Kentucky basketball: Top 5 point guards of the John Calipari era
By Drew Koch
John Calipari is known for getting the most out of the talented point guards he recruits to the Kentucky basketball program. But who’s the best?
John Calipari has had a lot of great point guards roll through Lexington during his tenure as the Kentucky basketball coach. The young men that lace ’em for Cal know the pressure that comes with being the point guard in his system. So, let’s get right into it. Who are the Top 5 point guards during the John Calipari era at UK?
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2017-18)
Don’t take this as an overreaction or being the prisoner of the moment. If you don’t think that Shai GIlgeous-Alexander belongs on this list, then you’re sadly mistaken. Gilgeous-Alexander played just one season at Kentucky and helped guide the Cats to the Sweet Sixteen in 2018.
Gilgeous-Alexander was not supposed to be the starting point guard for the 2017-18 Kentucky basketball team. He was a 4-star recruit out of Canada who was thought to be more of a shooting guard when he first arrived on campus.
Gilgeous-Alexander sat behind Quade Green on the bench, but still garnered a lot of playing time while playing the backup role. After Green injured his back midway through the season, Gilgeous-Alexander stepped in to the starting role. He would never relinquish it.
Gilgeous-Alexander started 24 games that season for the Cats and racked up impressive stats. Over the final 21 games, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 38.3 minutes per game. That’s ridiculous, especially with a 5-star point guard, in Green, on the roster.
Shai was beloved by all of Big Blue Nation, and for good reason. He finished his freshmen season averaging 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists.