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Jon Hood question

  • Can someone explain to me why walkons are getting PT ahead if him? I remember when he committed to Billy I thought he'd be a good one. Was a little surprised he stuck around with Cal. I know he's been hurt in his career, but I don't think I've seen him play many minutes. Been a Kentucky bball fan for quite some time, but haven't followed them as closely as I did with Tubby was there with FSU showing flashes in recent years... TIA

    RossyNole10

  • Honestly, I think it is a matchup issue. He is skilled, but not athletic. He can shoot really well, but can't defend well. If he was 6' 11" he would be Wiltjer. But he is too short/unathletic to get much time.

    KyBoynAL

  • Hood is a lot more athletic than you think. Probably one of the higher verticals on this team. His problem is that he isn't quick on defense.

    He is a great scorer but his experience here so far has left him without confidence on offense. However, he is a good rebounder, hustles, and knows this offense better than anyone on this team. The only walkon playing over him is Polson and that's a completely different position so doesn't really apply.

    My question, is why doesn't he get minutes over Goodwin?

    jarhead4uk

  • I like Hood and I think he will go down as one of those UK heroes who gave his all and will be rewarded with fan love. But, he won't ever be one of the best players on our team.

    In three years Goodwin will be playing in the NBA and Hood will be playing in Europe.

    KyBoynAL

  • I thought Hood did a good job tonight. Hope it gets him a few more minutes a game.

    msdcatfan

  • I have raised this question since the beginning of the year and have been mauled for it. I definitely think he deserves more playing time than he is getting. I don't know if anyone else noticed it tonight or not, but when Hood, Polson, and Wiltjer were all on the floor together the offense came much easier. Did you notice how well they moved the ball when those three were out there together? That is the team ball I want Goodwin to play so bad I can't stand it. However I will admit he did better tonight, but still has a long way to go to be a great team player. Nice win CATS!

    mr289

  • He's a GREAT practice player but tightens up in games. Now that he's getting several minutes in each game (while WCS is out) he probably just needs to hit a couple 3's to get his mind loose and stop over-thinking everything. In the mean time he gets rebounds and plays well when we zone (can't believe I even used that word!). Even though he is not especially athletic, Hood has a high basketball IQ and we will need him to be a solid "role player" the rest of the year to give Goodwin/Poythress an extra few minutes of rest and fill in for them if they get injured or have foul trouble. He is an excellent FT shooter and a "fresh" Hood can have a slight advantage over tired defenders late in each half.

    jimlowe7

  • RossyNole10 said...

    Can someone explain to me why walkons are getting PT ahead if him? I remember when he committed to Billy I thought he'd be a good one. Was a little surprised he stuck around with Cal. I know he's been hurt in his career, but I don't think I've seen him play many minutes. Been a Kentucky bball fan for quite some time, but haven't followed them as closely as I did with Tubby was there with FSU showing flashes in recent years... TIA

    If you are talking about Polson, its because of position. HOOD is not a PG, and if you look at the box score I don't think any walk-ons played in front of Hood. And please remember after coming off of surgery and having mono, he is probably still not in game shape. He has had some tough luck while he has been at UK.

    UKlaw82

  • mr289 said...

    I have raised this question since the beginning of the year and have been mauled for it. I definitely think he deserves more playing time than he is getting. I don't know if anyone else noticed it tonight or not, but when Hood, Polson, and Wiltjer were all on the floor together the offense came much easier. Did you notice how well they moved the ball when those three were out there together? That is the team ball I want Goodwin to play so bad I can't stand it. However I will admit he did better tonight, but still has a long way to go to be a great team player. Nice win CATS!

    I hope no one takes this the wrong way but the improved play has emerged since WCS went down. I love the kid and think he will be a good pro but both he and Nerlens on the floor at the same time seems to clog or impedes the offensive play. The team seems to play more smoothly when there is only 1 bigman on the court at a time. We sure could have used him tonight with Noel getting in foul trouble in the second half. I dont expect Cal to start both of them at the same time when WCS gets back and I hope that is soon.When gets back that will make this team even better but not as a starter. Hood I think deserves more playing time also and cant figure out why he isnt getting it.

    This post was edited by sleepydog on 1/29/2013 at 11:23 PM

    sleepydog

  • Agreed he played his role for the team

    Jlrge

  • I think he has played pretty well when he gets to play. Does what is asked of him, plays hard and mixes it up a little bit. I wouldnt mind if he started to get a few more minutes.

    Ioannis

  • I like what Hood does for this team. He finally got enough minutes tonight. What he does really doesn't show up on the box score but he provides hustle and will keep you in ball games. He allows the stars to shine by being where he's supposed to be. Very important to have guys like that on your team. I like Hood a lot especially for this team.

    tWhit

  • With early foul trouble in the first half last night, Hood and Polson both contributed by giving solid minutes, while the Cats scratched and scraped to stay in a very difficult game. If Calipari gave out game balls, I think both of these guys deserve one. The minutes each of these players have gotten this year have been limited, but they have contributed in ways other than scoring. Last night Hood got an assist, 3 rebounds, and NO TURNOVERS.

    Polson also continues to give the team solid play from the bench, and last night 1 assist, 2 rebounds, 2 points, and NO TURNOVERS.

    signature image

    http://bigbluefans4uk.com

    TheProfessor

  • this is the same stuff I have said all year. HOOD CAN PLAY!!! and he would only get better offensively as he got more PT. His biggest thing right now is that he (and polson) are tough, scrappy, smart ballplayers. They may not be as athletic, but they make far better choices; and when it comes time to mix it up they ain't scared to get right in the thick of it. I think they both deserve more playing time.

    mr289

  • Jon played fine last night, but always seems afraid to get the ball.

    Twitter: @Br_Boston

    TKE_

  • TKE_ said...

    Jon played fine last night, but always seems afraid to get the ball.

    If Cal would give him consistent minutes I think he'd eventually start to feel comfortable on the court. Just needs a shot or two to fall.

    tWhit

  • I understand that argument, but on this team you have to take minutes and be as effective as possible. Don't think Jon can wait for the minutes to come to him... be aggressive.

    Twitter: @Br_Boston

    TKE_

  • tWhit said...

    If Cal would give him consistent minutes I think he'd eventually start to feel comfortable on the court. Just needs a shot or two to fall.

    And that is the catch-22. Cal will not give him more minutes as long as he plays tentatively on offense when he does get in. Wiltjer was in jeopardy of disappearing from the lineup after the Vandy game, not only because of his poor defensive showing but because he played so passively on the offensive end. Since then he has been aggressive on the offensive end and, as a result, he's playing 30 plus minutes.

    If Hood was a defensive stopper in the mode of Liggins you would accept the lack of offense from that position. He has been scrappy and played hard. And I certainly don't find myself dreading that he is in the game. But before he starts to see consistent minutes he is going to have to play with greater confidence on the offensive end -- if his minutes are limited and inconsistent anyway, why not go for it when he gets the chance.

    ukcat15

  • Really liked what I saw from Jon in limited minutes last night. Offensively, he just knows how to play and that is very valuable on a team like this.

    Defensively and rebounding-wise, leaves a little to be desired but outside of Noel, so does everyone else on this team.

    signature image

    Chris Fisher

  • I wonder how Hood would perform had he been given the chances that Goodwin,Pothress,or Mays were given.Of course his untimly bout with mono is a factor and his season ending knee injury have to be weighed in,but i believe he can play,and play well if given the opportunity.

    john4uk

  • When you question the minutes or chances particular players get, why not be straightforward and ask if the coach knows what he's doing? That's the crux of it. Why beat around the issue?

    vhcat1970

  • vhcat1970 said...

    When you question the minutes or chances particular players get, why not be straightforward and ask if the coach knows what he's doing? That's the crux of it. Why beat around the issue?

    I think all he meant was that with more time on the floor he wouldn't be as passive as what he seems offensively. You don't gain confidence by being on the bench, and it seems like Hood gets pulled as soon as he makes one mistake. I agree that if he got the same time on the floor as other players he would be a substantial contributor to this team.

    mr289

  • TKE_ said...

    I understand that argument, but on this team you have to take minutes and be as effective as possible. Don't think Jon can wait for the minutes to come to him... be aggressive.

    Its not really his role to be aggressive and be a scorer. He's in the game to play smart and not hurt the team. I don't think Cal really wants him to go out of his way to take shots. Cal only wants him taking a shot if its wide open I'm sure. Cal wants him doing the little things. The little hustle plays that don't show up in the box score. He wants him being in the right place at all times, making the right pass, coming up with lose balls, getting steals, stuff like that. He's not supposed to be a scorer but at the same time if he' s got a wide open jumper take it. In those situations he just needs one of those open jumpers to fall and then I guarantee the rest of his game will be even better. But Cal needs to give the kids some time on the court to get comfortable and get into the flow of the game.

    tWhit

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