Things UK can do to better ensure a return to the Final Four within the next 5 seasons

[FrogtownRoadCat]

I'll start the list.

1. Better recruiting. Not just recruiting higher calibre players, but doing a better job of identifying talented players who will follow this staff's lead. Are there enough players sufficiently talented who are willing to follow this staff's approach to enable the assembly of a championship capable team? Or will the really really talented teams continue to have chemistry problems? Will the teams without chemistry problems continue to lack the super star talent to secure a Final Four berth?

Your thoughts?

[Mark Blueblood]

My thoughts?

You have too much time on your hands.

[Will Lavender]

I certainly agree with 1.

2. Create a focused identity around the program.

If we are a "defensive minded team," then sell that idea. If we are a team that "wins on defense," sell that to kids.

Maybe we need a motto, some kind of (gasp) gimmick that stresses the hardnosed play Tubby Smith espouses. But the thing is, if we're going to recruit tough, gritty kids, then they have to do those tough, gritty things well. As I heard Scott Rigot say last year, "If you're invested in something, then do it well." Duke recruits guards who can spread the defense. Michigan State has always recruited athletes who can defend. UCONN has recruited a plethora of big shot blockers. Kentucky has recruited in a hodgepodge, and to me I think that belies our unfocused, scattered methodology that some of Tubby's teams play with during the season.

If we get a kid, especially a forward, then he should become a tough, scrappy defender -- regardless of where he's ranked by the recruiting gurus. We should get kids who can take on OUR identity, who can play our style, and so like-minded and similarly talented kids will jump at coming to Kentucky.

[FrogtownRoadCat]

Mark Blueblood wrote: My thoughts?

You have too much time on your hands.

Very constructive Modern Blueblood. I hope you offer such outstanding insight at the meetings ofthose alumni boards on which you so graciously sit. Sounds like those organizations are quite fortunate to have available to them your leadership. Way to go!

[RaleighCat]

Will Lavender wrote: I certainly agree with 1.

2. Create a focused identity around the program.

If we are a "defensive minded team," then sell that idea. If we are a team that "wins on defense," sell that to kids.

Maybe we need a motto, some kind of (gasp) gimmick that stresses the hardnosed play Tubby Smith espouses. But the thing is, if we're going to recruit tough, gritty kids, then they have to do those tough, gritty things well. As I heard Scott Rigot say last year, "If you're invested in something, then do it well." Duke recruits guards who can spread the defense. Michigan State has always recruited athletes who can defend. UCONN has recruited a plethora of big shot blockers. Kentucky has recruited in a hodgepodge, and to me I think that belies our unfocused, scattered methodology that some of Tubby's teams play with during the season.

If we get a kid, especially a forward, then he should become a tough, scrappy defender -- regardless of where he's ranked by the recruiting gurus. We should get kids who can take on OUR identity, who can play our style, and so like-minded and similarly talented kids will jump at coming to Kentucky.


Interesting. I've said it before that it baffles me when kids show up at UK and don't understand what's expected of them under Tubby Smith. He's been our coach for 9 seasons and has a definite Defense-first mentality. TubbyBall and Hard Nosed used to be one-in-the-same. When Rekalin Sims talked about being confused over his role- about how he was being used- then I had to scratch my head.

However, are we seeing the result of Kentucky's identity under Tubby Smith after all these years? Has our trouble landing an elite power forward been a result of kids like Hansbrough and Wright knowing our identity all too well? Other coaches are demanding. Coach K and Izzo come to mind. But players at Dook not only are expected to play tenacious D, they're also given almost complete offensive freedom. Even Roy Williams has tightened up his defense the past two years while still running a high-octane attack.

IMHO, UK Basketball has a focused identity. And that's been part of our problem in landing the super elite recruits of the past two classes. It's also made our recruiting inconsistent the past several years.

[Littlemeyer]

3. Win the regional final game.

I certainly agree that the changes offered in previous posts would result in positive results, but I don't think we need anything drastic to ensure a return to the Final Four. Time may prove me wrong, but I'm still of the belief that 2005-06 was an anomaly. We're doing the right things....and I'll stop right there instead of once again playing the "what if" game concerning 2003 v. Marquette and 2005 v. Michigan State. 2005, guys. Just a little over one season ago...

If I'm wrong, you can count on seeing me here this time next year eating whatever crow is available. I'm not saying that we're a lock for a final four next year, but I definitely thing we'll be in contention for it come late March. We'll lose much fewer than 13 games next year.

[hoosierhateruklover]

Have an outstanding 07 class!

[Mark Blueblood]

Tell me Frog - are all your comments to those who don't agree with you so graciously humble??

Get a life pal - unfortunately, my world does not revolve around finding ways for others to do their jobs better - I'm too busy trying to work on my own character defects. And, my contributions to those organizations were apparently beneficial enough that I was asked (and elected) to serve.

Besides, you asked for my thoughts - you got 'em. I didn't realize they had to be "constructive" - at least by your definition. Whatever that is. Maybe you've got some advice on how mine can/should be.

[RP_McMurphy]

1) Increase the talent level of the program. Next years Kentucky team will be the least talented group in 15-20 years. I don't care how good a X and O coach you are in today's college basketball. You need talented players and lots of them to get to the Final Four.

2) Put the "Mojo" back in the program. Become a hot program again that players want to attend. It has gotten to the point where players won't even take our phone calls or visit Kentucky.

3) Quit with the Team Turmoils. These up and down seasons do nothing for the program and only further divide the fan base.

I say this is a excellent topic and should be discussed. We have problems folks that need to be fixed or we will be staring at more double digit loss seasons.

[Will Lavender]

hoosierhateruklover wrote: Have an outstanding 07 class!
Yep.

[FatCatDaddy]

Hire a new coach, who can achieve all that UK represents.

A coach who can recruit top flight recruits and coach them with great ability to progress them through the steps required to make a championship caliber team.

[rickdacatkilla]

FatCatDaddy wrote: Hire a new coach, who can achieve all that UK represents.

A coach who can recruit top flight recruits and coach them with great ability to progress them through the steps required to make a championship caliber team.

That coach is now our coach......:lol:

[CARDSRTOAST]

rickdacatkilla wrote: FatCatDaddy wrote: Hire a new coach, who can achieve all that UK represents.

A coach who can recruit top flight recruits and coach them with great ability to progress them through the steps required to make a championship caliber team.

That coach is now our coach......:lol:
Your Coach wsa a great Coach now he dreams ,in his own words..for what he had..He traded the Penthouse for the Outhouse..a sad epitaph ..but his for eternity..:cry:

[FatCatDaddy]

Yeah, Ricky P. is only a shell of him former self.

[RP_McMurphy]

That former shell of a coach has a Final Four appearance in at least this decade.

FatCatDaddy wrote:
Yeah, Ricky P. is only a shell of him former self.

[Littlemeyer]

RP_McMurphy wrote: That former shell of a coach has a Final Four appearance in at least this decade.


Which looks lovely right next to his N.I.T. appearance in at least this past half-year.

[KY Native in IN]

RP_McMurphy wrote:
That former shell of a coach has a Final Four appearance in at least this decade.

FatCatDaddy wrote:
Yeah, Ricky P. is only a shell of him former self.


YES! this is just one reporter's opinion, but i think we desperately need a FF in this decade, #8 would be outstanding and the preferred result from this decade....we've been a major contender in every decade since the 30's/40's, somebody PLEASE correct me if i'm wrong (please be gentle, if i'm wrong), but we have been either in the FF or gotten a NC in every decade since the 40's....and to acheive the same in this decade would just solidify even more our being the #1 program in college b-ball history!

[blueheretic]

Mark Blueblood wrote: My thoughts?

You have too much time on your hands.


Why do this? Why not just let them have their discussion and ignore the thread?

Serious question.:shrug:

[AugustaDan]

RP_McMurphy wrote: 1) Increase the talent level of the program. Next years Kentucky team will be the least talented group in 15-20 years. I don't care how good a X and O coach you are in today's college basketball. You need talented players and lots of them to get to the Final Four.

2) Put the "Mojo" back in the program. Become a hot program again that players want to attend. It has gotten to the point where players won't even take our phone calls or visit Kentucky.

3) Quit with the Team Turmoils. These up and down seasons do nothing for the program and only further divide the fan base.

I say this is a excellent topic and should be discussed. We have problems folks that need to be fixed or we will be staring at more double digit loss seasons.
I couldn't agree more.

I think these are the three most critical issues facing the program. I think that #1 will be fixed starting with this incoming class and continuing on in 07 and it looks like Mitch is trying to fix #2 by getting Tubby to sell the program and himself better.

#3 is the one that disturbs me the most. I absolutely do not want to see another Team Turmoil ever again.

[wildcat74]

Getting a new coach would be at the top of my list.

[Chunks06]

wildcat74 wrote: Getting a new coach would be at the top of my list.
Not arguing or anything but could you explain. Details make for better discussions then blatant statements that dont explain the thought behind your choice here.

[cnice11]

i think that Tubby should just put his foot down from day one and tell his players, "I'm the head coach. He should make his players kind of dislike him. I hate to bring up Pitino, but players hated his practices because, from what I hear, he made them run so much they had to throw up. That's kind of what I want to see.

[wildcat74]

Chunks06 wrote: wildcat74 wrote: Getting a new coach would be at the top of my list.
Not arguing or anything but could you explain. Details make for better discussions then blatant statements that dont explain the thought behind your choice here.
explained at lot in the past, so as to not beat a dead horse... Great person, great sweet-16 coach, but not the right guy for what wasup unitl 8 years agoTHE top hoops program in the NCAA.

[ukbob]

Some good points here already. Some are just too vague, like hiring a new coach. Which new coach? Who is guaranteed to do better that is attainable by UK? You don't know and neither do I.

Back to the topic:

Assuming, as we already know, that Smith is here next year and perhaps 07:

1. Recruit better. Pretty broad, I know, but recruit to our needs with higher calibre players. Recruit to the system if we are to keep the system. I'll take 10 Eric Daniels for every Rondo if you keep the system intact. He could play it and play it well. Rondo would/could not.

2. Be more visible and promote UK better. Barnhart already addressed this.

3. Learn how to manage players better. Whether it is perception or reality, it is obvious Tubby has difficulty managing certain types of players at times. Either learn to handle them or quit bringing them in here.

4. Improve the staff to help you. The S&C was a good start. Perhaps some other new blood would benefit us as well. Couldn't hurt. Of course, that is assuming OTS would listen to new blood if they had new ideas.

5. Monster class for 07 is a MUST....period. They don't have to all be 5 star Top 10 players, but they have to fill the needs and be able to thrive in this system. Lot's of availability and no excuse for not accomplishing this task at all.

[RCS]

1) Have a better recruiting plan. We always seem to have a glaring need that has to be filled. We must do a better job looking down the road and filling positions. Perry Stevenson would have been a perfect recruit two years ago when he could have been behind Hayes for a year and filled out. Instead we have needed an imediate impact PF for two straight years. The same thing is about to happen at SF if Werner does not come here. We will be faced with zero SFs on the roster other than FR in the 2007-2008 season once Perry leaves. That is stupid. The quality has to be better than the 2003 class, but more than importantly, our recruiting needs to be much more thought out and orginized. Classes like this years would provide UK with plenty of talent if they are done logically and a head of a glaring need. If you wait until it is a glaring need you have to sign top 10 guys which obviously is a lot harder.

2) S & C has to get WAY better. The last 3-4 years other than a couple of guys we have looked weak and often poorly conditioned. There is zero excuse for this. Hopefully the S&C coach will help, but Tubby also has to make it a priority.

3) Tubby has to be more active in marketing the program and in recruiting. The are both major parts of his job and thus far parts he is not filling well.

[katfever]

Mark Blueblood wrote: My thoughts?

You have too much time on your hands.

Apparently you had too much time on your hands the387 times you posted. If a poster does not say Tubby is not the greatest thing since the flushed commode, you fly off the handle. :rolleyes:

[ukwebfan]

If it's a Final Four we're after, maybe it's time to lower the standards for the program. IOW, don't do anything if we are content to stop at that level. As it stands now we are clearly knocking on the door to that accomplishment. (This is debatable to many of you yet the stats say otherwise.)

But if we strive to accept nothing less than championships, a few things need to change that go no father than better coaching, defensive and offensive execution. If the bar remains this high, the entire athletic department will feel the heat of the fans and boosters to the point of overhauling the program. I still believe this is not necessary at this juncture. Better Louisville amd Florida programs should naturally move us closer to the doorstep of our ultimate goal if we have any competitive spirit at all. Throwing money towards the goal is overrated; ie: salaries and facilities. JMO.

[katfever]

ukbob wrote: Some good points here already. Some are just too vague, like hiring a new coach. Which new coach? Who is guaranteed to do better that is attainable by UK? You don't know and neither do I.

Back to the topic:

Assuming, as we already know, that Smith is here next year and perhaps 07:

1. Recruit better. Pretty broad, I know, but recruit to our needs with higher calibre players. Recruit to the system if we are to keep the system. I'll take 10 Eric Daniels for every Rondo if you keep the system intact. He could play it and play it well. Rondo would/could not.

2. Be more visible and promote UK better. Barnhart already addressed this.

3. Learn how to manage players better. Whether it is perception or reality, it is obvious Tubby has difficulty managing certain types of players at times. Either learn to handle them or quit bringing them in here.

4. Improve the staff to help you. The S&C was a good start. Perhaps some other new blood would benefit us as well. Couldn't hurt. Of course, that is assuming OTS would listen to new blood if they had new ideas.

5. Monster class for 07 is a MUST....period. They don't have to all be 5 star Top 10 players, but they have to fill the needs and be able to thrive in this system. Lot's of availability and no excuse for not accomplishing this task at all.

I think all were good points. One thing that struck me this year was his inconsistent bench coaching. As critical as I have been of Tubby in the past, he was always a strong bench coach- I noticed that was hit or miss this last year. Why I do not know- but hopefully he returns to his consistent bench coaching. As far as the new coach stuff, Tubby will be here for at least 2 more years imo. However, as I have said before, he is definitely not the only one who can succeed at UK.

[Will Lavender]

katfever wrote: ukbob wrote: Some good points here already. Some are just too vague, like hiring a new coach. Which new coach? Who is guaranteed to do better that is attainable by UK? You don't know and neither do I.

Back to the topic:

Assuming, as we already know, that Smith is here next year and perhaps 07:

1. Recruit better. Pretty broad, I know, but recruit to our needs with higher calibre players. Recruit to the system if we are to keep the system. I'll take 10 Eric Daniels for every Rondo if you keep the system intact. He could play it and play it well. Rondo would/could not.

2. Be more visible and promote UK better. Barnhart already addressed this.

3. Learn how to manage players better. Whether it is perception or reality, it is obvious Tubby has difficulty managing certain types of players at times. Either learn to handle them or quit bringing them in here.

4. Improve the staff to help you. The S&C was a good start. Perhaps some other new blood would benefit us as well. Couldn't hurt. Of course, that is assuming OTS would listen to new blood if they had new ideas.

5. Monster class for 07 is a MUST....period. They don't have to all be 5 star Top 10 players, but they have to fill the needs and be able to thrive in this system. Lot's of availability and no excuse for not accomplishing this task at all.

I think all were good points. One thing that struck me this year was his inconsistent bench coaching. As critical as I have been of Tubby in the past, he was always a strong bench coach- I noticed that was hit or miss this last year. Why I do not know- but hopefully he returns to his consistent bench coaching. As far as the new coach stuff, Tubby will be here for at least 2 more years imo. However, as I have said before, he is definitely not the only one who can succeed at UK.

I agree with you.

I've never seen Tubby as...shaky on the bench as he was last year.

I have no idea why that was, but we lost a couple of games because of bad decisions by the head man. That hardly ever happened in Tubby's first eight years.

I think it belies a problem with focus and, as Bob says, team management (or leadership) by Tubby and the staff. Both the players and the coaches were unfocused at times last year: not knowing how much time was on the clock, running plays improperly, calling odd plays at odd times, being out of position on defense.

That must improve if we're going to get anywhere close to our potential next season.

[I. Melvin]

Don't like saying (or even thinking) this, but ...

Isn't it logical to assume that if Coach could do all this he'd have done it by now?

ukbob wrote: Some good points here already. Some are just too vague, like hiring a new coach. Which new coach? Who is guaranteed to do better that is attainable by UK? You don't know and neither do I.

Back to the topic:

Assuming, as we already know, that Smith is here next year and perhaps 07:

1. Recruit better. Pretty broad, I know, but recruit to our needs with higher calibre players. Recruit to the system if we are to keep the system. I'll take 10 Eric Daniels for every Rondo if you keep the system intact. He could play it and play it well. Rondo would/could not.

2. Be more visible and promote UK better. Barnhart already addressed this.

3. Learn how to manage players better. Whether it is perception or reality, it is obvious Tubby has difficulty managing certain types of players at times. Either learn to handle them or quit bringing them in here.

4. Improve the staff to help you. The S&C was a good start. Perhaps some other new blood would benefit us as well. Couldn't hurt. Of course, that is assuming OTS would listen to new blood if they had new ideas.

5. Monster class for 07 is a MUST....period. They don't have to all be 5 star Top 10 players, but they have to fill the needs and be able to thrive in this system. Lot's of availability and no excuse for not accomplishing this task at all.

[ukbob]

katfever wrote: ukbob wrote: Some good points here already. Some are just too vague, like hiring a new coach. Which new coach? Who is guaranteed to do better that is attainable by UK? You don't know and neither do I.

Back to the topic:

Assuming, as we already know, that Smith is here next year and perhaps 07:

1. Recruit better. Pretty broad, I know, but recruit to our needs with higher calibre players. Recruit to the system if we are to keep the system. I'll take 10 Eric Daniels for every Rondo if you keep the system intact. He could play it and play it well. Rondo would/could not.

2. Be more visible and promote UK better. Barnhart already addressed this.

3. Learn how to manage players better. Whether it is perception or reality, it is obvious Tubby has difficulty managing certain types of players at times. Either learn to handle them or quit bringing them in here.

4. Improve the staff to help you. The S&C was a good start. Perhaps some other new blood would benefit us as well. Couldn't hurt. Of course, that is assuming OTS would listen to new blood if they had new ideas.

5. Monster class for 07 is a MUST....period. They don't have to all be 5 star Top 10 players, but they have to fill the needs and be able to thrive in this system. Lot's of availability and no excuse for not accomplishing this task at all.

I think all were good points. One thing that struck me this year was his inconsistent bench coaching. As critical as I have been of Tubby in the past, he was always a strong bench coach- I noticed that was hit or miss this last year. Why I do not know- but hopefully he returns to his consistent bench coaching. As far as the new coach stuff, Tubby will be here for at least 2 more years imo. However, as I have said before, he is definitely not the only one who can succeed at UK.

Agree on the new coach thing, But it has to be the right person and personality. Not sure who that is. I know it takes more than coaching talent to thrive here. We have proven that.

As to the bench stuff....we were more than shaky last year, which is unusual. For all of Tubby's weaknesses pointed out here, he is still considered a terridic bench general. Coached more like a Private last season. I still think new blood sitting next to him could help a lot, but that's just me.

[wildcat74]

I. Melvin wrote: Don't like saying (or even thinking) this, but ...

Isn't it logical to assume that if Coach could do all this he'd have done it now?

ukbob wrote: Some good points here already. Some are just too vague, like hiring a new coach. Which new coach? Who is guaranteed to do better that is attainable by UK? You don't know and neither do I.

Back to the topic:

Assuming, as we already know, that Smith is here next year and perhaps 07:

1. Recruit better. Pretty broad, I know, but recruit to our needs with higher calibre players. Recruit to the system if we are to keep the system. I'll take 10 Eric Daniels for every Rondo if you keep the system intact. He could play it and play it well. Rondo would/could not.

2. Be more visible and promote UK better. Barnhart already addressed this.

3. Learn how to manage players better. Whether it is perception or reality, it is obvious Tubby has difficulty managing certain types of players at times. Either learn to handle them or quit bringing them in here.

4. Improve the staff to help you. The S&C was a good start. Perhaps some other new blood would benefit us as well. Couldn't hurt. Of course, that is assuming OTS would listen to new blood if they had new ideas.

5. Monster class for 07 is a MUST....period. They don't have to all be 5 star Top 10 players, but they have to fill the needs and be able to thrive in this system. Lot's of availability and no excuse for not accomplishing this task at all.


And I think that that is exactly the point of us who feel like there should be a new coach put in place. I think that 8 years is a very long grace period and a nice learning curve. Bob is right though, who that may be, I have no idea.

[Will Lavender]

I. Melvin wrote: Don't like saying (or even thinking) this, but ...

Isn't it logical to assume that if Coach could do all this he'd have done it by now?

ukbob wrote: Some good points here already. Some are just too vague, like hiring a new coach. Which new coach? Who is guaranteed to do better that is attainable by UK? You don't know and neither do I.

Back to the topic:

Assuming, as we already know, that Smith is here next year and perhaps 07:

1. Recruit better. Pretty broad, I know, but recruit to our needs with higher calibre players. Recruit to the system if we are to keep the system. I'll take 10 Eric Daniels for every Rondo if you keep the system intact. He could play it and play it well. Rondo would/could not.

2. Be more visible and promote UK better. Barnhart already addressed this.

3. Learn how to manage players better. Whether it is perception or reality, it is obvious Tubby has difficulty managing certain types of players at times. Either learn to handle them or quit bringing them in here.

4. Improve the staff to help you. The S&C was a good start. Perhaps some other new blood would benefit us as well. Couldn't hurt. Of course, that is assuming OTS would listen to new blood if they had new ideas.

5. Monster class for 07 is a MUST....period. They don't have to all be 5 star Top 10 players, but they have to fill the needs and be able to thrive in this system. Lot's of availability and no excuse for not accomplishing this task at all.



Well, he HAS done it a few times in his career. '98 and '99. 2001. 2003-2005. I don't think it's prudent to rewrite the Tubby Smith Story as one failure after another.

There are, I agree, too many slips. Too many Turmoilesque situations. Those need to be remedied, and I would venture to say that if we have a repeat oflast year next season, they will be remedied.

But I don't think we're going to have a repeat of last season.

[BigBlue75]

rickdacatkilla wrote: FatCatDaddy wrote: Hire a new coach, who can achieve all that UK represents.

A coach who can recruit top flight recruits and coach them with great ability to progress them through the steps required to make a championship caliber team.

That coach is now our coach......:lol:
Wrong. :D

[Chunks06]

To me, Tubby seemed to panic last year. Not only did he lose Bukie, Hayes (the player) and was thinking Morris, but he lostHayes the on floor coach. We speak of new blood as an assistant coach, I think Hayes filled this role for a while. We all Know Tubby is a great guy and cares for his players as much as anyone in college basketball. Hayes was a special player, a 6'6 guy that played 7'7 with a200% effort every game.

He lost Hayes, then Bukie bounces, probably ill advised, then Morris Bounces, No advising or consulting, then Morris tries to come back, then we start the season looking very, very rocky and I think Tubby was in panick mode for the first time since he has been here.He seemed to be trying somethign different every week between different lineups (which is nothign newor bad) toa sports psychologist. We didnt have a true leader on the floor which didnt help. It seemed he never gave anything time to work until after he attempted the sports psychologist.

I think after that he went backed to basics and stuck with it the rest of the year. At that point it was to little tolate. We madestrides fromJanuary to March but these were strides Tubby teams usually make from November to January. Our team seemed immature and needed to make these strides early. We werent mentally or physically strong enough to do it in 2 months rather than 4-5. I think this is why Tubby was so upset at t he end of the season. he lost his way in the player troubles instead of sticking to his normal guns and taking care of business as usuall.

I think with our praised 2004 class being upperclassman now, Perry possibly gaining some confidence, Carter adding weight, and a freshman class that I like a lot and feel have the "it" factor, and Tubby going back to what he knows best we will be much improved next year. To me, the difference between us being a solid team next year and a contender involves a ton of things but 2 things I feel are very, VERY important are that we find a true on the court leader, whover that may be, that brings it every single day to practice and every singel game, and some true team cohesion (our guys having fun and loving to play with one another).

Of course, this may just be useless drivel that I have concocted in my mind but I think it sounds decent. sorry for the long post.

[ukwebfan]

The early departures may be attributed to the tough 2-a-day practices or not enough coddling. It's a fine line that every successful coach has to walk.

cnice11 wrote: I hate to bring up Pitino, but players hated his practices because, from what I hear, he made them run so much they had to throw up. That's kind of what I want to see.

[DCWildcat]

As for recruiting, you guys want an honest answer?

CHEAT LIKE EVERY OTHER COACH IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL

I honestly think most people in Kentucky would be happier if we played better, knowing we cheated (so long as we didn't get caught).

Or do the dirty stuff Dook does like threaten to rescind scholarships and pressure them into early decisions. More than anything, I think Tubby's lack of cheating/being an jerk to recruits has hurt our recruiting.

[DCWildcat]

If we're as efficient offensively as we were at the end of this year, and we play defense like we did from 2003-2005, we're a national championship team.

[StanTheMan10]

1) Have someone in the post (besides Morris) able to put the ball in the basket. I consider Bobby a 3, where he will hopefully play this year, and do not include him as a "post" player. Sheray and/or Jared are desperately needed on the offensive end.

2) Also, a shot blocker. I miss the Jules, Magliore, and even Estilltype players that could send fear into someone coming down the lane. We missed that last year and did not have tough nosed defenders (like aChuck Hayes or Erik Daniels)who could compensate for this deficiency. Morris tries, but he is so foul prone, and so needed on the offensive end, that his shot blocking must be sacrificed. This goes back to my 1st point, where if we had more scoring from the 4 and 5 Morris and otherscould take more shot blocking chances. Personally, I'm hoping Stevenson can provide this shot blocking presence.

[poodoo]

DCWildcat wrote: If we're as efficient offensively as we were at the end of this year, and we play defense like we did from 2003-2005, we're a national championship team.



Excellent point, DCWildcat. It was our lack of typical Tubby Smith defense that hurt last year's team. Fans tend to look mostly at the offense, but I think you are right on target. Too, you're talking about our offensive efficiency at the end of the season, not the offense we saw without Morris and before the benching of some of the starters, etc. Again, fine point, in my opinion.

[poodoo]

katfever wrote: ukbob wrote: Some good points here already. Some are just too vague, like hiring a new coach. Which new coach? Who is guaranteed to do better that is attainable by UK? You don't know and neither do I.

Back to the topic:

Assuming, as we already know, that Smith is here next year and perhaps 07:

1. Recruit better. Pretty broad, I know, but recruit to our needs with higher calibre players. Recruit to the system if we are to keep the system. I'll take 10 Eric Daniels for every Rondo if you keep the system intact. He could play it and play it well. Rondo would/could not.

2. Be more visible and promote UK better. Barnhart already addressed this.

3. Learn how to manage players better. Whether it is perception or reality, it is obvious Tubby has difficulty managing certain types of players at times. Either learn to handle them or quit bringing them in here.

4. Improve the staff to help you. The S&C was a good start. Perhaps some other new blood would benefit us as well. Couldn't hurt. Of course, that is assuming OTS would listen to new blood if they had new ideas.

5. Monster class for 07 is a MUST....period. They don't have to all be 5 star Top 10 players, but they have to fill the needs and be able to thrive in this system. Lot's of availability and no excuse for not accomplishing this task at all.

I think all were good points. One thing that struck me this year was his inconsistent bench coaching. As critical as I have been of Tubby in the past, he was always a strong bench coach- I noticed that was hit or miss this last year. Why I do not know- but hopefully he returns to his consistent bench coaching. As far as the new coach stuff, Tubby will be here for at least 2 more years imo. However, as I have said before, he is definitely not the only one who can succeed at UK.


Excellent points, ukbob. Too, my only slight disagreement would be in regard to Rondo's not being able to (or choosing not to)play Tubby's system. WHEN Rondo had Chuck Hayes and Kelenna here, heplayed the system well. Rondo did not run the system well without those two guys, though. It will be interesting to see how Bradley or Jasper runsTubby's offense, and it will hopefullybe better, certainly better than Rondo's standing and dribbling and the other players' standing and waiting for him to do something (and I don't happen to think all of Rondo's standing and dribbling can be totally blamed on him).

I agree with katfever thatTubby's bench coaching last season was not close to the usual Tubby performance. He hadalways been a great bench coach, but, yes, he faltered in some situations last season. I think Chunks06 may have a good point. Tubby did not handle losing his all-time favorite player Chuck Hayes well besides losing Kelenna Azubuike andRandolph Morris for half of the season. He kept making changes and only got the team ata high level of performance near the end of the season (and I do give him credit for that, just as I give him credit for even getting Team Turmoil to play well during the NCAA Tourney). Anyway, I think Tubby Smith is a fine coach, but hehad asubpar year, including hisbench coaching, in my humble opinion.