Last year the Kentucky Wildcats put together one of the greatest seasons that anyone in this decade will eventually say was one of the greatest teams they’ve ever seen. The highlight of the year for Kentucky was a 38-game winning streak, watching six players being taken in the 2015 NBA Draft, and another seeing another one signing a contract after the end of the NBA Summer League.
This left Kentucky with a grand total of seven NBA players on one roster.
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There was so much talent on last year’s roster that Kentucky had to run a platoon system in order to get everyone playing time and fair minutes across the board. This year Kentucky won’t have to worry about platooning players because their team isn’t nearly as talented as it’s been in the last decade.
This Kentucky team will not win the SEC, but they will be one of the teams competing for the conference championship with LSU, and Texas A&M (read this).
If you’re a diehard fan then it’s OK to believe that this team has enough talent to win the conference. You should be confident in your team. John Calipari made sure that the cupboard wasn’t bare as he brought in some new blood on the roster that will be sure to leave fans in excitement.
Point guard Isaiah Briscoe was one of the best players in the Northeast and he’s the type of guard who understands how to score the basketball. The player that his game compares to is Deron Williams because his body size already is at NBA level, and his game is up there with some of the best point guards in college basketball.
Kentucky also has another five-star recruit in Skal Labissiere, who eventually will turn into a great player. The question is how quickly will he develop into the top-three NBA Draft pick that many expect him to become. Each five-star recruits, but outside of them it’s very difficult to see where the rest of the NBA level talent on their team is.
On paper, this Kentucky team might not look the part of an SEC championship caliber team, but with the greatness of Calipari, he could whip them into shape. This Kentucky team will be one of the most difficult coaching opportunities that John Calipari’s going to have to endure.
Even figuring out the starting lineup on this year’s roster is even more of a trigonometry problem than last year because of the different pieces on this team.
PG: Isaiah Briscoe, Tyler Ulis
SG: Jamal Murray, Charles Matthews
SF: Alex Poythress
PF: Marcus Lee
C: Skal Labissiere, Isaac Humphries
Marcus Lee in his third year as a junior isn’t and shouldn’t expect to come off the bench. However, because of the lack of size on Skal Labissiere (6’11 225), he might have to. In addition, Tyler Ulis, who Calipari is in love with as a player most likely will be in the starting lineup.
But what does that mean for Isaiah Briscoe? Would Calipari bring in a five-star point guard to bring off of the bench? In addition, that leaves Jamal Murray as the odd man out because Alex Poythress will also most likely have to start since he missed the entire last season because of a torn ACL.
In reality, the starting lineup should be this…
PG: Tyler Ulis
SG: Isaiah Briscoe
SF: Alex Poythress
PF: Marcus Lee
C: Skal Labissiere
With Jamal Murray, Charles Matthews and Isaac Humphries coming off the bench. In this case, Murray will be allowed to come off the bench and do what he does best, score points. Murray won’t have to worry about defending as much (something he’ll love) because he’ll be playing in a lineup with Charles Matthews who fans will grow to love.
Now if Calipari elects to have Murray in the starting lineup instead of Marcus Lee, then it makes sense as well. A three-guard lineup would leave Kentucky playing at the fast-paced offense that many teams are starting to adopt in basketball.
Even with the rotation that Kentucky has to figure out, it will still be a difficult task to for them to match up with other teams like LSU and Texas A&M who are coming for blood.
This season LSU has a roster that can compete with most of the elite programs in the country. Any time a program adds the No. 1 prospect in the country, they instantly become one of the must-see teams in college basketball. Not only did LSU bring in Ben Simmons, they also brought in Antonio Blakeney to go along with him.
In addition to that duo, LSU also has Jalen Jones, Tim Quarterman (who many feel could become a great NBA player) and Paul Hornsby.
The one team that many people should keep an eye out for is Texas A&M. This season will be the final year for Danuel House, and Alex Caruso. That backcourt alone is something that no one in the conference has since they each are experienced senior leaders that have proven they can play at a high level.
In addition, Texas A&M also brought in a better recruiting class that can rival Kentucky’s. Tyler Davis and D.J. Hogg each will be players that will prove to become a thorn on the opponents side.
Kentucky might be in for the most difficult time to win the SEC in the John Calipari era. Get ready.
Next: SEC: Why You Should Get Ready For Tyler Ulis' Draft Stock To Soar
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