BBN: Calipari's New Team

Kentucky basketball has had its share of offseason drama but coach John Calipari has put together a team he really “likes” and one that many national basketball analysts now believe could possibly be in the mix for the national championship in March.

Kentucky has not been to the Final Four since 2015 and has not won a national title since 2012. However, Calipari has the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class and UK assistant coach Orlando Antigua said the coaches were “pleasantly surprised” by the overall unselfish play of the team during its four exhibition wins in Canada against international competition. So what does Antigua think about this year’s personnel? Here are some observations he offered on various players as UK prepares to open the season Nov. 6 against New Mexico State.

— Freshman center Aaron Bradshaw missed not only the games in Canada but summer workouts after needing foot surgery because of an ankle injury suffered in the McDonald’s All-American Game. “Aaron brings a very unique skill set. He can shoot the 3, handle the ball and pass. He just happens to be 7-1 and he can be a rim protector but he’s also very unique offensively.”

— Freshman wing Justin Edwards is described as a “basketball player you want on your team” by the UK assistant coach. “What position is his best? That’s a good question because he’s a Swiss Army knife that can be used in a lot of different positions. You can use him in ball screens, post him some, let him attack smaller defenders and he’s great at grabbing a rebound and leading the break. He is a luxury to have and is an incredible competitor and winner.”

— Senior guard Antonio Reeves is UK’s leading returning scorer and was the team’s best offensive player the second half of last season. “He is a guy that is well liked by other players. His personality is kind of quiet off the court but he is funny with teammates. He is a ‘gatherer’ for the young guys and that’s important. He is being more vocal. He has experience. He’s a year old. We all know he can shoot and make shots, so he’s very important on and off the court.”

— West Virginia transfer Tre Mitchell was impressive in Canada with his 3-point shooting and ability to put the ball on the floor. “I knew the trials and tribulations he had gone through but he has always been a kid who has been mature and very unselfish even in his prep school and high school days. He has some physicality to him. He was a low post physical guy who could score, use both hands, hit open shots but he lost a lot of weight. Now he’s put some of that weight back on and is more physical again.”

— Freshman Reed Sheppard is a legacy recruit well known to UK fans but he still made a big impression with his summer play in Canada. “He just plays basketball and loves playing. We know him because of his dad and mom but it was important for him to show his own merits warranted him being here. His defensive instincts and feet are great. He is shooting more consistently and confidently and that’s a huge plus for us. He’s a great passer and we saw in Canada that his defense can be outstanding, too.”

— Freshman DJ Wagner is being counted on to be the star player to lead the Cats back to the promised land of the Final Four. “The words you use for him are competitor and winner. If the game requires him to score 30, he will. If the game requires him to have 15 assists, he’ll do that. If the game requires him to take charges, he will do that. He’s got to get more consistent with his shooting but he loves to get in the gym and work.”

— Sophomore Adou Thiero has the ability to be a “shutdown defender” that Kentucky could certainly use this season and has lacked in recent years. “We have to keep getting him to do it and get him committed to doing it. He can separate himself on this team and could be an elite defender at multiple positions. We want him to keep running and running and running. Skill-wise, he could be a point guard with his vision, passing ability and decision making even though he’s 6-7 now.”

— Freshman guard Rob Dillingham had a reputation as an erratic, emotional player when he arrived at UK but has fit in perfectly with his new teammates. “He has been a great teammate and he’s such an explosive player. He can play multiple positions and can really get inside and create for himself and others.”

Antigua thinks Calipari has the kind of players he can mold into a special team.

“One of the most unique things that is under-appreciated about Cal and his coaching style is that he adjusts to the talent level he has. He tries to put them in position to be the best version of themselves,” Antigua said. “Sometimes it takes longer but he tries to put everybody in position to have success. Not every coach thinks that way and can do that. That is the uniqueness of Cal. I know fans may not always understand or see that but it is an incredible ability to have.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UK Athletics