With the Big Blue Madness now behind us and the Blue-White Scrimmage underway this weekend, it is officially basketball time again in the bluegrass. There is a lot to be excited about for John Calipari and his squad this year with what looks to be a potential top five team coming into the season. The roster looks to be stacked with a nice mixture of youth as well as experience led by the returning National Player of the Year. With that, let’s take a look at who will be taking the hardwood for the Wildcats this upcoming season.
Front court
Jacob Toppin – Forward
Damion Collins – Forward
Chris Livingston – Forward/Wing
Ugonna Onyenso – Forward
Oscar Tshiebwe – Forward
Lance Ware – Forward
The front court is loaded and is quite possibly one of the best in the country. Of course, that is never going to be much of a stretch when you have the nation’s top player returning, however, there is a ton of depth here as well. Even though there isn’t a true center on this roster, in today’s game that’s truly no longer a factor.
With that, as we dig into the roster let’s start with Oscar Tshiebwe. The super senior is coming off a stellar season where he was awarded the honor of being voted as the nation’s top player after averaging nearly 18 points per game and 15 rebounds per contest. Tshiebwe is an elite rebounder and defender with an ever-evolving offensive game, especially in the post. However, he also boasts a solid mid-range shot and is capable of hitting from beyond the arc as well, even though you don’t see it often.
There has been some concern over Tshiebwe and his availability to play due to injury, however, most reports seem to suggest that there are no lingering issues and he should be back on the floor sooner rather than later. With that being said and as good as he is, the depth behind him is high level with Lance Ware, Damion Collins, and Jacob Toppin. Ware will more than likely be the backup at the five spot and will continue to provide the defense, rebounding, and energy that Wildcat fans have grown accustomed to over the last couple of years.
The four spot is where it will really be interesting. Expect a battle throughout the season for the starting position at the four between Collins and Toppin. Toppin will most likely have the edge starting out to start due to his elite athletic ability, growing offensive skillset, and high energy play. However, Collins brings all the same qualities and may have a higher ceiling. That being said, Toppins experience may give him the edge, especially early on. The good news for Kentucky is you shouldn’t see a drop off in play no matter who is on the court.
True freshman Chris Livingston has also been very impressive early on in the pre-season and has a chance to start at the wing with the ability to play both forward positions. There is also high school graduate-transfer Ugonna Onyenso who may not see a lot of time on the court this season as he is groomed for more action next season. With this, it goes without saying that few teams will boast Kentucky’s depth in the front court this season.
Backcourt
CJ Fredrick – Guard
Sahvir Wheeler – Guard
Adou Thiero – Guard/Wing
Antonio Reeves – Guard/Wing
Cason Wallace – Guard
Grant Darbyshire – Guard (Walk-On)
Brennan Canada – Guard (Walk-On)
Walker Horn – Guard (Walk-On)
Kareem Watkins _ Guard (Walk-On)
Much like the front court, the backcourt also has impressive depth even though slightly more unproven. However, there is quality experience here with the likes of Sahvir Wheeler and transfer Antonio Reeves. Wheeler who will play point guard is a former All-SEC performer who has been one of the better players in the conference over the last couple of seasons in terms of assists. Though he is inconsistent when it comes to shooting from the perimeter, The senior can get to the basket at a high level and does a good job at getting his teammates involved.
Getting his turnovers down will be crucial this season, however, Wheeler will play a vital role for the Wildcats this season. Reeves on the other hand comes in with a reputation as a lights-out sniper from beyond the arc with the ability to play both the guard and wing positions which was shown in the Bahamas as well as during the big blue madness. Expect the senior transfer to potentially be one of the more high-level scorers on the roster this season.
Another player looking to be a major perimeter threat for the Wildcats this season is red-shirt transfer CJ Fredrick. The senior had high expectations coming in to last season, however, was unable to make it on to the court due to injury. Fredick will be heavily relied on this season as well to provide a lethal threat from outside. The most highly anticipated player in the backcourt has to be superstar freshman Cason Wallace. The five-star combo guard was highly touted coming out of high school and may be the most complete player on the roster, or at least in the backcourt.
Wallace will be an instant starter who will play both the lead guard and off-guard positions and should be a steady force for Kentucky this season. The surprise of the group may be freshman Adou Thiero. Although he doesn’t come in with as much fanfare as his fellow classmates, Thiero really impressed in the Bahamas with his hustle, defense, and energy. He also brings a ton of versatility with his ability to play both the off-guard and wing positions.
Conclusion
As the big blue nation knows, the expectations are high every year no matter the circumstances. That being said, the expectations are very realistic this season with the roster that John Calipari has constructed. Of course, there are no guarantees, especially once you get in to March. However, there is a good enough blend of young talent with quality to elite experience to make this team one to remember in the bluegrass state.
Larry Spicer will produce a weekly column covering both the University of Kentucky Basketball and Football programs for the L4 Security 13th Region Media Network. He is a resident of Corbin, and is married with two daughters. He is a communications major at Eastern Kentucky University and has covered football from the NFL to College since 2017.
