The Kentucky Wildcats are always a powerhouse program who continually challenge for national titles. They have attracted top talent both on the court and on the sideline, with legendary coaches such as Adolph Rupp and Rick Pitino and superstars on the court such as Dan Issel, Jamal Mashburn, and Kenny Walker, as well as modern-day superstars John Wall, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns. They have made 17 Final Fours and won 8 championships, and have been a dominant force in the SEC for as long as the conference has been around, winning 55 regular season titles. Ever since John Calipari took over the program in 2009, the Wildcats have become a recruiting powerhouse, consistently bringing in one of the top recruiting classes every year. They have fully embraced the "one and done" era, allowing star freshmen to come in and leave for the NBA after one season, repeating the same process the next season. The Wildcats could be different next season, however, as they are returning more players than normal for a Calipari team. As of this writing, only two players have decided to enter the draft, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Knox. They have also seen big men Sacha Killeya-Jones and Tai Wynyard announce their intentions to transfer, but as of now are returning the majority of their rotation from last season. I decided to take a look at their roster for next season, and show why I think Kentucky will challenge for a national title.
Point Guards
Returners:Kentucky will return one of its point guards from last season: Quade Green. As for Quade Green, he was starting at the point for about half the year before Shai Gilgeous-Alexander heated up towards the end of non-conference play and going on a tear during SEC play. Green averaged 9.3 points and 2.1 assists a game and was one of their most consistent perimeter shooters, making 37.6% of his shots from three. He also saw some time at the two alongside Gilgeous-Alexander last season, and could play there again this season. He'll be counted upon to provide stability and shooting from the backcourt for the Wildcats this season.
Recruits: Kentucky currently has one point guard in their 2018 class, but that could certainly change. As of now, Immanuel Quickley is their lone point guard recruit. Ranked 15th in his class by 247 Sports, Quickley is a true playmaking guard. He is adept at penetrating and either kicking out to a teammate or taking it for himself. He also projects as a plus defender, with solid size for a point guard at 6'3" with a 6'8" wingspan, and does a good job of pressuring his man and creating turnovers with active hands. He isn't a great shooter and has a slower release, but he can make open looks. Quickley will remind Big Blue Nation of De'Aaron Fox. While he isn't as quick as the former Wildcat, Quickly has a game reminiscent of Fox with ability to get into the lane, his good handle, and his passing ability. Kentucky's point guard ranks could get even more crowded, though, as they also have a commitment from 2019 point guard Ashton Hagans, and there is lots of speculation he will reclassify to the class of 2018. The number 8 recruit for the 2019 class, Hagans is a similar player to Quickley. A pure point guard, he has an excellent feel for the game and is known for his competitive spirit. He is excellent in transition, where he uses his speed and vision to create good looks for either himself or a teammate. He is a very good ballhandler and can go past his defender at will. He also plays very good defense, taking full advantage of his 6'4" frame to stifle his man. He needs to work on his outside shot, but it has promise.
Outlook: At the moment, the point guard position looks fairly simple for Kentucky, with Green and Quickley splitting time and they could coexist thanks to Green's shooting ability. However, if Hagans reclassifies, things get a little more complicated. I think that he and Quickley would be splitting time pretty evenly while Green would see the majority of his minutes at the two, although he could find himself as the odd man out in the backcourt rotation. As if this all wasn't enough, Calipari has now set his sights on Tyrese Maxey, the number 13 recruit in the 2019 class, and he is also eligible to move up into the 2018 class. While that seems far more unlikely, the point guard position is still uncertain for the Wildcats next season
Shooting Guards
Returners: The Wildcats bring back two shooting guards from the 2017-18 season: Hamidou Diallo and Jemarl Baker. Diallo was tipped to enter the draft before even playing in college because of his freakish athleticism, but decided to play it out at Kentucky. It didn't really pay of for him, as he underwhelmed this season. He only averaged 10 points and didn't do much else when he was on the court. He had an impressive run before conference play started, averaging 18.8 points in the six games leading up to the start of SEC play, including games against Virginia Tech, UCLA, and Louisville. He then faltered in conference play, only averaging 7 points per game. He did have an excellent game against Buffalo in the tournament against Buffalo, scoring 22 and getting 8 rebounds, giving a glimpse into his elusive potential. He is at his best in the open court, as he can use his crazy athleticism to finish around the rim. He is an inconsistent shooter and defender, but he could still be a late first round pick. As for Baker, he entered last season as the number 73 recruit with a reputation as a deadeye shooter. However, he was sidelined for all of last season with a knee injury and was forced to redshirt.
Recruits: Kentucky's lone recruit at the two is Tyler Herro. He is known as an elite shooter, and is currently ranked as the number 32 overall player in his class. As mentioned, Herro is a great jump shooter both of the dribble and in catch and shoot situations. He uses the dribble to create space for himself and drain a jumper, and he can also attack the rim, where he is a more athletic than he is given credit for. He isn't a great defender, although he should improve over time. He will provide Kentucky with an immediate boost in scoring.
Outlook: No matter what Diallo's decision is in terms of the draft, Kentucky will be strong at the off guard position next season. They have two strong shooters definitely on the roster, and with Green and Keldon Johnson possibly seeing some minutes at the two, they should have shooting with anyone who is playing the two. If Diallo does decide to return, he will be a huge boost, although it most likely means Herro wouldn't see that much playing time in his first season.
Small Forwards
Returners: Kevin Knox was the only true small forward on last year's team, and he has declared for the NBA Draft.
Recruits: Kentucky brings in the 13th rated recruit Keldon Johnson to man the three next season. Like his fellow recruit Herro, Johnson is known as a knockdown shooter. He elevates well and has good size which allows him to get off his shot against almost every defender. He is a capable scorer around the rim, and won't struggle to get buckets in Lexington. He might struggle on the defensive end, as he hasn't grown into his body yet, and it's easy to see him getting bullied by a stronger wing like Admiral Schofield. His lateral quickness also isn't there just yet, but there are promising signs.
Outlook: Johnson should make an instant impact offensively, similar to what Knox did last season. There isn't really another natural three on this roster, so look for lots of different players to appear in this role as Calipari experiments with lineups. Herro, Baker, Wenyon Gabriel, and Jarred Vanderbilt could all see time at the three in different lineups.
Power Forwards
Returners: Kentucky will have a deep returning frontcourt this season. While none of them have made a definitive decision about their futures, Wenyen Gabriel, P.J. Washington, and Jarred Vanderbilt are projected to go before the late first round at the earliest, and I think they should all return to school. Starting with Gabriel, the rising junior emerged as a true stretch four last season, scoring 6.8 points on 39.6% shooting from deep while also averaging 5.4 rebound and over 1 block per game. He started 7 games, including the final 6 of the regular season, and if he returns will be counted on as a leader as well as a floor spacer. He had an excellent conference tournament, averaging 13.7 points a game while shooting 73.3% from deep. He cemented himself in the memory of the Kentucky faithful when he scored 23 and shot a perfect 7-7 from three in the semifinals against Alabama, and with a double-double in a victory over Buffalo in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 16 points and getting 12 rebounds. Next up is Washington, who is a 6'7" bruiser inside. He is a bit undersized height wise, but his 235 pounds of muscle and his 7'3" wingspan more than make up for it. He was a big piece of Kentucky's rotation last year, scoring 10.8 points and grabbing 5.7 rebounds for the Wildcats. He is a force on the inside, and represents a problem all defenders because of his strength and length. He also has a solid mid-range jumper although he struggles on the defensive end and isn't much of a shot-blocker. He submitted his name into the NBA Draft without an agent, so there is a chance he doesn't return to Kentucky next season. Finally, we get to Jarred Vanderbilt. Standing at 6'9", Vanderbilt entered the season with high expectations, coming to Lexington as the number 12 recruit in the nation. The season didn't go the way he would've wanted, as he was injured for the majority of the season and didn't make his debut until January. He also missed the entire postseason, playing in only 14 games this year. When he did play, however, he was incredible. Vanderbilt is a force on the boards, and he averaged 7.8 rebounds a game this season, despite only averaging 17 minutes. He is limited offensively, but given how often he gets offensive rebounds, he is able to convert easy opportunities. He also has emerging post moves and could be even better than his 5.9 points a game next year. He showed what he could be this season when playing against Florida, scoring 11 points and bringing in 15 rebounds. He hasn't announced his future plans, but should he return, he could have a huge impact on the Wildcats.
Recruits: Coach Calipari worked his recruiting magic once again, pulling in one of the best recruits left just a week ago with E.J. Montgomery. The 6'10" forward from Georgia is the twelfth ranked recruit in the nation, and will be a big part of the Wildcats rotation next season. He is very long and athletic and is comfortable on the wing. He has a good mid-range jumper and is consistently working to improve his shooting stroke from three point range. He has a soft touch around the rim, which allows him to finish quite well when attacking the basket. Defensively, he is a good shot blocker as well as good at bringing in rebounds. Montgomery also has the foot speed to guard smaller wings, and his long arms make him a nightmare to deal with on the defensive end. If he continues to improve his three point shot and gets to the gym and bulks up, its easy to see him being a star in Lexington and a lottery pick next June.
Outlook: The four is probably the deepest position for the Wildcats, with four very different players. They can trot out a spot-up stretch four, an undersized bruiser, a ferocious rebounder who is beginning to tap into his offensive potential, or a face-up player who can attack the basket and plays good defense. All of them bring a different skill set and depending on the matchup, each can be used to exploit an opponent's weakness. Given the skill of all the players at this position, don't be surprised to see some of them get time at the three or five.
Centers
Returners: Kentucky's lone center returning is Nick Richards. He has already announced his attention to return to school, so Big Blue Nation can look forward to having him return to Lexington next season. He had a disappointing season last year, failing to live up to being ranked 18th in his class. Despite starting all 37 of Kentucky's games, the seven footer struggled, only averaging 14.7 minutes, 5.1 points, and 4.4. rebounds. Richards has lots of potential, however, and perhaps his second year in Calipari's system will be more successful. He has a soft touch around the rim and a solid set of post moves. He also has a good mid-range jumper, which is backed up by his 72% shooting from the foul line last season. However, defensively he often looked lost and he struggled against more physical players. He showed what can be against IPFW with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Now, it was a game against a team that finished fourth in the Summit League, but it really showcased his potential. Unfortunately, it was very rarely seen again, as Richards really struggled in SEC play. Over the last ten games, he played double-digit minutes just once. If Richards can bulk up and improve on the boards and on defense, he can be a major part of Kentucky's rotation and one that opposing teams will struggle with all year. If not, he might have to consider transferring out of Lexington to get a fresh start.
Recruits: Kentucky isn't bringing in any centers at the moment, but with Coach Calipari, you can never count out a late addition.
Outlook: Perhaps the most uncertain position for Kentucky next season. If Richards improves as a sophomore, he could be a major plus for Kentucky. If not, look for lots of playing time for some of the power forwards at the five, with Wenyon Gabriel and Jared Vanderbilt probably getting the majority of the minutes.
Overall, I am very excited to watch Kentucky play next year. This is a very versatile group that has lots of potential on both ends of the floor. Calipari can choose to go small with a lineup of Green, Baker, Herro, Washington, and Vanderbilt. He could go big, with Quickley, Johnson, Montgomery, Gabriel, and Richards. He can trot out five shooters and space the floor with Green, Baker, Johnson, Montgomery, and Gabriel, go with players who excel at attacking the basket of Quickley, Herro, Vanderbilt, Washington, and Richards, or any number of different and exciting combinations. If Hagans comes in as well, his lineups will be even more pliable. Last season, Kentucky's Achilles heel was their inability to shoot, as evidenced by not making a three pointer against Davidson in the tournament. That shouldn't be a problem for Kentucky this season, with some truly great shooters residing at Kentucky this year. They'll have the size and athleticism that every one of Calipari's Kentucky teams enjoys, so they'll be good on the defensive end as well as a potential offensive juggernaut. I'm super high on the Wildcats, and I think they're a real threat to bring home their ninth national championship if everything goes as expected next season.
Point Guards
Returners:Kentucky will return one of its point guards from last season: Quade Green. As for Quade Green, he was starting at the point for about half the year before Shai Gilgeous-Alexander heated up towards the end of non-conference play and going on a tear during SEC play. Green averaged 9.3 points and 2.1 assists a game and was one of their most consistent perimeter shooters, making 37.6% of his shots from three. He also saw some time at the two alongside Gilgeous-Alexander last season, and could play there again this season. He'll be counted upon to provide stability and shooting from the backcourt for the Wildcats this season.
Recruits: Kentucky currently has one point guard in their 2018 class, but that could certainly change. As of now, Immanuel Quickley is their lone point guard recruit. Ranked 15th in his class by 247 Sports, Quickley is a true playmaking guard. He is adept at penetrating and either kicking out to a teammate or taking it for himself. He also projects as a plus defender, with solid size for a point guard at 6'3" with a 6'8" wingspan, and does a good job of pressuring his man and creating turnovers with active hands. He isn't a great shooter and has a slower release, but he can make open looks. Quickley will remind Big Blue Nation of De'Aaron Fox. While he isn't as quick as the former Wildcat, Quickly has a game reminiscent of Fox with ability to get into the lane, his good handle, and his passing ability. Kentucky's point guard ranks could get even more crowded, though, as they also have a commitment from 2019 point guard Ashton Hagans, and there is lots of speculation he will reclassify to the class of 2018. The number 8 recruit for the 2019 class, Hagans is a similar player to Quickley. A pure point guard, he has an excellent feel for the game and is known for his competitive spirit. He is excellent in transition, where he uses his speed and vision to create good looks for either himself or a teammate. He is a very good ballhandler and can go past his defender at will. He also plays very good defense, taking full advantage of his 6'4" frame to stifle his man. He needs to work on his outside shot, but it has promise.
Outlook: At the moment, the point guard position looks fairly simple for Kentucky, with Green and Quickley splitting time and they could coexist thanks to Green's shooting ability. However, if Hagans reclassifies, things get a little more complicated. I think that he and Quickley would be splitting time pretty evenly while Green would see the majority of his minutes at the two, although he could find himself as the odd man out in the backcourt rotation. As if this all wasn't enough, Calipari has now set his sights on Tyrese Maxey, the number 13 recruit in the 2019 class, and he is also eligible to move up into the 2018 class. While that seems far more unlikely, the point guard position is still uncertain for the Wildcats next season
Shooting Guards
Returners: The Wildcats bring back two shooting guards from the 2017-18 season: Hamidou Diallo and Jemarl Baker. Diallo was tipped to enter the draft before even playing in college because of his freakish athleticism, but decided to play it out at Kentucky. It didn't really pay of for him, as he underwhelmed this season. He only averaged 10 points and didn't do much else when he was on the court. He had an impressive run before conference play started, averaging 18.8 points in the six games leading up to the start of SEC play, including games against Virginia Tech, UCLA, and Louisville. He then faltered in conference play, only averaging 7 points per game. He did have an excellent game against Buffalo in the tournament against Buffalo, scoring 22 and getting 8 rebounds, giving a glimpse into his elusive potential. He is at his best in the open court, as he can use his crazy athleticism to finish around the rim. He is an inconsistent shooter and defender, but he could still be a late first round pick. As for Baker, he entered last season as the number 73 recruit with a reputation as a deadeye shooter. However, he was sidelined for all of last season with a knee injury and was forced to redshirt.
Recruits: Kentucky's lone recruit at the two is Tyler Herro. He is known as an elite shooter, and is currently ranked as the number 32 overall player in his class. As mentioned, Herro is a great jump shooter both of the dribble and in catch and shoot situations. He uses the dribble to create space for himself and drain a jumper, and he can also attack the rim, where he is a more athletic than he is given credit for. He isn't a great defender, although he should improve over time. He will provide Kentucky with an immediate boost in scoring.
Outlook: No matter what Diallo's decision is in terms of the draft, Kentucky will be strong at the off guard position next season. They have two strong shooters definitely on the roster, and with Green and Keldon Johnson possibly seeing some minutes at the two, they should have shooting with anyone who is playing the two. If Diallo does decide to return, he will be a huge boost, although it most likely means Herro wouldn't see that much playing time in his first season.
Small Forwards
Returners: Kevin Knox was the only true small forward on last year's team, and he has declared for the NBA Draft.
Recruits: Kentucky brings in the 13th rated recruit Keldon Johnson to man the three next season. Like his fellow recruit Herro, Johnson is known as a knockdown shooter. He elevates well and has good size which allows him to get off his shot against almost every defender. He is a capable scorer around the rim, and won't struggle to get buckets in Lexington. He might struggle on the defensive end, as he hasn't grown into his body yet, and it's easy to see him getting bullied by a stronger wing like Admiral Schofield. His lateral quickness also isn't there just yet, but there are promising signs.
Outlook: Johnson should make an instant impact offensively, similar to what Knox did last season. There isn't really another natural three on this roster, so look for lots of different players to appear in this role as Calipari experiments with lineups. Herro, Baker, Wenyon Gabriel, and Jarred Vanderbilt could all see time at the three in different lineups.
Power Forwards
Returners: Kentucky will have a deep returning frontcourt this season. While none of them have made a definitive decision about their futures, Wenyen Gabriel, P.J. Washington, and Jarred Vanderbilt are projected to go before the late first round at the earliest, and I think they should all return to school. Starting with Gabriel, the rising junior emerged as a true stretch four last season, scoring 6.8 points on 39.6% shooting from deep while also averaging 5.4 rebound and over 1 block per game. He started 7 games, including the final 6 of the regular season, and if he returns will be counted on as a leader as well as a floor spacer. He had an excellent conference tournament, averaging 13.7 points a game while shooting 73.3% from deep. He cemented himself in the memory of the Kentucky faithful when he scored 23 and shot a perfect 7-7 from three in the semifinals against Alabama, and with a double-double in a victory over Buffalo in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 16 points and getting 12 rebounds. Next up is Washington, who is a 6'7" bruiser inside. He is a bit undersized height wise, but his 235 pounds of muscle and his 7'3" wingspan more than make up for it. He was a big piece of Kentucky's rotation last year, scoring 10.8 points and grabbing 5.7 rebounds for the Wildcats. He is a force on the inside, and represents a problem all defenders because of his strength and length. He also has a solid mid-range jumper although he struggles on the defensive end and isn't much of a shot-blocker. He submitted his name into the NBA Draft without an agent, so there is a chance he doesn't return to Kentucky next season. Finally, we get to Jarred Vanderbilt. Standing at 6'9", Vanderbilt entered the season with high expectations, coming to Lexington as the number 12 recruit in the nation. The season didn't go the way he would've wanted, as he was injured for the majority of the season and didn't make his debut until January. He also missed the entire postseason, playing in only 14 games this year. When he did play, however, he was incredible. Vanderbilt is a force on the boards, and he averaged 7.8 rebounds a game this season, despite only averaging 17 minutes. He is limited offensively, but given how often he gets offensive rebounds, he is able to convert easy opportunities. He also has emerging post moves and could be even better than his 5.9 points a game next year. He showed what he could be this season when playing against Florida, scoring 11 points and bringing in 15 rebounds. He hasn't announced his future plans, but should he return, he could have a huge impact on the Wildcats.
Recruits: Coach Calipari worked his recruiting magic once again, pulling in one of the best recruits left just a week ago with E.J. Montgomery. The 6'10" forward from Georgia is the twelfth ranked recruit in the nation, and will be a big part of the Wildcats rotation next season. He is very long and athletic and is comfortable on the wing. He has a good mid-range jumper and is consistently working to improve his shooting stroke from three point range. He has a soft touch around the rim, which allows him to finish quite well when attacking the basket. Defensively, he is a good shot blocker as well as good at bringing in rebounds. Montgomery also has the foot speed to guard smaller wings, and his long arms make him a nightmare to deal with on the defensive end. If he continues to improve his three point shot and gets to the gym and bulks up, its easy to see him being a star in Lexington and a lottery pick next June.
Outlook: The four is probably the deepest position for the Wildcats, with four very different players. They can trot out a spot-up stretch four, an undersized bruiser, a ferocious rebounder who is beginning to tap into his offensive potential, or a face-up player who can attack the basket and plays good defense. All of them bring a different skill set and depending on the matchup, each can be used to exploit an opponent's weakness. Given the skill of all the players at this position, don't be surprised to see some of them get time at the three or five.
Centers
Returners: Kentucky's lone center returning is Nick Richards. He has already announced his attention to return to school, so Big Blue Nation can look forward to having him return to Lexington next season. He had a disappointing season last year, failing to live up to being ranked 18th in his class. Despite starting all 37 of Kentucky's games, the seven footer struggled, only averaging 14.7 minutes, 5.1 points, and 4.4. rebounds. Richards has lots of potential, however, and perhaps his second year in Calipari's system will be more successful. He has a soft touch around the rim and a solid set of post moves. He also has a good mid-range jumper, which is backed up by his 72% shooting from the foul line last season. However, defensively he often looked lost and he struggled against more physical players. He showed what can be against IPFW with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Now, it was a game against a team that finished fourth in the Summit League, but it really showcased his potential. Unfortunately, it was very rarely seen again, as Richards really struggled in SEC play. Over the last ten games, he played double-digit minutes just once. If Richards can bulk up and improve on the boards and on defense, he can be a major part of Kentucky's rotation and one that opposing teams will struggle with all year. If not, he might have to consider transferring out of Lexington to get a fresh start.
Recruits: Kentucky isn't bringing in any centers at the moment, but with Coach Calipari, you can never count out a late addition.
Outlook: Perhaps the most uncertain position for Kentucky next season. If Richards improves as a sophomore, he could be a major plus for Kentucky. If not, look for lots of playing time for some of the power forwards at the five, with Wenyon Gabriel and Jared Vanderbilt probably getting the majority of the minutes.
Overall, I am very excited to watch Kentucky play next year. This is a very versatile group that has lots of potential on both ends of the floor. Calipari can choose to go small with a lineup of Green, Baker, Herro, Washington, and Vanderbilt. He could go big, with Quickley, Johnson, Montgomery, Gabriel, and Richards. He can trot out five shooters and space the floor with Green, Baker, Johnson, Montgomery, and Gabriel, go with players who excel at attacking the basket of Quickley, Herro, Vanderbilt, Washington, and Richards, or any number of different and exciting combinations. If Hagans comes in as well, his lineups will be even more pliable. Last season, Kentucky's Achilles heel was their inability to shoot, as evidenced by not making a three pointer against Davidson in the tournament. That shouldn't be a problem for Kentucky this season, with some truly great shooters residing at Kentucky this year. They'll have the size and athleticism that every one of Calipari's Kentucky teams enjoys, so they'll be good on the defensive end as well as a potential offensive juggernaut. I'm super high on the Wildcats, and I think they're a real threat to bring home their ninth national championship if everything goes as expected next season.
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