Kentucky Basketball: 2023-24 preview for the Wildcats

Projected starting lineup

Point Guard: DJ Wagner

Wagner joins the Kentucky Wildcats rotation as the floor general tasked with setting the tone and defending with pressure. He’s the son of former Memphis Tiger and sixth overall 2002 NBA Draft pick Dajuan Wagner, a former player of Coach Cal. He’ll be challenged right away in the SEC ranks when conference play begins and in their early meeting with the Kansas Jayhawks.

Shooting Guard: Antonio Reeves

Reeves is the leading scorer and will act as one of the veterans for this year’s squad. He was last year’s SEC Sixth Man of the Year while putting up 14.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 1.1 apg on 39.8 percent from deep in 2022-23. With a bigger role on the horizon, look for his overall production to grow after finishing fourth in 3-pointers made (80) in the conference.

Small Forward/Wing: Justin Edwards

Edwards is another highly-rated NBA Draft prospect in this year’s class out of Imhotep Charter. He’s a versatile forward/wing at 6-foot-8 who finished with 17.9 ppg and 7.5 rpg behind another state title effort as a 2023 McDonald’s All-American. He’ll be looked upon to be a leading name for them on both ends of the floor.

Power Forward: Adou Thiero

Thiero is a returning name for the Wildcats who should see minutes at the forward spot. He’s an undersized name at 6-foot-6 who should make up for his length with his 200-pound frame. He averaged 2.3 ppg and 1.9 rpg across 20 appearances as a freshman.

Center/Forward: Tre Mitchell

After leading the Mountaineers to an impressive conference tournament effort, Mitchell will look to act as a defensive anchor for a young squad in need of a veteran presence in the frontcourt.