Kentucky is up to No. 5 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 now that Olivier Sarr is eligible.
The Wildcats are behind Baylor, Villanova, Gonzaga and Virginia in the top 5.
Here’s an excerpt about the Wildcats:
5. Kentucky Wildcats
Previous: 12
Kentucky makes the biggest jump from the last summer update, and it’s a jump that has been somewhat expected. Wake Forest transfer Olivier Sarr, a third-team All-ACC selection last season, finally received a waiver to play immediately this season, and he should solve what might have been the Wildcats’ biggest weakness. He will slot in right away at center, providing an anchor on the interior and balance for what would have been a perimeter-heavy look. Kentucky has three five-star freshmen who are expected to start in the backcourt, with B.J. Boston poised to be the Wildcats’ go-to-guy offensively right away. Keion Brooks is the team’s lone returnee from last season. Due to the inexperience and all the newcomers, Kentucky might get off to a slow start — but in typical John Calipari fashion, the Wildcats should hit their stride at the right time. And with all the on-paper talent this roster possesses, we’re ranking Kentucky based on that late-season potential.
Projected starting lineup:
Devin Askew (No. 24 in ESPN 100)
B.J. Boston (No. 6 in ESPN 100)
Terrence Clarke (No. 9 in ESPN 100)
Keion Brooks (4.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG)
Olivier Sarr (13.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG at Wake Forest)
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