Kentucky Basketball: 2020-21 season preview for the Wildcats
Reserves
Although the rotation may shrink as we get closer to March, these six should all see substantial playing time as the season begins.
PG – Davion Mintz (SR)
After sitting out last season due to transfer rules, Davion Mintz will be immediately eligible to play his senior season at Kentucky. In 2018-19, Mintz was an everyday starter for Creighton. Mintz will be so valuable for this group – not only is he a 5th-year player with deep experience at the high-D1 level, Mintz has no discernable weaknesses.
His 39-inch max vertical is the 3rd highest on a team of elite athletes, while he led the team in reps on the 185-lbs. bench press. His length helps him play larger than his 6’3” frame. His career shooting splits (FG/3FG/FT percentages) are 41/35/74 and he carries a 1.8 assist/turnover ratio.
Defensively, Mintz won’t create much of a drop-off, if any, from last year’s terrific backcourt. When Kentucky plays small, expect to see Mintz and Devin Askew together in that lineup.
F/C – Isaiah Jackson (FR)
Jackson’s greatest contributions will come from blocking shots and dominating the offensive glass. He has also developed a mid-range jumper, but he shouldn’t be a top-5 scoring option. Don’t short-change him, though: Isaiah Jackson might have the highest ceiling on this team (not to mention, he’s a projected 1st round pick in 2021).
While he may not be a day one starter, it doesn’t mean he won’t be a star. In 2017-18, Kentucky’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander started the season coming off the bench; 3 years later he’s a franchise cornerstone for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
F/C – Lance Ware (FR)
Watch this guy play for a couple of minutes and you’ll see why the coaching staff was so excited to get him. Ware has the making of a big, intimidating, athletic NBA forward – he just needs to add weight to that 6’9”, 215 lbs. frame. A year on Kentucky’s weight and conditioning program will do the trick. Ware will play both post positions this year. 247Sports compares Lance Ware to former Duke star, Marvin Bagley.
G/F – Dontaie Allen (RS-FR)
We haven’t seen Allen in action since his senior season in high school. In December 2018, Allen suffered a torn ACL and has been rehabbing and conditioning since then. From the looks of Pro Day, he appears to be at full strength. If Allen is part of the rotation, it will come from shooting and defense. Think of the role Johnny Juzang played last year, but with an extra year to become a reliable defender.
F – Cam’ron Fletcher (FR)
Fletcher has the look of a vintage dribble-drive wing. He’s an explosive athlete – bouncy, quick second jump, can get to the rim in the blink of an eye. This year, Fletcher must prove his value through attacking the rim, crashing the offensive glass, and asserting himself in all facets defensively. Becoming a threat through penetration will be key in opening space for the shooters around him.
F – Jacob Toppin (SO)
You probably recognize the last name. He’s inevitably going to draw comparisons to older brother, Obi, the No. 8 pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Well, here’s a comparison for you: Jacob is just as athletic as his older brother.
Toppin has a 42-inch vertical jump, one of the highest recorded at Kentucky – which means at 6’9” he might be able to touch Rupp Arena’s rafters when he leaps. Only a sophomore, Toppin still has time to develop his game. He averaged 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds at Rhode Island last season.