November 10, 2010 Jake’s UK Basketball Preview
by JAKE BERTRAM
College basketball has finally started. It’s my favorite time of year. Last year the University of Kentucky came up short, losing to West Virginia. I still am questioning how it even happened. They had five first round draft picks, four of which were freshman. That boggles my mind even more; I can’t help but wonder what those guys would have been like as seniors, or even as sophomores or juniors.
This year’s team should be okay as well. There’s not as much talent it seems, but they are still the number one class of freshman. The preseason polls have them ranked a lot higher than I expected. That brings me to one of my main concerns: Calipari. The man can recruit – that’s a given. But what he can’t do is recruit more than two year players that have more than three stars on rivals. Right now he hasn’t even gotten two year players with three stars. That worries me.
Other fans seem to have no problem with it. Some say that the University of Kentucky doesn’t rebuild, it reloads. That’s fine and dandy at the present, but after a few years it’s not going to be that easy. Given next year he’s already signed about four players that could have five stars on rivals, I want three and four year players. They are the ones that can build programs, show leadership, and bring in other recruits. I will say I did enjoy watching John wall, Eric Bledsoe, and Demarcus Cousins for the time they were here, and I will say even though Boogie was here for one year he is in my book as one of my favorite players. All the others are three or four year players except Rajon Rondo.
This year’s team will most likely use the dribble drive offense which will make for exciting games if they can make lay ups or kick it out and hit the three ball. If not, I’m sure coach Cal will make some changes. Last year’s team averaged a height of I think 6’8’’, which was the highest in all of college basketball. Enes Kanter is an incoming freshman that’s incredibly talented, so were told; he has yet to practice for coach Cal and the Wildcats. The NCAA is working diligently to clear him. This isn’t just big for Kentucky, but for all foreigners that come to the United States looking to play sports in college.
Without Kanter, the center position will be in trouble, I think. Although Josh Harrelson has been here for three years, he’s not the best and he and Cal have had their differences and are not the best of friends. Eloy Vargas, another big man, could use some improvements as well. His dad recently passed away, so basketball isn’t his biggest priority right now and rightfully so.
I’m excited for the season, which tips off November 12. Go Cats. And as always, keep on truckin’.
Tags: basketball, Kentucky, sports, wildcats
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