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Kentucky Basketball: Projecting Wildcats’ starters and bench for 2017-18

By Taylor Sturm

KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 24: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the first half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 24, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 24: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the first half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 24, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats looks on during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 22: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats looks on during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Full starter and bench projections

I honestly believe that John Calipari will mix things up this season, and I think the only “for sure” starters are Quade Green at point guard, Hamidou Diallo at shooting guard, and Kevin Knox at small forward.

We could see a rotation at the four and five spots depending on if Calipari wants to go large or small that will look something like this:

PG – Quade Green                          PG – Quade Green

SG – Hamidou Diallo                      SG – Hamidou Diallo

SF – Kevin Knox                                SF – Kevin Knox

PF – P.J. Washington                      PF – Jarred Vanderbilt

C – Nick Richards                             C – P.J. Washington

Kentucky’s bench will be phenomenal, as well, and, if we exclude the “starters” above, I think we should see significant minutes from Jemari Baker, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Wenyen Gabriel, Sacha Killeya-Jones, and even Tai Wynyard.

No matter who starts, the Wildcats are one of the best teams in college basketball. The SEC is theirs to lose but could be more difficult to hold onto in 2017-18, as the Florida Gators, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Texas A&M Aggies should all find themselves ranked at some point in the season. The rest of the SEC takes huge steps forward as well, as teams like the Missouri Tigers and Auburn Tigers both have the potential to be great.

Next: Ranking top coaching moves of the offseason

However, the talent on this Kentucky roster is undeniable, and the Wildcats are ready to be in contention for the National Championship yet again.

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