Did the Kentucky basketball team find their leader?
By Drew Koch
The Kentucky basketball team may have found its leader. PJ Washington was dominant in Saturday’s contest against Tennessee before falling victim to cramps in the second half.
The Kentucky basketball team has looked leaderless at times this season. In different games we have seen different players step up. Early in the season it was Kevin Knox. Hamidou Diallo excelled in the Citi Hoops Classic in New York City. In the fast-paced contest against Virginia Tech it was Quade Green. We saw flashes from Shai-Gilgeous Alexander during a stretch against Louisville, Georgia and LSU. Now it’s PJ Washington.
Washington was unstoppable on Saturday night against the Tennessee Volunteers. The Kentucky Wildcats kept feeding the ball to No. 25 and he kept dominating the Vols defense. PJ played 23 minutes before fatigue and cramps got the better of him. Washington came out of the game early in the second half and never returned. Washington finished with 13 points, going 6-of-8 from the field. PJ also grabbed 3 rebounds, had 3 steals and 2 blocks.
Once Washington exited Saturday’s game, the Kentucky basketball team looked out of sync. The match ups were not favorable, several players had to play passive because of foul trouble and other than Green and Wenyen Gabriel, the outside shot was not falling. But more than anything, they didn’t have their leader.
PJ Washington appears to possess the characteristics necessary to lead this Kentucky basketball team through what will be a difficult conference schedule. Washington brings a tough and aggressive edge to the Cats when he’s in the game, something they lack from his teammates.
Kevin Knox, while talented, is not the type of leader this team needs. Gilgeous-Alexander and Diallo also do not possess great leadership qualities. Gabriel provides a spark off the bench and a bit more experience than the other members, but Gabriel is an energy-guy. He’s the teammate you need when you’re down early and need a defensive stop or quick bucket to gain confidence for your team.
In my opinion there are only two players on this team who can lead the Wildcats going forward, and that’s Washington or Green. Both players have an aggressive mindset with the ball in their hand, aren’t afraid of the big moment and show fire and determination on the court. This Kentucky basketball team needs a vocal leader who shows emotion, they can’t rely on the ‘lead-by-example’ mentality.
John Calipari knows he has a talented bunch of individuals. And while Cal is a great leader himself, he has to stay in the coach’s box. Calipari needs someone on this Kentucky team to step up and become the team’s leader. If Saturday’s game was any indication, it’s PJ Washington.