We’ve had a chance to see what the Wildcats would look like without Enes Kanter. During the three game exhibition trip to Canada, Kentucky was without the two key big men they were expecting to have when the regular season starts, Eloy Vargas and Enes Kanter. Although Eloy Vargas is ready to go, we’re still unsure what will come of the Enes Kanter ruling that is in the NCAA’s hands. We’re optimistic that there will be no such thing, but thought we would revisit Kanterless-Cats.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
In August, the Wildcats were just fine without the expected powerhouse. They were also playing an under-matched Winsdor Lancers team in game one. [URL=”http://www.nationofblue.com/no-enes-no-problem-game-one-kentucky-vs-windsor-2319/”]No Enes, No Problem – Game One Kentucky vs. Windsor[/URL]. The exhibitions in Canada saw Josh Harrellson playing extended minutes and for a period, even Darius Miller in the 5 spot. Neither of those will be an option in SEC play, and maybe not even in non-conference play.
Recently, John Calipari said that Brandon (Knight) had told him that transfer Eloy Vargas got much better. That will be a must without Enes Kanter. To backup Eloy, Josh Harrellson will again get extended minutes and will have to take what he gained in China and in the exhibitions and apply it for the Wildcats. Unless…
Terrence Jones could play an extended, stretch 4 role. The Wildcats would be very small in that scenario, but would be extremely fast, explosive towards the rim and capable of making plays. They could still make things happen on the offensive end of the court but offensive rebounding would suffer.
The defensive end would be the real problem. Without the size in the middle, opponents will exploit the inside and cause significant foul trouble for the Wildcats. Without Kanter and a 32 minute per game, productive Vargas, this could become a big problem in SEC play.
Coming back to optimism, none of this should be a problem. I expect that Kanter will be ruled eligible with the NCAA putting a lot of trust into the Wildcats staff and compliance office. Although there very well may be some suspensions, it would end by the start of conference play and the Wildcats can have a successful non-conference schedule without Enes.
GO BIG BLUE!
