Class of 2019 SF Kahlil Whitney (NJ) to Kentucky

[jgeorge322]

must be difficult for these kids to think theyre going pro and then, nope

 

[Tobias Funke]

must be difficult for these kids to think theyre going pro and then, nope

I imagine it’s quite the reality check. Sad part is their advisors often tell them Kentucky gets them to the NBA but it can just as easily put them back Calipari is ruthless and isn’t trying to develop players. If you have the talent you can make the league from any P5 school. If you need development your more likely to get it at another school

 

[jgeorge322]

I imagine it’s quite the reality check. Sad part is their advisors often tell them Kentucky gets them to the NBA but it can just as easily put them back Calipari is ruthless and isn’t trying to develop players. If you have the talent you can make the league from any P5 school. If you need development your more likely to get it at another school

yep, either these kids are buying cals snakeoil or they dont have enough confidence in themselves to believe theyre good enough want it the easy way/think a jersey will get them there

 

[OrangeDW]

So why leave now ? He’s already burnt the year ...?? Is he eligible to immediately practice with the team he transfers to ? That would be the only reason

Because he can’t post any highlights of himself on social media if he’s not playing. Nobody cares about being part of a team anymore. It’s a “me” society.

 

[OrangeDW]

must be difficult for these kids to think theyre going pro and then, nope

Eh, it’s one year. Have some perseverance, get better, and get there in a couple years.

 

[Gabjon]

Eh, it’s one year. Have some perseverance, get better, and get there in a couple years.

Perseverance? What's that....Is there an App for that?

 

[jordville]

 

[RF2044]

Athletes get drafted all of the time which is why players of his type test the waters. It's easy to look dominant against smaller players. When you can't shoot at any level it sticks out in the college game.

Testing the waters is different than being drafted. For a player his size, you have to have some modicum of perimeter skills, which he does not. Perhaps he could be a defensive specialist, but otherwise the lack of shooting / ball handling at his size will preclude him from being drafted.

 

[SUFan44]

Testing the waters is different than being drafted. For a player his size, you have to have some modicum of perimeter skills, which he does not. Perhaps he could be a defensive specialist, but otherwise the lack of shooting / ball handling at his size will preclude him from being drafted.

Jerami Grant’s skill set when he was at SU was highlight dunks, rebounding and blocked shots. He attempted 20 3’s during his two seasons and I’d be willing to bet took perimeter jumpers that weren’t 3’s about as many times. He was a high second round pick.

 

[chugg21]

Jerami Grant’s skill set when he was at SU was highlight dunks, rebounding and blocked shots. He attempted 20 3’s during his two seasons and I’d be willing to bet took perimeter jumpers that weren’t 3’s about as many times. He was a high second round pick.

Not sure how much NBA you watch but the league has changed drastically in the 5+ years since Grant was drafted. Basically a different sport. If you are a wing and can't shoot from 3 than you better have at least 1 Elite tool or you are basically worthless.

 

[Cuse1055]

Not sure how much NBA you watch but the league has changed drastically in the 5+ years since Grant was drafted. Basically a different sport. If you are a wing and can't shoot from 3 than you better have at least 1 Elite tool or you are basically worthless.

Not to mention Jerami has since developed a pretty reliable perimeter shot that stretches out to the 3 point line.

 

[Janner]

If I recall correctly his EYBL 3pt shooting numbers were pretty solid. Haven't seen him play so I'm not sure why it's not translating to the next level as of yet but I wouldn't mind picking him up if he has to sit a year. I think the Kid has some tools and can be solid on the college level with a little time

 

[longtimefan]

If I recall correctly his EYBL 3pt shooting numbers were pretty solid. Haven't seen him play so I'm not sure why it's not translating to the next level as of yet but I wouldn't mind picking him up if he has to sit a year. I think the Kid has some tools and can be solid on the college level with a little time

The SU roster for next season looks pretty full. Of course, that's subject to change.

 

[Grbac]

He is a lot like Quincy Guerrier. He is uber athletic. Can jump out of the gym. But he can’t shoot. He can’t even shoot free throws. Quincy is a better shooter if that’s believable.

With that being said he needs to develop into being a stopper. With his athleticism he could be a legit defender. Would take a lot of humble pie to realize you are no longer Michael Jordan and need to be more like Andre Roberson.

 

[Dcuse]

He is a lot like Quincy Guerrier. He is uber athletic. Can jump out of the gym. But he can’t shoot. He can’t even shoot free throws. Quincy is a better shooter if that’s believable.

With that being said he needs to develop into being a stopper. With his athleticism he could be a legit defender. Would take a lot of humble pie to realize you are no longer Michael Jordan and need to be more like Andre Roberson.

We play zone. Stopper? And while he hasn’t shown it yet,Quincy can shoot the ball. A lot of freshman struggle initially...hell, even Joe isn’t shooting as well as he will be.

 

[Grbac]

We play zone. Stopper? And while he hasn’t shown it yet,Quincy can shoot the ball. A lot of freshman struggle initially...hell, even Joe isn’t shooting as well as he will be.

A stopper, a lockdown defender, a guy known for his defense. I was just speaking in general terms as to what Whitney could do to improve his value for the NBA. If you can’t shoot, you better be able to defend. The NBA is looking for guys who can do both. 3 and D guys are all the craze right now.

 

[RF2044]

A stopper, a lockdown defender, a guy known for his defense. I was just speaking in general terms as to what Whitney could do to improve his value for the NBA. If you can’t shoot, you better be able to defend. The NBA is looking for guys who can do both. 3 and D guys are all the craze right now.

Agreed -- but there are very few just "D" guys. Tony Allen comes to mind -- but he was such an exceptional defender, that it transcended his lack of offensive capabilities. Guys like this are pretty rare. Bruce Bowen was one, but developed into a dependable shooter.

Whitney can't shoot, and can't dribble down his chin. He's got a long way to go before he could be considered a 3 and D guy. All of which has nothing to do with whether he could excel at the collegiate level if he moves on from kentucky.

 

[Grbac]

Agreed -- but there are very few just "D" guys. Tony Allen comes to mind -- but he was such an exceptional defender, that it transcended his lack of offensive capabilities. Guys like this are pretty rare. Bruce Bowen was one, but developed into a dependable shooter.

Whitney can't shoot, and can't dribble down his chin. He's got a long way to go before he could be considered a 3 and D guy. All of which has nothing to do with whether he could excel at the collegiate level if he moves on from kentucky.

Do you think he could succeed? He has shown he can’t hit jumpers or free throws. His scoring would have to come from drives, dunks, and put backs.
His high school tape looks amazing. He shows a ton of potential. If he can develop a jumper and get his free throws right he could be really good. But is he willing to put in the work to develop. Looks like he is already running away from a situation he doesn’t like after calling UK his dream school.

 

[RF2044]

Do you think he could succeed? He has shown he can’t hit jumpers or free throws. His scoring would have to come from drives, dunks, and put backs.
His high school tape looks amazing. He shows a ton of potential. If he can develop a jumper and get his free throws right he could be really good. But is he willing to put in the work to develop. Looks like he is already running away from a situation he doesn’t like after calling UK his dream school.

Succeed at what? At the college level? Sure.

But above, i was responding to a post asking about him being initially projected as a one-and-done, which is not really viable for someone with his skill set.

Yes, he might develop into a better shooter, and refine his skills. But right now he is far more athlete than basketball player.

 

[Cusefan0307]

We should never take guys at the 1, 2, or 3 that can’t shoot if they are only in it for the short term.

 

[ORRange]

Not to mention Jerami has since developed a pretty reliable perimeter shot that stretches out to the 3 point line.

I think Jerami could always shoot. In the videos I watched from high school he was always making corner jumpers, and he had great form. I'm sure his father taught both him and his brother to play all facets of the game. Not just playing in the paint.

 

[Scott11]

The idea of not wanting this kid because he isn’t good enough is absurd. Not only does it shortchange Whitney’s ability, it also ignores the job our coaching staff has done this year helping players improve.

 

[Cusefan0307]

The idea of not wanting this kid because he isn’t good enough is absurd. Not only does it shortchange Whitney’s ability, it also ignores the job our coaching staff has done this year helping players improve.

Difference between improving and having the ability to shoot.

He's an athlete playing SF. You can't win with guys who can't shoot at that position anymore. This isn't the 90's. Why do you think Hopkins is struggling at UW this year?

 

[nyucuse]

Difference between improving and having the ability to shoot.

He's an athlete playing SF. You can't win with guys who can't shoot at that position anymore. This isn't the 90's. Why do you think Hopkins is struggling at UW this year?

Well we certainly tried our damnedest to get Andre Jackson..

 

[Cusefan0307]

Well we certainly tried our damnedest to get Andre Jackson..

Yeah he had good all around skills that made up for it from a ballhandling and passing situation. He also wouldn't immediately go to the NBA.