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Kentucky basketball: Wildcats must pursue Paul Mulcahy

By Mat Mlodzinski

Dec 3, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Paul Mulcahy (4) dribbles up court during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Paul Mulcahy (4) dribbles up court during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rutgers guard Paul Mulcahy became a late addition to the transfer portal on Friday. Kentucky basketball should put forth a lot of effort into landing him.

Paul Mulcahy has one year of eligibility left in college basketball. The 6-foot-6 point guard plans to use it somewhere other than New Brunswick, New Jersey after he announced his intent to transfer from Rutgers on Friday.

Obviously, Kentucky basketball is in a rough state this offseason. The Wildcats lack depth and haven’t gotten a commitment from a single transfer. Arthur Kaluma could’ve changed that, but the Creighton transfer decided to head to Kansas State.

Kentucky did get some more help for the frontcourt, with talented recruit Jordan Burks committing to the team on Monday. But the backcourt could use a playmaker like Mulcahy.

Mulcahy’s experience and playmaking would fit in with Kentucky basketball

Paul Mulcahy is an elite playmaking guard who averaged 5.3 APG as a junior and 4.9 APG as a senior with Rutgers. He would be the lone upperclassman on a Wildcats team that lacks experience. I can’t understate how important it would be for UK to have a playmaker like Mulcahy on the team. With so many freshmen and frontcourt players, Mulcahy’s skillsets would be crucial in making everything run smoothly.

I also can’t understate the importance of experience on such a young team. Sure, Anthony Davis helped lead a freshman-heavy Kentucky basketball team to a national championship. But that’s not an everyday example. Senior leadership is almost crucial to have a successful roster, and someone like Mulcahy, who played four years in the Big Ten, would be perfect for what the ‘Cats currently lack.

Of course, there are still a few other options for Kentucky basketball to pursue. 3-star shooting guard Joey Hart and 4-star big man Somto Cyril have both visited Lexington and are interested in signing. However, only Hart is a Class of 2023 recruit, unless Cyril decides to re-classify, which could happen. Of course, Hart is a guard, which is what the Wildcats desperately need, but he would probably need a year of development before being able to really help out.

That’s where Mulcahy’s importance really sets in. He can be a starter from day one if needed. There are very few unsigned recruits or transfers who can still say that. Kentucky basketball has missed out on a lot of good players this offseason, but Mulcahy would be an excellent addition.

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