Nathan Pace Photo
After wondering what the 2023-24 basketball roster was going to be like, coach John Calipari has put together a very workable group especially with the anticipated arrival of a high profile transfer soon and another talented freshman.
The roster includes four McDonald’s All-Americans and five or more potential NBA draft picks — along with scorer Antonio Reeves back off last year’s team.
But guess who had the highest standing vertical jump on the team? No it was not DJ Wagner, the team’s most publicized player. No, it was not Justin Edwards, perhaps the team’s best player. No, it was not Reeves, who had 37 points against Arkansas last year.
Instead, it was freshman guard Joey Hart of Indiana.
“He did have the highest vertical on the team right now. He is labeled as a shooter but he’s very athletic,” Hart’s coach, Noah Hawkins, said on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk. “Where we are from it (Hart’s athleticism) is unique and you just do not see that athleticism. But I definitely heard from a good source that Joey had the highest standing vertical on the team.”
Hawkins shared a story about one game last season where the host athletics director said he might send a bill for two new rims because Hart had about eight dunks.
“He gets dunks because he’s such a good shooter,” Hawkins said. “It’s not just all highlight reel dunks in transition. You close out on him high and if you do he will go around you and rip the rim off in the half-court setting.”
20 Responses
I am an avid Big Blue fan. Anyone that knows me think my blood is blue.
I think cats got a steal of getting Joey Hart.
Said that lol. Cats got balance they need to be greeaaat !
I’m from the area where Joey is from. He’s very athletic. One hell of a shooter and much quicker with his first step than you would think. People better not underestimate his abilities. He’s a great get for UK.
The more I hear and see, the more I agree Kevin
I can’t wait for bball to start. I think Cal needs to build a good team and keep it for awhile and stop worrying about the stupid NBA. College sports are so much better to watch.
I am with you Sherri
For the last couple of years, Kentucky has been championship material only during the off-seasons’ chatter. They will hang number 9 in Rupp only when Il fans send them a number 9 cutout to hang.
Be prepared for another disappointment.
I am in 100% agreement with that.
Literally what has us in this position now! 4 yr players. Go get the pros. Elite guys skate for nba since 6th grade!!
Do we have enough to platoon?
More than enough if the Coach wanted to do it but most schools do — coaches just don’t platoon
IT’s bring it or next man up with this team! We got talent and options! Cannot lose games playing only 7 guys ! That’s closed minded coaching ! Bench players build a bench player and play more bench players use the bench players to pressure the starters! We need at least 25 plus points from the bench every game! Fact check me
Joey Hart is an asset to the wildcat Roster for many reasons. He will earn his playing time and give 💯 on and off the court what an opportunity to showcase this young Man’s abilities. I know his family and community are proud of his accomplishments. I live in Dugger, Indiana which is 6 miles from Linton Stockton School, I’ve been getting a hard time for years about the Kentucky/Indiana rivalry. Always outnumbered but never more proud to wear blue thank you Joey Hart and thank you Coach Calapari you won’t be disappointed #BBN4LIFE
Thanks Kim for taking the time to share this info about Joey. I am really looking forward to seeing him play
Kyle Macey was a Indiana guy he didn’t have those hops like Hart Jeff Sheppard had them too.way to go Wildats.
He will good if Cal don’t make him a 2*. Cal is losing his touch with the talent that is being recruited. He is a great recruiter, but does not develope. them to their potential. Every year he brags " Best team I ever had "". Where are the trophies. Something is wrong.
Kyle Macey was a Indiana guy he didn’t have those hops like Hart Jeff Sheppard had them too.way to go Wildcats.
Larry, I was in HHB, 5/42d Arty from 6/1/68 thru 7/15/69. I was an 82C arty surveyor and 71H info specialist. Sgm Frields & Cpt Garlon Meeks were my superiors. Then, when Col. Smallwood became CO, he wanted a battalion newspaper. Since I had experience, I started "Hipshoot" and Cpt Howard Huntley was my boss. I finished my tour driving jeep for the colonel because his driver had to back to the states. His wife was having a difficult pregnancy.
I love UK basketball & football. Not a big Caliperi fan, though!
This team is intriguing to think about with the abundance raw talent and quality dispersed throughout the roster. Cal is a great recruiter. My problem is I’m tired of his results at the end of each season. So it leaves me to wonder how he will somehow screw up this year.