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THURSDAY 11.10.16
BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW
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2 I Kentucky Kernel I 11.10.16
Briscoe’s back and ready to lead
Championship pieces in place for this year’s Cats ANTHONY CRAWFORD Sports Editor
With the preseason now behind UK men’s basketball, head coach John Calipari has declined to make any comment or make any specific suggestion about how this team compares to any of his past teams. But that’s OK because I have no problem making my own comparisons. This group of talented recruits and incumbent players are interesting because of the depth and versatility they possess, and it’s for that reason that making a comparison to any one team is hard. But there is definitely elements taken from a few past squads that make it clear this team has the pieces of a championship team. Aesthetically, it’s hard to look at this team and not have flashbacks of Calipari’s first team at UK. The team was a fast-paced squad driven by the engine that was John Wall. Wall arrived at UK as the No. 1 recruit in the country and quickly started looking the part of the first overall draft pick in that year’s NBA Draft. De’Aaron Fox has played two exhibition games in his UK career so far, but has looked like he can fit perfectly in that mold left by Wall. That 2009-10 team loved to get out and run, but they only got those opportunities because of how hard they played on defense. According to Kenpom.com, that Cats squad was sixth in the nation in defensive efficiency and led the nation in block percentage. With the length that this year’s team can boast on the perimeter with Fox, Malik Monk and Isaiah Briscoe, it may be more likely that this team registers as one of the top teams in steals, but either way defensive pressure will be there. The comparison switches
PHOTO BY HUNTER MITCHELL I STAFF Head coach John Calipari yells at his team during the game against Clarion on Sunday, Oct. 30 in Lexington.
to another Cats squad when looking at the roster construction, but rather one with actual championship pedigree — the 2011-12 UK basketball team. There are players on that team that are generational talents that make it hard for anyone player to fill in for. That’s why it may take a combination of players in those cases and this Cats’ team has parts to spare. The first guy that made that team truly special and played maybe the biggest part in adding another banner in Rupp Arena is Michael KiddGilchrist. There was not a single player in college basketball that year that wanted to win more or would do more to win, and it showed with how relentless he went after loose balls and how unstoppable he was in transition. Thankfully those two qualities are specialties of some current Cats. Calipari has already come out in saying the same rule that applied to Kidd-Gilchrist in throwing the ball to him whenever he leaked out into open space on the break now applies to Monk. The freshman shooting guard already has some impressive dunks to his name and his athleticism will lead to easy points in transition just as Kidd-Gilchrist’s did for that season’s team. The other thing that made Kidd-Gilchrist key was how hard he played. Wenyen Gabriel and Bam Adebayo are
As of October 11, 2016 , subject to change.
similar in that regard, but with his 6’10”, 260 lbs frame, Adebayo has the ability to take over games with his effort. There should not be any rebound that Adebayo wants that he doesn’t get, and although he isn’t known for being a shot blocker, he is athletic enough to make those types of plays. Adebayo also runs the floor extremely well and that has resulted in a lot of dunks and putbacks on attempts at the rim. The other facet the 201112 title team had was a veteran presence in senior Darius Miller and sophomores Doron Lamb and Terrence Jones. This team enjoys that same luxury with seniors Dominique Hawkins and Derek Willis and sophomore Isaiah Briscoe. Neither Hawkins nor Willis have made the same impact up to this point in their careers that Miller had entering that championship season, but both have enjoyed defining stretches that have proved they can be beneficial to the team. Hawkins played a small but important role his freshman year when he was thrown into the Cats; Elite Eight matchup against Michigan and was forced to guard Nik Stauskas, one of the top offensive players that year in college basketball. Hawkins also hit multiple key threes in last year’s matchup with in-state rival
See CHAMPS on page 5
From the moment he was tabbed a top recruit in the class of 2015, Isaiah Briscoe had high expectations. Nothing has changed entering his second year at UK. When Briscoe departed his hometown of Newark, N.J., last summer, people expected the 6’3” guard to be a heavy contributor during his freshman year. Briscoe’s transition wasn’t exactly smooth last year, especially shooting the ball. Despite averaging 9.6 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game and an assist to turnover ratio of 1.6 the shooting seemed to outweighed the rest. He only shot 13.5 percent from threepoint range and just 46 percent from the free throw line as a freshman. The numbers were surprising because Briscoe shot 36 percent from deep and 70 percent from the line as a senior in high school. After his struggles last season, Briscoe is trying to recapture the form from his high school days. “I’m just getting comfortable with shooting the ball,” Briscoe said. “I’m in the gym every night just trying to get better. I’m in here most of the night’s shooting, just trying to get my muscle memory right and get more comfortable shooting the ball.” Already through the team’s two exhibition games, Briscoe
PHOTO BY HUNTER MITCHELL I STAFF Sophomore guard Isaiah Briscoe lays the ball up during the game against Asbury on Sunday in Lexington.
though the sample size is somewhat unrealistic, it is still promising. It also helps that he now has his confidence back with at least taking the outside shots, which is something he lost towards the end of last season. But to UK’s benefit, Briscoe’s poor shooting from a year ago likely kept him in Lexington for another season. The expectations will be higher for Briscoe this year because of John Calipari’s recent success with second-year point guards. Tyler Ulis increased his points per game by 12 and field goal percentage from 40 percent as a freshman to 43 percent as a sophomore. However, Briscoe’s biggest attribution to the team could be his leadership. Sophomore players have been a rarity in the Calipari era, but the coach likes the leadership Briscoe is delivering so far. has shot considerably better. “Isaiah’s bought into it,” He’s 7-10 from the free throw Calipari said at media day in line and 7-11 from the field. Al- October. “That’s why I couldn’t
be more pleased. He’s leading on the court. We’re teaching him how to lead off the court just like we did with Tyler.” While it is important for Calipari to see that Briscoe is becoming a leader, it may be more important that his teammates are taking notice too, especially the inexperienced freshmen. Briscoe was in their position a year ago and knows how difficult the transition to the college game is, especially at UK when freshmen are almost always thrown directly into the rotation. “Isaiah already knows everything that goes on and he does nothing but help,” freshman guard De’Aaron Fox said in the preseason. Briscoe’s improvement both on and off the court is going to play a big role in the team’s success this season, and the New Jersey native is looking poised to break-out this season as the leader of one of the nation’s elite teams.
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ON ONCAMPUS CAMPUS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Cats Den – Blazer Hall Chemistry Breakage Fees Coke® machines Football Stadium Concession – Student Section Football Tickets Hilary J. Boone Center Kentucky Clinic Pharmacies Library Fines Ricoh – Copying & Printing Ricoh Document Service Center– W. T. Young Singletary Center for the Arts UK Dining – All locations UK Healthcare Pharmacies UK Ticket Office – Bowman’s Den University Health Service WildCard UKID Center – Bowman’s Den WildCat Cafe – 3rd Floor KY Clinic
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• Indigo Salon & Wellness– E. Short St • Touche Salon - Richmond Rd • Unique Beauty Threading Salon – E. New Circle Rd LAUNDRY SERVICES • Laundry 101 – Pick-up/Delivery • Splash ‘em Out – Waller Ave RETAIL • CVS Pharmacy® – Harrodsburg Rd, New Circle Rd, & Walden Dr • Johnny Print – S. Limestone St • Jus Couture Glam Shop – Waller Ave • Pedal Power Bike Shop – S. Upper St • Sqecial Media – S. Limestone St TAXI • Yellow Wildcat Cab RESTAURANTS AMERICAN • A.P. Suggins – Romany Rd • Alfalfa Restaurant – Main St • Arby’s® – S. Limestone St • Buffalo Wild Wings® – S. Broadway • Chatham’s Southern Comfort Foods – E. High St • Chili’s® – Market Place Dr & Richmond Rd • Denny’s® – Nicholasville Rd • Gold Star Chili – S. Broadway • Joella’s Hot Chicken - Cochran Rd • Josie’s – Chevy Chase Place • The Julep Cup – Woodland Ave • Logan’s Roadhouse – Fayette Mall Plaza, Hamburg, & S. Broadway • Noodles & Company– Nicholasville Rd & S. Limestone • O’Charley’s® – Nicholasville Rd • Raising Cane’s® – Hamburg, Harrodsburg Rd, Nicholasville Rd, & S. Upper St • Ramsey’s – W. Zandale • T.G.I. Friday’s® – Fayette Mall Plaza & Hamburg • Waffle House® – S. Broadway & Walden Dr • Wing Zone® – Eureka Springs Dr & Southland Dr BURGERS • A & W – E. Main St, Hamburg, & Towne Centre Dr • BurgerFi - Rojay Dr • Five Guys® Burgers & Fries – Nicholasville Rd • Freakin’ Unbelievable Burgers –S. Limestone St • McDonald’s® – S. Limestone St, Nicholasville Rd, & Versailles Rd • SmashBurger – S. Upper St • Sonic Drive-In – S. Broadway • Tolly-Ho – S. Broadway • Wendy’s® – Nicholasville Rd CHINESE/SUSHI • Blue Reef Sushi & Grill - S. Broadway • Hibachi Express – S. Limestone St • iChing – Hamburg • Mandarin Cafe and Sushi – Nicholasville Rd • Wong Wong Chinese Restaurant – Southland Dr COFFEE/DONUTS • Coffea - Rose St • Common Grounds Coffee House and Cafe – E. High St
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• Dunkin’ Donuts® – Kennedy’s Wildcat Den & S. Broadway CUBAN • Brasabana Cuban Cuisine – Lane Allen Rd GREEK • Athenian Grill – S. Ashland Ave • INDIAN • Taste of India – Nicholasville Rd ITALIAN • Fazoli’s® – Nicholasville Rd, Richmond Rd, & Winslow St • Joe Bologna’s – Maxwell St • Johnny Carino’s – Fayette Mall Plaza JUICE BAR/SMOOTHIES • Jamba Juice– S. Upper St • Nutri-Cafe/MM Nutrition - Virginia Ave • The Press Juice Bar & Cafe– Kentucky Ave MONGOLIAN • Bd’s Mongolian Grill® – Hamburg PIZZA • Blaze Pizza – S. Limestone St • Donato’s Pizza® – E. Main St • Gattitown® – Nicholasville Rd • Mad Mushroom Pizza – S. Broadway • Marco’s Pizza – Nicholasville Rd • Mellow Mushroom Pizza – S. Upper St • Papa John’s Pizza® – Euclid Ave • Pazzo’s Pizza – S. Limestone St • Uncle Maddio’s Pizza - Euclid Ave RESTAURANT DELIVERY SERVICE • LexEatIn – Online & Phone • Take Out Taxi – Online & Phone SANDWICHES/SUBS • Firehouse Subs® – S. Upper St • High on Art & Coffee – E. High St • Jersey Mike’s - S. Broadway • Penn Station – S. Broadway • Schlotzsky’s Deli® – Nicholasville Rd • Subway® – Nicholasville Rd, Versailles Rd, Waller Ave & Woodland Ave SWEETS/TREATS • Dairy Queen - Virginia Ave • Graeter’s Ice Cream - Euclid Ave • Insomnia Cookies - Jersey St • Sav’s Chill - S. Limestone St TEX/MEX • Chipotle® – S. Limestone St • Chuy’s – Nicholasville Rd • Cinco de Mayo – Maxwell St • Local Taco – S. Limestone St • Moe’s Southwest Grill® – Fayette Mall Plaza • Qdoba Mexican Grill® – Euclid Ave • Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina – Nicholasville Rd • Street Craves – S. Limestone St WEST AFRICAN • Sav’s Grill & West African Cuisine– S. Limestone St
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Freshman Gabriel looks to do everything for UK By Anthony Crawford sports@kykernel.com
The shift to playing college basketball often means asking more from incoming freshmen, but Wenyen Gabriel is ready to continue his do-everything role from high school. Gabriel comes to UK from Wilbraham & Monson Academy, a prep school in New Hampshire with no relative basketball pedigree, where he had to do everything for his team and now has to adjust to a new role and more capable teammates. “He doesn’t trust anybody,” John Calipari told UK players during an open practice in October. “If you played on that team, you wouldn’t trust anybody.” As a 6’10 lengthy, athletic forward Gabriel was able to impact the game all over the court in high school and it showed in his trip to Lexington last year to play in the Bluegrass Showcase. As the only high profile basketball prospect on his team, Gabriel led Wilbraham & Monson to a win over Athlete Institute Basketball Academy who fielded two coveted players in their lineup, one being 2016 NBA draftee Thon Maker and the other his younger brother Matur Maker. Even against a quality frontcourt, Gabriel overcame a halftime deficit to win the game while contributing 24 points. He thrived leaning on the inside-out game that makes him the perfect fit for Calipari’s “positionless basketball” philosophy. “I think that’s one of the things that defines my game as well. I’ve never really had that set in stone position,” Gabriel said. “Whether I’m pushing the ball up the floor or I’m posting up on the block, it’s all the same to me. Whatever role comes to me that leads to us winning, that’s the role I’ll play.” His motor and drive have shown in early practices and games. As Calipari said, Gabriel is especially effective at blocking shots and pulling down rebounds. Gabriel’s size and mobility could be the key to unlocking the team’s defen-
sive potential, which Calipari wants to rank among the best in the country. As basketball shifts towards a style that requires big men to be able to hold their own when switched onto guards on the perimeter, Gabriel can keep up and then some. Calipari himself has even toyed with the idea of playing a zone that features Gabriel at the top of the key, using his length to hound opposing guards. Playing in that type of system requires a lot of gambling and trust in teammates, which is something he will have to adjust to. The freshmen class this season has already shown it is a tight-knit group and that helps players like Gabriel make the strides necessary in trusting other players on the court. Gabriel’s teammates have already taken notice of the player he can be. His motor and hustle surprised fellow freshman Malik Monk. “He just keeps going,” Monk said. “I didn’t know his motor was like that. He just keeps playing and playing.” It’s that type of effort and overall strive for perfection in his game that led Calipari to compare Gabriel to former UK basketball player and current Charlotte Hornet Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. While Kidd-Gilchrist expected a lot of himself when it came to making his return from an injured labrum, Gabriel has put immense pressure on himself when it comes to adjusting his offensive game to college basketball. “Now, there are some areas he can improve, fine,” Calipari said of Gabriel. “You’re talking
11.10.16
I Kentucky Kernel I 3
Akhator hopes to dominate senior season
PHOTO BY ADAM PENNAVARIA I FILE Kentucky forward Evelyn Akhator searches for a pass during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Thursday, Jan. 14 . PHOTO BY HUNTER MITCHELL I STAFF Freshman forward Wenyen Gabriel shoots the ball during the game against Asbury on Sunday in Lexington.
about a 6-10, inside, outside, stretch four-three, (that’s) good with the ball, but only touched where he’s going to be.” Right now, Gabriel is confident in transition because of his athletic gifts, but is unsure of where exactly he fits in half-court sets. Gabriel is well rounded in being able to play many roles, but the coaching staff is still working to build his confidence the further away from the basket he gets. “I like Wenyen right now because he’s kind of just coming into this thing trying to understand what he needs to do,” senior forward Derek Willis said of Gabriel. “And he kind of plays similarly to me, so I’ve been trying to help him out in different ways.” Like many other gifted athletes, Gabriel has been able to count on his speed and quickness to beat his man and get to the rim in most cases. It’s for that reason he didn’t have to over rely on his jumpshot. Gabriel has shown some
consistency in his midrange game, but his three-point shooting has been called streaky on numerous occasions. Willis is taking him under his wing and should be a valuable asset for the freshman. Willis is UK’s best sharpshooter and also puts in extra time shooting after practices. The two are nice compliments to each other as well. Willis is more polished on offense and Gabriel is more comfortable on the defensive end. Going up against each other in practice will help bring out the best in each other but could also have some consequences in the starting lineup. Willis is a senior and has more experience, but Gabriel’s athleticism could be the difference in UK going from good to great defensively. Either way, both will play major roles this season and the competition should help Gabriel round out his versatile game that he developed before arriving in Lexington.
Want to write for Kernel Sports? Email: a.crawford1219@yahoo.com
By Chase Campbell sports@kykernel.com
Evelyn Akhator, the 6’3” senior from Lagos, Nigeria, is looking to improve even further on a fantastic performance last season. As a junior, she finished with 13 double-doubles, ranking 12th in the all-time school record book for career double-doubles, achieved after only one season. Being a transfer from Chipola Junior College didn’t faze the powerful forward as she made a point of being a powerful force in the Cats’ frontcourt. Akhator, however, is always focused on the team. Over the offseason, there were several player changes, with almost half of this year’s roster not having played for the Cats last year. This didn’t seem to concern Akhator, and she seemed elated about where the team is coming into this season. “Our chemistry has been amazing” Akhator said before the team’s first exhibition game. “With the psyche and everything, it’s great.” Only going into her second year with this UK team, after being in junior college for her first two years, one would expect a performance gap in her play, but Akhator has been
sure to dispel any concerns regarding her play in Division I basketball. Akhator was named SEC Player of the week at the end of February, and was on the NCAA Starting Five at the beginning of March. She also earned a spot on the All-SEC Second team in her first season with the Cats, and she’s certain to be hungry for even more. Akhator gives a lot of credit to the new members of the UK coaching staff, talking for a while about all the praise they deserve. “They really lift us up, and personally try to encourage us, try to make sure we’re okay,” Akhator said. “Whatever it is, they’re always there for us.” She’s always ready to deflect praise to her teammates, but she’s sure to be a leading, driving force for UK, which is ranked No. 19 in the preseason polls. Last year, Akhator had seven games in which she scored 15 points or more, and led the team in rebounding in about 70 percent of their games. Akhator should prove to be a core piece to the frontcourt, and it will be a challenge for every team they match up with this season to stop her. Their first regular season matchup will be against No. 14 Miami, on Nov. 11 in Memorial Coliseum.
4
I Kentucky Kernel I 11.10.16
Competitive season ahead By Chris Leach
news@kykernel.com
After beating Union University in their only exhibition game this season, the No. 19 UK women’s basketball team is set to start their regular season this week. The Cats will start the season Friday night at Memorial Coliseum against the No. 14 Miami (FL) Hurricanes. The Hurricanes will not be the only ranked opponent that the Cats play in their non-conference schedule, as head coach Matthew Mitchell has yet again built a tough schedule for his team. Including the Hurricanes, the Cats will take on four non-conference teams that were ranked in the Associated Press Preseason Top 25 poll. The Cats will also take on two non-conference teams who were not ranked in the Preseason Top 25 but made the NCAA tournament last season. The Cats will surely be up to the challenge as last season they went undefeated in non-conference play while playing a handful of good teams. The only game where the Cats will travel to face a ranked non-conference opponent will be at No. 5 Louisville. Last season UK defeated the Cardinals by 18 points at home. The Cats will face Duke in their final non-conference game of the season. Duke was not ranked in the Preseason Top 25 poll but received votes. Once the Southeastern Conference schedule rolls around, things do not get easier for the Cats as they are in one of the most competitive conferences in the NCAA. The Cats are just one of the six ranked teams in the SEC. Mizzou and Texas A&M received votes in the Preseason Top 25 poll but were not ranked. The Cats will get a chance to play all of those teams at least once this season, sometimes playing certain teams twice, such as No. 4 South Carolina and No. 24 Mizzou. With such a difficult schedule that lies ahead, the Cats will certainly need a talented ros-
PHOTO BY HUNTER MITCHELL I STAFF UK basketball coach Matthew Mitchell calls out a play during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers on Monday, Jan. 25 in Lexington.
ter if they hope to extend their consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament to eight. Luckily for UK, one of the most talented point guards in the country is on this year’s squad. Senior Makayla Epps has been in the center of the spotlight all preseason long after she led the Cats in points per game last season. Epps has been included on many preseason watchlists, including recently being named to the Preseason All-SEC First Team by conference coaches. In October, Epps was added to the Nancy Lieberman Award Preseason watchlist, which annually awards the top point guard in all of women’s college basketball. The Cats also return their leading rebounder from last season in Evelyn Akhator. Akhator averaged 9.3 rebounds per game last season, and in the exhibition game against Union, Akhator grabbed 17 rebounds. Before Kentucky, Akhator helped Chipola Community College win a national championship her sophomore year. Akhator’s championship experience could prove to be useful throughout the Cats’ tough schedule and in the postseason. Epps and Akhator will ultimately lead the Cats, but most of the roster after those two is a mystery. The Cats returners include Maci Morris, Alyssa Rice and Taylor Murray. Murray
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stood out last year leading the Cats last season in total steals, and Morris quickly showed that she could be reliable shooter making the second most threes on the team. Many newcomers makeup the rest of the roster for the Cats, such as Makenzie Cann. Cann technically is a returner, as she was on the Cats’ roster last season, but did not make an appearance since she was forced to sit out the season due to NCAA transfer rules. This season she is eligible to play and is expected to be a great shooter coming off the bench. The prized freshman the Cats got this offseason was Jaida Roper. Roper was a three-star guard in high school according to ESPN. Roper plays at a fast pace and is also expected to play big minutes off the bench. With so many new pieces on the Cats’ roster this season, they will have to learn and adapt fast with the tough schedule that lies ahead. The Cats will begin their regular season playing in the Kentucky Classic, which is being hosted at Memorial Coliseum. On Nov. 11, the Cats will take on the Hurricanes, then the following day the Cats will play Albany, an unranked team who last season made the second round of the NCAA tournament. Tip-off for both of those games is scheduled for 8 p.m.
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Guards ready to lead UK
trio will be doing even more of that. As Ulis did last year, Briscoe is set to be the primary ball handler for a team that will be looking to get out and run at any given opportunity. “I think we are going to get out in transition a lot. And I think speed is our strong point this year,” Briscoe said before the season. “With the three
guards, Me, Malik (Monk) and Fox, whoever gets the rebound, any of us can bring the ball up. We are all unselfish and we are all just playing.” The offensive ability of the backcourt is off the charts, but what many may not be realizing is how good this backcourt can be defensively. Again, it all starts with Briscoe. Just as Ulis was a problem for opposing
point guards last year on defense, Briscoe is going to be the one setting the tone defensively in the backcourt. This year’s team is already getting recognition defensively, ranked 6th by Kenpom.com in defensive efficiency, a stat in which the Cats finished last year ranked 39th. Although it may not be entirely because of the aggressiveness and athleticism that Briscoe, Fox, and Monk have on the defensive end, those three know how difficult they are going to make it on other teams. “I would hate to have us three guarding you,” Fox said in the preseason. “It doesn’t matter which one it is, it’s going to be a good defender – with our speed and athleticism it will be a lot of steals and a lot of breaks.” With their abilities on both ends of the floor, it is clear that UK will boast one of the nation’s top backcourts alongside Kansas’ duo of Devonte’ Graham and Frank Mason III, and Duke’s trio of Grayson Allen, Luke Kennard and Frank Jackson. “Our (expectations) of course is to be the best backcourt,” Fox said. “We are going to go out and prove it, — We want to show people we are the best.” From his days at Memphis with Derrick Rose, to his time here at UK with John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight, Marquis Teague, the Harrison Twins, Ulis and Murray; Calipari has been able to constantly get the most out of his guards on both sides of the ball, and it is looking like things will be no different with the the guards this year.
but his play to close the season played a big part in UK making a run for a SEC title and helped unlock the offense with his shooting. Lastly, Briscoe will have his turn to be a lead guard and has looked great in UK’s exhibitions. Winning plays
will be brought up a lot when discussing Briscoe’s play this year, and it’s for that reason that he should be the team’s primary decision maker, even if he is splitting ball-handling responsibilities with one of the freshmen guards. The comparison between
these past team, but the key elements that made 2009-10 and 2011-12 season are present in this year’s team, and only time will tell if they end up more like the team that finished in the Elite Eight or the one that was cutting down the nets to close the season.
By Chris Angolia sports@kykernel.com
For the second straight year, coach John Calipari will have a sophomore point guard at the helm of his team. Isaiah Briscoe has been given the reigns to this season’s team after spending last year alongside Tyler Ulis who departed for the NBA. On last year’s team, it was clear that the team was going to go as far as the backcourt could take it with Ulis, Briscoe and Jamal Murray. Now, with Ulis and Murray gone to the NBA, Calipari is tasked with bringing another pair of freshmen into the starting rotation as he did last season. This year’s duo of freshmen set to be thrown into the rotation is a bit different from Briscoe and Murray last year. While Murray was more of a shooter and Briscoe was a physical, defensive guard a year ago, De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk are showing signs that they can do it all. While last year’s backcourt was still one of the best in the nation, there is no reason to think that this one will not be better when looking at the trio from an overall standpoint. “I don’t think anybody can guard us,” Monk said about the guards. “We are all fast, we can all shoot, we can all get to the lane. It is just going to be nice to have all that.” The speed aspect of the backcourt is something that will play a big part in defining the Cats’ season. Transition basketball is something that all three guards have thrived in no matter the setting, and although the three guards last season did get out in transition, this year’s
CHAMPS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Louisville to help secure the win. Willis was a bit of a breakout player for UK last season,
PHOTO BY TAYLOR PENCE I STAFF Kentucky will rely heavily on its talented backcourt this season, especially on freshman guards Malik Monk (5) and De’Aaron Fox (0).
11.10.16
I Kentucky Kernel I 5
UK opens season with
Stephen F. Austin By Phillip Hawkins sports@kykernel.com
UK basketball’s season is officially underway in the Bluegrass. After a huge 93-point win over Asbury in their final exhibition game of the year the Cats are preparing for their first regular season game against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks on Friday at 7 p.m. at Rupp Arena. After the team’s two exhibition games, it looks as if the starting lineup for the No. 2 Cats is up in the air. Following the game against Clarion, head coach John Calipari switched the starting lineup around. Starters for the Asbury game included De’Aaron Fox, Isaiah Briscoe, Malik Monk, Derek Willis and Bam Adebayo, but in the first exhibition fellow freshman Wenyen Gabriel started in Monks’ place. If this starting lineup remains the same, Stephen F. Austin will have their hands full with UK’s backcourt. The Cats’ freshmen duo of Monk and Fox is expected to be one of the most dynamic duos in the country this season. Against Asbury, the two combined for 40 points, with 25 of those points coming from Fox and 15 coming from Monk. Alongside of the duo is Briscoe who had 11 points with seven assists and four steals. Making up the frontcourt for the starting lineup are forwards Adebayo and Willis, who have both been dominant in the past two games. In his senior season Willis is looking to lead this team on a potential national championship run. Willis is a proven shooter and veteran for this young Cats team. Next to Willis is Adebayo
who has the potential to be one of the best, big men in the country. Even though he is only a freshman, Adebayo is already showing that he is a force to be reckoned with in his dunking display against Asbury and Clarion. The depth at the forward position is something that the team struggled with last season but doesn’t look like it will be an issue in this upcoming season with Willis and Adebayo leading the way. Stephen F. Austin is a new team coming into Rupp this Friday after three of their top scorers from last year’s team graduated. This matchup will be the first time that the teams will play each other in the two programs’ histories. A key returner for the Lumberjacks is junior guard Ty Charles. Charles averaged almost 10 points a game and five rebounds. He was also a member of the preseason All-Southland Conference Second Team. The Lumberjacks were most relevant this past March during the NCAA Tournament when the Lumberjacks, a 14 seed in the tournament, took down the No. 3 seeded West Virginia Mountaineers in the opening round of the tournament. They eventually went on to lose in the second round of the tournament by one to Notre Dame. After ending their season with a 28-6 record, the Lumberjacks look to come into Rupp and try to take down the Cats on opening night. UK looked to shake off any early rust in its exhibition season and now will look to start the regular season off strong with a win over Stephen F. Austin.
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Kernel staff makes predictions for the season New fashion, new look: PAID ADVERTISING
ANTHONY CRAWFORD
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Regular Season Predicted Record: 27-3 Predicted Losses: Michigan State, @ Louisville, @ Texas A&M Michigan State sneaked into the top 25 preseason ranking solely out of respect for Tom Izzo and I have to go with them the second game of the season for the same reason. Louisville has the athletes to run with UK and I think this might be the year they grind out a win. Texas A&M was UK’s biggest problem in the SEC last season and that continues this year. How far the Cats will go in the NCAA Tournament: Final Four Guard play is important in March but UK learned last year it didn’t matter because of lack
Regular Season Predicted Record: 29-2 Predicted Losses: North Carolina, at Texas A&M The game against NC is on a neutral court. While the BBN travels well, a talented North Carolina team will challenge the young Wildcats. Senior guard Nate Britt of the Tarheels will have a big impact. A&M is improving, and a hostile Reed Arena will await the Cats in College Station. How far the Cats will go in the NCAA Tournament: Winning the National Championship Kentucky’s three dynamic guards and athletic big men,
Regular Season Predicted Record: 30-1 Predicted loss: North Carolina The defending runner-ups from a year ago, the Tar Heels return six players who contributed last season. This game is part of the CBS Sports Classic and is being played on a neutral court out in Las Vegas. While I do believe that the Big Blue Nation will travel, but I think that the Heels have too much talent in their frontcourt and will be able to wear down an inexperienced UK team. How far Cats will go in the tournament: Final Four As we saw a year ago with the Final Four teams, a team will go as far as the guards can take it and this year, I think that
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BAM ADEBAYO of consistent bigs. The frontcourt should not hold them back this season from getting to Phoenix. Number of NBA draft picks: 5 De’Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo, Malik Monk, Wenyen Gabriel, and Isaiah Briscoe Must watch game of the season: Kansas The Jayhawks travel to Rupp Arena to finish off the home-and-home series that started last year and if this year’s game is as good as last year’s, all of college basketball should tune in. Two of the backcourts will be on the court as well as two of the sport’s greatest traditions. Season MVP: Bam Adebayo UK lacked consistent play from its big men last season and this year Bam will be the difference. He has the athleticism and the motor to be a truly special player and a walking double-double threat every game. Dunk of the year: Mychal Mulder I’m have giving this category to Mulder, a player who hasn’t secured his spot in the rotation just yet, simply because the dunk of the year may have already happened in the closing minutes against exhibition-foe Asbury. Mulder is not just a shooter and has the vertical be a solid pick to have the dunk of the year. Surprise Breakout Player: Mychal Mulder Besides his sensational dunk he had against Asbury, Mulder also had a solid showing across the board during UK’s exhibitions. He was knocking down shots but he also looked great defensively. If he can keep it up he may be able to carve himself out some playing time.
DE’AARON FOX
MALIK MONK
coupled with an up-tempo offense will be key in the Cats’ tournament run. Kentucky will wear out opponents, relying on the speed and agility of the Cats’ freshmen. Number of NBA draft picks: 6 Isaiah Briscoe, Malik Monk, De’Aaron Fox, Wenyen Gabriel, Bam Adebayo, and Derek Willis Must watch game of the season: Louisville UL vs. UK is always an intense rivalry, and this year is no different. Coming off a disappointing year due to an NCAA scandal, the Cards will look to challenge the young Cats in a hostile environment. Season MVP: De’Aaron Fox Fox has already drawn comparisons to former Wildcat, John Wall. His ability to handle the ball and cut through the lane have been on display in routs over Clarion and Asbury. Look for Kentucky to rely on Fox to get out of some sticky situations. Dunk of the year: Bam Adebayo Adebayo’s strength and size alone are sure to bring the house down several times this year. Couple that with his high motor, and Adebayo is sure to find himself among SportsCenter’s top 10. Surprise Breakout Player: Sacha Killeya-Jones Killeya-Jones is often overlooked behind the talent of Adebayo and Gabriel. However, look for him to shine because of his length in instances when Adebayo is resting on the bench.
the Cats have one of the top backcourts in the country and enough help in the frontcourt to get them to Phoenix. Number of NBA draft picks: 4 Isaiah Briscoe, Malik Monk, De’Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo Must watch game: Kansas From the start of the school year, I have felt as if this will be by-far the biggest game of the year between two elite programs. Not only that, but I have a strong suspicion that ESPN’s CollegeGameday may be making an appearance in Lexington for the showdown between two talented backcourts and most likely top-5 teams. Season MVP: Malik Monk Monk has the ability to singlehandedly take over a game, and while he may not have to this year, his ability to score at will is something that few in the country possess. And with Briscoe and Fox being the skilled passers they are, Monk is poised to put up big numbers. Dunk of the year: Malik Monk When a guy can dunk like Russell Westbrook can at the age of 18, it is hard not to take notice. The first time I saw Monk throw one down, I was amazed by the shear disregard he had for anyone who tried to contest him and I will not be surprised if he makes someone pay in a big way for contesting one of his dunks. Surprise breakout player: Sacha Killeya-Jones I must admit, I did not think that Killeya-Jones was in as good of physical shape that he is currently in. He looks ready to go and compete against whoever comes his way, and practicing against Bam will only help him with his inside game to compliment his already smooth mid-range game.
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11.10.16
I Kentucky Kernel I 7
A look at the rest of the SEC The Bulldogs enter the new season with a lot of new names on the roster. They lost several key players in exhange for six 4-star recruits. However, these players are young. Head coach Ben Howland, will need to mature these young players quickly in order to have a winning season. Mario Kegler, ranked 86th, is the highest of the recruits for Mississippi State. The young team will need to develop before facing the Cats on Jan. 17. Missouri enters the SEC with little hope. The Tigers did not do much to improve their chances of success. With a poor recruiting class and a handful of players lost, head coach Kim Anderson has little to be optimistic about. The Tigers have a young team that lacks experience. This will be nothing but a rebuilding year for Coach Anderson’s team. Missouri will host the Cats late in the season.
The Rebels enter the 2016-2017 season with three transfers and two three-star recruits. This will be key for Ole Miss after losing their most valuable player Stefan Moody who averaged 23 PPG, and led the SEC. The Rebels will look to find new backcourt talent in order to maintain or improve their 10-win record this past season. Andy Kennedy, 10-year head coach, will attempt to keep his Rebels at the top half of the SEC and work towards the uphill battle of making the NCAA Tournament. The Rebels will host the Cats on Dec. 29. The Razorbacks and Coach Mike Anderson finished right at .500 in the SEC and overall last season. Arkanasas lost six key players, but adds four transfers and three-star forward recruit in Brachen Hazen. The number one JUCO transfer in the country, Jaylen Barford, looks to bring all skills to the table. Closely following, Daryl Macon and Arlando Cook were also top JUCO athletes that will assist the Razorbacks in a winning record.
Rick Barnes’ Vols will have another rebuilding season after losing several players. Utah State transfer Lew Evans appears to be one of the few bright spots for the Volunteers. After winning six games in the SEC and losing the players that made that happen, Barnes will again struggle to get his team to a winning record. The Volunteers will face the Cats twice this season. The Tigers will continue to struggle in the SEC, especially after losing the star forward and No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft Ben Simmons. Antonio Blakeney who was looked over some last year because of Simmons, will be the Tigers go-to guy for the new season. In Johnny Jones’ fourth season as Tigers head coach his team will not put up much of a fight in the SEC. LSU will travel to Lexington on Feb. 7. The Gamecocks without a doubt will struggle in the SEC. With the loss of nearly every forward in the front court, South Carolina will lack strength. Chris Silva will be the top returning player for South Carolina. PJ Dozier will look to recover his 5-star talent for his sophomore year and freshman Sedee Keita will need to adjust quickly in order to compete in the SEC. Frank Martin will try to guide his young team to success in his fourth year as head coach. The Gamecocks will travel to Lexington on Jan. 21.
Florida head coach Mike White lost talented swingman Dorian Finney-Smith to the Dallas Mavericks, but has hope after picking up four talented players. Charleston transfer, Canyon Barry, will bring experience while the three incoming three-star players should help bring some variety to the Gators roster. The Gators look to have a much stronger record in the SEC with the new and returning talent in junior point guard Kasey Hill and rising sophomore KeVaughn Allen. The Gators will face the Cats twice in the month of Febuary.
The Aggies will look to stay near the top of the SEC after Billy Kennedy’s squad lost four starters. The addition of five new players including two 4-star recruits should compensate for the loss of the starters. Returning players, Tyler Davis and DJ Hogg are expected to rise as some of the top performers in the conference. The Aggies will continue to put up a fight but they will not be the strong and deep team seen last season. Texas A&M will visit Rupp January 3rd and the Cats will travel to College Station on March 4th. Bulldogs coach Mark Fox returns for his 7th season as head coach. He lost two valuable players: Kenny Gaines and Charles Mann, who averaged double digit PPG this past season for the Bulldogs. Veteran players such as J.J. Frazier and Yante Maten, and JUCO transfer Pape Diatta will look to improve the Bulldogs’ previous record. However, the Bulldogs continue to search for players in the paint. Georgia will travel to Lexington on January 31st for their first match up with the Cats. The Crimson Tide had a good start but ended this past season with six brutal loses, two of which come from the Cats. It doesn’t look much more promising this season as they lose four key players including their star Retin Obasohan. While the Crimson Tide has returning players with experience there is a lack of talent on the floor. Alabama has a handful of frontcourt options but will suffer with the lack of backcourt players. Head coach Avery Johnson returns for his second season in hopes to turn things around for the Tide. The Cats will travel to Alabama on Feb. 11. The Commodores enter their season with a new head coach in Bryce Drew and lost point guard Wade Baldwin and 7’0 center Damien Jones to the NBA Draft. The early departures surely hurt the team, but Vandy will try to make due with replacements in 4-star power forward Clevon Brown and redshirt freshman Djery Baptiste as additions to the front court. After finishing 11-7 on the last season in the SEC the Commodores will need to rebuild in order to maintain a similar, if not better, record. The Commodores will face the Cats twice this season. Auburn will look to turn things around with their first ever five-star signee, Mustapha Heron. Heron is an execptionally strong point guard that will bring size to the backcourt. Seniors Ronnie Johnson and LaRon Smith will also play big roles for the Tigers this year, evening out the rest of the lineup. Auburn is still in rebuild mode after consecutive losing seasons. Bruce Pearl in his 2nd year as the Tigers head coach looks to turn things around after winning only five SEC games this past year including their victory against UK. Auburn will play the Cats at Rupp on Jan. 14.
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I Kentucky Kernel I 11.10.16
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