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Post by aceloverlarry on Feb 3, 2024 2:21:32 GMT -6
It’s crazy that there is a possibility that we might lose him to the NBA draft this offseason. If he’s really garnering the interest this guy & Marcus say he is, I would expect him to at least declare for the NBA draft without signing an agent so he can go through NBA workouts and get feedback. He’d still have the option to return to college as long as he doesn’t sign an agent.
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Post by wildbill on Feb 3, 2024 6:35:19 GMT -6
The kid is playing really well. Could you imagine how much interest he'd be getting if he had stayed healthy all season.
He may declare, but I expect him back next year. If he plays another full D1 season, uninjured and continues to develop, he'll really be getting some looks.
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Post by ad1770 on Feb 3, 2024 8:35:51 GMT -6
A really good write up here. I think he hit it all on the head, including defensive concerns on lateral movement and defending on the perimeter.
I would say this. I believe that if the draft was right now, Ben would be undrafted. I’m thinking at best, as of right now, he would be a late second rounder. Either way, he is most likely going to the G league if he leaves after this season.
If he comes back, and proves it (and I really hope he does), I could see him as a late first rounder with a legit shot at making a big squad next year.
Either way, good for him, and just as good for the program.
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Post by austinace on Feb 3, 2024 8:56:38 GMT -6
I think Ben is better than DeAndre (was). Both players made a huge difference when they were on the floor and it showed in the W’s.
I think Ben is really good but late first rounder might be pushing it. Players that make it to the NBA are just on a whole different planet than the type of player that we are used to seeing. When you look at players like Egidijius, DeAndre, etc that weren’t drafted.
Scott Haffner (who scored 65 points in a single game and could handle the ball) was selected by the Miami Heat in the second round (45th pick overall) of the 1989 NBA draft. But even he didn’t stick (I think primarily because the Miami Heat were loaded at the guard position).
The G League would be the likely landing spot for him or possibly the international pro leagues. But with that said, if Ben leads us to postseason play or some big upsets and NBA scouts keep calling anything is possible but it is really hard to get drafted (especially in the first round) and make it to the NBA since they went to two rounds in 1989.
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Post by austinace on Feb 3, 2024 9:01:58 GMT -6
He does have an NBA type game - the position-less player who can shot from NBA three range, tall, can handle the ball, block shots, passes well, great teammate.
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Post by stlscooter on Feb 3, 2024 12:41:47 GMT -6
On of my favorite hobbies is listening to Matt Jones and (Kentucky Sports Radio) KSR. They are saying that UK has 4 first round players on their current team, and the teams that have beaten them have a combined 0 first round players. The fans blame Caliperi and their tears are delicious 😋
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Post by aces44 on Feb 3, 2024 12:50:59 GMT -6
His skill set is there- we see it every game. Lateral quickness and durability are big red flags
He’s not going in the first round. I suppose he could look to transfer to a Big10 school and prove those things next year, but he risks not fitting in and riding the bench instead of being the Go To guy here all next year and really putting up numbers and accolades, which guarantees him Euro money and still keeps him in the NBA conversation.
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Post by E-Villan on Feb 3, 2024 12:57:29 GMT -6
On of my favorite hobbies is listening to Matt Jones and (Kentucky Sports Radio) KSR. They are saying that UK has 4 first round players on their current team, and the teams that have beaten them have a combined 0 first round players. The fans blame Caliperi and their tears are delicious 😋 When traveling through Eastern KY/West Virginia, I love to scan the AM channels for comedic relief. First, you will land on a local fire and brimstone preacher huffing and puffing, just knowing he has a sack of rattlesnakes tucked in somewhere. Then find the radio swap-shop. A guy calling in wanting to sell a goat and a single hubcap to an 83' Buick Century. Finally, good ole KSR. If you didn't know better, you would think it was an SNL-type parody of sorts, especially after a loss. When you hear they got some guy named Bubba Joe Bob from Pikeville on the line, you know you are in for a treat. KA-YUTS!
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Post by paradeuce on Feb 4, 2024 11:37:56 GMT -6
Reminds me of Memorial Day weekend in 1972,when a group of college friends & I collaborated on a trip to Buckhorn Lake (KY) State Park after viewing "Deliverance." A few miles away from our lodging, we realized that we'd forgotten our suntan lotion, thus exiting to a back road mining community "convenience store." We asked the lady if she had any tanning lotion/oil. She pointed to the back wall, where cobwebs covered a couple bottles of off-brand products. We asked if she had anything else, and she replied:
"See that big green barn on the hill? Well, that lady has the best tan in the area, and she uses MOTOR OIL!" Ya Baby, only in America...
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Post by ibleedpurple on Feb 4, 2024 21:26:06 GMT -6
Love to see Big Ben get drafted, but only AFTER his eligibility is done here. He needs to get back to 100% this year and build his resume next year. Him going in the NBA this year would be a real surprise to me.
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Post by aceslfer on Feb 5, 2024 9:19:47 GMT -6
those who speak NBA here are delusional.
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Post by aceloverlarry on Feb 5, 2024 9:33:49 GMT -6
those who speak NBA here are delusional. He probly won’t get drafted this year, but he’s got NBA scouts paying attention to UE for the first time in close to a decade and that’s impressive in itself.
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Post by daddysboy on Feb 5, 2024 9:51:36 GMT -6
those who speak NBA here are delusional. He probly won’t get drafted this year, but he’s got NBA scouts paying attention to UE for the first time in close to a decade and that’s impressive in itself. Laughable….finds out there are NBA scouts coming to Evansville to check out Ben and some some suggest it’s absurd to think he will go to the NBA. The local assessment of talent is weak. If he does leave UE, it’s probably because those scouts are wanting to see him against better talent on a consistent basis. The kid is 6’10 and can shoot the leather off the ball. Put him in the corner on the NBA team and let him catch and shoot. But whatever some think…he has a chance to play in the NBA.
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Post by goacesgo on Feb 5, 2024 10:14:47 GMT -6
Idk if he will make it to the NBA, but he definitely checks several boxes of an NBA type player, that’s why scouts are checking him out.
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Post by E-Villan on Feb 5, 2024 10:27:20 GMT -6
those who speak NBA here are delusional. Have you shared your "expert" analysis to the NBA scouts who have been dropping in?
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