Collin Chandler (UK Athletics Photo)
Kentucky’s three freshmen guards — Travis Perry, Trent Noah, and Collin Chandler — are not the most talked about players on coach Mark Pope’s first team even with Perry and Noah being in-state standouts.
“They are all three really talented. They are all good enough to help this year,” Pope said. “Collin is a really good player. He’s better than a top-25 dude. He put down the basketball (to go on a two-year mission trip) and all the guys he was lighting up three years ago are now in the NBA but he went and served people he did not even know.
“I don’t know if you will ever meet a better human being. I think he is one player who will win the heart and soul of Kentucky fans in a way that will be very, very special.”
“Those two Kentucky kids are special. You know how those Kentucky kids rise up and win national championships. Cameron (Mills) and Scott (Padgett) did it with me. The Kentucky kids are just built differently.
“The other players understand and appreciate what Kentucky is but they have never had Kentucky in their veins like a kid from Kentucky does and that matters. They came in here just glad to be here but they are both so much more confident now.”
Pope recently noted that Perry had three straight days where he went 100-for-100 at the foul line, something he’s never seen done before.
Pope said Noah had trouble hitting shots early in summer practices but has found his footing recently.
“He’s also got a physicality about him that is really impressive,” Pope said.
The Kentucky coach wants his players to understand every day is about getting better whether they are freshmen or fifth-year players.
“We’ll be tyrannical about that because that’s how you achieve the long-term goal of hanging (championship banner) number nine,” Pope said. “That’s why guys come here. They have dreams and goals but it all comes down to setting a daily goal every day and reaching that goal.”
12 Responses
I think Mr. Pope has earned a very big "buy in" from the BBN. He has already proven his recruiting prowess with results to date and his high energy, passion, pride, and total commitment to all those that come into contact with him is all a testament to that. He definitely has exceeded my expectations so far since the journey has begun.
Yes!!!
He is a WINNER and will instill that WINNING mindset into the players who wear the UK jersey.
Plpe did not get the message to redshirt any or all the freshmen! Or he ignored them.
Pope is not a Kentucky born Kentuckian but he is even more than a naturalized Kentucky citizen! Pope saw, recognized and latched onto the unique bond a Kentucky HS player has with UK. It’s inherent! It’s motivating!
The 3 guards will be vital to keep the D spread. Whoever plays with any guard will be delighted he can play winning BB.
Perry WILL see a LOT of action THIS year!!!
100-100 FT’s twice. WOW!!!
500-600 3’s or whatever the number was which Larry V included in an article a couple months ago.
100-100 FTs three times.
I think coach pope has a true vision for UK BB. Ky kids on the team, more banners hanging in Rupp arena and playing long enough to know their names.
Precisely on every count…
& this is a classic…
Playing long enough to know their name!!!
Shooters gonna shoot. Go Cats!
Yes! Let ‘em shoot! set screens!
Pope will teach players to set screens so there is a split second to launch a 3 without a hand in their face. Travis Ford & other great long range shooters usually had a screen set for them. I remember the big man at center setting screens for Ford. The fraud NEVER had one set play and never coached to set screens.
I think Chandler is going to be a stud. I think he has the most talent and is the most athletic out of all the freshman. I think Perry is a close second. Noah has a power forward build and is a very strong driving to the basket. Perry will start at the point his sophomore year so I think Pope plays him behind Butler and Kriisa. He might get the same minutes as Kriisa. Pope loves to spread the minutes. I love a coach who spreads the minutes. Why have 13 scholarships if your only going to play 7 or 8 guys. Oh I forgot Calapari isnt the coach anymore. Lol. I watched BYU alot last year. I think they were 10-11 deep. I think he goes 11 deep on this team. The starters will play a little more than the backups. Starters will play between 22 and 25 minutes with some reserves playing 19, 20 minutes. I think Carr and Robinson get the most minutes. Followed by Butler. One thing I don’t understand is the starting 5 that was released. I think Carr and Robinson lead the team in scoring. The one player who I think will be much better than advertised is Oweh. He was the second leading scorer on Oklahoma last year as a sophomore. Most guys make the biggest jump from there sophomore to there junior year. He’s going to have a great year and I think he might even be the 3rd leading scorer.
Pope imo….will rewrite the record books. This day and age with everything being me me me….Pope will change the atmosphere at UK and I personally think that will resonate with the caliber if kids he recruits. Look forward to seeing kids stay 3+ years and winning at every level. Pope will hang banners!!!
He’s making the fans happy. I think that’s huge and it’s going to be a fun year.
Pope forgot to mention 2 other Kentucky kids that he won a championship with. That would be Derek Anderson and Anthony Epps.