Where Does Stevenson Fit In?
Perhaps no player better represents the embarrassment of riches on Kentucky’s roster than Perry Stevenson. Stevenson has played a significant role in each of his first three seasons at UK, most recently averaging 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks per game in 2008-09. In fact, the 6’9 senior is 8th all-time in blocked shots in UK history.
And yet, many wonder whether Stevenson will get on the court this year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da-VkrGle44&feature=related
Stevenson is a guy with a lot of heart. Two years ago when team leader Patrick Patterson went down for the season with a knee injury, Stevenson stepped up his game down the stretch, averaging close to a double-double while leading UK’s late surge into the NCAA tourney. He plays with a lot of emotion, and provides excitement with spectacular blocked shots and the ability to throw down nasty dunks.
But Stevenson has struggled to increase his strength during his career at UK. And he has never quite developed much of an offensive game (face up or back to the basket). With a roster of big men as deep as Kentucky’s is expected to be this year, Stevenson may be relegated to a role of rebounder and defensive specialist.
Not so shabby when your “spare parts” are guys who’ve started 40+ career games and played in more than 100.
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