The Big Blue Lowdown

My thoughts on what I see as the UK rotation this year...

Starters

PG-Marquis Teague--growing pains, sub-average outside shot, but he will be electric in the John Wall mode. Great crossover and on-the-ball defender.

SG-Darius Miller--His shot will be better and you have to start the senior. Will he step up?

SF-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist--Gilchrist is a defensive player in the mold of DeAndre Liggins. Athletic, physical, fast and long. He may not call everyone a MF and threaten to eat their children like Liggins did, but he will intimidate all the same. Great rebounder, great driver and passer, sub-average outside shot.

PF-Terrence Jones--I predict Jones will have a monster season this year. He has muscled up and worked on his jumper a lot. He can’t be doubled due to the talent surrounding him.

C-Anthony Davis--Although  a center, Davis will not be a true post player. Excellent shot blocker and runs the floor like a gazelle. You will see Davis move on the wing than working down low. He can drive like a guard and shoot threes. He will get pushed around by big, physical post players, but he creates a nightmare defensive match-up for opposing teams' big men on the offensive end.

Bench

Doron Lamb--Will be first off the bench and play 30 mins a game. Besides it is all about who finishes the game with Coach Cal anyway. If Miller remains a talented enigma, Lamb may replace him in the lineup at some point.

Kyle Wiltjer--Will play some because of his pure outside shot and great down low hook shot. He is really lacking upper body strength right now.   

Twany Beckham--Solid defender who will add a veteran guard presence after the first semester. Can play PG and SG.

Eloy Vargas--Has added about 10 pounds of muscle this year. If he can play the block stronger than last season he is going to get some significant minutes.

Stacey Poole--A top 50 player out of high school who did not see the floor much last year. If he does not get some minutes, do not be surprised if he announces that he is transferring at the winter break. He has not been quiet about his unhappiness with playing time.

Jon Hood--Torn ACL in July. He is redshirting. His role was to hand out towels and Gatorade this year anyway.

Jarrod Polson--The victory cigar.