How Good is Kentucky?

With a class reminiscent to a group of Freshman who came to Ann Arbor in the early 1990's, this 2011-2012 Kentucky team is expected to dominate night in and night out.

Winning is a way of life at Kentucky.  From the Adolph Rupp teams that set records on their way to four national titles, to Tubby Smith becoming the first African-American coach to win a national championship, the pride of the bluegrass state definitely has a place in Basketball history.  When you mention Kentucky University, basketball has to be the first thing that comes to mind.  And why not?  The Wildcats over the years have taken place in some of basketball's most indelible moments.  The all-time winningest program in College Basketball history definitely has something to brag about.  However, since 1998, the Wildcats have only been to one final four (2011) and have no national championships, despite having incredibly talented teams and marvelous coaching staffs. 

Kentucky, a school that had appeared to be veering off track as far as winning basketball games was concerned, has earned a second life.  That second wind came in the form of John Calipari.  In his first year, the former Memphis and UMASS coach signed one of the best recruiting classes ever, by convincing four different five star players to come join the Nation of Blue.  Needless to say, in six years, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and possibly Daniel Orton will be one of, if not the franchise player of their respectful franchises.  However, even with that incredibly talented group, the Wildcats lost what many consider to be a game that the Wildcats should have won.  However, Calipari did not stop there.  In 2011, the fourth seeded Wildcats reached the final four before eventually losing to Connecticut.  While a CBS announcer proclaimed that basketball's grandest weekend was "An Old Kentucky Home", many UK fans will not be satisfied until John Calipari brings home what the people in the Bluegrass state feel is rightfully theirs, a National Championship.  Even with DeAndre Liggins and Brandon Knight entering the draft, and Josh Harrellson graduating, the Wildcats boast a recruiting class that, in my opinion, tops any in the nation.  Freshmen are once again the theme, with Michael Gilchrist, the #1 overall rated Small Forward in the class of 2011, Marquis Teague, the top Point Guard in this year's class, and oh, how could I forget?  Anthony Davis, the nation's top Power Forward, and overall top prospect in America who hails from the tough streets of Chicago will be joining the nation's top team.




Anthony Davis will be the head of yet another highly touted
recruiting class at Kentucky.  

Anthony Davis is one of the headlines this year's class.  After growing seven inches in a single year, Davis has a very versatile game.  First of all, he can attack the basket hard with either hand, which will definitely be a big plus considering his 6'10" frame.  If you're thinking about bringing the ball inside, think again.  With an unreal wingspan, Davis is an elite shot blocker, who has great defensive awareness on the court.  While I only watched him play in the Jordan Brand Classic, I must say that I was impressed with what I saw.  He is definitely going to be one of the standout players for this year's Wildcat basketball team.  Although his strength may be often called into question this year, there is no denying that he a game changing big man who can keep teams out on the perimeter because of his interior defensive prowess.

Gilchrist will be the motor that helps Kentucky go
in the 2011-12 College basketball season.

Okay, I'm just going to ask this:  why is this guy not getting more attention?  Yes, he's ranked #3, but why isn't he higher?  No disrespect to his fellow freshman Anthony Davis, who I just raved on and on about, but Gilchrist may be the most ready to make an immediate impact for Kentucky.  While his jump shot may need some polishing, his athleticism and ability to get to the rim will set him apart immediately.  We cannot look past the intangibles, either.  Gilchrist is a guy who wants to win.  He will be the guy who makes this team go.  He will be relentless with his energy, and will make this Kentucky team go.  While he will be one of the talented players on this year's Wildcat team, he will no doubt be the x-factor as Kentucky tries to go back to the Final Four.

One of the two other notable prospects for this year's John Calipari squad are #1 overall rated point guard Marquis Teague, who is widely held as the fastest player in the open court entering this year's class, but may lack the mental toughness to succeed in college.  The other one is fifth ranked Kyle Wiltjer from Portland Oregon, who adds a big man with an outside shot.  This year's Kentucky team is talented without a doubt, and is definitely good enough to take a trip to New Orleans to the final four.  While last year's team was very good, this year's team may be great, especially with the return of Terrence Jones.  With easily the most talented team in the country in my opinion, the Wildcats should be able to dominate night in and night out, and be able to give UK fans something they have not been able to claim theirs in over 10 years, the title of being the best college basketball team in America.