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Kentucky Basketball Welcomes: Jarred Vanderbilt

By Jared DeRossett

Mar 26, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) poses for a photo during the 2017 McDonalds All American Game Portrait Day at Chicago Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) poses for a photo during the 2017 McDonalds All American Game Portrait Day at Chicago Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Basketball…Meet Jarred Vanderbilt

Joining the likes of Quade Green and PJ Washington, Vanderbilt is another addition to Kentucky basketball’s number one recruiting class. The 6-8 small forward from Bellaire, Texas brings a little bit of everything to the team next season. In the years that Calipari has been coach, he has raved about guys that are positionless. Vanderbilt is the very definition of a positionless player.

Playing for Houston Hoops during his AAU career, he was a former teammate of De’Aaron Fox. Also, he was named a McDonald’s All-American, along with three other Kentucky Basketball recruits.  Receiving offers from the likes of Duke, UNC, and Kansas, Vanderbilt was well sought after. He is currently the 20th ranked player nationally and the 6th ranked small forward.

The Next Lamar Odom?

As previously stated, Vanderbilt prides himself on being a positionless player. Much like 2-time NBA champion Lamar Odom, he has the ability to beat opponents from anywhere on the floor. Possessing freakish-athletic capabilities and the speed of a guard, Vanderbilt will become an instant fan favorite.

Having a point forward is something that Big Blue Nation fans are not used to seeing. This upcoming season, with his talent of rebounding the ball, the Wildcats’ transition game will be a thing of beauty. Traditionally, when a forward grabs a rebound, they look to get it to a guard immediately. But, with Vanderbilt having the ability to run the break, look for the Cats to have a rip-and-run type offense in 2017-2018.

It’s no secret that Coach Calipari has been wanting to run the dribble drive but hasn’t really had the personnel. With Jarred’s knack for drawing out bigger forwards and beating them off the dribble, the dribble drive is a legit option. While his shooting is somewhat of a concern, opponents have to respect it enough to space the floor.

Instant Chemistry with New Teammates

Already, Vanderbilt and Quade Green have emerged as the vocal leaders of this class. He, much like Green, possesses the personality that is bigger than the game. With an infectious smile, and an upbeat attitude, Big Blue Nation is really going to enjoy this team.

This recruiting class has already become a tight-knit crew, seen hanging out often. In addition, the off the court chemistry will translate to the court, and that will a treat in and of itself. Everyone go follow Jarred Vanderbilt and show him the Big Blue Nation love.

Next: Ranking the Top Five Kentucky Players to Wear #5

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