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Kentucky Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Wildcats

By Nathan Dillon

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 04: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats calls out during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Rupp Arena on February 4, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 04: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats calls out during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Rupp Arena on February 4, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Kentucky Basketball Olivier Sarr (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Starters

Every year, the starting lineup is total guesswork for Kentucky fans. It’ll change several times throughout the season. It may not mirror Calipari’s preferred “crunch time” lineup at the end of games. This team is also deeper than the last few Wildcats squads, so we may see 9 or 10 guys play starters’ minutes this season. Nonetheless, here is a projection of what Kentucky’s starting five may look like to begin the season.

PG – Devin Askew (FR)

Scouts and coaches alike see Devin Askew as a floor general and defensive menace. Askew will be one of the better shooters on this team, but his true impact will come with taking care of the ball, finding open teammates, and intense on-ball defense. A five-star recruit, Askew is the newest in a line of Kentucky point guards with high expectations. If he plays at the level of his predecessors, Kentucky will be in great shape.

G/F – Brandon Boston (FR)

Brandon “B.J.” Boston is a scoring machine and one of the best shooters that John Calipari has recruited. At 6’7”, Boston is taller than what Wildcats fans are used to seeing at the 2-guard position. He has a quick, high release with a short shooting form that makes it nearly impossible for defenders to contest. For this reason, he has drawn comparisons to Kevin Martin (per NBAdraft.net).

Related Story. Preseason SEC power rankings for 2020-21. light

G/F – Terrence Clarke (FR)

When you watch Terrence Clarke play, promise me that you’ll try to keep your jaw off the floor. The 6’7” wing will cross you, shoot over you, dunk on you, pick your pocket, and rip a rebound out of your airspace. Clarke’s best attribute is his ability to get to the rim, and at his size, he’s a great finisher. If teams decide to zone Kentucky, he’ll be the one who ensures that the zone is short-lived.

F – Keion Brooks (SO)

While Brooks is Kentucky’s most versatile player, Calipari has primarily played him at the 4. Depending on foul situations and lineup changes, Brooks should see time at each frontcourt position this year. Brooks is stronger and better conditioned than last year – this will help him create matchup problems no matter who is defending him.

C – Oliver Sarr (SR)

The 7-foot senior is Kentucky’s most important player. Transferring after three seasons at Wake Forest, he waited until October to receive eligibility to play by the SEC. Until this decision, Kentucky’s only missing piece was a skilled, experienced big man. Sarr catapults Kentucky into a top-tier NCAA Championship contender. Sarr will be on several national award watch lists to start the season.

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