Andrew Harrison adds consistency before 2nd year
Kentucky guard Andrew Harrison drives the ball during the second half of exhibition game between Kentucky and Pikeville at Rupp Arena on Sunday, November 2, 2014 in Lexington, Ky. Kentucky defeated Pikeville 116-68. Photo by Adam Pennavaria
November 12, 2014
By Kyle Arensdorf
UK head coach John Calipari has an embarrassment of riches at his fingertips this season.
He has eight five-star recruits, seven players at 6-foot-8 or taller and two virtually interchangeable five-man platoons at his disposal.
But Calipari now has one asset that has eluded him in his five seasons at UK: a returning point guard.
After a string of “one-and-done” point guards ,sophomore guard Andrew Harrison, with his twin brother Aaron Harrison by his side, broke the trend and decided to stay for a second season.
Following UK’s 121-52 win against Georgetown on Sunday, Calipari gushed about his starting point guard, explaining how he’s taken on a “great leadership role” this season.
“He’s unbelievable right now,” he said. “He’s talking to me. He feels good, (he feels) comfortable giving me ideas. This eventually has got to be his team … and not mine.”
When asked to expand on the sort of ideas Andrew Harrison gives him, Calipari referenced the Georgetown game, when Harrison took charge and made sure freshman forward Trey Lyles received some extra looks.
“The other thing he was talking about (was) if these bigs run the court, we (have to) get it to them,” Calipari said.
An important trait to have as a leader on the court is an ability to consistently knock down free throws, as they are usually present on the court in crucial moments of games.
While Andrew Harrison shot a modest 76 percent from the free throw stripe a season ago, he has only missed one of his eight attempts in UK’s two exhibition games and went a perfect 8-for-8 during UK’s Blue-White scrimmage.
One facet of Andrew Harrison’s game that could be improved from last season was his assist totals, only averaging four assists per game during the 2013-14 season.
Through two exhibition games, however, he has totaled 15 assists while only committing two turnovers.
After UK’s victory against Pikeville Nov. 2 in which Andrew had nine assists, Calipari voiced his adoration for his unselfish play, calling it “ridiculous.”
“(He) wanted 10 assists,” Calipari said. “He threw that ball crosscourt and (sophomore guard Dominique Hawkins) was wide open. ‘Shoot it.’ He had nine assists, and I’m guessing four hockey assists.”
