Kentucky Basketball: Five Reasons Isaiah Briscoe Will Shine

2. Defense

Though his offensive game is somewhat enigmatic, Isaiah Briscoe has clear defensive upside. The Kentucky Wildcats will rely upon that with freshmen guards De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk potentially starting.

According Alex Forkner of CatsPause.com, Jamal Murray believes that Briscoe is the best defensive player on the Wildcats.

"“Yeah, he was great last year,” Murray said. “Last year was a lot of learning for all of us as freshmen, but this year is his time to lead. The best thing about it is he’s going to get it done on the defensive end more than anybody, so I think that will help a lot.”"

It’s hard to disagree.

As previously alluded to, Briscoe stands at 6’3.5″ and 218 pounds with a 6’8″ wingspan. Those are phenomenal physical gifts for a point guard, as well as the ideal length and power to defend shooting guards.

That versatility presents an opportunity for Briscoe to develop into an elite defensive player under John Calipari in 2016-17.

De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk are explosive athletes who will get out in transition and make thrilling plays. It’s Briscoe’s defense that can set that in motion as both a turnover-creating ball hawk and lockdown on-ball defender.

Briscoe has the potential for defensive greatness. In 2016-17, he could realize it.

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