Terrence Jones is expecting the incoming class to need a little guidance, and he is ready to provide the leadership for them.
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But this time around, he’ll also need to shepherd in a recruiting class that is being billed as one of the sport’s best of the past decade. Three of the Wildcats’ four McDonald’s All-Americans (point guard Marquis Teague and forwards Anthony Davis and Michael Gilchrist) may end up starting, with the fourth (wing Kyle Wiltjer) playing an important role off the bench.
“All of these players were stars in high school and they’ve got to come together,” Jones said.
“We’ve got to get after it defensively.”
Calipari is already touting the defensive potential of this team with its length at nearly every position. Calipari is already touting the defensive potential of this team with its length at nearly every position. To be an elite defensive team and compete with teams like North Carolina and Ohio State for national title, the Wildcats must defend.
Because expectations, always high anyway in Big Blue Country, will be extremely amped up this season. Kentucky made it to Houston last season as a 4-seed. In 2012, no one will be satisfied with a regular season that results in a 4-seed.
“The target will be on our back,” Jones said. “It won’t be the same situation. We’ll be the one with the target.”
Jones said he wants the players to lean on him. He said he needs to become an all-around player — a better rebounder, a better defender and a better leader. Jones will attend the Kevin Durant camp in Chicago later this month, but took a pass on USA Basketball. He wants to stay in Lexington to ensure there is cohesion with the freshmen and the returnees.
“I’m enjoying the experience,” Jones said. “I want to gain maturity. I want to learn how to be a better leader. I want to try and win a national championship with the new guys coming in.”
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[URL=”http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/blog/_/name/katz_andy/id/6656685/uk-jones-aiming-all-impact”]Complete Article[/URL]
