The Big Blue Lowdown

After watching UK’s Blue White Scrimmage last week it’s safe to say this UK team is frighteningly deep and talented. There is a lot of energy that goes along with the youth and inexperience. But there are few teams UK will line up against who are equal in terms of athleticism and talent.

Here is the BBL’s breakdown of each player before the season tips off on Monday Night in an exhibition against Campbellsville.

Bledsoe
Hard to describe how UK landed two PGs in the same class that are the talents of Bledsoe and Wall. Bledsoe broke down Liggins on the baseline and went to the goal and tried to dunk on the other 8 players on the floor. Missed the dunk but all of Rupp went silent for 5 seconds. This guy is lethal in transition. His handle is amazing. He is low to the floor and has a build like a rock. Can’t be guarded. His jumper is actually very smooth, and he can pull up from the elbow and hit consistently if he wants to. He is so fast and athletic that he just blows by people at will. Definitely has a tendency to over penetrate and hang in the air around the goal. But his vision is extraordinary. Dime Dropper. There is no way he stays at UK for more than two seasons. Might not get all the limelight this season due to Wall, but he’s one of the best true PG prospects we’ve ever seen at UK. Iverson-esque but stronger.

Wall
Is everything the hype says he is. He has another gear and can’t be stopped when he wants to dribble penetrate to the goal. His jumper is a little above average and he’ll need to improve it in the NBA. But now in college it won’t matter much. He usually looks to pass first, so I wouldn’t expect him to score 30 points a game. He probably could if he wanted to. Will do things this year that will make people stop and say, “Did you see what I just saw”?

Patterson
Made three 3-point shots. Amazing what a system can do for a player. He is unstoppable in the post and on the offensive glass. Should average about 20 and 10 the whole season. He will definitely show new dimensions to his game facing the basket.

Miller
Still an enigma. He doesn’t exert his talent enough. When he wants to be, he is an NBA-ready player. He was taking Wall off the dribble in the second half and it was impressive with his assortment of ball fakes and drives to the goal. Can jump out of the gym, too. His perimeter shot is the one question mark. If he can hit it, he’ll be lights out and first team All-SEC his junior season.

Dodson
He made quite the impression. He is long and lanky and possesses unlimited range on his jumper. Hit 4 of 9 from behind the arc. He appears streaky but when on can score 30 points on any given night. He’ll be asked to square and shoot from the wing in the Dribble Drive. What the BBL finds most impressive is his nose for the ball and ability to finish from dribble drives. With some improved strength and size, the sky is the limit with him. He also needs to learn how to play defense at the D-1 level. We can’t imagine he doesn’t play 15-20 minutes per game between the two and three.

Cousins
A super freak. He might be the best passer on the team. Makes very hard passes look easy. He can score in the post and from the wing. Will also challenge most shots. We don’t think his game is made for the Dribble Drive unless he buys into offensive rebounding. Has a penchant for taking plays off. He is enthusiastic and appears to want to buy in. This will be crucial for UK’s team chemistry this season.

Orton
Is also a special player. It’s doubtful that UK has ever had three potential NBA lottery picks in the same frontcourt before, but they might this year. Orton runs the floor, blocks shots and has baby soft hands. Can elevate higher than either Patterson or Cousins. He will offer some highlight reel dunks this season. He is an awesome outlet passer and has great natural footwork and positioning. He doesn’t appear to be bothered by his knee as has been suggested. Maybe it’s more psychological. He was fluid and pain free in the scrimmage. He’ll play the four and five and I’m sure get 15-20 minutes per game as well.

Harrellson
Will be the biggest surprise on the team. We didn’t know how good this guy was. He is a lights out shooter. Has a great body and can also bang and score on put backs. We can’t imagine he doesn’t average close to 10 points per game and see 15 minutes between the 4 and 5. He might become UK’s designated zone buster. Never underestimate the value of a big man who can draw defenses away from the goal.

Hood
Is also going to be a very good player this season for UK. He has a knack for finding his shot and his handle and range are way better than advertised. He won’t blow by anybody off the dribble but he is long and athletic and can finish with either hand. If he can consistently provide perimeter 3-point shooting, he’ll see 10 minutes per game.

Liggins
Just appears lost. He can’t handle the ball well enough and doesn’t truly understand what his position is. He can defend really well and has great hands. If he could shoot the ball from deep, he’d see minutes but right now the BBL can’t see him playing before Miller or Dodson at the wing. If UK presses he’ll rotate in as a long and live body for transition defense. But unless he starts knocking down shots in limited appearances, he’ll not see the floor very often unless there are injuries to the other guards.

Stephenson and Harris
These two are literally like bluegill in a shark tank. They are overwhelmed by everybody talent wise. Harris made some spot up three pointers but he can’t dribble very well and has no ability to finish drives to the goal. He plays sound defense and is a senior so it might buy him some token minutes. Stephenson is the 5th big man on this team. His body is too skinny and his hands are still below average. He appears to be able to shoot the ball if he is squared and facing the goal, but you can bet Calipari won’t allow this to happen. The BBL doesn’t see either of these two players getting minutes other than in garbage time.