5 Takeaways: Cats’ Dominating Exhibition Win Over Clarion

The much-ballyhooed freshman guards were impressive, with Fox controlling the pace and Monk displaying elite scoring potential. Although Monk didn’t get the start, when he entered the game he was instant offense and led Kentucky in scoring with 15 points. With a stroke reminiscent to last year’s star, Jamal Murray, Monk was pure with his one-dribble, 15-foot jumper. With his speed and explosiveness, defenders will have to honor his driving ability all season long, which means his mid-range opportunities will be there. If Monk consistently knocks down the 15-footer, he will be a tough assignment for defenders.

John Calipari raised some eyebrows with some early-season comparisons to former Cat John Wall, suggesting Fox’s speed on the dribble was similar to the current Washington Wizard. But seeing is believing, as Clarion defenders couldn’t come close to containing Fox in space, and his burst with the ball is so quick, he often created transition opportunities that wouldn’t exist for anyone else, accelerating past defenders to create numbers situations and layup opportunities.

“I was expecting Monk to start,” said Clarion head coach Marcess Williams. “So when he didn’t, they went a little bigger than we thought. But they’re super talented. It allows them to play a little more full-court. I’ve been watching Cal coach over the years, especially with the connection with Clarion and everything. I’d seen in the preseason that they were going back to the dribble drive, so I knew right away he felt comfortable with his guards that he went back to his dribble drive offense that they ran several years ago. Like I said, they’re explosive. I mean, they really get out and challenge you a little bit more than they have been since (John) Wall, (Eric) Bledsoe and those guys. They’re tough. Those three guys on the floor, I think they’re all three first-round draft picks.”