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Kentucky Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Wildcats

By Brian Rauf

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 06: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Tennessee Volunteers during the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 06: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to his team against the Tennessee Volunteers during the game at Rupp Arena on February 6, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – DECEMBER 02: Quade Green #0 of the Kentucky Wildcats calls a play during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Harvard Crimson at Rupp Arena on December 2, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – DECEMBER 02: Quade Green #0 of the Kentucky Wildcats calls a play during the second half of the game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Harvard Crimson at Rupp Arena on December 2, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Projected starters

Ashton Hagans
Hagans and Immanuel Quickley are battling for this starting spot and both will likely find their name in the lineup throughout the course of the season, but we’re going with Hagans because of his playmaking ability. He has great quickness for someone who is 6-4 and he averaged around 10 assists per game at the high school level. His athleticism and playmaking will earn him a nod for a team that will need someone to spread the wealth.

Quade Green
Green‘s role will likely change on a game-to-game basis. He’s the only non-freshman that should see time in the backcourt and can play either guard position. Green’s a quality ball-handler and will bring some needed experience to the table. He won’t start every game this season but his scoring ability should earn him a spot to start the season.

Keldon Johnson
Johnson is flying slightly under the radar in Kentucky’s freshmen class, but I think he’ll end up being the best of the bunch. He’s a reliable shooter with a good three-point stroke but also excels at finishing near the rim. At 6-6, Johnson’s size, versatility, and craftiness could make him UK’s go-to guy down the stretch.

Reid Travis
The arrival of Travis is why many believe Kentucky is the No. 1 team in the country going into the new season. Travis averaged a team-high 19.5 ppg and 8.7 rpg at Stanford last season and will give them a significant low-post presence on the offensive end.

E.J. Montgomery
A one-time Auburn commit, Montgomery picked Kentucky late in the process but should end up with a starting job. He’s extremely athletic at 6-10 and has the kind of versatile offensive skill set that should make him one of the Wildcats’ leading scorers right away. Montgomery will also provide some needed rim protection, though his strong suit is his scoring ability.

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