Last Year: 22-12; Third (12-6) in the Southeastern Conference, lost in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament
Head Coach: John Calipari (15th Year; 387-113 at Kentucky, with 11 NCAA Tournament appearances)
Projected Starting Lineup
| G DJ Wagner – 6’4″, 192 – Freshman |
| G Antonio Reeves – 6’6″, 195 – Senior (5th) |
| W Justin Edwards – 6’8″, 203 Freshman |
| F Tre Mitchell – 6’9″, 231 – Senior (5th) |
| C Aaron Bradshaw – 7’1″, 226 – Freshman |
Projected Starters’ 2022-23 Stats
DJ Wagner: 5-star prospect
Antonio Reeves: 14.4 ppg, 2.1 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.4 spg – 39.8% 3FG
Justin Edwards: 5-star prospect
Tre Mitchell: 11.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 0.6 bpg – 36.4% 3FG
Aaron Bradshaw: 5-star prospect
Experienced Reserves
| W Adou Thiero – 6’8″, 222 – Sophomore |
| F/C Ugonna Onyenso – 7’0″, 247 – Sophomore |
Experienced Reserves’ 2022-23 Stats
Adou Thiero: 2.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.4 apg, 0.5 spg – 34.5% FG
Ugonna Onyenso: 2.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.0 bpg -52.9% FG
Freshmen
| G Rob Dillingham – 6’3″, 176 – Freshman – Consensus Top 50 recruit |
| G Reed Sheppard – 6’3″, 187 – Freshman – Consensus Top 100 recruit |
| C Zvonimir Ivšić – 7’2″, 234 – Freshman / Croatia |
| G Joey Hart – 6’5″, 203 – Freshman – Consensus Top 200 recruit |
| F Jordan Burks – 6’8″, 202 – Freshman – Consensus Top 200 recruit |
Remember a few months back when Kentucky basketball head coach John Calipari was having a terrible, horrible, no-good, very-bad offseason? Well, Coach Cal is better than most at getting the last laugh.
Last year’s veteran edition of the Wildcats, despite a strong stretch after the new year, were a disappointment. After starting out ranked #4 in the AP preseason poll, UK was out of the rankings entirely by New Years Day, and they only reappeared in the final week of February. Kentucky picked up some solid wins during the second half of conference play, but lost in their first Southeastern Conference tournament game. They made the NCAA Tournament, but only played on the first weekend.
In the golden age of the Transfer Portal, Kentucky, one the bluest of bloods, is welcoming just one transfer this year. Knowing that, especially after a frustrating year, it’s understandable why Big Blue nation was gnashing its collective teeth this summer. Thing is, though, had the Wildcats signed any other veterans, it wouldn’t even be a sure thing that they’d get consistent run. The reason being, Calipari has built his roster the way he’s built so many of his best rosters in the past: by signing some of the absolute best freshman prospects anywhere.
In fact, among the 247 Sports composite rankings, UK is welcoming three of the top four recruits who will play college basketball this season. If the Wildcats can just get their talented young big men healthy, they may end up one of the most irresistible forces in the nation this winter.
There is a holdover returning to Lexington who Calipari will lean heavily upon among the extraordinary new kids. Though intimations were made this spring that he may hit the Transfer Portal and find a different team, Antonio Reeves is back to provide core scoring for the Wildcats. There’s always lots of noise around such a prominent program as UK, and everything Reeves does hasn’t always been beloved by Big Blue nation. The veteran guard likes to shoot, and occasionally lets fly when he – or one of his buddies – could have had a better look. The thing is, though, sometimes Reeves can heat up like few other scorers out there. With so much talent arriving, would Reeves get his share of shots this year, in order to keep doing his thing? “He was worried about the wrong stuff…When you have five of the freshmen that we have, and you’re finding out they’re really good. ‘So what’s going to happen to me?’” Calipari told reporters in July. “What? You’re the vet. What do you mean what’s happening to you? So he did the right stuff. Proud of him, and he’s playing good.”
Good may be an understatement. Reeves made 39.8% of his triple tries last season, and finished fourth in the SEC with 80 makes from the land of trey. Though he came off the bench for much of the year, Reeves averaged more than 14 points and shared the league’s 6th Man of the Year award for his efforts. He scored 20 or more ten times last season, including a 37-point outburst at Arkansas in the Wildcats’ final regular season tilt. In his first SEC season, Reeves affirmed his reputation as a dangerous long-range artillerist by hitting three or more triples in 14 different games. As much as any of the Wildcats’ weapon, Reeves will have to be effectively guarded, and his threat will draw valuable resources away from the lane – something which will only make Kentucky’s other scorers more effective.
Though the biggest prizes are awarded in March, this summer was a lot of fun for the Wildcats. The young group of stars Calipari has recruited joined with some returnees off of last season’s group and traveled to Canada as representative of the USA. And there, they gave a preview of just how dangerous they can be. Kentucky took home a gold medal, and the chemistry that this squad is developing was something to see. Reeves took a particular star turn, averaging almost 23 points over the tournament and taking home MVP honors. He was joined by the newest of UK’s veterans: versatile scoring big man Tre Mitchell.
Mitchell is a genuine threat well out to the three point line, and is in many ways a prototype stretch forward
In an era which has seen unprecedented player movement, Mitchell stands out as a well-traveled individual. As a Wildcat, he will be suiting up for his fourth college team over the past five seasons. Now, with his ‘Covid Year’ of final eligibility, Mitchell will look to combine all the things he’s learned as UK’s star in the paint. A smooth scorer who can get his buckets at the rim or by knocking down jumpers, Mitchell began his career putting up huge numbers at UMass. By the end of last year, Mitchell had shown that he can be an impact player at both ends of the floor while contending in the Big 12. He would have remained a Mountaineer, but a few things…transpired…in Morgantown this summer, and Mitchell chose to move on. When the chance came to play at Rupp Arena for Calipari, Mitchell jumped. “Once I got in the portal and Cal reached out, it was just like, ‘It’s Kentucky.’ You know?” Mitchell told Kentucky Sports Radio this summer. “It’s Coach Calipari – his track record speaks for itself, and then once I got an opportunity to step on campus, and I felt the energy, and I saw what they were doing, it was like, ‘How can I pass up on that?’”
Mitchell is a genuine threat well out to the three point line, and is in many ways a prototype stretch forward. He carries career averages of 13.7 points, 5.9 boards, and nearly a block and steal each per contest, and Mitchell has been a top option for his side since the first time he stepped onto a college floor. As he has knocked down 65% of his tries near the rim the last couple of years, Mitchell has also evolved his game by taking more two-point shots away from the rim than right in close; and he’s been knocking those mid-range attempts down at a 43.1% rate. This season, Mitchell will look to post his best-shooting year of all. Kentucky will need him to be a bit of a 5-man, though – at least until his larger teammates are able to hit the court officially. Mitchell has long operated in and around the lane, and has learned a few things to go with his good moves, good footwork, and better quickness. “Tre is really legitimate because you have a five who can shoot a 3, pass, can pass like crazy,” Calipari said after Mitchell signed. Mitchell has always used his length and quickness well defensively, but will need to hit the boards and show his veteran strength as Kentucky’s occasional pivot, as well.
With proven scorers to count on both inside and out, Kentucky has a solid framework. Now, Coach Cal’s incredible haul of new prospects can do their thing while developing alongside guys who have done it before. The blend seemed extremely promising in Canada, where 5-star forward Justin Edwards showed off exactly why Wildcats fans are so chuffed to have him on their side. With his size and the assertiveness that he’s shown at key moments, Edwards is considered to be as complete a scoring threat as any player in this year’s class.
| Five Stats Which Tell The Tale (with national ranks) |
| 50.0% – Team 2FG Percentage (223rd) |
| 13.9 – Offensive Rebounds Per Game (1st) |
| 70.6% – Team FT Percentage (225th) |
| 15.1 – Assists Per Game (47th) |
| 6.3 – Made 3FG Per Game (279th) |
The rangy lefthander has a natural feel for scoring the ball. Edwards handles it well, shoots a fluid jumper, has the rangy athleticism to explode towards the rim, and when he’s feeling it, can take over a game. At 6’7″, Edwards can be a real mismatch in isolation, and knows how to power through the lane for contested buckets. As he adds strength, Edwards should become a true post-up threat against wing players. and will feast at the charity stripe. There are times when Edwards is getting any shot he likes inside the arc, and knocks them down as easily as if he was at practice. On occasion, he gets a bit too focused on the jumper, but Edwards has also shown the ability to attack the rim and score creatively among the trees. He’s also proven capable of really bringing it on the defensive end. “While he doesn’t measure out especially long, he gets his hands on a lot of balls defensively with good instincts and reactions in any type of trapping or scrambling scheme,” said Adam Finklestein of 247 Sports when evaluating Edwards. As the presumed third option on this team – if GLOBL JAM is anything to go by – Edwards seems a very good, and college-ready, pick.
Each of the other outstanding freshmen will make their own impacts, and together, they can help out all over the floor. Joining Reeves in the backcourt will be two electric youngsters with complimentary skills, tremendous athleticism, and the demeanor that coaches want to see in their best players.
The son and grandson of guards who starred in both college and the NBA, DJ Wagner has scoring DNA – and it shows. A tremendous scorer, Wagner attacks over and over off the bounce, using his great first step, precise body control and indomitable will in order to put the ball through the net at a prodigious rate. Wagner creates, takes, and makes big shots. His handle allows the young scorer to get where he wants to go, and even when closely defender, Wagner can make tough shots. A great on-ball defender, Wagner is just as comfortable taking on difficult covers as he is taking late shots with the game on the line. Though he doesn’t have most ideal explosiveness, Wagner’s attitude and toughness allow him to get the job done where others struggle.
Wagner also distributes the ball skillfully, but isn’t the most natural playmaker ever. “He’s not a true point guard, and yet has needed the ball in his hands to be effective to this point in his career,” Adam Finklestein of 247 Sports has said of Wagner. As a part of the ensemble cast that Kentucky will feature this season, Wagner will have more chances to get his teammates involved than ever before. Wagner will also look to show the most consistency of his career from the outside. A streaky jump shooter who can get hot and absolutely go off, Wagner would love to prove an every-game threat from distance. “There’s no denying that he’s going to have to shoot the ball from long-range at a higher rate…yet also no glaring mechanical deficiency that should prevent him from doing so.” His father, Dajuan Sr, played for Calipari while the coach was at Memphis, and that bond made Kentucky a solid choice for DJ to begin his collegiate journey. “Coach John Calipari was always straightforward and honest with me. He said he would be with me until the wheels fall off the car either way. And that meant so much to me.”
As great a difficult-shot splasher and ballhandler Wagner is, his classmate Rob Dillingham may perform the same feats – and with greater artistry. The fella they call ‘Thrillingham’ is about as smooth and exciting with the ball in his hands as any player coming into college basketball this year. He employs a great variety of shot types and assertive takes, and Dillingham can test a defender in a couple of different ways on one possession in order to get what he likes. Dillingham has played in the EYBL, and there gained experience both running his team and being the star scorer who gets to dominate the ball at times.
“He is an extremely efficient scorer, but I’m excited about the fact that Rob wants to be pushed by other really good guards on our roster and continue to develop his versatility by playing with or without the ball in his hands.,” Calipari enthused about Dillingham after he signed with the Wildcats. While Dillingham is not huge or possessed of incredible athleticism, his talents must shine through. Fortunately, the young guard oozes ability and confidence to go with it. If he can raise his game a bit defensively, Dillingham will combine with Wagner to dazzle in the Wildcats’ backcourt.
While Dillingham and Wagner are lead guard-types who need to have the ball and love to get downhill, Calipari has also added a local product whose game is of an older, but equally tasty, vintage. Reeves Sheppard is as smooth a shooter as any freshman in America, and will provide a terrific counterpoint to the attacking styles employed by some of his new teammates. “As a little boy from Kentucky, it’s always been a dream of mine to play at UK,” Sheppard said after pledging to the Wildcats. Sheppard isn’t just a shooter; he’s a legit Top 100 recruit who can also create looks for his teammates. He is exceedingly crafty getting into the lane, opening up space, fighting through tight coverage, and earning trips to the foul line; where, as befits his marksman’s skill, Sheppard makes virtually every attempt. As an elite catch-and-shoot threat playing alongside real post threats and talented passers, Sheppard should do plenty of damage. Another highly-talented new face is Zvonimir Ivšić. Though he arrives in Lexington with a reputation as a serious pro prospect, Ivšić is something of a mystery. That’s both because American fans haven’t seen him play much yet, and because they aren’t sure when they’ll be able to. A seven-footer from Croatia, Ivšić has the skill to make jumpers, passes well, and clearly has the size to grow into a devastating post scorer. Unfortunately, UK is still waiting for a decision on his eligibility, and Ivšić’s status for the new season remains a question as games begin.
| Five Out-of-Conference Games to Keep an Eye on |
| N – Kansas – November 14 |
| N – North Carolina – December 16 |
| vs Miami (FL) – November 28 |
| vs UNC-Wilmington – December 2 |
| @ Louisville – December 21 |
Back in high school, DJ Wagner played for Camden high school in Roselle, NJ. There, he threw quite a few lobs, and more than a couple of them were flushed by one Aaron Bradshaw. Since he’s joined his buddy Wagner in Lexington, Kentucky fans can’t wait to watch Bradshaw throwing down dunks – and sending back opposing shots – in their shade of blue. A big, bouncy, athletic post player, Bradshaw has the ability to change momentum in a big way at both ends of the floor. “The most impactful trait we can have on the defensive end is the ability to block shots, and Aaron is elite at that. He also has all of the tools that a versatile big in today’s game needs,” Calipari said after Bradshaw signed with the Wildcats. “As a 7-footer, he can change the game on both ends of the court. He has a high ceiling and has only begun to scratch the surface of the kind of player he can be.” Unfortunately, the 5-star prospect broke his foot during this year’s McDonald’s All-American game, and his recovery from the resulting surgery has carried into the fall. Standing nearly 7’2″ with the mobility to impact shot attempts seemingly anywhere inside of the arc, Bradshaw’s defensive potential is extraordinary. He’s also been developing genuine range on his jumper, and confidence in his good coordination and soft hands around the basket. While he won’t be ready for the start of the year, Bradshaw will make a big impact once he’s able to hit the floor in earnest.
Last Year, Calipari added a similarly-size talent in Ugonna Onyenso, who returns to fight Bradshaw for top minutes. Well, will return. Like Bradshaw, Onyenso has been working his way back from a foot injury; one that he suffered during scrimmages leading up to the Wildcats’ GLOBL JAM appearance. Last year, Onyenso averaged just 6.9 minutes per contest, but showed that he is an elite rim protector even in that small role. Onyenso is also great on the boards, and very difficult to keep from earning second chances and stuffing them. Though his return date – as well as updates on Bradshaw and incoming rookie Ivšić – have become the subject of much consternation for Wildcats fans due to some mixed messages from Calipari, the Wildcats will be transformed once the Big men are able to play. Adou Thiero is also back after playing a reserve role last season. A big wing with playmaking skills, Thiero is a versatile talent who can give the Wildcats a different look when one of their smaller guards isn’t in, without sacrificing ball movement.
Such is Calipari’s embarrassment of riches in this recruiting class, that among his surefire pro prospects, Kentucky has also added another pair of talented freshmen who would be, for many programs, headliners of a class. Jordan Burks is a long, athletic forward with perimeter skills and versatile scoring potential. He will need to get stronger, but Burks should eventually be able to defend a variety of players and help as a pop threat offensively. Joey Hart is a perimeter shooter with good size who came over to Lexington after prepping in Indiana. Going forward, he will help to space the floor and keep the ball moving.
Kentucky feels though they’ve got a very good mix this year, even without going all-in on the older transfers who have proven to be such fashionable additions for most top programs. With the chemistry they’ve been developing since – and the results they earned upon – their trip to Canada, Kentucky has got some majority to go with their immense potential.
“They all can dribble, pass and shoot,” Calipari took stock of his young roster to CBS Sports this summer. “It’s not a track meet, it’s not a wrestling match, it’s basketball. So you may look at them and say they’re small, they’re skinny, they’re this, but they can all dribble, pass and shoot.” With versatility at each spot and the chance to mix and match lineups – once everyone can play – Calipari will have options not available to most coaches.
Reeves says that he’s trying to help this group prioritize other things, too. “Defense. I definitely learned a lot when I was traveling, how important defense was,” the veteran guard told reporters at SEC Media Days. “I definitely try to emphasize that every time I step on the floor here. Just being a dog…just being more of a leader out there to the younger guys.” These Wildcats are young indeed, but that hasn’t stopped them before. With the talent in Lexington this winter that’s already begun proving great things, Kentucky is out to reclaim their spot atop college basketball.
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