Kentucky Wildcats in the NBA
Growing up watching the NBA was something to be less desired. With not one professional team in the state of Kentucky, it was hard to find reasoning to tune in to 48 minutes of no defense. Over the past six years the state of Kentucky has picked up a much larger interest in the NBA with former Kentucky Wildcats playing all around the United States… and Patterson in Canada. Many have turned out to be stars and are leading their teams to a playoff push.
John Wall
Maybe one of the most successful players to come out of a John Calipari coached team, Wall just finished his second All Star Game and is ready for the second half grind. Currently his Washington Wizards are 4th in the Eastern conference with 33 wins and 21 losses. Wall and the Wizards hit a bit of a skid going into the All Star break but should now be rested and ready to make the second half push. With a motivated Wall, the sky is the limit for this teams potential.
"“My job is to just keep playing the way I am, and I got to play a little better,” Wall said. “When guys get injured a little bit, or we lose a couple close games, I have to do a better job of closing out games and getting those guys open shots.”"
Jan 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (9) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Rajon Rondo
With all of the success that other Kentucky Wildcats have had from the Calipari era, sometimes people tend to forget about another stud point guard who use to wear the blue and white. After being traded to the Dallas Mavericks it seems like the Mavericks have sort of lost their touch. Rondo missed the last six games due to a nasal and left orbital bone fracture. Number nine will return to action tomorrow night against the Thunder as his 5th ranked Mavs will look to hit a second half stride.
"“I’ve had a couple surgeries before and it’s not a good thing to come back from surgery or any injury. Keeping my fingers crossed, keep praying. Like I said, I’m in a grateful situation.”"
Jan 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) celebrates after hitting a three-pointer against the New Orleans Pelicans at Air Canada Centre. The Pelicans beat the Raptors 95-93. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Patterson
One of the original saviors for the Kentucky Wildcats program, none other than Mr. Patrick Patterson. Before there was Calipari, there were dark times… Patterson stuck around through those and we thank him very much for that. While number 54 may not be a franchise player, he has found success in Toronto. He is not the player you can count on to see make the SportsCenter top 10 plays. He is however the player who provides consistency on both sides of the ball and a winning mentality. The Raptors are currently 2nd in the east and look to push hard for that home court advantage in the playoffs.
"“He’s probably playing the most consistent basketball defensively and offensively as anybody for us individually,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. “Defensively, he fits in a lot of different schemes, doing different things: double-teaming in the post, showing in the pick-and-roll, walling in the pick-and-roll. He does a bit of everything.”"