07-08 Roster Overview

From the latest press conference Billy G states this about the current roster,

“As a new coach coming in, getting the players we got to add, I don’t think it sends a message, but I think it helps not only right now, but for the future as well.”

Those players added to the roster are, in the WCB's order of greatness: Patrick Patterson, A.J. Stewart, Alex Legion, Mike Williams.

And if I'm not mistaken, add walk-on Kerry Benson.

Obviously the addition of Patterson gives Kentucky a low post presence it hasn't had since Hayes and Azubuike left, but now with Morris' departure to the NBA, now the Cats have to once again muster up a little creativity to fill the paint area. However which way it happens, at least we know we just might see something unexpected come next season after hearing that Gillispie has given every spot up for grabs.

Again, with Patterson picking Kentucky, the Wildcats in my opinion could be that special inexperienced team of 2004 which were just one Rajon Rondo drive to the basket and draw the foul with nothing left on the clock away in the first OT against Michigan St from reaching the Final Four.

Kentucky is guard heavy, something like eight on the team, and depending on how well our kids improve and earn a starting spot, here are the Wildcat Blog's Off-season choices and potential starting lineups for the upcoming season.

Guards: Bradley, Crawford
Forwards: Patterson, Stewart
Center: Carter

If I were Giddyup, and trust me, I'm not trying to be but only for the sake of making this blog look stupid-funny as always, I'd have to start my seniors. Bradley and Crawford have earned their way to be the leaders of this team by their dedication and hard work and because I honor them for their four years of representing us. Bradley can be clutch at times and has the ability to not only knock down the three but he's fearless just as Patrick Sparks was, if not maybe a little more as he shown us from last year. Bradley is the team's motivator, he's the clutch baller waiting to rise in close battles. He can be the glue that makes everything stick together mentally as they begin their journey, his last, in Kentucky blue with a new coach and freshmen starters. Joe Crawford I see as being that secret weapon. The kid every team forgets about. The X factor. The Crawfornator. He has both the abilities Bradley has, only better. He's quiet, but he's hungry, and he's just waiting for the “GO” from Gillispie. The kid has a mean crossover that will make you kiss your kicks and he's just waiting to be unleashed at the right time - something we've rarely got to see. Both Bradley and Crawford will be Kentucky's main three-point shooters and if they're allowed to can also drive and create plays and foul shot opportunities against the toughest of opponents. Patterson and Stewart are both scoring threats who have to take some time gelling with the team. As with any freshman, nerves are going to have to be wrinkled out before mid-December and that's when we should see these guys relax a little and become more confident in their college game. Patterson is an immediate starter, no doubt. Stewart could very likely share time with Stevenson and Jared Carter. Carter, who has been rehabbing an injury, has to come out and prove he's worthy to start, otherwise Gillispie might have to go to a three-guard lineup which Tubby tinkered with last year. I'd like to think that Jared is healthy and ready and can provide at least some stability underneath the hoop. If not, we could see Perry Stevenson (this is all assuming Billy G doesn't sign anyone else this year) sharing time with Carter at Center. Overall, a starting lineup of Bradley, Crawford, Patterson, Stewart, and Carter could be very possible.

On the bench the main guy on the pine waiting to sub their jersey in will of course be Jodie sneak the three Meeks. The kid passed up Jasper as the freshman fav during last season simply because he can ball. I don't see anyone taking Bradley's nor Crawford's starting spot at the beginning of the season, however, if someone does during the season, it will likely be Meeks. Next on the bench has to be Jasper. He can run the court with the best of them and he has a Stevie Nash kinda way of making plays, and both Crawford and Meeks have proven to be clutch at opportune times in big must win games not only with their game making shots but also with their trifectas. Then we'll have Harris, Porter, and maybe yes even a little Mark Coury who will see more action than the rest. And with having two freshmen talents at the forward positions this year, it may be the case we could see Meeks, Bradley, Crawford, Patterson, and Carter/Stevenson/Harris in combination to starting lineup. It'd be easier for Gillispie since Kentucky is guard heavy to sub those guys and sub and rotate in for only Patterson than subbing and rotating in both forward positions. Ramon Harris and A.J. Stewart, with Stevenson possibly subbing the forward and center positions at times, could possibly be the best option for Gillispie next season at the low post position.

We do know this, that Gillispie likes to run the court at a fast pace, and we have kids on this roster that can definitely run. It will be just a matter of time for this team to gel together, get used to Gillispie's style (which I honestly don't think it will take long to adjust), and establish some consistency which will boost some confidence. It will be then when we'll see the seniors Bradley and Crawford own this team and garner the respect four year college players deserve in quite possibly what could be among the best and emotional farewell senior days Kentucky's basketball team has had since Hayes' time. I think Bradley and Crawford have underachieved, and this year could be their year to shine beautifully under the Big Blue lights of Rupp Arena. They certainly have that opportunity.

And next season? Well, before Patterson signed, I was saying that Kentucky would be lucky to win half their games. I think realistically now with Patterson and looking at the potential of Stewart and having a drastically improved and healthy Jared Carter, Kentucky again has an opportunity, of course if they can put it together, to be the quiet underdog to at least match what UK of 2004 did. The talent is here. The depth is here. And a coach to make it all happen definitely has the passion and ability to make these kids overachieve way further than the team of '04 did when they lost to Michigan St. in double OT in the Elite Eight.

I honestly am more optimistic than I've ever been after a coaching change, although Tubby's first year did surprise me. I'm not saying that will happen this year, these kids have to buy in and play to Gillispie's game as a whole, but after Tubby jetted off and before Gillispie signed on, I was thinking Kentucky would be lucky for an NIT bid this upcoming season.

Now, I'm thinking Kentucky's about to open a can of Gator repellent and force feed a little humility into Gainseville.

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