UK’s depth can offset opponents’ strengths
November 6, 2013
By David Schuh | Basketball columnist
UK head coach John Calipari has top-level talent this year, but his 2013 crop is one of the best recruiting classes in history.
To go along with that talent, Calipari has experience in two returning sophomores who averaged more than 23 minutes per game last season.
He said this fall that one thing he may focus on this season is playing less people.
He cited a time in 2010 when he called former University of California at Los Angeles head coach John Wooden, asking for advice on his team.
Calipari said Wooden used to only play six or seven players.
“Now, if you wanted to play, you go in practice and prove that you’re better than him,” Calipari said of Wooden’s comments. “And then go in the game and perform.”
Calipari will settle more into an eight-man rotation for most of the game.
The luxury is he has so many options, and his practices will be nearly as competitive as the games.
As game scenarios dictate personnel changes, we may see Calipari use certain players to matchup better against a given opponent.
If there’s one thing the 2013-14 Cats have a surplus of, it’s height.
With 6-foot-6-inch freshmen Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison and James Young at two of the guard spots, that leaves three slots for players 6 feet 8 inches or taller.
Whether it’s sophomore forwards Alex Poythress and Willie Cauley-Stein or freshmen forwards Julius Randle, Marcus Lee or freshman center Dakari Johnson, UK can be bigger than any team at any time, if it wants to be.
Calipari has discussed the prospect of pressing more this season with his newfound depth.
To do that, you have to have speed. Go with both Harrisons, Young, Lee and Cauley-Stein.
That’s three big, physical guards and two quick forwards with huge wingspans.
If the Cats want to speed the game up or get out in transition to put pressure on the defense, they have the tools to do it.
UK was supposed to be an elite defensive team last year. At times they were, but injuries and inexperience deterred their development in the category.
In theory, the same could happen this year, although this is another place where depth will make life easier for Calipari.
Let’s use Andrew Harrison and Young again here for the size and physicality to match up with a quality opposing backcourt.
Poythress can play the small forward position, using his mobility at 6 feet 8 inches and 239 pounds.
Randle’s size and agility at power forward can also be a mismatch here, and with Cauley-Stein to protect the rim behind him, this group would not allow a team many decent looks at the rim.
These are just a few scenarios that allow Calipari flexibility under different circumstances.
It seems like many players will be used in different ways, which speaks to the roster’s versatility.
Whatever way Calipari decides to distribute the surplus depth, he can begin the 2013-14 season feeling much better about his bench than he did this time last year.
