Feb 27, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jarrod Polson (5) 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
#5 Jarrod Polson-G
6-2, 189
Games played: 33
PPG: 3.1
RPG: 1.7
APG: 1.1
Before the season: Coming into the season Jarrod was a fan favorite mostly because of being from Lexington, and not to mention that he was from Lexington. He didn’t see very much action in his first two season at Kentucky, and was supposed to be the backup for Ryan Harrow this season. Everybody who followed Kentucky basketball knew that he would be counted on a lot more than usual, but nobody would have ever guessed he would play such a big role this season like he did.
This season: Jarrod had a great season considering his expectations coming into the season, and it started fast. The first game of the season against Maryland Jarrod came up huge a hit the game winning free throws to seal a huge win for the young Kentucky Wildcats. He ended up with 10 points, and logged over 25 minutes in a victory because of Ryan Harrow struggling. Polson was counted on more than anybody could have expected coming into the season mainly because of Ryan Harrow not being what he was supposed to be. Like the whole though Jarrod had his ups and downs throughout the season, but I think overall he did a great job. Most of the time he was one of the few players to share heart, and emotion throughout the whole game. Calipari was very impressed with Polson after season took a sudden end at the hands of Robert Morris.
Season grade: This wasn’t a tough call for me on Jarrod; because he gave everything he had and more this season. I gave him a solid A, and most of that was his effort throughout the season. When Kentucky boys put on the jersey they know what it means to wear that jersey, and Jarrod demonstrated that this season. He isn’t just the boy who plays when we are up 40 with 3 minutes left. Like I said earlier I didn’t have any problem giving him a season grade of an A.
What’s next: Jarrod will graduate in May with a degree from the University of Kentucky, and news came out today that he could transfer to another school if Kentucky put him back as a walk on for this upcoming season. I have to say this news shocked me, because I know how much he loves it here at Kentucky. It shocked me even more since we found out Sunday that Ryan Harrow was moving on to Georgia State, and would not return to Kentucky for his junior season so I thought for sure that Polson, and Dominique Hawkins(if offered) would fight for backup minutes for the Harrison twins. If Alex Poythress decides to go pro then I think Calipari will give Polson that scholarship, and everything will be fine. I wish I could tell you that I know what he is going to do next, but nobody knows as out now. If he does decide to move on I know me and the rest of the Big Blue Nation will wish him the best, and cheer for him.