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[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Getting to watch the UK basketball cats in the Blue White scrimmage was just what the doctor ordered. After a disappointing start to the football season, we UK fans needed to see Calipari’s new crop of talent on the hardwood, asap. So, how did the “talent” fare? Well it just so happens I have a breakdown of each player’s performance and what to look for with the year ahead.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Anthony Davis- I was a bit surprised with Davis’ performance in the BW scrimmage. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I guess I expected him to fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Davis will score 90% of his point production within 5 feet of the basket. The other 10% will come from the free throw line. Here’s the deal though, that’s exactly what THIS team will need. With so many creators and drivers on the court, UK will need someone to clean up after a miss. Davis around the basket has such great control of his body, it’s hard to believe he’s 6’10.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Marquis Teague- Teague’s strength will be taking his man off the dribble and driving him down the lane so deep that the only option is to foul. And good luck with that foul, because the other major strength Teague has is finishing after contact. He will easily average double digit points this year, which is also a concern. With this team having multiple offensive weapons, Marquis will be relied on to distribute the ball. Will his assist total be eclipsed by his FG attempts?[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Michael Kidd-Gilchrist- There were times that MKD was the best player on the court. He attacks and attacks and attacks. When he wants to get to the rim, no one will be able stop him. He is a great finisher as he creates his own space. On defense, he will be a nightmare for opposing teams. Many backcourts this year will crap themselves when they see Gillie leading the full court press. Terrific player.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Kyle Wiltjer- The biggest revelation of the night was Kyle. KW has great touch around the basket… and by around the basket I mean from 25 feet out. I don’t know what’s more attractive, him or his offense? I do fear however that he will struggle against the physical Festus Ezili’s and Patric Young’s of the SEC. When Kyle adds 15-20 lbs of muscle he will be a beast inside.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Stacey Poole- Deuce Poole struggled on offense and defense last night. He couldn’t keep Doron Lamb in check. One time he actually lost Doron in the open court and Lamb laid it completely uncontested. Poole did hit a 3, but missed many others badly. It’s hard to gauge his role on this team as of now, but ultimately its up to Poole.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Doron Lamb- The hits keep on coming and Doron will be the hit that breaks the other teams’ spirit in many games this year. Lamb has a knack for the ball and is extremely deadly around the rim and perimeter. Many have asked if Doron will start this year and I believe the answer is no. I don’t see a situation where he starts over Miller, plus Doron will be a great asset coming off the bench. He will either be a spark or the final flame.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Terrence Jones- WOW!! TJones isn’t a selfish mofo, he’s a bad mofo. Jones has worked on his game in the off season and it shows. Physically he’s a monster. I mean his frame is bigger than my house’s. He salivates anytime someone guards him close on the perimeter because he knows he can take them off the dribble at any time. Jones rebounds very well which in turn means he will probably lead a lot of fast breaks. And that’s more than fine, because he has great handles. He won’t get 52 points every game or probably ever again, but its not inconceivable that he could average 25+ this year. I almost forgot, one more WOW![/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Darius Miller- I don’t believe Darius will be “the guy” on this team and he may prefer that. Darius’ role this year will be a calming influence on the younger players. When things start to get out of hand on the road this year, it will be up to Darius to corral the emotions and take charge. Darius looks confident in his shots and overall body language. His 3 point shot has been a thing of beauty in these exhibitions and don’t forget he’ll drive on you every chance he gets.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Eloy Vargas- Eloy looks stronger and more confident this year. He grabbed 16 rebounds last night as he battled with Davis and Wiltjer. I want to see Eloy get stronger with the ball though. He grabbed several tough rebounds and went back up for the shot only to be stripped or blocked. Eloy’s role will be huge this year as I feel he will see more floor time than Wiltjer due to his experience and size. If Davis gets into early foul trouble, we may see a lot of Eloy.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Twanny Beckham- I really like Twanny’s game. He will be a welcome commodity in January. His experience and skill set compliment this team nicely. He will be able to make plays as well as protect the ball. He will be a great back up PG this year.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Ryan Harrow- This kid is perfect for this system. He loves passing the ball and is really good at it. I wish we could see him pass to TJones in an actual game but more than likely it will never happen since by the time Harrow’s eligible to play Jones will be NBA bound. But I will take Harrow ooping to Shabazz any day of the week. #getshabazz[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]Jarod Polson- Jarod had 2 wow moments. One was when he grabbed a loose rebound drove into traffic and dished a no looker to Eloy for the slam. And speaking of slam, the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] moment was when Polson got loose for a 2 handed stuff near the end of regulation. That may shut the crowd up when asking to shoot from half court as now they might ask for a dunk from the free throw line.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]These evaluations are subject to change as the season progresses. One more thing I took away was this: No way there’s a better college basketball team than UK in the nation. UNC can pretend to be the best for now, but on December 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] reality has a first name, and that name is Kentucky.[/FONT][/SIZE]
