Freshman Adou Thiero has been UK’s biggest surprise this summer. (UK Athletics Photo)
One of the best news nuggets to come out of Thursday’s press conference with Kentucky assistant coaches Chin Coleman and Orlando Antigua concerned freshman guard Adou Thiero.
Freshman Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston are both McDonald’s All-Americans and top 10 national recruits. They are expected to make an immediate impact but Thiero got on coach John Calipari’s recruiting radar late.
The 6-5 guard was viewed as a developmental player who likely would not make a big impact in UK’s guard/wing rotation of Wallace, Livingston, Sahvir Wheeler, CJ Fredrick and Antonio Reeves.
But then Coleman said Thiero has been the biggest surprise of the summer and admitted the Pennsylvania guard was a “lot better” than the coach thought.
“Physically, he is prepared. Athletically, he is prepared. He’s got to get better in between the ears but physically and athletically, he is a lot better than I thought he was,” Coleman said.
“His body gets to wherever it’s going to be, I think the most important part is the cerebral part. He’s young. He’s a freshman. This is a little different for him but physically and athletically, he’s way better than I thought he would be. That’s been the most shocking for me.”
5 Responses
6 guards? Someone will have to play the 3 spot, probably Livingston and Reeves. With that being said, someone is going to be the new Dontaie Allen.
Or. This kid is more of a long-term player who will improve and move into a starting role in a year or two. Based on next years incoming class, He might follow the 3-4 year plan.
But still good to hear he is doing so well Keather
Every school no matter how big or how small has the next Donte Allen. There are only 5 starting positions and about 3 maybe 4 backup spots. With 13-14 scholarship athletes there are a lot of Donte Allen’s and even more Beau Allen’s. It is a part of organized sports. Not just something that happens at UK.
Yes!great to hear coming from one of the coaches. Cause they seen him play more then any of us and for him to be surprising them is kinda shocking. After a year or two in system he should blossom into a starter or who know he may be starting before the end of season!!