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Wildcat Blue Nation’s All-Calipari Kentucky Basketball Starting Lineup

By Frank Spencer

Mar 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats players celebrate after winning the championship game of the SEC tournament against the Texas A&M Aggies at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 82-77 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats players celebrate after winning the championship game of the SEC tournament against the Texas A&M Aggies at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 82-77 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Basketball
April 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) looks on during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Sleep Train Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Kings 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Boogie

DeMarcus Cousins is a no doubt starter on the All-Calipari team. Cousins was a part of the very first recruiting class for John Calipari. On a loaded team in 2009-2010, DeMarcus averaged nearly a double-double with 15.1 PPG, as well as 9.8 RPG. Kentucky Basketball fans remember the attitude of Cousins more than anything. The will to win, along with intensity, is what sets Cousins apart from other candidates for this spot.

DeMarcus Cousins finished the 2010 season with many accolades. As a Wooden Award Finalist, Cousins established himself as one of the best overall players in college hoops as a freshman. DeMarcus took home a Consensus Second Team All-American Award as well.

Cats fans remember one play in particular from Boogie In the 2010 SEC Championship Game vs. Mississippi State. Cousins rebounded a John Wall three-point attempt and put it in as time expired sending the game into overtime. Kentucky would go on to win the game 75-74 in Overtime.

The Debate

There really is not debate as to who deserves this spot more. One could say it would belong to Karl Anthony Towns. Towns’ numbers while wearing Blue did not equate to those of DeMarcus Cousins. Towns averaged 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in his single season in Lexington. Karl was thrusted into a role that limited his production.

With the talent of Towns’ recruiting class along with the team John Calipari had assembled, the Wildcats were forced to Platoon back and forth in order to keep players on the floor. An average of just over 21 minutes per game did not allow for Towns to show his true potential while wearing the Kentucky uniform.

Still, when comparing the two big men in terms of numbers per 40 minutes played, Cousins comes in at 25.8 PPG and 16.8 RPG. Towns registers slightly less with 19.5 PPG and 12.7 RPG.

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