Calipari's Cats

I know we're still a couple months out from the start of the college basketball season, but I'm so excited about the potential of this particular group of Kentucky Wildcats that I can't wait any longer to give my thoughts on the upcoming campaign. With a new coach at the helm and some of the best young recruits in the nation, this bunch of Cats has the chance to contend for an NCAA championship, which is a far cry from the NIT bid the Wildcats received a year ago. Kentucky has added tons of talent this year, and headlining the group of incoming freshman is John Wall. Wall is a 6-4 point guard with tremendous vision and exceptional playmaker ability, something that was lacking from last year's squad. Also coming to UK are two of the best big men in this years freshman class, DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton. The 6-9 Cousins can be effective inside and out and has a knack for rebounding. Orton is a 6-10 center who is best known for his defensive prowess and ability to clean the glass. Although Orton could stand to improve on his low post offense, he has a nice touch and good range for a big man. Rounding out this group of incredibly talented freshman is Jon Hood, a 6-6 guard from Madisonville. Hood is a very versatile player with the abilities to play either guard position or small forward. This Kentucky team has talent outside of its freshman class as well. Patrick Patterson chose to bypass the NBA draft and return to UK for his junior season and a shot at a title. Kentucky's frontcourt of Patterson, Cousins, Orton, and Stevenson (a shot blocking machine) looks to be one of the best in the nation. Add that frontline to John Wall, Jon Hood, Darius Miller, and Deandre Liggins and you've got one of the most talented teams in all of college basketball. If everyone stays healthy and is able to mesh in Coach Calipari's offense, then this could be the year that Kentucky regains its spot as the top program in the world of college basketball.

John Wall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4CbQGBbUOw
DeMarcus Cousins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSLHZrRtuWc
Daniel Orton: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnd9jx4NjLk
Jon Hood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmxCCSDV-RE