Kentucky basketball: What are the chances everyone returns?

What about Nick Richards???

Okay, before we even start this discussion, let me say that I really, really, really hope Nick Richards returns to Kentucky next season. Now that we’ve cleared the air, I have no earthly idea what Richards is going to do. Will he return to UK? Will he transfer? Might he go overseas? Who knows.

Richards has been the most baffling player to try and pin down all season. The kid is 6’11” and should dominate the competition. There are times when I feel he’s too timid. Other times I feel like he’s not given enough opportunity. There’s also been times when I question Cal’s usage of him. Richards is not DeMarcus Cousins. I often watch Richards play and wonder if Calipari is trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

I, for one, would love to see Nick Richards return to the Cats next season. He gives Kentucky length, which they very little of coming into 2018-19. He brings experience. I think this year’s shown how much the Kentucky basketball program needs that. Richards also offers John Calippari something he hasn’t had; the opportunity to develop a big man.

Let’s face it BBN, DeMarcus Cousins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis, while not finished products, were really good basketball players before they got to Kentucky. Skal Labissiere, while not as talented as the others, left after his freshman year. I’d love to see what Richards could do with more coaching from Calipari and Kenny Payne.