Wildcat Basketball Preview: #2 Stacey Poole

#2 STACEY POOLE
FRESHMAN
6’4 195
Jacksonville, FL
Providence HS

BEFORE UK:
As a senior at Providence, Poole averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game as one of the go-to-guys on the team along with Florida freshman Patric Young. It was a bit less than his 17.3 ppg during his junior year. He also participated as the sole Kentucky recruit in this year’s Kentucky Derby Classic in Louisville in April., where he had 10 points and five rebounds. He scored in double figures in 19 of 23 games in his senior year. Ranked as the fourth best small forward and 33rd player overall in the class of 2010 by Rivals.com.

ESPN on POOLE:
This super athletic wing excels in transition. He can provide highlights with acrobatic slashes and above the rim finishes in traffic. Poole has a quick first step and on the glass his second jump is just as quick as his first which allows him to score and rebound on the offense glass. He runs the floor with great speed and quickness and in the half court he is a threat to attack the baseline off the dribble. He has a decent mid range jumper off the catch with time and is streaky from three at best. Poole plays with energy and urgency on both ends. He also is a capable multiple position defender because of his great length and athletic ability. With a consistent jumper his game goes to the next level but right now he is already pretty good as is. Poole has talent and great upside.

STACEY THIS SUMMER:
We know he really enjoyed Lexington this summer as evidenced by the pictures that were taken of him around town with his future teammates and fans, but that was before any basketball was to be played. While in Canada during the team trip, Poole played a total of 47 minutes, about an average of 15 minutes per game. Although he played in all three games, he only had a total of 10 points over the three-game span and averaged 3.3 ppg and 0.3 rebounds per game. Another stat to note is that he went 0-5 from three-point land. Then again, its just exhibition.

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS SEASON:
Poole is a guard and forward hybrid, similar to Terrence Jones. But still, he’s more of a guard than anything. With a strong guard rotation this season, Poole will probably sub in for Darius Miller or DeAndre Liggins from time to time, probably averaging between 13-17 minutes a game (sorry for the odd numbers). Even though he is a freshman, he will not have as heavy of a role to play as Knight or Kanter but is still considered a role player like Miller was for Kentucky two seasons ago. He will be brought in to score and rebound when needed, but he will be relied upon more as the year moves on into next season, as he will most likely become a starter then.

CALIPARI ON POOLE:
“Stacey has the skill set and the work ethic to play well in our system. He’s a slasher who can play multiple positions and a defender that is capable of shutting down people. He should earn more playing time as the season progresses.”

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