Meet the Wildcats: #24 Eric Bledsoe
By Staff
ERIC BLEDSOE
FRESHMAN
GUARD
6’1 190
BIRMINGHAM, AL
PARKER HS
BEFORE UK:
Eric helped lead Parker HS to a 5A State Runnerup finish last season and he as named the “#1 Super Senior” by the Birmingham News. Eric averaged close to a triple double his senior season with 20.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 11.5 assists at Parker. In a huge disparity of rating criteria, Eric was the 3rd best PG and 23rd best player according to rivals.com and was listed as the 12th best PG by ESPN and not a top 100 player. Eric endeared himself to UK fans when during his signing press conference he was asked about the possible John Wall commitment and Eric replied that he and John Wall would “get shit right”.
FROM ESPN: Eric is a solid pass first point guard. He is excellent at running a team and creating opportunities for his teammates. He has a strong body and is effective getting in the lane for dump offs or scoring on his own. He is a good defender on the ball. Eric is an ok shooter with range to 19 feet. He has a very good basketball IQ and has good leadership ability. Eric is a tough competitor and has some bulldog in him as a player.
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS SEASON:
Calipari has made no secret that he intends to play Bledsoe and Wall together on the court as much as possible. This could give Kentucky the fastest and most athletic backcourt in the country. Bledsoe has impressed so far through the exhibitions with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists in the Blue/White game. He added 9 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in the Campbellsville game and just that one game was instant verification that he was a step up from UK point guards of the past.
With a new system, coach, and philosophy, it is tough to predict how Bledsoe’s season may go. A safe prediction would be he would average around 20 minutes a game and probably about 8 points with 5-6 assists a game. Depending on the matchups and situations he should start several games and if Calipari does go with his plan to start both point guards, you can look for 12 points and 7 assists as a starter. Even in just a few brief appearances in a UK uniform thus far, it’s fairly obvious that Bledsoe is living up to the Rivals ranking rather than the ESPN one.
Bledsoe on his size: “They’ve always told me I was too small. One high school coach even told me they wouldn’t let me play because I was too small, but I’ve played point guard my whole life, since seventh grade. It’s where all my natural ability is. I just use the criticism as motivation” (from Catspause)
CALIPARI ON BLEDSOE:
“Eric is one the fastest players I’ve ever coached. His length (78″ wingspan) and outstanding leaping ability (40″ vertical) allow him to play bigger than listed. He’s a true competitor and I expect him to contribute right away as a freshman.”
Keep following www.http://wildcatbluenation.com for the best in Kentucky basketball and football news, rumors, and opinions. By Kentucky fans for Kentucky fans