The Big Blue Lowdown

The BBL’s quick and dirty take based on the Big Blue Madness scrimmage.

Patrick Patterson
Looks totally reborn. Healthy and jumping out of the gym. Had a couple rebound dunks where he was looking at the goal. Already graduated so this will be his last season at UK.

John Wall
An absolute blur. Long arms. He dribbles the ball too high but covers ground like few can. May surprise with his shooting stroke. He squares his body every time. Jumps much better off his right leg in transition.

Eric Bledsoe
Best ballhandler on the team. As fast as Wall but without the same skils to finish around the rim due to being smaller. But he can sky and had a couple of crazy dunks in transition. There may not be another player in the SEC who can penetrate like him. Was the most impressive player of the freshmen.

John Hood
This kid is the real deal. He gets to the rim in traffic and can catch back door lobs off two feet. Needs time in the weight room but will be a very special player by the time he is a junior. Might not see a lot of time this season, but he is really good. Very good midrange shooter too.

DeMarcus Cousins
An absurd talent. Definitely the least coached player on this team, and Calipari is going to have to reign him in. Wants to bring the ball up the court like a PG. He might be the one guy to cause chemistry issues based on his on-court demeanor. But he is special. Needs some work in the weight room on his lower body. If motivated, probably can’t be stopped.

Daniel Orton
He is the most fundamentally sound player on the team. Rebounds with authority and throws a picturesque outlet pass. He is going to be a beast on the offensive glass. Just has a nose for the ball. For those who didn’t know, he can jump out of the gym, too.

Josh Harrellson
Primed to make a major impact this season. Is a deadeye three-point shooter and in the DD offense, will be a monster on kick outs and the pick and roll. Reminiscent of Scott Padgett. He made 5 or 6 three pointers and many were from deep. Makes you wonder why Billy G was not giving him more minutes. Might average 8 points in 10 minutes a game.

DeAndre Liggins
Looked explosive athletically but isn’t the penetrator that Wall and Bledsoe are. Hard to figure out as far as what position he should play. If he shoots well enough, he’ll play behind Miller on the wing.

Darnell Dodson
He is going to play and play a lot. He needs work in the weight room but is an above average outside shooter with a quick release. Might get the bulk of minutes at the 3 if Miller/Liggins don’t shoot well.

Darius Miller
Smooth. But his problem seems to be lack of killer instinct. Nasty athletically but plays carefree. Versatile, multi-skilled player. Will need to shoot well from behind the 3-point arc.

Ramon Harris
The BBL loves Ramon but he is the 11th or 12th man. Unless he sees extensive time for his defense, he won’t get many minutes. Represents the last vestige of the 2-star players Tubby consistently brought to UK.

Perry Stephenson
Has really improved his perimeter shooting. Because of his experience and ability to block shots, he’ll see 10-12 minutes a game. Is clearly not the physical equal of Orton or Cousins, and he can’t shoot like Harrellson.

BBL’s Take
The hype is justified. This roster has absolutely stunning talent. Calipari’s challenge will be finding a way to get all these thoroughbreds to buy into the system and handle limited minutes. One thing to keep in mind; the boundlessly talented ‘96 championship team was led in minutes played by Antoine Walker, who averaged only 26 per game.