Hype Is Building Around Archie Goodwin

Mar 26, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All American forward Archie Goodwin (24) does a dunk in the dunk contest during Jam Fest at the Gerald Ratner Athletic Center for the 35th McDonalds All American Game. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Archie Goodwin is really good. I’m not the only one making that statement. John Calipari thinks Archie deserves some recognition as well. Calipari stated that Goodwin has “the motor” of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Goodwin has came into Kentucky with a lot of hype. McDonald’s All-American, Jordan Brand all-star, you name it. He also has ridiculous hops for a two-guard, (see the photo above).

Goodwin is most compared to NBA star Dwayne Wade. Goodwin’s shooting skills are yet to be unveiled, but he is capable of knocking down some threes. He’ll come into UK as a slasher. A “Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist type” slasher. He could very well be this year’s version of MKG. There is no reason why you can’t expect at least double-digit figures from him, on a game-to-game basis.

We’ve seen Coach Cal rave on players in the preseason, like Doron Lamb from a year ago. Calipari is a serious guy. When he made those comments, Lamb ended up having a fantastic player for the Cats’ 2011-12 campaign. I mean, dropping 21 points in a National Championship game isn’t that bad.

I honestly don’t know if Goodwin can be another one-and-done player, but he does have the potential. Expect the Cats to lean on the likes of Alex Poythress and Kyle Wiltjer for the majority of the scoring, but Goodwin can be one of those guys as well. I think he has the capability to be a defensive force, think of DeAndre Liggins. I think Archie Goodwin is a sick mix of MKG and Liggins.

Those comments by Cal were strong. This is a fantastic compliment, and many of us hope that it’s true. I expect Goodwin’s freshman season to be an outstanding success, as we prowl our way to number nine.