Adou Thiero Finds Ways to Make an Impact for Kentucky

Whether he's starting or coming off the bench, Adou Thiero brings a unique skill set with him. (Vicky Graff Photo)

After Kentucky beat North Carolina, senior Tre Mitchell gave sophomore Adou Thiero a hug immediately before the players left the court.

“He accepted whatever Cal said and he came in there and made an immediate impact,” Mitchell said.

Thiero had been a starter until 7-foot freshman Aaron Bradshaw had recovered from his foot injury. However, Thiero provided the same energy off the bench he did last season when he had seven points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal in a road win at Arkansas or had four points and two steals in an upset win over Tennessee. He led the team in steals four times and blocked shots three times.

“He literally lifted us (when he came in the game),” Mitchell said after the North Carolina win. “The energy he brought and the plays he made were second to none. He gave it his all every second he was out there.”

None of that surprised Kentucky assistant coach Bruiser Flint. Bradshaw’s return will likely continue to reduce Thiero’s minutes but his versatility will also be especially valuable in some games.

“There’s gonna be games he’s going to play a lot just because of the matchups. There’s gonna be games that he doesn’t just because of the matchups,” Flint said. “Adou’s been good. He’s given us some great minutes. I think with the other guys coming back, it gives us a little bit more length on our bench.”

Thiero  is averaging 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game going into tonight’s game against Northern Illinois. He is Kentucky’s best perimeter defender and is capable of playing anywhere from point guard to power forward.

FoxSports Radio national host Aaron Torres has become a huge Thiero fan.

“I’m gonna get dragged for saying this, but Adou Thiero is college Draymond Green (minus, the violence). Can guard virtually all five positions. Elite defender, above average rim protector for 6-6/6-7. Enough offense you have to respect him. Cannot believe how good he’s gotten,” Torres posted on social media.