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Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 09-19-2018, 02:15 PM:

By now, everyone knows just how talented Travis is as a player. Now with an improving 3-point shot integrated into his game, he is incredibly versatile with the ball in his hands while also working as a glass-cleaner. During this season, though, his leadership and experience on the court might be more important than his talent. Considering the majority of UK’s rotation is already extremely talented but made up of underclassmen, his impact as a leader could push the team to new heights.

Tyler Herro displays elite shooting
Arguably one of Kentucky basketball’s biggest weaknesses in recent years has been the lack of elite shooting on the roster. In today’s era of hoops, floor spacing is absolutely crucial for success and the recruitment of shooters has become a major priority for programs. In regards to UK, even though Tyler Herro might not be the highest-rated recruit joining the program this season, he could be the most important to success.

At this point, two freshmen guards in Ashton Hagans and Immanuel Quickley look poised to take both starting backcourt spots this year. Considering both players project as point guards with enough size to play at the two-guard as well, the duo should be able to be on the court at the same time with ease thanks to potentially elite level defensive chemistry. In regards to their playing styles, Hagans is arguably the fastest guard in the entire country who projects as an excellent defender while Quickley can practically do it all on the court.

Washington takes the next step
Of all the returning players for Kentucky basketball this year, PJ Washington seems to be the one with the most potential to emerge as a star for the team. A top-20 recruit from the 2017 class, Washington posted a strong freshman campaign a year ago but still has plenty of room to grow. At 6-foot-8 with a lengthy wingspan, Washington looks to be a future NBA player who can succeed on both ends of the floor.

Closing lineup remains consistent and strong
Deploying a consistent starting lineup can yield excellent results for a team but a strong closing rotation can be even more important. Considering Kentucky’s gruesome schedule throughout this entire upcoming season, finding the best closing lineup will be extremely important. Sometimes this does not include the best five individual players but the five that perform best when on the floor together.

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Posted by mr_ukkid (Member # 2304) on 09-29-2018, 10:47 AM:

Cat,

Love the article and im really excited about this team. I think Herro is the real deal and probably deserves to start. Bit kind of a forgotten name on tthe team is Jamarl Baker. He is supposed to be a lights out shooter also. So if he is a good shooter and Herro keeps up his hot shooting we are going to be a force come March. Any word on how Baker is looking at the moment? The Blue/White game is going to be awesome this year imo.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 09-29-2018, 02:08 PM:

ukkid, here is a good article on Jemarl Baker:

Baker was the No. 73 recruit nationally, and many believed he was given a scholarship to Kentucky solely due to his ability to shoot three pointers. If that was indeed the case, it is easy to see why.

Baker can certainly light it up from behind the three point line. In reports from last year’s practices, both before his knee surgery and when he was released to shoot afterward, players raved about Baker’s accuracy. However, I believe there is more to his game than shooting. In watching him play with kids at camps and in pick-up games, Baker is much more athletic than his reputation would suggest.

He can run the floor, he can get above the rim, and he sees the floor very well with the ball in his hands.

“He’s played at the highest level and has always succeeded. He had 30 and 38 against the Ball brothers and played on the Under Armour circuit. He gave [former Duke guard] Trevon Duval 34. He isn’t afraid of the moment,” West Coast Elite coach Justin Downer told Catspause. “He can run your team, he’s an excellent passer. He’s a supreme leader and a kid you want to root for and he’s tough as nails. He’ll be an instant fan favorite would be my guess.”

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[ 09-29-2018, 02:09 PM: Message edited by: catmandoo ]