Kentucky Basketball: Three items on Cal’s Christmas wishlist
By Drew Koch
![MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 26: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at FedExForum on March 26, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 26: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at FedExForum on March 26, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3c1221dad4aca7f1f4bf2a7f82a78fc9b0a2784ad5d5c792ca3bbf663b2cc37e.jpg)
Jarred Vanderbilt
Jarred Vanderbilt has yet to lace up his sneakers and get on the floor for Kentucky basketball this season. He suffered a foot injury during practice in late September. Vanderbilt was a 5-star recruit and according to 247Sports.com was the No. 12 ranked recruit in the 2017 class.
At 6’9″, Vanderbilt’s presence may be felt more on the defensive end rather than the offensive side of the ball. One of UK’s biggest deficiencies to this point is their half court defense. Thomas Welsh, Aaron Holiday and Kris Wilkes dismantled the Cats in the half court on Saturday. Having Vanderbilt on the floor would allow Kentucky more versatility in their smaller lineups when Nick Richards becomes a liability.