Repeat Final Four appearance for Kentucky Wildcats could depend on Harrison’s decision

Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Make no mistake. Next years version of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team will be very talented and from most accounts, a preseason Top Ten team. The one thing that will make them sure Final Four contenders will be the return of Aaron and Andrew Harrison. And their NBA decision could be the ones that affect this team the most.

If the Harrisons do not return, Kentucky is thin at the guard positions with Dominique Hawkins and freshmen Tyler Ulis and Devin Booker slated to be the only scholarship guards. If the Harrisons return, all is fine in the world and Big Blue Nation as what was a question mark becomes a solid exclamation point for next year. Adam Zagoria recently had this tidbit on the draft stock of  the Harrisons.

"As I wrote in this story on Sunday, they face perhaps the most interesting choice of all the freshmen because they are projected as late-first or second-round picks and second-round picks don’t get any guaranteed money. Said the NBA exec after the final in which Andrew went 3-for-9 for 8 points, 5 assists and 4 turnovers: “If he’s this shook by [Shabazz] Napier and [Ryan] Boatright, wait till he encounters Bledsoe, Wall, Lawson, Westbrook, Teague, Lowry, Parker, Dragic, Conley, etc.” Rip Hamilton and Ray Allen both chimed in on the twins. Hamilton: “The NBA is a different game now. They got big size, they’re probably one of the top point guards in the league. I definitely think so [they can play].” Said Allen: “They certainly have the talent. Would they benefit from being in college another year? It’s really hard to say.”"

I’m guessing that James Young is headed to the NBA. And if Andrew and Aaron Harrison leave as well? Well, UK could be getting thin on options as well.

While technically, Montague Gill-Caeser is listed as a SF, there was speculation that he can also play the #2 and his size (6’6) would fit into what Calipari likes to have. However, if he is not reclassifying, you can mark him off the 2014 wish list.  Now that the season is over, we should see John Calipari start to determine whether he wants to pursue UNLV’s Bryce DeJean Jones more.

I know that Dejean – Jones has some issues and baggage and I’m not going to speculate on that.  That’s a John Calipari decision and Calipari has proven himself to me in regards to his decision-making.  Dejean-Jones was the leading scorer on UNLV this year and brings that much coveted senior experience.   The best thing is that he is ready to play next year and gives this team experience if the Harrisons leave.

If the Harrisons do decide to stay, Calipari may not take the call here.  As of now, Kentucky will be one scholarship over the limit if everyone stays.  So there are a few things to sort out, but Bryce Dejean – Jones could be a key decision for Cal to make in the next month or so.