The Kentucky Boys

As usual, John Calipari has done a great job of recruiting future CSL talent, and this year he's got four players who are already being projected as top players in this upcoming draft. We'll look at each one individually, in alphabetical order.

First up is Willie Cauley-Stein. A legit 7 footer with a quick hands and feet, Cauley-Stein right away reminds us a lot of a young Tyson Chandler. A big, long center with the ability to run the floor and defend at a high level, and you can see the comparison right away. Cauley-Stein also has shown some ability to create shots for himself in the post. He's very athletic, and uses that to get himself a lot of easy baskets in the paint. However, he still relies a lot on his teammates to create for him, and so far it's really his athleticism that's doing all the work for him. He hasn't shown much polish on either end of the floor and his only real CSL-talent so far, aside from dunking the ball, is his ability to block shots. He isn't a great rebounder yet, as he struggles to get good position, and he doesn't show great defensive prowess either. Cauley-Stein is still very much a project player, but given time and the right coaching, he may turn into a more skilled version of Chandler.


Archie Goodwin is another player who's made his living so far on his athleticism alone. He has a great touch near the hoop and has shown some ability with a floater, but his outside game still requires a bit of work. He's shown a knack for creating for others and finding open players when he attacks the lane, and he has good mechanics on his jumper off the dribble, meaning he may have room to grow as a shooter. In fact, he may end up as a Kobe Bryant-lite, the kind of player who can be both a facilitator and a scorer. His defense still requires some fundamental work and he isn't the most motivated on that end of the floor, but he can still cause havoc on that end in the right system.


Andrew Harrison nearly immediately cemented himself as the better of the twins and reports state that Aaron Harrison will wait until next year so as to have a year out of his brother's shadow. Andrew has taken the role as PG of the Kentucky team and just the fact that he's a 6'5" point guard of one of the best teams in the nation should already have scouts drooling. Harrison may not be the world's nicest guy but his mean streak has helped him become one of the most feared guards in the nation. With a quick first step, a nasty crossover, and the ability to both drive and pull up, he's a difficult man to guard. He's also a great defender with long arms that bother everyone he guards. He's got a future as a slasher and a good point guard, and basically, he reminds us a lot of Jrue Holiday or even Rajon Rondo.


Easily the crown jewel of the crop of Kentucky players, everyone wants to know about Julius Randle. What is there to say? The kid is a monster, that's all there is to it. He dunked over a double team. He's a dominating physical presence down low with the strength to power over anyone and the speed to get around anyone he can't power over. This is going to sound like a bit of a broken record, but yes, Randle is raw. He's an athletic player who is still learning the skills of the game of basketball. However, there is no doubt in anyone's mind that he will learn. He's got the athleticism, hustle, and strength to become a good rebounder, the physical tools to become a good defender, and the will and scoring ability to average over 20 points per game. Think of prime Zach Randolph, but also in good physical condition. I'm not even sure Randle has any real weaknesses, just parts of his game that aren't as good as others. He's prime time, and he's definitely worth at least being considered for the first pick in the 2014 draft.

I think Harrison is the best of the bunch, but Randle will be a nice piece as well. I will be curious to see where Cauley goes in the draft-- there seems to be a lot of differing opinions on him, but it only takes one GM for him to go high.

Harrison's size with his great ability at the PG position makes him such a tantalizing prospect.

Man would I love to get Harrison or Randle in Sacramento... Not very realistic unless I'm able to move up, but it would be great if it were possible.

Harrison sounds just like the kind of guy I would want down in Orlando. Looks to be a great player.