Hami Diallo, PJ Washington and Jarred Vanderbilt

[bignish]

I was looking through some mock drafts today and saw that these guys weren't listed as 1st Rounders by most of these lists anymore. UK fans, any chance that they all return next year?

Kentucky could be loaded if everyone comes back with a year of experience under their belt.

 

[Quavarius]

Surprised Diallo coming in mid-season last year didn't provide enough experience for this year. Vando probably shouldn't have played since his stock has gone down.

 

[LandofOzDevil]

Surprised Diallo coming in mid-season last year didn't provide enough experience for this year. Vando probably shouldn't have played since his stock has gone down.

Selfish Cal.

 

[tw3301]

Diallo is gone, Vanderbilt will go imo, I'd fall out of my chair if Washington left early but stranger things have happened. A lot depends on the combine.

 

[JimboBBN]

I'm expecting Hami and Knox to go. I think everyone else comes back. I could see Vanderbilt and SGA leaving as well, though.

 

[RR30]

Vanderbilt hasn't been on a legit mock draft all year. Same with Washington. Diallo was until he showed he's actually regressed. Diallo is gone regardless, the other two who knows.

 

[Hank_]

Everyone except for Knox should come back, but I think most likely to leave, in order, are

1. Knox
2. Diallo
3. SGA
4. Gabriel
5. Vanderbilt

Roster is full of talented dudes that can’t shoot, lack discipline, and don’t have a feel for making the right play, which is crucial at the next level. Another year and a lot of individual work would go a long way.

 

[Big_C_KU]

Knox should go.

Diallo seems like the "go pro no matter what" situation.

SGA should go pro. He could return and be a top 5 pick next year. But on the flip side I've seen several freshman the last few years surprise everyone with good years and be projected lottery picks but return and then fall on draft boards. Tough choice ahead for him.

Washington should return. He's been a disappointment.

Richards should return but I'm not sure his draft projection will improve much. See him being 50/50 on returning.

 

[ALL IN YOUR FACE]

Diallo is gone, just not sure where. Can't imagine being a GM and drafting a guy that can't pass, dribble, or shoot but it's happened before.

Vanderbilt should probably learn to score outside of 6 inches from the hoop. He also can't guard anyone. But I'm sure he'll leave as well.

Can't imagine Washington even attempting to play in the NBA next year which means he's most likely gone.

It's all about ending generational poverty!!!!!!!!!! F that noise, CAL.

OP, in other words I don't expect anyone to come back.

Can't wait for next year

 

[HRTheCard]

Vanderbilt is gone. He'll be the first one gone. Or he SHOULD go. He has potential written all over him. He will scorch the combine. If he finds a shot, which he would in the NBA, then he becomes pretty much unstoppable. A guy with as much potential as him, even though it hasn't been shown much offensively, usually goes. AKA, Skal. Vanderbilt is much more talented and you can just see his ability and limitless ability if he gains an offensive attack in the league.

 

[Kevin Bryan]

I will be so pissed if Diallo comes back. He is an athlete, but basketball is not his sport. Any executive that would even consider drafting him should be fired on the spot for having that thought cross his mind.

 

[ALL IN YOUR FACE]

I will be so pissed if Diallo comes back. He is an athlete, but basketball is not his sport. Any executive that would even consider drafting him should be fired on the spot for having that thought cross his mind.

Yeah, UK needs to go ahead and move his scholarship over to track & field.
Win Win

 

[Kevin Bryan]

Yeah, UK needs to go ahead and move his scholarship over to track & field.
Win Win

He could probably kill it in the high jump. Probably wouldn't even get a legal throw in shot put though.

 

[ALL IN YOUR FACE]

He could probably kill it in the high jump. Probably wouldn't even get a legal throw in shot put though.

IDGAF as long as he's not playing basketball.

 

[anon_0astpxev9h4gk]

Has Diallo been the most disappointing thus far on UKs squad?

 

[toonces11]

Players coming back that haven't played worth a damn this year doesn't immediately turn into "loaded" for the next year just b/c they came in with five stars

 

[bkingUK]

Knox is only guarantee. SGA is next most likely. Sans a huge turn around the rest all return. Most aren't even in high draft picks for next season at this point. 2019 draft will be loaded.

 

[bkingUK]

Players coming back that haven't played worth a damn this year doesn't immediately turn into "loaded" for the next year just b/c they came in with five stars

Not a guarantee obviously but similar circumstances did lead to 2012, 2014 and 2015. All made final 4 or better.

 

[Hank_]

Players coming back that haven't played worth a damn this year doesn't immediately turn into "loaded" for the next year just b/c they came in with five stars

Some dudes have a steeper curve than others, but it’s worth mentioning Nick Richards has only played organized basketball for like 4 years. It shows.

Might be homerish, but there’s no reason PJ Washington can’t have a Draymond-esque trajectory. Zero chance he would actually stay 4 years though.

 

[Bert Higginbotha]

I was looking through some mock drafts today and saw that these guys weren't listed as 1st Rounders by most of these lists anymore. UK fans, any chance that they all return next year?

Kentucky could be loaded if everyone comes back with a year of experience under their belt.

I hope; however, I don't know if Diallo will ever be a "basketball" player. He is a good athlete but I don't think he can play basketball.

Nick Richards does not look like a second rounder to me either.

Kevin Knox is the only one that is draft material, in my view.

 

[Kevin Bryan]

Has Diallo been the most disappointing thus far on UKs squad?

By far, which is saying a lot... because they all suck.

 

[Kevin Bryan]

I hope; however, I don't know if Diallo will ever be a "basketball" player. He is a good athlete but I don't think he can play basketball.

Nick Richards does not look like a second rounder to me either.

Kevin Knox is the only one that is draft material, in my view.

SGA is easily first round, fringe lotto.

 

[Global Havok]

Diallo is gone, just not sure where. Can't imagine being a GM and drafting a guy that can't pass, dribble, or shoot but it's happened before.

Vanderbilt should probably learn to score outside of 6 inches from the hoop. He also can't guard anyone. But I'm sure he'll leave as well.

Can't imagine Washington even attempting to play in the NBA next year which means he's most likely gone.

It's all about ending generational poverty!!!!!!!!!! F that noise, CAL.

OP, in other words I don't expect anyone to come back.

Can't wait for next year

To be fair, ending generational poverty IS more important than your enjoyment of a basketball team.

 

[Kevin Bryan]

To be fair, ending generational poverty IS more important than your enjoyment of a basketball team.

Says who?!

 

[mebeblue2]

I'm expecting Hami and Knox to go. I think everyone else comes back. I could see Vanderbilt and SGA leaving as well, though.

i think all 4 goes

 

[Kevin Bryan]

i think all 4 goes

I'm sure I am in the minority, but I think Vanderbilt stays. Losing SGA will suck, but Green and Quickley will be fine. Losing Knox, meh... sucks too, but not a huge loss. I think Johnson will be much more productive overall with those minutes. They will be so much better off without Diallo. Herro and Baker taking his minutes will be a godsend.

 

[HRTheCard]

I really dont see how some think Vanderbilt is staying. He is the first gone imo. The NBA Agents will want him when he shows off everything he can do at the combine. Dude is a stud. Just needs an offensive game, but they'll tell him they can work on that in the NBA.

I think you'll see:
Knox
SGA
Vanderbilt
Diallo
Gabriel (Wont be NBA, but didnt he want to leave last year because his family really needed money?)

Wynyard may not even be a part of the team with suspension plus 0 PT and Green, not sure how he would do with Quickley taking his job.

In the end 4-6, IMHO. No bias. Nothing here. Just going off what usually happens, you have someone unexpected to leave plus your NBA guys.

 

[Kevin Bryan]

I really dont see how some think Vanderbilt is staying. He is the first gone imo. The NBA Agents will want him when he shows off everything he can do at the combine. Dude is a stud. Just needs an offensive game, but they'll tell him they can work on that in the NBA.

I think you'll see:
Knox
SGA
Vanderbilt
Diallo
Gabriel (Wont be NBA, but didnt he want to leave last year because his family really needed money?)

Wynyard may not even be apart of the team with suspension plus 0 PT and Green, not sure how he would do with Quickley taking his job.

In the end 4-6, IMHO. No bias. Nothing here. Just going off what usually happens, you have someone unexpected to leave plus your NBA guys.

Wynyard won't be back next year. He will not be a part of the team. Instead, he will be apart from the team.

 

[HRTheCard]

Wynyard won't be back next year. He will not be a part of the team. Instead, he will be apart from the team.

Kentucky wins easily this Saturday.

 

[Kevin Bryan]

Kentucky wins easily this Saturday.

 

[Scotty00]

I don’t see how anyone on our team goes pro especially Diallo. None of them are close to being ready. Knox has shown flashes but IMO he could use another year. Vanderbilt has the motor and will get better as he plays more but he struggles to score if it’s not a dunk or layup. I just don’t see any of them being ready.

 

[KYtotheCore]

Players coming back that haven't played worth a damn this year doesn't immediately turn into "loaded" for the next year just b/c they came in with five stars

Nominated for a "Postie"

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

diallo looks like he’s throwing games .. that’s how bad he’s playing...

I pray he leaves because I don’t want to risk what if he actually is lol

But Knox is the only guy who should think about leaving this year...

 

[mebeblue2]

I'm sure I am in the minority, but I think Vanderbilt stays. Losing SGA will suck, but Green and Quickley will be fine. Losing Knox, meh... sucks too, but not a huge loss. I think Johnson will be much more productive overall with those minutes. They will be so much better off without Diallo. Herro and Baker taking his minutes will be a godsend.

i would love for JV to come back
IMHO the only thing that could get him back is the chance to go in the lottery next draft

right now i think he is a late first early second round pick

 

[GE Nole]

I wonder if Knox regrets his decision? I remember it was a surprise he picked UK.

Think how bad UK would be without Knox. Think how much better FSU or UNC would be with Knox. If he goes to FSU, he plays for his dad’s Alma mater and the ‘Noles are probably something like 22-4 right now.

Anyway, I think Knox and Diallo go for sure, probably Vanderbilt too.

 

[JimboBBN]

I wonder if Knox regrets his decision? I remember it was a surprise he picked UK.

Think how bad UK would be without Knox. Think how much better FSU or UNC would be with Knox. If he goes to FSU, he plays for his dad’s Alma mater and the ‘Noles are probably something like 22-4 right now.

Anyway, I think Knox and Diallo go for sure, probably Vanderbilt too.

Doubt it. UK still has potential on this team, and if they do get it together, they are more dangerous than FSU in March. You might have a case for UNC, but I don't think they're that much better than we are.

 

[GE Nole]

Doubt it. UK still has potential on this team, and if they do get it together, they are more dangerous than FSU in March. You might have a case for UNC, but I don't think they're that much better than we are.

Right now, no. But if you subtract Knox from UK and add him to either FSU or UNC, I think both of them are a good bit better than UK.

That’s nothing against UK. Every team would get worse if you take away their best player, and nearly every team would get better if you added Knox.

 

[JimboBBN]

Right now, no. But if you subtract Knox from UK and add him to either FSU or UNC, I think both of them are a good bit better than UK.

That’s nothing against UK. Every team would get worse if you take away their best player, and nearly every team would get better if you added Knox.

Maybe, its just hard to say. Also, its not like Knox is lighting it up. He's been pretty underwhelming as our best player coming in, honestly. Doesn't seem to have the best motor, doesn't play the best defense. But he's still a young kid, I hope he turns it around.

 

[GE Nole]

Maybe, its just hard to say. Also, its not like Knox is lighting it up. He's been pretty underwhelming as our best player coming in, honestly. Doesn't seem to have the best motor, doesn't play the best defense. But he's still a young kid, I hope he turns it around.

He’s 17-35 from 3 in yalls last 7 games, he gets to the FT line a lot (and makes them when he gets there), he’s a good defensive rebounder, and his length disrupts passing lanes. I’d take him.

In fact, I think he would be even better at FSU or UNC where he would have some upper classmen around him to impart some lessons, and he wouldn’t be asked to carry the load offensively.

 

[JimboBBN]

He’s 17-35 from 3 in yalls last 7 games, he gets to the FT line a lot (and makes them when he gets there), he’s a good defensive rebounder, and his length disrupts passing lanes. I’d take him.

In fact, I think he would be even better at FSU or UNC where he would have some upper classmen around him to impart some lessons, and he wouldn’t be asked to carry the load offensively.

Valid argument about having upper classmen. I could be wrong, but I'd be willing to bet I watch UK more than you do. He has a lot to work on, but I'm glad he's on our team.