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Kentucky Basketball Preview: #0 Enes Kanter

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#0 – ENES KANTER

FRESHMAN – FORWARD

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Stoneridge Prep HS

BEFORE KENTUCKY:

Kanter was a force on the international scene for the past couple of years as college coaches stateside drooled over his potential.  He played for the Turkish under 18 squad in 2009 and was named the championship’s MVP, averaging 18.6 points and 16.4 rebounds in leading Turkey to a bronze medal.  Kanter turned down two professional contracts in Turkey to play stateside and was an early commit for the University of Washington.  After just a few months as a Husky, Kanter de-committed and eventually became a Wildcat.  He broke Dirk Nowitzki’s scoring record in the 2010 Nike Hoops Summit in Portland.  Kanter scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the event.

ESPN on ENES

"Kanter is a fundamentally sound basketball player with a high basketball IQ. Enes scores the basketball all over the floor and is an efficient player in the post. When in the post, Enes is patient and reads what the defense is giving him. He does a great job of establishing deep post position and loves to create contact with his opponent. Enes uses a drop step or step through move in the post, as well as, two dribble drop baseline moves from both sides of the floor. He is always on two feet when going to finish and keeps the ball chinned while completing his moves in the post. Enes finishes his lay-ups above the rim; occasionally, he will dunk. Enes is comfortable knocking down the three-point shot as the trail post or picking and popping in the half court offense. He will rebound the basketball at its highest point and goes outside of his body to grab a number of rebounds. His physical traits plus his feel for the game will allow him to be an excellent player at the high major level."

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Unfortunately Wildcat fans have yet to experience Enes Kanter as he has spent the last few months in limbo as the NCAA decides his fate.  This was a decision that was expected in August, but has been delayed for unseen reason.  As a result, Kanter has missed the Canadian tour, the Blue/White game, and the two exhibition games.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ENES

To be honest, Enes is the difference between a Final Four team and a top 10 team.  Granted, I am not saying that there is not enough talent on this team to make the Final Four without Enes, but having him will make it a hell of a lot easier.  If and when Kanter joins the Wildcats, he will be pencilled in at the 5 spot and will provide a dominant post presence that this team is lacking.  Kanter has been compared to DeMarcus Cousins and right now, it is all speculation.  Kanter is certainly capable of averaging a double double and that is what should be expected for him.  As a matter of fact, I put a 10 point, 10 rebound night as a low average for the big man.  If everything goes well for Kanter and he establishes chemistry, we can expect around a 18 point, 14 rebound average.  I know it sounds lofty, but Kanter could have gone from Turkey and been a top five pick in the NBA last year if not for the age restriction.  Kanter is a difference maker in the Wildcat’s season and Kentucky needs to hear on his status soon.

CALIPARI on ENES

"“Enes has the body and potential to be special. He will provide a valuable low-post presence on both the offensive and defensive ends for our team. He also has the versatility to play away from the basket with his shooting ability and face-up game.”"

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