Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Regular Season Report Cards

Mar 9, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Julius Mays (34) celebrates after hitting a three point shot against the Florida Gators in the first half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Florida 61-57. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Julius Mays

Best Game- vs. Missouri (24 points, six rebounds, 50% from the field, 50% from the three, 89% from the free throw line)

Do-Over Game- at Arkansas (3 points, four rebounds, 12% shooting, 16% from the three, 0% from the free throw line)

Grade- A-

Where would this team be without the leadership of Julius Mays? Despite an early season slump, Mays has emerged as the player that wants the ball in his hands and the most crucial moments. Take the Missouri game as an example: Mays went toe-to-toe with Phil Pressey for the second half, scoring bucket for bucket with the elite point guard. In the final seconds of the Florida game, Mays demanded the ball on the out-of-bounds play so that he could shoot the victory clutching free throws. He hit both. He challenges his teammates and readily calls them out if they aren’t doing their jobs. He vocally takes pride in putting on the Kentucky jersey and plays every game like it’s his last. For this, Mays gets the high score.

Feb 27, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Alex Poythress (22) dribbles the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Mississippi State 85-55. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Poythress

Best Game- vs. Missouri (21 points, seven rebounds, 80% from the field, 67% from the free throw line)

Do-Over Game- at Georgia (4 points, four rebounds, 33% from the field, 67% from the free throw line)

Grade- C+

Alex Poythress may be the most frustrating player on the team. He also may be the most frustrated player on the team. We never know exactly when he will show up and play like an All American. Sometimes he doesn’t even show up at all. He has come to terms with his lack of consistency and has placed the blame firmly on his shoulders. Alex has “A+” games and he has flat “F” games. I put him in the middle with a C+. Hopefully the dominating “A+” Alex is here to stay. The problem is I don’t think even Alex knows how to fix his issues.

Mar 9, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Ryan Harrow (12) shoots the ball against Florida Gators guard Michael Frazier II (20) guard Kenny Boynton (1) and forward Casey Prather (24) in the first half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Harrow

Best Game- at Louisville (17 points, five rebounds, three assists, zero turnovers)

Do-Obver Game- at Florida and at Tennessee (combined zero points, one rebounds, one assist, three turnovers, 37 minutes played)

Grade- C

Harrow started the season off with controversy as he missed four of Kentucky’s first five games. The issues were never cleared up (rumors were abound. Injury, illness, family issues, transfer, etc…) and Kentucky fans breathed a sigh of relief when he returned. He was not effective at all at the first of his return; he then ripped off eight straight games in which he scored in double digits. The Wildcats went 6-2 in that stretch. He then reverted back to passive play and had a nightmare stretch against Florida and Tennessee. Harrow at times looks like he doesn’t care to be out on the floor and he drives Calipari insane. His “C” comes due to the fact that he is not consistent at all. But, he could be as high as a “B+” if he just played his role.