Andrew Harrison Train
For the last two years Kentucky Wildcat fans have found themselves on two separate sides, Andrew Harrison supporters and or non supporters. I myself have been a fan since his commitment and have not wavered since the day of his signing and it is bothersome to hear all the negativity that surrounds him. When Andrew and Aaron decided to join the Wildcats, they were Lexington’s savior after the NIT season. Things quickly turned the opposite after a few losses last season.
Under John Calipari the Kentucky Wildcats have had great point guards. John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, and Brandon Knight were all fantastic setting the bar incredibly high for anyone to try and follow into their footsteps. The expectations are higher than anywhere else with one of the best NBA point guards coming from Kentucky, but the reality is, players like John Wall are once in a decade type of players. Andrew Harrison is not John Wall, but that does not make him a bad point guard.
One of the main complaints about Andrew Harrison’s play is the amount that he turns the ball over. Last season when he was running the show he averaged 2 turnovers per game. John Wall’s freshmen year he averaged 4 and Brandon Knight averaged 3.2. John Wall’s incredible speed and flash covered for his turnovers, and Brandon Knights pick and pop scoring masked his turnovers. What is it that Andrew Harrison does not have that can not push him over the edge of the Big Blue Nation hearts?
Jan 31, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Andrew Harrison (5) before the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes it is frustrating when he makes a mistake that is simple like not pulling out the ball against Texas A&M to secure the win in regular time. It does not help that his back up Tyler Ulis has become the fan favorite for his size and great passing. Andrew should be loved for the same reason just in an opposite light. It is not everyday that a 6 foot 6 point guard comes walking through the door. If Andrew has any problem it is that he does not attack enough. He proved in a win last night against Georgia with 23 points that he is highly capable of getting to the rim to finish.
The shots hit by Aaron Harrison last season in the tournament were incredible, however those would have not been possible with out getting past Wichita State. Andrew Harrison was going up against one of the better guards in the country Fred VanVleet and it was that match up that won the game for Kentucky. Andrew used his size to his advantage to drive and finish time and time again ending up with 20 points to beat the undefeated Shockers.
"“We just felt so good beating a great team,” said Andrew Harrison, who considered sitting the game out after hurting his elbow in a second-round win over Kansas State. “It shows how much work we’ve put in, how much we’re getting better.”Kentucky was successful early using its superior size, not only in the paint but also on the perimeter, where the 6-foot-6 Harrison twins dwarfed the 5-11 VanVleet. But after the Wildcats took a 19-15 lead midway through the half, Wichita State ramped up its trademark defense, forcing a series of turnovers and getting right back in the game."
Andrew Harrison will never be John Wall or Brandon Knight, they are different players. However, they also will never play in the National Championship game or return for a sophomore season to win a title like Andrew did. Andrew Harrison might not be your favorite player, but maybe now if it rains in Lexington it will not be his fault.