The point guard position has rightfully become one of paramount focus for Mark Pope and Kentucky. Why is that? Well, in addition to people like us complaining endlessly about the team's need at that spot online (always a good thing), the lack of a pure floor general dearly cost the Wildcats down the season's stretch.
I don't have to remind the BBN how things went down in the NCAA Tournament this year, but I do come bearing good news to combat those frustrating feelings. Coach Pope and his staff are pushing hard in the backcourt, specifically at PG, having already contacted a handful of bill-fitting players in the transfer portal.
And while Zoom Diallo (currently on a visit in Lexington) is shaping up to be the staff's favorite as a potential starter, he isn't the only candidate that Kentucky is showing interest in. Most recently, according to KSR's Jacob Polacheck, Colgate guard Jalen Cox is working to set up a visit within the next few days.
Another Incoming Visitor
Of course, if Diallo ultimately commits on his visit to Rupp Arena this weekend, Cox's outlook will likely change. The high-scoring junior guard is unlikely to take well to coming off the bench in his pursuit of an expanded role at a bigger school. Even if we favored him, Kentucky fans can't blame the guy.
All the same, Pope is evidently casting a wide net to ensure that, at the end of the day, the Cats' needs at PG are thoroughly answered come next season. If Diallo falls through and Cox comes fully into play, Kentucky could have a sleeper stud on their hands.
Having averaged 18 points and five assists and rebounds a piece in his most recent campaign, Cox's 52% clip from the field suggests a refined offensive mind that should click right into a demanding system like Pope's.
A Workable Union in Pope's System
Although the guard is more than defensively competent, too, posting nearly two steals per contest on average as well. His 36.5% number from long range is a relative worry, but if Kentucky were to answer that issue at another position and by different means, this is a union that could certainly work.
Diallo's fate will have to come to fruition first, one way or another, but Cats fans should keep a close eye on Cox if the weekend comes to pass without the former's commitment.
No matter what, Coach Pope is making an uber-aggressive effort to land a legitimate point guard. That counts for something, Big Blue Nation.