas coming in can."

My, what I wouldn't give for another Chuck Hayes!

[poodoo]

I wish we could instill some of Bradley's vocals in Rondo. QUOTE by Chunks06

_______

Same here, Chunks06. Like you, I love Bradley's enthusiasm and passion, and I think Rajon would be a much better leader if he SHOWED that same passion. Unlike some others here, I think Rajon has that passion (and Tubby himself has more than once mentioned Rondo's heart, although some will forever believe they know him and that he doesn't have that heart) :(, but he is very reserved, too reserved for a leader that needs to fire up his teammates. Those who know him well repeatedly use the term "quiet."

That Rajon and Tubby have not sometimes been on the same page is obvious. HOWEVER, since the lineup change, Rajon has been doing what Tubby wants (which, yes, he should have been doing all along). Regardless of how much he seems to be paying attention, he is obviously paying attention, or he would not be having such impressive assist totals and playing so many minutes game after game. Again, though, his personality is different. People think they have him figured out. Someone said he is confusing, and I would agree with that one. :)

Reading and hearing commnents about Rondo from his teammates and Tubby and his own self, I do not agree withso many of theevaluations and labels some fans come up with. :(In relation to his being so high on himself, I have read Coach Hobbs' comments, which I have repeatedly postedto no avail, that Rajonisvery coachable, unlike manyMcDonald's All-Americans, who are often egotistical and donot listen to how to improve their game (paraphrased Hobbs comments).Who knows? I do know that he is only acollege sophomore who hasnot yet matured, but has taken far more than his fair share of criticism forthis disappointing season. :(Too, I would be willing to bet that Tubby's comments extended far beyond Rajon Rondo and suspect they were particularly developed toward players who have not worked hard to improve their games and reach their potential as players.

[poodoo]

ukwildcatsks wrote: I am in complete agreement with you. Rondo is proud to wear the UK jersey andI hope he stays.





I agree. As I have also repeatedly posted, based on comments I read, Rondo so wanted a national championship this season. As our chances seemed to lessen, he seemed discouraged, and that is not the way for a "leader" to go. Anyway, I read today again how badly he had wanted a national championship and had thought we could do it. Too, I read how he said it was "heartbreaking" when we didn't get one of those offensive rebounds that could have allowed us to win the game.

I hope Rondoreturns. Too, I will not give up on what next year's team can do, as I feel some of our fans have already done. An older and wiser Rondo or some other player, though, MUST take on a leadership role for that to happen.

[audacious1]

Here are some updates, a week later:

NBADraft.net
http://www.nbadraft.net/
Was#13, now at #15. (updated 3/30)

DraftExpress
http://www.draftexpress.com/mock.php?y=2006
Was#12, now at #15. (updated 3/30)

HoopsVibe
(http://www.nbadraft.net/)http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba/nba_draft/2006_nba_mock_draft-ar22954.html
Was#15, still #15. (updated 3/26)

HoopsHype
http://www.hoopshype.com/draft.htm (http://www.nbadraft.net/)
Was#15, still #15. (updated 3/27)

CollegeHoops
(http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba/nba_draft/2006_nba_mock_draft-ar22954.html)http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/Draft/mockdraft.htm
Was#10, nowl #9. (updated 3/25)