Predicting the Starting 5

There have been a lot of predictions regarding who UKs starting 5 will be next season and how playing time will pan out.  I've illustrated my prediction in the chart above.

Teague- An obvious choice as a starter as Teague is the only true point guard on the team, unless you count Twanny Beckham- but he wont be available to play until the second semester.  Teague will see many minutes and this teams success may depend on his play down the stretch more than any other player.

Miller- Despite the young talent on this team, I still think Miller starts at the 2 because of his senior leadership.  Miller is a versatile player that can also play the 3 or possibly 4 and may see some time running the point.  Lets hope Miller can develop a mean streak and play more aggressive than he has shown in the past.

Gilchrist- A lot of people see Gilchrist coming off the bench but I say no way.  Gilchrists intensity and athleticism will keep him on the court, whether its at the 2-3-or 4.  I think Gilchrist plays the second most minutes on the team behind Teague.

Jones-  People said Jones was crazy to skip the NBA draft and return for his sophomore year after being considered a lock for the lottery, but with the NBA lockout likely to last the entire season Jones is the one laughing now.  Jones said many times that the possibility of a lockout was a major reason for him returning to school- good call.  My question is how could people in the know not predict this and warn other prospects, such a Brandon Knight?  Oh well.  Anyways, Jones is a beast and will play major minutes at the 4 or 5.

Davis- Another obvious choice as some have Davis as the overall number 1 pick in next years mock drafts.  Davis has an incredible basketball body and the skill set to match.  He will play major minutes at the 4 or 5.

Lamb- Probably the best 6th man in the country.  Even though he may not start he will still play starters minutes and may be the teams leading scorer.  Get ready for a breakout season from Lamb.

Wiltjer- Will rotate with Jones and Davis, Wiltjer may be the best 7th man in the country.  His ability to knock down the 3 will make this team nearly impossible to guard when he's in the game. 

This is a scary good 7 man rotation that will probably see the majority of minutes played.  Its too bad Hood went down with a knee injury that may cost him the season.  Hood could have played a major role in a solid 8-man squad.  The remaining players; Beckham, Poole, Polson, and Vargas may not see double digit minutes but they can still be quality contributors when the team gets in foul trouble or the starters need to be rested.  The only thing I see missing on this team is a solid big body big man, such as Cousins or Harrellson- the kind that can effectively guard a guy like Jared Sullinger.  The good news is that the other premier team this season, UNC, lacks such a big man as well.  This could be it folks- 2012 NCAA National Champions!  Go Cats!