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Very little is being said about Kentucky sophomore Adou Thiero with coach John Calipari’s team just a few weeks away from playing exhibition games in Canada.
The focus has been on what guard Antonio Reeves might do, the talented incoming freshmen UK is adding to the 2023-24 roster and what is going on with Aaron Bradshaw’s “injury” situation.
However, don’t forget about Thiero even if he did average just 2.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 9.7 minutes per game in limited play last year. But think back to UK’s stunning win at Arkansas and remember he had seven points, five rebounds and two assists to show a flash of what he might do next season.
New Kentucky assistant coach John Welch, a 20-year NBA veteran coach, did not know a lot about Thiero before joining John Calipari’s staff but told Tom Leach on The Leach Report that he has been impressed by the sophomore.
Welch said he has gained about 15 pounds and got much stronger in the offseason and that has helped his confidence.
“One thing I am very impressed with is the way he is picking up the offensive concepts we have implemented. Cutting, attaching the basket, closeouts, getting easy baskets, being physical … it’s incredible how quick he has grasped it,” Welch said.
Leach wondered if Thiero could guard four positions on the court. He played guard most of his life but has grown to 6-7 and could be the defensive stopper UK has lacked recently.
“The game has gone to positionless basketball. He can basically play any place on the floor. He should be able to guard anybody,” Welch said.
One Response
He certainly showed great defensive skills in his limited playing tme last season. I hope his overall game justifies a lot of minutes for him because we all know what he brings on the defensive end.