Kentucky Basketball: Calipari Era top four shooting guards
By Alex Weber
4. Malik Monk
Monk reached highs in a Kentucky uniform few throughout program history were able to replicate. There’s the fabled 47-point game (we’ll get to that), but in general, Monk was Mr. Heat Check. He didn’t even have a “hot” phase of his shooting outbursts. One made jumper immediately sent him into his own smoldering volcano of fadeaway calefaction. The shots grew increasingly ludicrous but his percentages sailed with them. There aren’t official stats on this but I have no doubt he is the greatest tough shot-maker in the history of the program. With millimeters of separation, Monk not only felt comfortable, he thrived. In terms of raw fun to watch on a basketball court–especially when he’s hunkered in his shooting volcano–Monk is a must-watch. I hope Charlotte unleashes him this season.
Unfortunately, there was another side to Monk the player in a Kentucky Basketball uniform. It’s like when you have a conversation about any number of NFL stars. You don’t always say it but in the back of everyone’s mind is the but conversation. But he kicked his girlfriend. But he just got banned for PEDs. Malik Monk is a true superstar with a hot hand but he was an absolute zero aside from his scoring. He wasn’t a willing passer, his defensive effort was hideous, and he rarely activated hustle categories (rebounds, tipped passes, diving for loose balls). Monk the jump shot assassin is as much fun as Lynn Bowden punt returns. Monk, the 1-for-8 small-bodied unengaged shooting guard, was frustrating.
Reasons to Pick Malik Monk: This.
Which Shooting Guard Would YOU Pick?
Next. Top 3 Point Guards of the Calipari Era. dark