For many Kentucky supporters who are having trouble seeing the big picture, Mark Pope’s failure to catch Tyran Stokes has become a daily source of rage. This is somewhat understandable; Kentucky has had to scramble since Coach Pope was hired because he hasn’t been able to get a grip on freshmen recruiting.
Positively, though, Pope has more than demonstrated his capacity to catch up in the transfer portal. That’s how his entire first team in Lexington was constructed, and on very short notice, at that. Fans of the Cats are aware of how that season concluded and have been hoping for a somewhat better level of success ever since.
Additionally, the Wildcats may already have their go-to player in transfer sophomore Alex Wilkins, even though Otega Oweh has left and Stokes is not visiting Lexington. In one way or another, Kentucky will complete the roster, but the Cats may easily turn to Wilkins if they don’t get another big hitter.
Wilkins Can Carry the Weight
Wilkins, whose footage was well regarded on the internet before he committed to the blue and white, will only be a sophomore when he makes his debut under Mark Pope’s critical scrutiny. For the first time in three years, Wilkins guided the Paladins to the NCAA Tournament during his one and only season.
Despite losing to the two-seeded UConn Huskies in the opening round, Wilkins scored 21 points on a perfect 53%/50% shooting split. Despite the loss, he made a name for himself ahead of this summer by recording four assists and one steal.
In addition to having Zoom Diallo as a superior running mate in the backcourt, Wilkins should gain from an offense in Lexington that gives priority to scorers who can reach their positions. Collin Chandler benefited the most from this past season, and Wilkins may be much better if he were paired with a suitable point guard.
A Compelling System Fit
Naturally, Wilkins’ ability to make the kind of sophomore leap that Chandler and so many others in this position do will determine his influence. However, the BBN should be happy that he is currently in the starting lineup.
He’s the kind of long playmaker that has a significant impact in the Champion’s Classic, at least from an optical standpoint. He is the type of player who causes SEC defenses to become entangled.
He is the type of guy who can elevate an already strong team.
