Freshman Cason Wallace just missed a triple-double in his first collegiate game on his 19th birthday. (Vicky Graff Photo)
I know Sahvir Wheeler is a two-time all-Southeastern Conference selection at point guard. I know he’s a defensive disruptor. I know he’s led the SEC in assists the last two seasons.
However, I also know this — Kentucky has another talented point guard emerging as a potential star in freshman Cason Wallace. And no matter how much the UK coaches and players tell you how important Wheeler is for this year’s team, his absence with a knee injury has barley been noticed so far because of Wallace.
In Monday’s season-opening 95-63 win over Howard, Wallace almost went for a triple-double in his first collegiate game on his birthday. He was 7-for-11 from the field and had 15 points, nine assists (second most by a UK player in his debut behind 12 by De’Aaron Fox), eight rebounds and two steals in 35 minutes. He also had only two turnovers as UK’s primary ball handler.
“I just have to thank my teammates,” Wallace said about his near triple-double. “They made it happen for me. Everybody did their part and I just found the open man.”
“We have a great team. Everybody can score. Just hit the open man and they will make a play. We preach that in practice just ‘one more’ (pass). We do drills and practice like we play.”
Hit Antonio Reeves and CJ Fredrick and they are going to hit shots. Reeves was 8-for-16 from the field and 6-for-12 from 3-point range to score 22 points. It was the most 3-pointers by any player in his first UK game.
Fredrick had 20 points but that included just two 3-pointers. He showed he could use a ball fake to get an open 15-footer and make it. He went 6-for-9 from the field and 6-for-7 at the foul line because he took the ball inside. He also had three rebounds, three assists and one steal. He did not make a turnover in 30 minutes but was a lot more impressed by Wallace than his own play.
“It’s his first college game, kid’s 19 years old, that’s not normal. There are not many people in the country doing that, let alone as a freshman,” Fredrick said. “He brings such a different dimension to our team. What he’s doing at his age and at his first college game is special.”
Wallace was considered a defensive standout, maybe the best defender in his recruiting class. But he showed he can drive inside and finish and he also was 1-for-2 from 3-point range.
“I try to do a little something (offensively) here and there,” Wallace said.
Wallace looks like he could develop into a lockdown defender as well but admits the whole team “still has things we need to learn and sharpen up on” defensively.
“It’s been a big change from high school coming to one of the big programs in college basketball,” Wallace said. “I am learning and picking up things from older guys. I like playing with the other freshmen, too.”
He also likes playing with Wheeler — or at least he does most of the time.
“He gets after it every day in practice. It’s a love-hate thing (with him and Wheeler),” Wallace said. “I really wish he was back.”
Wheeler may not be back for Duquesne Friday but should be ready when UK plays Michigan State next week. Wheeler might also realize the longer he’s out, the more comfortable Wallace will get at point guard and the more UK coaches and players might like having him there.
Wallace isn’t thinking that far ahead. He didn’t even have any special plans to celebrate his 19th birthday.
“Probably going back to the room, get some recovery and go to sleep,” he said.
Whatever Wallace wants, that’s fine with Reeves because he also knows how special the freshman is.
“He’s a great player. He’s well beyond his years – I feel like. Coming in as a freshman, doing the things that he does … that’s what we need on the team and he provides that,” Reeves said.
UK-Howard
Photos by Vicky Graff
2 Responses
I am aware that Wheeler has led the conference in assists, and was named an all-conference player. But I firmly believe Wallace is a better player and Ky is a better team
with him at point guard.
Many agree with you Larry