Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Poole Contemplating Transfer

by Alex Scutchfield on Nov 1, 2011 10:34 PM EDT in Kentucky Wildcats Basketball

Will Stacey Poole Jr. be leaving the Wildcats?

According to a report from Kyle Tucker at the Louisville Courier Journal, Kentucky sophomore Stacey Poole, Jr's father is leaning on him to transfer from Kentucky. The story contains some incredibly frank quotes, with the gist being that Poole Sr. does not see his son getting playing time with all of the talent on hand. In my opinion, though, things take a pretty dark turn with this:

At the end of the day, I’m going to make the call. He’s 20, but he’s still a kid. Four years from now, he can blame his father if it doesn’t work out.

Poole Sr., as the story points out, was a college star, Florida's #4 all-time leading scorer. His son will likely struggle to see the floor this year. But UK's history is littered with kids who sat behind more talented players early in their careers, then found stardom or at least notoriety in their own right later on. If Stacy thinks it is in his best interest to leave, I wish him the best and frankly wouldn't blame him a bit. The decision being made for him, that doesn't sit quite so well.

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Well, it's not the worst thing I have seen a high profile kid's parents do.

But I think he would benefit from staying. But if his Dad is pushing it, my gut says he is gone.

I am now and shall forever be the Cat in The Hat, The Artist Formerly Known As ABC!!!

by Greg Alan Edwards on Nov 1, 2011 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

"...he's still a kid."

that statement say it all I think.

To us as fans we see and measure results, and are pleased with what we are seeing. As a parent who doesn’t seeing his kid “being given a chance”, we would likely find it harder to accept Cal’s oft repeated statement, “if you want a chance, buy a lottery ticket.” With Cal you earn your minutes .

I would be frustrated if my son didn’t get to play, and especially if I knew that there were teams where his skill set wouldn’t put him gathering splinters. And itsnot like a parent is the most unbiased observer. We can say that the kid is getting to practice with the best and coached by the best, and of course wear the best uni in the sport, but… when is he ever going to be out from behind all that talent? And the answer is silmply he isn’t. at Kentucky he is going to have to up his game so that the young guys are having to take minutes from him,, and obviously that hasn’t worked for him yet.

I hope he is happy with whatever decision he makes, and makes the most of it whether here or almost anywhere else (unless he goes to UL. LOL).

by blenheim bard on Nov 1, 2011 11:52 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe his Dad is upset

because he is only Florida’s #4 scorer.

by lccat on Nov 1, 2011 11:54 PM EDT reply actions

doesn't surprise me at all

given he was a top ranked prospect, and how little he played last year. I was actually surprised that he returned this year.

But it’s pretty dumb to transfer now. He didn’t know this spring of all the incoming talent UK had on the way? During the summer, he was unaware of all the hype surrounding these new players? Now in the fall, days away from the first game, he’s suddenly saying, “oh, wait, I might not get to play that much again this year”?

by MNBlue on Nov 2, 2011 3:14 AM EDT reply actions

Good Timing Actually

If he decides to transfer at end of 1st semester, he can play second semester (mid December to March) next year and then 2 more (full years).

I’m not sure HE wants to transfer but his Dad apparently feels differently.

by FortyYearCatFan on Nov 2, 2011 6:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Mop up time

I would think there will be enough blow out wins this year that some of the bench players will get a chance. What bothers me is that Jr seems pretty happy or at least appears that he likes being here and It’s a shame his Dad feels otherwise. If they both feel that way then I have no problem with it.

by cthom on Nov 2, 2011 6:30 AM EDT reply actions

I hope the best for Stacey and his family

whatever decision is ultimately made.

They only get one chance at a college career, so I can understand the worry and angst that could be happening.

If he stays a Cat…. awesome! If not, then I wish them the very best for the future.

"Man I don't want to talk about guys (Moss) who left us, you know. Why would I you know. We talk about Randall probably a little too much. He left us also."

by HSLex on Nov 2, 2011 7:08 AM EDT reply actions

I have further thoughts on this above.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan

by Glenn Logan on Nov 2, 2011 7:15 AM EDT reply actions

Time for Poole..

…to sack up, and start making his own decisions. His father (IMO) needs a reality check. Stacey Poole could stay and be part of something great…or leave and who knows what happens. As a father when my son(s) get older and start out in life I do not want to be the person that stands in their way. I would hate for either of them to resent me for the rest of their lives because I made a life changing decision for them.

by George Shepherd on Nov 2, 2011 7:15 AM EDT reply actions

Problem with parents today

20 years old and he treats him like a kid. Treat them like kids and they behave like kids. He can vote, he can fight for his country, and he’s months away from legal drinking age. Exactly when will a 20 year old be an adult?

by jdogblue on Nov 2, 2011 7:16 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Nicely said jdog...

As a parent, you can sometimes meddle too much… Sometimes we try to fix things that don’t need to be fixed, or that will fix themselves given time.

If your wings don't sweep....

by EagleTDL on Nov 2, 2011 7:30 AM EDT up reply actions

confidence in Cal?

I know we are all biased, but I don’t understand a player who has seen the way role players improve under Cal leaving before getting his chance. It’s a shame that, if this report is true, Poole Sr. is doing this to his son.

by doldham on Nov 2, 2011 10:09 AM EDT reply actions