Kentucky Basketball Preview 2021
Our Kentucky basketball preview 2021 - 22 observes that the Wildcats always seem to be in the national title mix. This season, they certainly will be. However, in 2020-21, the Kentucky Wildcats (9-16 Overall, 8-9) finished eighth in the SEC and out of the tournament picture. It was an embarrassing and unlikely outcome for coach John Calipari (339-93 Georgia/12 years, 784-233 Overall/29 years) and the Cats. The meltdown started early and continued through the season, as last year’s version of Kentucky couldn’t shoot straight, rarely tossed up a three, and were totally out of sync. Calipari has restocked the team with one-and-done freshmen and premium transfers while holding onto some promising and productive sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Wildcats Frontcourt
Talented forward Isaiah Jackson left the Wildcats and went to the NBA. What remains is a big hole that must be filled. Our Kentucky basketball preview 2021 - 22 finds that Keion Brooks Jr. (10.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 44.1 FG%) is the lone returning starter to this unit. The junior, who’s versatile enough to play as a stretch-4 or on the wing, will be the anchor in the paint. Transfer Oscar Tshiebwe (West Virginia) is 6’9” and 254 pounds. He’s a bruising, aggressive presence who’s a double-double threat. Five-star freshman Daimion Collins, the 13th-ranked recruit in the nation, is exceptionally talented and a premium shot blocker. Still, he needs work. Returning junior forward Jacob Toppin (5.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 44.4 FG%) looks poised to have a breakout year.
Kentucky Basketball Preview – Backcourt
Five-star high school point guard TyTy Washington and Georgia transfer Sahvir Wheeler, the SEC’s top assist leader, will be instrumental in this team’s success. Versatile Davion Mintz, who was solid at point and shooting guard last season, elected to return for one more year. Last season, the senior led Kentucky in total points, averaging 11.5 per game. He also recorded 3.2 RPG and 3.1 APG. Two premium three-point shooters join the Wildcats, Kellan Grady (Davidson) and C.J. Frederick (Iowa). This entire group is solid
Kentucky Basketball Preview 2021 – Final Word
Calipari is a quality coach, and he’s done exceptional work in crafting this team. Our Kentucky basketball preview 2021 - 22 finds that this version of the Wildcats will be highly competitive. We project that they will finish first in the SEC and be very competitive in the NCAA Tournament. It will be an interesting year for this team.
SEC - Kentucky Rankings & Projections 2021
AP Top 25 Preseason Poll Ranking: 10
NCAA Men's Basketball NET Ranking: 61
SEC Finish: 1
Postseason Tournament: NCAA Sweet 16