2010 UK Roster Preview: Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Small Forward
By Paul Jordan
For all of you who aren’t entertained with the NBA Playoffs, MLB, or the NFL Draft (like myself), you might as well be looking forward to some fall afternoons at Commonwealth or the opening tip-off at Rupp Arena. So far during this “recruiting season” because there is no such thing as the offseason in Lexington, Calipari has pulled off some magic in signing another great class this year with a few more spots to add. Stacey Poole, Enes Kanter, Brandon Knight, and most recently Doron Lamb are the names of the newcomers to next year’s roster. While we’re at it, let’s take a look at the players predicted to be on the 2011 version of the Kentucky Wildcats:
Josh Harrelson, 6′10″, F, Senior
DeAndre Liggins, 6′6″, G, Junior
Darius Miller, 6′7″, F, Junior
Darnell Dodson, 6′7″, G, Junior
Jon Hood, 6′6″, G, Sophomore
Doron Lamb, 6′4″, G, Freshman
Brandon Knight, 6′3″, G, Freshman
Stacey Poole, Jr., 6′5″, G/F, Freshman
Enes Kanter, 6′9″, F/C, Freshman
POINT GUARD: The point guard position looks pretty much empty at this point. Brandon Knight will be the only person at that position unless John Wall or Eric Bledsoe decide to come back. Yeah, let’s not bet on that and assume Knight is the only one playing at that position. The possibility of another point guard is very small after Josh Selby committed to Kansas, and even though Cory Joseph is still uncommitted, it is most likely he and UK are not talking at this point. Prediciton for starting lineup: Knight
SHOOTING GUARD: Freshman Doron Lamb and Jon Hood look to be the only two competing for this position. I think that Hood will get more playing time this year due to a smaller lineup, but I still see him coming off the bench with Lamb starting. Lamb is a sharpshooter and has a great mid-range game with a good perimeter game as well, which will help UK tremendously from last year. Eric Bledsoe had his moments but Lamb is more of a consistent shooter, which is what the Cats had been missing. Depending on how the season works out, Hood could compete and help a lot at that position in the way that Daniel Orton came off the bench for DeMarcus Cousins. Prediction for starting lineup: Lamb
SMALL FORWARD: This will be another position with even more competition. The small forward position is like another guard in Calipari’s DDMO, with the 3 spot being able to shoot from the outside as well as being able to drive to the basket, basically a slasher. Stacey Poole as a lot to bring to the table as another talented freshman, but DeAndre Liggins and Darius Miller both proved themselves last season and will most likely take the reigns at this spot. Miller will probably keep his starting spot for the third year in a row with Liggins seeing a lot of valuable minutes at the 3 spot or anywhere else on the perimeter. His long arms add to his defensive game and he is quick and can drive to the basket, more so than Miller. But because of Miller’s outside shooting and experience, I see him getting the most minutes next season. Darnell Dodson has been rumored by many people to not come back after just one season at UK, adding validity to the statement by Coach Calipari syaing that there would only be four returning players to the roster (Hood, Miller, Liggins, Harrellson). He would help if he came back but UK still looks strong at this position for next year. Prediction for starting lineup: Miller
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