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Kentucky Basketball: 5 keys for a successful 2018-19 campaign

By Lukas Harkins

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 28: Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders perform during the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena on February 28, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 28: Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders perform during the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena on February 28, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 11: Travis #22 of the Stanford Cardinal dunks. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 11: Travis #22 of the Stanford Cardinal dunks. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Reid Travis emerges as an excellent leader

One of the biggest weaknesses of Kentucky basketball under head coach John Calipari over the years has been a lack of experience. Considering the massive amount of roster turnover that the program experiences practically every year, the Wildcats are seemingly always lacking an upperclassman or two. However, in regards to this upcoming season, UK landed one of the best graduate transfers in the country in Reid Travis.

One of the best players in the Pac-12 over the past few years, Travis comes to Lexington after a superb season for Stanford. Even though the Cardinal were unable to reach the Big Dance, this was far from Travis’ fault. Over the course of the 35-game Stanford campaign, the versatile 6-foot-8 forward posted averages of 19.5 points (.527/.295/.675) and 8.7 rebounds per game.

By now, everyone knows just how talented Travis is as a player. Now with an improving 3-point shot integrated into his game, he is incredibly versatile with the ball in his hands while also working as a glass-cleaner. During this season, though, his leadership and experience on the court might be more important than his talent. Considering the majority of UK’s rotation is already extremely talented but made up of underclassmen, his impact as a leader could push the team to new heights.

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