That building reminds me of the REC Center at Rhode Island College. A lot, except with less abuse and banners and other decorations.
Of course, the REC Center at RIC probably cost less than $1 Million to build back in 1989. So, the longer they wait to build this thing, exclusively for like less than 30 people to use (assuming Women's BB too) the more it is going to cost in the long run.
rambone 78 wrote: ↑4 years ago
I know I said I would move past this...but I have to question his judgement on this one.
But for Kentucky to take him....they must think he'll be as good as his brother.
Good luck kid.
I think this was a great move by Kentucky. All the reward and little risk. Worst case scenario, he sits at the end of the bench and comes in for a couple minutes here or there and is a good practice player. I'm sure Calipari will find a role for him, no matter how small.
Kentucky recruits one and done NBA talent consistently. He’s going to have to drastically improve to actual see the floor and play meaningful minutes. It’ll be a fun experience but if he wants to play this is a dumb move.
You can average three points a game for them and get in the NBA.
Give me even one example where that’s true.
This isn't an example per se, but Wenyen Gabriel averaged 4.6 PPG and 6.8 PPG in his two years at Kentucky. He went undrafted in 2018 and is now roster filler for the Trailblazers. He will be out of the league and overseas next year.
Kentucky recruits one and done NBA talent consistently. He’s going to have to drastically improve to actual see the floor and play meaningful minutes. It’ll be a fun experience but if he wants to play this is a dumb move.
You can average three points a game for them and get in the NBA.
ericf0120 wrote: ↑4 years ago
Jacob Toppin to Kentucky. Sucks that we lost him but i honestly can’t be mad at him in the least bit anymore. This is a move where it gives him a legitimate shot at the NBA assuming he continues to progress. Hate Kentucky but love Calipari. Best to Toppin moving forward
Whats wrong with this statement? Love Calipari?
Were you around in the 90's
I know his history, but as far as player development and coaching goes, he is top notch. Yeah he won’t play much, and i would have chosen Oregon or Iowa St if I were him, but he’s going to get unreal exposure, train and practice against the best, and get coached up by one of the best coaching staffs in the country. I could easily see him staying till senior year and being a major part of that team starting his junior year. Just needs to add polish to his game and he’ll be a breakout player for them
You can average three points a game for them and get in the NBA.
Give me even one example where that’s true.
Daniel Orton.
He was a 6'10", 260 pound center that was the 13th ranked HS prospect on ESPN and the 22nd ranked HS prospect on Rivals. He was also behind some guy named DeMarcus Cousins in the rotation, and John Wall, Patrick Patterson and Eric Bledsoe also averaged double figures for that team. Semantically, you're correct, but that's not going to be comparable to Jacob Toppin's situation at all if he goes to Kentucky and averages 3 points a game.
I think it is more likely he reaches his potential at Kentucky. I wish he stayed but I think both teams can be better off. At Kentucky he can pick his spots and be successful and Cal will coach him really hard. At URI we need an every possession impact player that battles. I don't think he had that in him.
rhodyblue12 wrote: ↑4 years ago
EJ Montgomery just averaged 6 pts and declared for the NBA draft.
So, 3 was a slight exaggeration, but not far off.
Ninth ranked HS prospect, and another 6'10" PF who averaged 5.4 rebounds per game. Like, the comparable for Toppin is if there was a wing ranked 100+, went to Kentucky and became an NBA player after posting middling stats. On Kentucky's roster, Toppin strikes me as a hedge option - like, he's a somewhat experienced college player who can step in if one of the highly recruited freshmen is worse than expected, or if they're ineligible. I don't think Toppin was ever an NBA prospect - he might get on a G-League roster just because of his name, a la Giannis' little brothers and the Marburys and J.R. Smiths's brother - and I don't think him going to Kentucky changes that, unless he shocks everyone and posts some gaudy stats.
I keep thinking of Kostas Antetokounmpo, Giannis''s brother, who played one year at Dayton then declared for the draft. Was drafted 60th (last) overall and is now in the G-League for the Lakers, but I don't see him as a serviceable NBA player anytime soon. He's played five games in the league... 15 minutes, two points (0-3 from the field, 2-4 from the line), two rebounds total. But when you have that name recognition on the back of your jersey, you'll get some attention for sure. I'm not sure he would have entered the draft, been drafted, and in the G-League if his name wasn't Antetokounmpo, so I'm sure Jacob is trying to similarly cash in.
Last edited by SmartyBarrett4 years ago, edited 2 times in total.
rhodyblue12 wrote: ↑4 years ago
EJ Montgomery just averaged 6 pts and declared for the NBA draft.
So, 3 was a slight exaggeration, but not far off.
Ninth ranked HS prospect, and another 6'10" PF who averaged 5.4 rebounds per game. Like, the comparable for Toppin is if there was a wing ranked 100+, went to Kentucky and became an NBA player after posting middling stats. On Kentucky's roster, Toppin strikes me as a hedge option - like, he's a somewhat experienced college player who can step in if one of the highly recruited freshmen is worse than expected, or if they're ineligible. I don't think Toppin was ever an NBA prospect - he might get on a G-League roster just because of his name, a la Giannis' little brothers and the Marburys and J.R. Smiths's brother - and I don't think him going to Kentucky changes that, unless he shocks everyone and posts some gaudy stats.
He made a statement and you challenged it. He was not far off. You have to forget HS rankings at this point. If Calipari brings him in and he plays a decent role and averages 5-6 points next year, he may get drafted on potential alone (continued projection of his body, etc.). The way the NBA works now is they'd rather take a 20 yr old who still has perceived growth rather than a 22 yr old who has plateaued.
rhodyblue12 wrote: ↑4 years ago
EJ Montgomery just averaged 6 pts and declared for the NBA draft.
So, 3 was a slight exaggeration, but not far off.
I wish people would stop saying that players "declared for the NBA draft" like it means anything. Getting drafted, now that's something. But declaring for the draft means very little.
He was a 6'10", 260 pound center that was the 13th ranked HS prospect on ESPN and the 22nd ranked HS prospect on Rivals. He was also behind some guy named DeMarcus Cousins in the rotation, and John Wall, Patrick Patterson and Eric Bledsoe also averaged double figures for that team. Semantically, you're correct, but that's not going to be comparable to Jacob Toppin's situation at all if he goes to Kentucky and averages 3 points a game.
I was half kidding, but still he could technically end up like Orton or more similarly Kostas Antetekounmpo. If the NBA knows you have the potential then they'll at least put you in the gleague.
rhodyblue12 wrote: ↑4 years ago
EJ Montgomery just averaged 6 pts and declared for the NBA draft.
So, 3 was a slight exaggeration, but not far off.
Ninth ranked HS prospect, and another 6'10" PF who averaged 5.4 rebounds per game. Like, the comparable for Toppin is if there was a wing ranked 100+, went to Kentucky and became an NBA player after posting middling stats. On Kentucky's roster, Toppin strikes me as a hedge option - like, he's a somewhat experienced college player who can step in if one of the highly recruited freshmen is worse than expected, or if they're ineligible. I don't think Toppin was ever an NBA prospect - he might get on a G-League roster just because of his name, a la Giannis' little brothers and the Marburys and J.R. Smiths's brother - and I don't think him going to Kentucky changes that, unless he shocks everyone and posts some gaudy stats.
He made a statement and you challenged it. He was not far off. You have to forget HS rankings at this point. If Calipari brings him in and he plays a decent role and averages 5-6 points next year, he may get drafted on potential alone (continued projection of his body, etc.). The way the NBA works now is they'd rather take a 20 yr old who still has perceived growth rather than a 22 yr old who has plateaued.
I'm pretty aware of how the NBA draft works, which is why it would be silly to forget HS rankings - They're taken into account by NBA draft people. The guys who get drafted with minimal college stats at premier programs, you can kind of lump into categories: Over seven feet tall, or highly-rated out of high school, or their stats were curtailed by an injury or academic issue (Kyrie Irving, Wiseman). Toppin doesn't match either one of those profiles, so, he better put up some numbers at Kentucky.
Ehhh...guys just push off of one another to create extra height these days. A lot of guys don't actually clear people by simply jumping anymore, in my opinion. Vince Carter...now he had hops.
0 x
"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds!" - Marcus Garvey
3 seconds in he pushes off of Obi's back. Still very impressive, but they both pushed off.
Kentucky already has the best class in 2020. 2021 they will be near the top again. I don't know how Toppin will play over these types of recruits. Hopefully, by his senior year, he is apart of the rotation and can make an impact. https://www.aseaofblue.com/2020/6/26/21 ... k-wildcats
I only wonder if Calipari really does go to the pro game in the near future and it is not just grumbling due to the struggles of this past season, how much regret will Toppin have over his decision? Not to leave URI, but going to UK instead of a more modest program. There will definitely be a large downgrade from Coach Cal to the next coach.
rhodyruckus wrote: ↑2 years ago
I only wonder if Calipari really does go to the pro game in the near future and it is not just grumbling due to the struggles of this past season, how much regret will Toppin have over his decision? Not to leave URI, but going to UK instead of a more modest program. There will definitely be a large downgrade from Coach Cal to the next coach.
Seems a good amount of optimism in Toppin’s return next season
rhodyruckus wrote: ↑2 years ago
I only wonder if Calipari really does go to the pro game in the near future and it is not just grumbling due to the struggles of this past season, how much regret will Toppin have over his decision? Not to leave URI, but going to UK instead of a more modest program. There will definitely be a large downgrade from Coach Cal to the next coach.
Seems a good amount of optimism in Toppin’s return next season
I know it's a just a workout, but his handles in the second video are 100X where they were with us or even last season with Kentucky. Didn't think he had it in him.
