The Kentucky Wildcats have shown they are among the most talented college basketball teams in the country, but their lack of experience has caught up to them at times - most notably on Saturday when they lost to UNC-Wilmington at Rupp Arena.
The return of Aaron Bradshaw was a bright spot in that game, despite playing just 13 minutes and scoring three points. Assuming Bradshaw continues to develop and earn more playing time, and freshman guard DJ Wagner returns soon from his injury, there is little reason to believe coach John Calipari's team won't be in the running for both an SEC championship and a top-five seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Wagner and Bradshaw are vital pieces for this team, along with veterans Antonio Reeves and Tre Mitchell, but Kentucky's ceiling will be dependent on the growth of freshman wing Justin Edwards, the third-ranked prospect in the 2023 class at 247Sports and a player many labeled as the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft before the season began.
Edwards hasn't lived up to the billing through Kentucky's first eight games, a fact that was discussed on Tuesday's episode of the Locked on College Basketball podcast.
"We're talking about a guy who is expected to be a top-five pick in the NBA draft, a guy many had labeled as No. 1," host Andy Patton said. "Edwards has not looked like that guy...he's just not shooting the ball well. You watch Kentucky, and you can see why the scouts are so enamored with him. The athleticism is there, the skill set is there, he's just not consistent."
Freshmen don't all develop at the same rate, and while Edwards has shown flashes of being a true great, he hasn't put it all together just yet. It is possible that doesn't happen until he is in the NBA, but it is also possible he finds it in a month or so and helps Kentucky win the SEC and earn a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
If anyone can get Edwards where he needs to be in time to help Kentucky and to showcase his skills for the NBA scouts, it's Calipari. This will be a huge test for coach, with big ramifications for the 'Cats, but it could pay massive dividends if Edwards can find his rhythm before March.
Takeaways from Kentucky's 80-73 loss to the UNC Wilmington Seahawks
Takeaways: Sloppy play and poor shot selection leads to a Kentucky loss against UNC Wilmington
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