We have no idea what Kentucky's roster is going to look like next year, but one can guess that it's going to look a lot different. Currently, Wall, Cousins and Patterson are all projected as Lottery Picks in this summer's NBA draft, so you have to assume they'll all be gone. Of course, nothing is for certain, but its hard to imagine they'll be able to pass up the high dollar contracts that will be right there for the taking. Meanwhile, seniors Harris, Stephenson and Krebs will naturally be gone, as well. That means there's a potential of at least six departure's at season's end, and one has to wonder who's going to take their place come October.
One, we know for sure, will be small forward Stacey Poole. Poole is a 6'5" 200 lb athlete with an ability to finish around the rim. He still needs to work on his outside shooting, but he'll mainly be making "violent cuts" to the hole and either finishing or kicking it out to an open shooter. Currently, Poole is a four star prospect and is ranked in the top 30.
While Poole is the only commitment so far, Cal and Co. remain in the hunt for several key prospects, and if Cal could get a couple (or even) all of the following players, Kentucky will be reloading in the off-season.
:: Brandon Knight, PG, ranked #1 by Rivals
Considering offers from Kentucky, Kansas, UConn, Florida, Syracuse and Miami
Knight would be the perfect fit to replace Wall if he does indeed depart for the NBA. He's not necessarily the explosive athlete Wall or Bledsoe are, but he can dribble, shoot, pass, rebound and defend the ball with skill and efficiency. He has great court awareness and high basketball IQ. Brandon's mother recently disclosed to reporters that he's narrowing down his choices, but no deadline has been set for his final decision. Most believe due to Calipari's track record with getting point guards to the NBA quickly, Knight could be leaning towards UK.
:: Josh Selby, Guard, ranked #4 by Rivals
Considering offers from Kentucky, Kansas, UConn, Indiana, Arizona and Syracuse
Selby is a combo guard with the ability to run the point or play at the off position. He has a good shooting ability and can get to the rim. He's also a good defender. Josh plans to visit Kentucky soon and we'll make his final choice at season's end.
:: Terrence Jones, Power forward, ranked #13 by Rivals
Considering offers from Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oregon, UCLA and Washington
Jones is a guy that can go inside and out, shooting the ball facing the basket or posting up down low. Kentucky is high on his list, but schools on the west coast are perceived as possible favorites because they're closer to his hometown of Portland, OR. With that said, Kentucky remains in the hunt for his services.
:: CJ Leslie, Power Forward, ranked #14 by Rivals
Considering offers from Kentucky, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Florida and NC State
Leslie is considered by most as a heavy UK lean, but he's thrown the brakes on as of late. He was at the game this past Saturday to watch Kentucky defeat Vandy on LeBron Day. However, his coach has said that CJ is going to wait until after the season to make his final choice. Also worth noting, Leslie is a former high school teammate of John Wall and the two remain good friends, which also adds ammo to those that believe he'll end up at Kentucky.
:: Doron Lamb, Shooting Guard, ranked #21 by Rivals
Considering offers from Kentucky, Arizona, UConn, Kansas and Oklahoma
Lamb is another guy that can do a lot of different things on the court. He can shoot from the outside or drive to the hole, both with efficiency. He's also a strong defender. He's done with his official visits but has made no mention as to when the final decision will be made.
Summary:
If Cal can sign a couple more of these kids to go along with Poole, joined with the returning players, Kentucky will remain a solid threat in the SEC and will grab another top 25 ranking. If Cal was to get three or more of these players (along with Poole), it will be another top 5 class and would most likely put Kentucky right back in the top 10 next season and in the hunt for another national title. If he gets all of them... then just watch out.
On the negative side (just call me Debbie Downer... I don't mind) if we fail to get any or just one of these kids, Kentucky could find themselves in rebuilding mode in just year two of the John Calipari era. With that said, most believe Cal will get the right players at the right time, so anybody scared to death at this point should just chill out and let the man work his recruiting magic.
No comments:
Post a Comment