Soon enough the basketball season will get underway as ‘Cats fans get to take their first look at what head coach John Calipari has brought on board for the 2010-2011 seasons.
The 2009-2010 seasons featured several of the nation’s best players, including John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Patrick Patterson. All three proved to be valuable and reliable starters for the Wildcats, pushing the team to their first Elite 8 appearance in over five years.
Now, it’s up to a new cast of characters to keep Kentucky’s fortunes high and possibly take UK and the Big Blue Nation to even further heights.
Last year’s starting lineup was fairly consistent, with one role seemingly interchangeable throughout the season at the small forward position. Wall, Cousins, Patterson, and freshmen Eric Bledsoe manned the four main positions in the starting lineup with Darius Miller usually taking the lead at small forward. Darnell Dodson and even DeAndre Liggins also took turns representing the starting spots, but neither seemed to stick.
This year’s team, while rather talented still has some questions to answer in terms of who will take over the starting positions from last year’s team. Here’s a look at several options Calipari could have for his starting lineup for the 2010-2011 seasons:
Brandon Knight (PG), Doron Lamb (SG), Darius Miller (SF), Terrance Jones (PF), Enes Kanter (C)
This lineup will undoubtedly be everyone’s incumbent starting lineup from day 1. It features four talented freshmen and one junior in Miller. One might argue that Knight, Jones, and Kanter are locks to be in the starting lineup, but Jones creates a ‘smaller’ lineup that hones in on the overall team speed Calipari has brought together.
There isn’t another point guard on the team better than Knight. Much like Wall, Knight will be expected to be a productive lead guard from the first day on campus. Lamb makes sense to start because he’s already the team’s best shooter, an aspect the ‘Cats struggled at last season. Miller essentially has a bulls-eye on his back as he takes over the label of team journeyman. Jones provides intriguing matchups problems for opponents and is perfect for Calipari’s dribble-drive offense. Kanter is probably the closest thing you have to a sure-fire Top-5 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft; he doesn’t sit.
The rest: Stacey Poole, DeAndre Liggins, Josh Harrellson, Jared Poulson, Jon Hood, Darnell Dodson, Eloy Vargas
Others:
Knight, Liggins (PG/SG), Miller, Eloy Vargas (PF/C), Kanter
This lineup provides more height and a better low-post presence than the ‘likely’ starting lineup. Liggins stands around 6’5” and has a tremendous wingspan that makes it hard for opponents to see around the taller Liggins. Vargas will be playing his rookie season in the NCAA next year, but like Dodson, he has played against better competition while at Miami Dade Community College. He could provide a spark in the starting lineup, but will likely come off the bench in favor of other, more athletic players like Jones. Harrellson could also fit into a lineup like this especially with his improved athletic ability and game while playing in China this summer.
Knight, Poole, Miller, Jones, Kanter:
Similar to the potential starting lineup, freshman Stacey Poole takes the shooting guard spot giving Calipari and the ‘Cats more firepower from the wings playing alongside the likes of Miller and Jones. Miller needs to turn things around for the 2010-2011 seasons and will be counted on early on in the season. If he doesn’t produce, don’t expect Cal to sit back on his hands and wait for Miller to come around; he’ll find someone else to do the job.
Overall, the consensus seems to be that Calipari will use a ‘smaller’ lineup potentially a four-guard lineup surrounding Kanter in the post. The first lineup I gave is the most likely candidate. With plenty of speed and quickness, these players have the ability to put the ball on the deck and get around defenders, a precedent for any Calipari offense. Kanter is a beast down low and could very well produce at a higher clip than DeMarcus Cousins.
We’re still a ways away from the start of the basketball season, but it’s always fun to take a look into the future.
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