Cason Wallace already has a lot to smile about this season. (UK Athletics Photo)
Kentucky fans have seen more than a decade of John Calipari coached teams. There have been great, good and not-so-good teams during his tenure. This year’s roster shouldered high expectations in the preseason but Calipari’s current group has been rather underwhelming for their first month of play. There are many theories as to why that’s the case, but all Kentucky can do is work towards having better on-court chemistry and putting the right players in the best position to succeed.
Thankfully, Kentucky has the reigning National Player of the Year in Oscar Tshiebwe to lean on. But the loveable big man isn’t all they have. In the midst of their deep roster, the Wildcats have freshman Cason Wallace who continues to shine when given the opportunity.
Despite a pretty even box score from Sunday’s 73-69 win over Michigan, one could argue that Wallace was the single reason why Kentucky was able to capture their first win over a power-five foe. Not only did the young talent score 14 points, grab eight rebounds and dish five assists with a block and a steal. But Wallace made the right plays in the biggest moments for his team, which is something the Wildcats have struggled with against their better competition over the last four weeks.
Sunday wasn’t the first time Wallace has proven himself as Kentucky’s best two-way player in both the clutch and generally over the course of a game. It also shouldn’t be the last.
Sahvir Wheeler has had a few bright moments so far this season, but for the most part he’s looked a bit overmatched and tried to do too much. There’s certainly a place for Wheeler in this rotation, but him handling the ball late in games and running a majority of the offense may very well be why Kentucky has struggled in those departments. He can also struggle at times to finish inside, find teammates in traffic and consistently hit free throws late in games.
It’s not fair to say handing the keys to Wallace will allow Kentucky to improve in all of these areas. But Kentucky should certainly give him a chance and see what the young freshman can do. Let Wallace facilitate the offense, guard the best opposing guard/wing and take over late in games whether it’s finding his own shot or getting the ball to teammates in the right spots.
Kentucky knows what they have in Wheeler running the show. Last year didn’t end close to how fans had hoped and this season has also been underwhelming. Giving Wallace a chance to lead the backcourt – with Wheeler still having a (minimized) role – may spark something for the Wildcats as SEC play nears.
9 Responses
YES! A voice of reason! Please, Cal, take notice.
Exactly! I know Wheeler is a senior and a Calipari pet, but our best lineup is Wallace and Livingston at the guards, Reeves at the 3, Topping the 4, and Oscar in the middle. Reeves likes playing on either side of the court and Livingston can guard bigger 2 guards. He also rebounds and has a decent shot if he gets more PT to build his confidence. Teams have learned what Wheeler brings and doesn’t bring to the game and he has been as much of a liability as an asset. Oyenso should get more PT at both the 4 and 5 spot. His ceiling is so much higher than Ware’s or Collins and he is catching on. Crawford plays better coming off the bench and can take minutes at the 2 and 3 spot. Wheeler, Ware and Collins won’t be happy playing relief minutes, but this is the depth chart that gives us the best chance to win. There will be teams with smaller, quicker point guards and Wheeler can get more PT in those games. It’s been a tough year for Collins, but he needs to keep working on his shot, put on some weight, and be ready to be a starter his last two years. Ware has a year left, but I don’t see him with any starting potential. I would not be surprised if he transfers next year. Wheeler can either be a disruption to team chemistry with less minutes or accept the role and get to be part of a Final 4 team. This team has that kind of potential, but not with Wheeler as a starter, period.
Who in hell is crawford
CJ Frederick
Sorry, a mad cow moment. I meant Frederick.
Agree.., have had similar thought.
Absolutely! Couldn’t agree more. I know we none are coaches but when Wallace has ball in his hands good things happen it’s not hard to see that he is there best all around player. He not only needs to be on floor late but needs to run the offense. I know there are days that wheeler looks unstoppable but then there are days that he can come down in final minutes and turn it over three straight positions .
I agree 100% wheeler is too inconsistent, looks out of control a lot of the time.
I agree that Wallace should take the lead at guard. UK will lose him if he doesn’t have opportunity to use his talent.