Kentucky freshman Tyrese Maxey thinks the team is capable of being one of college basketball’s best defensive teams this season.
The Wildcats started a cool newcomer series via Twitter on Monday, which includes insight into what each of the new players will bring to Lexington.
The 6-3 point guard discussed several topics, including the reasons he wanted to play for Kentucky, how he tries to pattern his game around Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, and De’Aaron Fox, and why John Calipari’s team can be excellent on defense.
Our newcomer series tips off today. Meet @TyreseMaxey, a gatherer, a winner and a competitor will do whatever it takes to succeed. #MeetTheWildcats | #DreamBIG pic.twitter.com/FKvBOtdKod
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 8, 2019
Maxey was rated as the No. 2 player in Texas and No. 10 player overall in the 2019 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.
He joins another top-five class for Calipari, with Kahlil Whitney, Keion Brooks, Dontaie Allen, and Johnny Juzang joining the mix.
The Wildcats have also added 6-9 Bucknell grad transfer Nate Sestina to the roster.
Lovell’s Analysis
There’s no doubt that size and length are going to once again be a valuable asset for Calipari and his staff, which should make the Wildcats difficult to match up against for most teams around the country.
In addition to adding all the talented newcomers, Kentucky returns the impactful frontcourt duo of Nick Richards and EJ Montgomery, who will both step into expanded roles.
Tyrese Maxey will also add plenty of the length in the backcourt, as Ashton Hagans returns as the team’s leader in steals at 1.6 per game, and Immanuel Quickley should also improve on that side of the court.
So, it’s easy to understand why Maxey expects Kentucky to provide a significant challenge for offenses around the nation.
The Wildcats have finished in the top 10 in KenPom’s defensive efficiency category in three of the past five seasons, and they should have a great opportunity to do that once again.
For more SEC basketball coverage, follow me on Twitter @theblakelovell.