Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: What we learned from the McDonald’s/Jordan games

Kentucky’s 2013 recruiting class is the best in the country once again, and many believe that on paper it’s the best class ever put together by one school. The McDonald’s All-American game was last week, and I got the chance to go watch the future Wildcats play, and came away impressed with one of the forgotten foes in this class. Dakari Johnson committed to Kentucky in early February, and is the #11 ranked player in the class of 2013. I watched Dakari play in the Cancer Research Classic earlier this season, and I knew he was really good, but he showed me a lot more in the MCAAG last week.

Johnson was going against the best of the best, and pretty much dominated the rest of the big guys that were playing. He stands at about 7 foot tall with shoes, but moves so well for a guy his size. I called him your “typical big man” because he does all the dirty work down low. I met Johnson before the game, and asked him about Willie Cauley-Stein coming back for another season, and he responded by saying “All I care about is winning, and he will make me a better player”. That attitude alone is one of the reasons I think he will be a huge part to the Kentucky team next season.

The Harrison twins both looked really good during the game, but didn’t push to hard because it’s a all star game, and everybody already knows how good they are. Aaron is a true point guard while Andrew is a volume scorer, and deadly from beyond 3 point range. Julius Randle is the most explosive big man in the class in my opinion. He didn’t have a great game, but showed flashes of why he is the #3 ranked player in the country. James Young and Marcus Lee had minor injuries during the week so playing time was limited, but Young finished the game with 6 points, and Lee added 2.

The Jordan Brand game was Saturday, and this is where Julius Randle was a man among time boys out there. Randle is so strong that he can bull his way to the paint for an easy two, and step back and hit a jumper if needed. Randle won Co-MVP of the game along with Jabari Parker who is signed with Duke.

A stat line that I liked a lot was Andrew Harrison’s line of 6 points, and 8 assist with 0 turnovers. In a all-star game that is very rare to have zero turnovers because of the pace of the game. James Young looked liked the minor injury he suffered two weeks ago was healed,and was filling it up from the outside. Kentucky will need that next season from Young to extend the defense, and give our guards room to drive, and make plays.

I knew Kentucky’s class for 2013 was the best yet, but after watching the two all star games to date I think once they become a unit next season they will not only be the best on paper, but the best on the court as well. I love this groups attitude they will not back down any expectations given to them, but they are very humble at the same time.

Another note don’t worry about not having leadership on this seasons team; because Andrew Harrison is the best on the floor leader I have seen in person.