Basketball is Back in the Bluegrass
By Philip Hay
With Big Blue Madness 2019 is in the rear view mirror, now the real work starts as both the University of Kentucky’s basketball teams draw closer to the beginning of their seasons.
As is customary Kentucky Hoops coach Matthew Mitchell stole the show with his musical routine as he sang and danced to “Old Town Road”. His entertainment came complete with full western clothing. The number included Coach Mitchell joining dancers to do high kicks.
The women’s team played host to at least a dozen recruits and early commitments including Treasure Hunt, a top 10 player. The 6-2 prospect, out of Chattanooga Tennessee, has Kentucky as one if her 5 finalists. She is expected to announce her college choice 8n the coming weeks.
It’s a good news bad news situation for Mitchells team. They feature a lot of depth with veteran players and several transfers. On the flip side the team lost true freshman Deasia Merrill to an ACT tear that occurred during practice. The 6-1 Merrill, from Georgia, is one of just two freshmen on the roster.
The women’s team will have their lone exhibition game October 30th against Southern Indiana. The season opener will be November 5th as they host Mount Saint Mary’s of Maryland.
During his state of the program address Coach John Calipari, who enters his 11th season, emphasized the program’s family atmosphere. “Our best players… our best teams are part of our great history because they learned to play together” Caliparisaid. “Those teams were built in the trenches. Built through sweat. Built over time. Built so that under the lights we’re unbreakable. We do this together. For some that means being here for one year, for others it means more because everyone is on their own path. Some may finish at other schools but they are always welcome home. That is family. That is La Familia.
New members to the family include two transfers. Riley Welch, who played at College of the Desert as a sophomore, is a 6-0 guard what averaged 8.2 points and 5 assists per game. Welch’s father, John Welch, played at UNLV and has served as an NBA coach for 15 years. He currently is an assistant for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Nate Sestina is a graduate transfer from Bucknell. Sestina averaged 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He also shot 81 percent from the free throw line. Sestina is a vocal leader and has long range capability. Calipari expects much needed leadership from Sestina as he will play a significant role.
Other new comers include consensus number 11 player Kahlil Whitney, who will be a lot of fun to watch. He played in both the McDonald’s All American game and the Jordan Brand Classic.
Tyrese Maxey, a 6-3 guard from Garland Texas, is the Wildcats top ranked player as he is the number 10 overall player. Maxey was runner-up in the 3 point contest as he fell to Immanuel Quickly 24-15. He won a gold medal with the 18U Team USA and was a McDonald’s All Ametican.
Johnny Juzang is a player that is flying under the radar. The 6-6 guard is a late incomer as he reclassified to the 2019 class. The California native was a top 40 player who averaged 23 points, 8.5 rebounds and dished out 3.4 assists per game.
Probably the loudest applause of the night was for Kentucky native Dontaie Allen who was Kentucky’s Mister Basketball. Allen is the first in state signed since 2013 and ranks 11th all time in state history with 3255 points. Allen tore his ACL last December and his return is unknown. He is the cousin 9f NFL quarterback Russell Wlson.
Keion Brooks a 6-7 forward from Indiana will be a player to watch. He may not be the most herald player but will be provide valuable minutes in the front court. He averaged 20.1 points a game as a senior.
Zan Payne sat out last year with a redshirt as he recovered from a knee injury as he finished his high school career at Lexington Catholic. He the son of assistant coach Kenny Payne.
Walk on Brennan Canada is the final newcomer. Canada is a graduate of George Rogers Clark high school. He scored 1,371 points and had 776 rebounds in his high school career.