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Calipari Era: Small Forward

By Austin Sutcliffe

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Under John Calipari, fans are accustom to seeing turnover at each position every year. One position that has been able to stay stagnant for the past six seasons is the small forward position.

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Having a dynamic wing to be able attack or spread the floor is a crucial element to the offense. Two of the best players in the NBA, LeBron James and Kevin Durant play the respected position. The players to wear the Kentucky uniform under Calipari brought different dynamics to the game though.

Coming in at number five is a player that will probably slip the minds of most. He did not finish his career with Calipari, but was a highly regarded JUCO entertained for his ability to space the floor with his shooting. I am talking about number 3, Darnell Dodson.

Often lost in the translation of past Cats, Darnell was recruited by Calipari for three point shooting, but never quite got the shooting that was hoped for. Coming in off of the bench Darius Miller could have been a mental block for Dodson, but Calipari had high praise for the JUCO coming into Lexington.

"“Darnell is an excellent shooter with the versatility to play multiple positions. He has been a proven scorer at every level and has shown the ability to get to the basket. His length will be a valuable asset on defense and he will keep teams honest with his outside shooting.”– John Calipari"

Although he did not bring the 3 point dynamic that a team who would eventually lose to a 1-3-1 by West Virginia needed. Dodson still brought something that every team needs to win… depth. Even at a pedestrian 34.7 percent from behind the arc, at 6 foot 7 and the ability to hit the three stretches the floor well.

Things did not end on a great note for Dodson. He ended his career at Kentucky after an elite eight loss and would not dress in a Kentucky uniform again. Shortly after his departure from the Wildcats, Darnell was arrested in Lexington not helping his image with the fans.

With no other options to put in the rankings for small forwards, Dodson essentially had to fall into the list and that is why he came in the number five spot. He would go on to redeem himself by having a good ending to his career at Kentucky.

However, after this article, it could be the last time you hear Darnell Dodson and Kentucky in the same sentence. I assure you that four through one will have had a larger impact on Kentucky and the Big Blue Nation. Who will slide into that four spot? The answer next week!

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