I don’t know how many times I’ve said it already, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat: Milan Momcilovic coming aboard the current Kentucky roster turned this team into exactly what Mark Pope needs for year three. The five-star transfer appears tailored to Pope’s offensive philosophies, and he should click right into the starting lineup.
But exactly where he’ll click has yet to be seen, and the topic is one slowly dividing Cats fans ahead of fall tipoff. With the ability to play either the three or four, Momcilovic is bound to be placed in one of those two stops.
It isn't his own versatility causing the problem, though; in the middle of the rotation, at each of those two spots, the Wildcats have a log jam of sorts. It’s not how Coach Pope will use Momcilovic, but how he’ll build the rotation around him, that’s the question.
Between Kam Williams and Ousmane N’Diaye is a difficult split for the starting lineup alone. Factor in Justin McBride and Braydon Hawthorne and, all the sudden, a fight for minutes could emerge on the bench, with Trent Noah also in tow.
What’s the ideal outcome here?
The Ideal Outcome For Kentucky
Well, that’s where the discussion comes in. As far as I’m concerned, prioritizing height and length with Momcilovic at the three and N’Diaye at the four is the way to go. This is especially so, in my opinion, given the SEC’s expertise in both those categories.
On that view, you probably go big off the bench, too. McBride plays the four, Hawthorne the three, and Williams slides down to the two. Veteran guard Jerome Morton likely plays the one in that case, but that way, Mason Williams isn’t forced into a demanding role as a freshman and both Hawthorne and Kam Williams get quality minutes.
A Less Defined Alternative
Alternatively, you give Kam Williams the starting nod, push Momcilovic to the four, and run McBride and N’Diaye at the three and four off the bench.
That, to me, is where the bigger problem arises. I can’t imagine 6-foot-8 Hawthorne comfortably playing the two, at least not extensively, which likely means Mason Williams and Jerome Morton man the bench backcourt.
Not the worst case by any means; if anything, this is just confirmation that Kentucky has a lot of playable talent waiting in the wings. And what ends up happening will likely come down to how these guys mesh in practice this summer.
But, if not handled properly, this is a pileup that could come back to burn the Wildcats later in the season. It’s a complex job to manage the minutes and minds of a baker’s dozen hoopers. This year, more than ever, Mark Pope has his work cut out for him in the best way.
Add us as a preferred source on Google