Even in the world of John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats platoon system, not every player is designed to be a star. And for a team of McDonald’s All Americans, this can be a humbling role. One of those players that have had to take a supporting role has been Marcus Lee. Lee bounced to life last year during the NCAA Tournament and showed the potential that could see him go to the NBA. Lee returned to Kentucky, as did most of the players and Lee finds himself in the second platoon and was relegated to being the “energy” guy in his group.
Some players may take that the wrong way, but Lee is playing very well and making the most of his time on the court.
"“Marcus, he’s getting comfortable again,” Aaron Harrison said following the Cats’ 70-55 win over Alabama. “I think he’s just really starting to have energy and have more fun playing the game, and I’m enjoying watching Marcus play because he’s doing a lot better and having more fun.” Lee has known his role for the past year and a half, but this season he has started to understand it better. “After a while you start figuring out what (Coach Cal) really wants you to do and you’re able to do it to the best of your ability,” Lee said. But he does admit it takes a while to figure out what exactly the head coach for the Cats wants from you, in the beginning. “At first you kind of don’t understand what he’s trying to say or it takes you awhile to figure out what he wants you to do,” Lee said. “Right when you figure it out that’s when you know you’re doing great things.” Being comfortable in his role does not equate to settling for the forward. “I wouldn’t say I’ve settled, because settled sounds like you’re backing up,” Lee said, “but I definitely feel more comfortable being that guy and helping out my team that way.”"
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Lee may have more talents that we are unaware of. Sports Illustrated sat down with Dakari Johnson recently and Dakari proved he is a pretty good interview. Dakari also teased the possibility of he and Marcus Lee teaming up for some karaoke, country-style.
"SI.com: What is Coach Calipari’s favorite thing to yell in practice? Johnson: Oh, well, I can’t say that. SI.com: Haha, OK what’s something G-rated that he says a lot? Johnson: Hmm, I have to think about that. He likes to mock us a lot when he’s mad at us. He thinks it’s really funny. He does impressions of everybody. For example, if I don’t have a lot of energy at practice, he’ll walk around the court with his back slumped and be like, “Ohhh, I’m soooo tired!” Stuff like that. SI.com: Which venue do you most want to play in? Johnson: Probably Madison Square Garden. I’ve never played there before. SI.com: Who on your team would make the best coach someday and why? Johnson: Andrew (Harrison) or Tyler (Ulis) because they’re point guards, so they have those high basketball IQs. SI.com: Last question. Which teammate are you singing a karaoke duet with, and what’s your song of choice? Johnson: Marcus Lee. He’s always energized, so he’d probably add a little dance to it. We’d probably sing a country song, just to throw people off."
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Looking ahead to the 2015 class, Charles Matthews is the lowest ranked player that has committed so far. But to be fair, so was Devin Booker. And it is looking as though Booker could depart for the NBA. Matthews would be tasked with replacing Booker in the starting lineup for the Kentucky Wildcats and it is starting to look as if he would be up for the task. Matthews shined over the weekend.
"The Kentucky-bound guard was able to score at will most of the night Saturday against Fenwick, leading the Mustangs to a 59-40 Chicago Catholic crossover victory in Oak Park. The star guard finished with 28 points, with most of his baskets coming on mid-range jumpers or by getting past a defender on the way to the basket. “It was pretty easy out there,” Matthews said. “But I have great teammates, so that takes a lot of pressure off me, as well.” St. Rita coach Gary DeCesare was just as impressed with Matthews on the defensive end of the floor. “He does a lot of great things on the court. Unfortunately when he does not score, people do not think that he plays well,” DeCesare said. “I needed him to defend Mike Smith [tonight], and use his length to keep him out of the lane. He did a phenomenal job doing that. “He does whatever we ask him to do, that is what makes him such a great player.” Matthews rose to the challenge of stopping the Friars’ standout guard. He limited Smith to 10 points, including none in the fourth quarter. “I take pride in my defense a lot,” Matthews said. “I saw that he was the main engine to their offense, so I just wanted to remove him from it.”"