Night to remember: Why Kentucky's Blue-White scrimmage meant so much to Pikeville residents Thursday against Kentucky State.Īt the team's media day last week, Tshiebwe said he wasn't "worried" about his health, as he expects to be back in time for next week's season opener - assuming there are no setbacks between now and then.Īt ease: Why Oscar Tshiebwe feels 'no pressure' entering Year 2 with Kentucky basketball Perhaps he'll play in Kentucky's final exhibition, set for 7 p.m. The Wildcats also held him out of Sunday's exhibition. He didn't participate in Big Blue Madness or the Blue-White scrimmage. After sweeping every major national player of the year award last season, he'll try to - somehow - match or even exceed that in 2022-23.īut his first order of business is taking the floor again: Tshiebwe had a minor procedure performed on his knee last month. 39 prospect nationally in 2022 class according to the 247Sports Composite reclassified from the 2023 class)Īnalysis: What Tshiebwe brings to the table almost goes without saying. Newcomers: Ugonna Onyenso (four-star signee No. But would Calipari be willing to exchange points for defense, which would be the case if he brings Wallace off the bench? Not only would that give UK a sizable dose of veteran leadership, but it would put its two best shooters (Fredrick and Reeves) on the court at the same time. If Calipari wants to lean on upperclassmen, he'll put Reeves on the court along with Fredrick at the three. Thiero is willing to do anything, and already has shown a natural instinct for rebounding.
Wallace is the best defender of the group. But the Wildcats have a plethora of options at the two and three spots. 12 prospect nationally in 2022 in the 247Sports Composite rankings), Adou Thiero and Cason WallaceĪnalysis: As noted above, Wallace is the likely pick to start alongside Wheeler in the backcourt once the senior returns to 100% health. Newcomers: Antonio Reeves (transfer from Illinois State averaged 20.1 points per game in 33 starts for the Redbirds Missouri Valley Conference second-team selection), Chris Livingston (five-star signee No. One other potential candidate to take over at point guard, if needed: Antonio Reeves, who saw time at the spot at Illinois State.īig question: Can offensive game match Kentucky basketball freshman Cason Wallace's defensive work?įrom May: What Adou Theiro's commitment means for Kentucky basketball's 2022-23 roster Wings But if Wheeler is sidelined for a brief period, expect to see Wallace handle most of the ballhandling duties. On Monday, Kentucky coach John Calipari went on Alan Cutler's radio show and said Wheeler isn't expected to miss much time. Then in the first exhibition of the preseason Sunday against Missouri Western, Wheeler reinjured the same knee in the second half and did not return. He injured his knee prior to the Blue-White scrimmage, and as a precaution the Wildcats held him out of that intrasquad contest. Yet there's the possibility both freshmen could be in the lineup for the season opener next week versus Howard.
While Thiero already has showcased his ability (see: 21 points and a game-high 12 rebounds in the Blue-White scrimmage in Pikeville last month), it's likely Wallace would get the starting nod because of his superior defensive skill. Thiero and Wallace are more combo guards. Analysis: Of the three players listed at this position, Wheeler is the only "true" point guard.
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