Last year's Kentucky basketball team had many issues (many, many issues), but the one glaring thing that consistently cost UK games was not having a true point guard. Hats off to Denzel Aberdeen for doing an admirable job after being forced to play PG, but his inexperience and the lack of depth behind him really crippled the cats.
Once DA or Otega Oweh went to the bench, Kentucky's offense became stagnant, PAINFULLY STAGNANT. Droughts of 6-8 minutes were common. Remember that UNC game at Rupp where the Cats went over 10 minutes without scoring? They lost by 3. And that can't happen next year. So, Mark Pope needs to find himself a point guard, preferably two.
3 guys Kentucky can't fall in love with
The one thing you can't predict is injuries, and it seems like Voldemort himself cursed Mark Pope. Coming into the year, Lowe averaged 31 minutes per game over his first two seasons at Pitt, playing in 64 games. Kentucky didn't even make it to the regular season before seeing him writhe in pain on the floor at HMC. Lowe would only appear in 9 games, averaging 18.6 MPG. It wasn't for lack of effort; Lowe did everything he could to be on the court with his teammates, but his shoulder would not let that happen. So how can UK avoid the same fate this year? Depth.... It's that simple. Pope must find not just a quality, proven guard, but he must find multiple.
The portal isn't officially open until April 7th, the day after the NCAA Men's championship (Go Wolverines, can't stand UConn), but many players have already announced their intentions. Let's take a look at a few guards Mark Pope may be interested in, but should avoid.
Acaden Lewis
Lewis was a signee under Pope, but decided not to attend Kentucky, possibly due to Kentucky landing Lowe. This left UK very shorthanded, something that led to Pope making some controversial comments during his call-in show after the loss to Iowa State.
Lewis had a fantastic season at Villanova. Lewis shot 45.6% from the field while averaging 12.2 Points and 5.3 assists. But he has already burnt Kentucky once, and he is going to explore the NBA process, meaning his recruitment will extend out. You can't afford to be on the hook that long with no point guards on the roster.
Plus, he shot under 30 percent from deep and under 60 percent from the line. Tough to trust in the clutch moments when you can't make free throws.
Naithan George
The former Syracuse PG announced his intent to transfer yesterday. George will be entering his final year of eligibility. He spent his first two seasons at Georgia Tech. During his sophomore year, he averaged 12.3 points and 6.5 assists per game with 3 turnovers. That is a little high for a lead guard. During his Junior year for the 'Cuse, George put up solid numbers again, averaging 10.9 points and 5.4 assists. But it was those turnovers over 3 a game again that worry me. I'd avoid him.
Isaiah Johnson
Isaiah Johnson averaged 17 points a game last season, but at 6'1, he has to play point guard. He only averaged 3 assists a game. That number is lower than Denzel Aberdeen's output, and we saw how that played out. He is a great scorer, but Kentucky needs a guy who can get shots for others, not just himself. If he were 5 inches taller, this would be a no-brainer at the 2-guard.
There are guys out there Kentucky can use, like Christian Bliss. But these 3 are just not what Kentucky needs to prioritize right now.