Big Blue Nation, we finally got the chance to witness this team in a competitive game like setting! If you were already excited for this team, then watching this scrimmage would've pushed you over the edge. This team has shooting, physicality, speed, and depth. In my opinion, it is the most well rounded squad John Calipari has had in all his years at Kentucky. This team has the veterans to be very good but like all Cal teams, they will continue to get better and better as the season progresses. One thing I'm curious to see with this team is how they respond to adversity. Who becomes the voice in the huddle? Who makes the shot when we need one most? These are questions that can only be answered as we go on with the season.
Oscar Tshiebwe Will Lead The League in Rebounds
All of the preseason hype around Oscar Tshiebwe is WELL deserved. He is a grown man in the paint and it is not even close. The toughness he brings to practice everyday will make this team so much better. When he mentioned that he wanted to average 20 rebounds per game when he stepped foot on campus, I can honestly say that he was being serious. In the scrimmage he ended with 25 points and 21 rebounds. With this teams ability to shoot he will add a presence down low to gain points in the paint as well.
Bryce Hopkins Could Start by Years End
Bryce has been the biggest surprise in the offseason even being compared to P.J. Washington by Cal. He did it all offensively in the scrimmage with outside shooting as well as driving to the lane and scoring. I can see him starting at the 4 by league play and spreading the court.
TyTy brings a dynamic that we need
TyTy Washington's energy is contagious and his game backs it up. I would compare him to the way Tyrese Maxey had an effect on the team. He can get a bucket from anywhere on the court and he's a great teammate. He finished with 24 points and 10 assists. Between him and Kellan Grady, I could see them both leading the team in scoring.
A couple of key side notes:
Sahvir Wheeler is that point guard that controls the speed of the game.
Lance Ware looked very impressive.
Dontaie Allen can shoot the lights out but his inability to guard or handle the ball could affect his playing time.
Kellan Grady will have multiple 25+ point games.
Damion Collins is way better than expected and could easily see him stepping in and confidently playing good minutes behind Oscar Tshiebwe.
As always, rock Kentucky blue!
All pictures credited to ukathletics.com