Well, we got a good look at the pieces for this UK team during the week in the Bahamas, so I thought I'd scout these guys as if I'm an upcoming opponent.
For the purpose of this scouting report, I am going to use the lineup we saw several times this week, the one that started the 2nd half of Sunday's game against the Bahamas Select team. With that game still in doubt, I think it's likely the coaching staff showed their hand a little bit right there. For stats, I will use the 2021-22 season stats, wherever the player was. I'm using Fredrick's Iowa stats. Here was that 2nd half starting line-up from Sunday.
Probable Starters
#34 C Oscar Tshiebwe 6-9 255lb Sr 17.4pts, 15.1reb, 1.7stls, 1.6blks
#4 PF Damion Collins 6-9 210lb So 2.9pts, 2.0reb, 85.7ft% (in 7.3mpg)
#0 SF Jacob Toppin 6-9 205lb Sr 6.2pts, 3.2reb, 40% from 3 (in 17.8mpg)
#22 SG Cason Wallace 6-4 193lb Fr 19.9pts, 7.4reb, 6.1ast as a HS Sr
#2 PG Sahvir Wheeler 5-9 180lb Sr 10.1pts, 6.9ast, 2.6reb
Key Reserves
#12 G Antonio Reeves 6-5 205lb Sr 20.1pts, 3.5reb, 1.8ast, 1.1stl, 39% from 3 (at IL State)
#24 F Chris Livingston 6-6 220lb Fr 31.1pts, 15.8reb, 6.5ast, 4.7stl, 4.3blk as a HS Sr
#3 G Adou Thiero 6-6 200lb Fr 23.3pts, 10.3reb, 5.9ast, 3.9stl, 2.3blks as a HS Sr
#55 C Lance Ware 6-9 235 Jr 1.5pts, 1.9reb (in 6.2mpg)
#1 G CJ Fredrick 6-3 185lb RS Sr 8.8pts, 2.3ast, 1.5reb, 46.6% from 3 in 2 seasons at Iowa
#? C Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso 6-11 225lb Fr 11.4pts, 9.0reb, 5.7blks as a HS Junior
Analysis: Any scouting report of 2022-23 Kentucky must begin with the returning unanimous player of the year- Oscar Tshiebwe. Oscar is a 6-9 255lb senior bull down low who believes every rebound belongs to him. His offensive game has steadily improved while at UK and he has now developed an effective jump hook with either hand. He will also score on put back dunks and garbage buckets around the rim, on offensive rebounds, as well as by running the floor well and finishing in transition. He led the nation in both offensive rebounding and total rebounds in 2021-22 and becomes the first unanimous player of the year to return to school since Tyler Hansbrough. In addition to leading UK in rebounds, Tshiebwe also led the team in points, steals, and blocks. If you can't keep Oscar off the boards, you have very little chance of beating this UK team, even if they aren't making shots.
Joining Oscar in the frontcourt this season are Damion Collins and Jacob Toppin, who are both returnees from 2021-22. Both of these players have improved dramatically in their time at UK. Jacob Toppin was a significant contributor to last season's UK team, but he was sharing minutes with starting forward Keion Brooks, who has transferred to the Washington Huskies for his senior season. As a starter and getting the bulk of the minutes, Toppin is looking to have a breakout season. He is a 6-9 jumping jack who boasts a 42 inch vertical leap and has developed a mid-range jumper that is very difficult to block. He has also been working on his 3pt shooting in his time at UK. He shot a very respectable 40% from 3 in 2021-22 but only had 10 attempts on the season. He has excellent quickness, improved ball skills, and can defend well in open space even against smaller guards, which enables him to play the small forward position for the Wildcats. Damion Collins is a very intriguing player for UK. Out of high school, he was thought of as a potential one and done for UK, but his lack of strength proved to be a detriment to him in the 2021-22 season. He had several flashes of ability during the season but he struggled with consistency and just getting pushed around too often, unable to make a move and often getting the ball stripped due to lack of strength. He came to UK at about 190lbs (soaking wet) but is now up to 210lbs and has added some muscle and strength. His measurables are off the charts, at 6-9 and a 7-4 wing-span and also a 44 inch vertical leap. He has a very nice touch on his jumper and is an excellent free throw shooter as well. Collins is a guy who could break-out in a huge way this season and make this UK team dominant. With Tshiebwe, Collins, and Toppin all at 6-9 and able to block shots, UK's inerior defense becomes very formidable.
In the backcourt, you have to start with Sahvir Wheeler. In fact, after Oscar Tshiebwe, I would argue the next guy you must address on any scouting report is Wheeler. He's the straw that stirs the drink for these Cats. He is the fastest guy on the team and usually the fastest guy end to end on the floor in any game. It has been said that he is the best open floor point guard in the nation and few would argue. He has led the SEC in assists for 2 consecutive seasons, in 2020-21 at Georgia and in 2021-22 at Kentucky. In that same time period, he has also led all major conference players in assists per game. In total assists in 2021, he finished 5th nationally. In 2022, he finished 4th nationally. In his one season at UK, he ranks 4th historically in overall assists in a season and 2nd in assists per game, trailing only Tyler Ulis, just edging Roger Harden and John Wall. Wheeler struggles shooting from 3 but if he gets into the lane he can beat you in multiple ways. He is an excellent finisher at the rim, even against much bigger players. His weaknesses are 3pt shooting and getting in too deep and turning it over while trying to do too much. Joining Wheeler in the backcourt is freshman Cason Wallace, a Richardson, TX product who has the entire package. Most recruiting services listed him as a combo guard for that very reason. He can play the point if needed, but he's also excellent off the ball. He's very strong for a freshman and is built for D1 basketball already. He is excellent driving the ball has an arsenal of moves in the lane, where may pull up for a jumper, shoot a floater, or take it to the rim for the dunk. He is also a good 3pt shooter, which he displayed during UK's Bahamas exhibitions while making 6-15 for 40% from distance. He has excellent pace to his game as well, refuses to be hurried, and can finish through contact.
From the bench, UK has a multitude of weapons at their disposal. I guess if you are looking where to start, you'd have to look at the guy who led the team in scoring in the Bahamas, Antonio Reeves. It was uncertain how Reeves would transition from IL State to Kentucky because of the potential increase in speed and competition. I think that has been answered in the affirmative at this point. Reeves has not only looked comfortable, he has thrived thus far. He scored 20.1 points per game in 2021-22 at IL State, so we knew he could make shots, but he has shown just how dangerous he can be. Against the toughest, most experienced squad UK faced in the Bahamas, Reeves basically put the game away in a 2nd half, one-man run on a barrage of 3-pointers. Chris Livingston might be the next most dangerous guy coming off the bench. He has shown why he was a top 10 recruit and he has the body to match his skills. at 6-6 220, he plays much bigger than his height. He is another guy who has excellent athleticism and strength. He is not afraid to get in there and mix things up, even with those 30+ year old men UK was playing on Sunday. Adou Thiero was one of the surprises of the exhibition tour for UK in the Bahamas. He's a 6-6 guy who is still growing according to those close to him. I think he was considered a bit raw by most experts and he was not expected to contribute much, but he has shown he can do a little bit of everything. He's very strong, an excellent defender, can block shots, likes to step into passing lanes, and just has a nose for the ball. He also showed he can score in both transition and in the half-court. He shot 3-6 from three during these games.
We didn't see as much of CJ Fredrick or Lance Ware in these exhibitions, but we already know what they will bring to the table. CJ Fredrick is still working his way back from injuries that have sidelined him for 2 seasons but he is a career 47% 3pt shooter and is also an excellent on-ball and help defender. He will get more minutes as he continues to work his way back. Lance Ware has developed a reputation as an enforcer and a guy who plays with intensity and attitude. He has become a serviceable back-up for Oscar. Now, the final piece to this puzzle is the guy who just reclassified to the 2021-22 class and hasn't joined the team yet. Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso is a 6-11 225lb center who may challenge Ware for backup duties at center by the end of the season. He only played since January at Putnam Science Institute in Connecticut, but the team went undefeated with him as the anchor down low. In 20 games, 11.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.7 blocks. Before coming to the U.S. he was involved in the NBA Academy in Africa and actually became the youngest player to make the senior men's Nigerian team. UK's depth may be as good as it has been since 2015.
The outlook for this UK team is very positive this season. They are a consensus top 5 preseason team and are predicted to be a 1-seed come March. After seeing this group in action, I am very excited for the season to begin. The schedule is definitely an upgrade from last season and includes Michigan State in the Champions Classic on Nov 15, Gonzaga at Spokane on November 20, Michigan in London on December 4, UCLA in New York (in MSG) for the CBS Sports Classic on December 17, Louisville at Rupp on New Year's Eve, and Kansas in Rupp on January 28. All of this in addition to the SEC schedule, which will include 9 home and 9 road games. Here's hoping for a great season.
For the purpose of this scouting report, I am going to use the lineup we saw several times this week, the one that started the 2nd half of Sunday's game against the Bahamas Select team. With that game still in doubt, I think it's likely the coaching staff showed their hand a little bit right there. For stats, I will use the 2021-22 season stats, wherever the player was. I'm using Fredrick's Iowa stats. Here was that 2nd half starting line-up from Sunday.
Probable Starters
#34 C Oscar Tshiebwe 6-9 255lb Sr 17.4pts, 15.1reb, 1.7stls, 1.6blks
#4 PF Damion Collins 6-9 210lb So 2.9pts, 2.0reb, 85.7ft% (in 7.3mpg)
#0 SF Jacob Toppin 6-9 205lb Sr 6.2pts, 3.2reb, 40% from 3 (in 17.8mpg)
#22 SG Cason Wallace 6-4 193lb Fr 19.9pts, 7.4reb, 6.1ast as a HS Sr
#2 PG Sahvir Wheeler 5-9 180lb Sr 10.1pts, 6.9ast, 2.6reb
Key Reserves
#12 G Antonio Reeves 6-5 205lb Sr 20.1pts, 3.5reb, 1.8ast, 1.1stl, 39% from 3 (at IL State)
#24 F Chris Livingston 6-6 220lb Fr 31.1pts, 15.8reb, 6.5ast, 4.7stl, 4.3blk as a HS Sr
#3 G Adou Thiero 6-6 200lb Fr 23.3pts, 10.3reb, 5.9ast, 3.9stl, 2.3blks as a HS Sr
#55 C Lance Ware 6-9 235 Jr 1.5pts, 1.9reb (in 6.2mpg)
#1 G CJ Fredrick 6-3 185lb RS Sr 8.8pts, 2.3ast, 1.5reb, 46.6% from 3 in 2 seasons at Iowa
#? C Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso 6-11 225lb Fr 11.4pts, 9.0reb, 5.7blks as a HS Junior
Analysis: Any scouting report of 2022-23 Kentucky must begin with the returning unanimous player of the year- Oscar Tshiebwe. Oscar is a 6-9 255lb senior bull down low who believes every rebound belongs to him. His offensive game has steadily improved while at UK and he has now developed an effective jump hook with either hand. He will also score on put back dunks and garbage buckets around the rim, on offensive rebounds, as well as by running the floor well and finishing in transition. He led the nation in both offensive rebounding and total rebounds in 2021-22 and becomes the first unanimous player of the year to return to school since Tyler Hansbrough. In addition to leading UK in rebounds, Tshiebwe also led the team in points, steals, and blocks. If you can't keep Oscar off the boards, you have very little chance of beating this UK team, even if they aren't making shots.
Joining Oscar in the frontcourt this season are Damion Collins and Jacob Toppin, who are both returnees from 2021-22. Both of these players have improved dramatically in their time at UK. Jacob Toppin was a significant contributor to last season's UK team, but he was sharing minutes with starting forward Keion Brooks, who has transferred to the Washington Huskies for his senior season. As a starter and getting the bulk of the minutes, Toppin is looking to have a breakout season. He is a 6-9 jumping jack who boasts a 42 inch vertical leap and has developed a mid-range jumper that is very difficult to block. He has also been working on his 3pt shooting in his time at UK. He shot a very respectable 40% from 3 in 2021-22 but only had 10 attempts on the season. He has excellent quickness, improved ball skills, and can defend well in open space even against smaller guards, which enables him to play the small forward position for the Wildcats. Damion Collins is a very intriguing player for UK. Out of high school, he was thought of as a potential one and done for UK, but his lack of strength proved to be a detriment to him in the 2021-22 season. He had several flashes of ability during the season but he struggled with consistency and just getting pushed around too often, unable to make a move and often getting the ball stripped due to lack of strength. He came to UK at about 190lbs (soaking wet) but is now up to 210lbs and has added some muscle and strength. His measurables are off the charts, at 6-9 and a 7-4 wing-span and also a 44 inch vertical leap. He has a very nice touch on his jumper and is an excellent free throw shooter as well. Collins is a guy who could break-out in a huge way this season and make this UK team dominant. With Tshiebwe, Collins, and Toppin all at 6-9 and able to block shots, UK's inerior defense becomes very formidable.
In the backcourt, you have to start with Sahvir Wheeler. In fact, after Oscar Tshiebwe, I would argue the next guy you must address on any scouting report is Wheeler. He's the straw that stirs the drink for these Cats. He is the fastest guy on the team and usually the fastest guy end to end on the floor in any game. It has been said that he is the best open floor point guard in the nation and few would argue. He has led the SEC in assists for 2 consecutive seasons, in 2020-21 at Georgia and in 2021-22 at Kentucky. In that same time period, he has also led all major conference players in assists per game. In total assists in 2021, he finished 5th nationally. In 2022, he finished 4th nationally. In his one season at UK, he ranks 4th historically in overall assists in a season and 2nd in assists per game, trailing only Tyler Ulis, just edging Roger Harden and John Wall. Wheeler struggles shooting from 3 but if he gets into the lane he can beat you in multiple ways. He is an excellent finisher at the rim, even against much bigger players. His weaknesses are 3pt shooting and getting in too deep and turning it over while trying to do too much. Joining Wheeler in the backcourt is freshman Cason Wallace, a Richardson, TX product who has the entire package. Most recruiting services listed him as a combo guard for that very reason. He can play the point if needed, but he's also excellent off the ball. He's very strong for a freshman and is built for D1 basketball already. He is excellent driving the ball has an arsenal of moves in the lane, where may pull up for a jumper, shoot a floater, or take it to the rim for the dunk. He is also a good 3pt shooter, which he displayed during UK's Bahamas exhibitions while making 6-15 for 40% from distance. He has excellent pace to his game as well, refuses to be hurried, and can finish through contact.
From the bench, UK has a multitude of weapons at their disposal. I guess if you are looking where to start, you'd have to look at the guy who led the team in scoring in the Bahamas, Antonio Reeves. It was uncertain how Reeves would transition from IL State to Kentucky because of the potential increase in speed and competition. I think that has been answered in the affirmative at this point. Reeves has not only looked comfortable, he has thrived thus far. He scored 20.1 points per game in 2021-22 at IL State, so we knew he could make shots, but he has shown just how dangerous he can be. Against the toughest, most experienced squad UK faced in the Bahamas, Reeves basically put the game away in a 2nd half, one-man run on a barrage of 3-pointers. Chris Livingston might be the next most dangerous guy coming off the bench. He has shown why he was a top 10 recruit and he has the body to match his skills. at 6-6 220, he plays much bigger than his height. He is another guy who has excellent athleticism and strength. He is not afraid to get in there and mix things up, even with those 30+ year old men UK was playing on Sunday. Adou Thiero was one of the surprises of the exhibition tour for UK in the Bahamas. He's a 6-6 guy who is still growing according to those close to him. I think he was considered a bit raw by most experts and he was not expected to contribute much, but he has shown he can do a little bit of everything. He's very strong, an excellent defender, can block shots, likes to step into passing lanes, and just has a nose for the ball. He also showed he can score in both transition and in the half-court. He shot 3-6 from three during these games.
We didn't see as much of CJ Fredrick or Lance Ware in these exhibitions, but we already know what they will bring to the table. CJ Fredrick is still working his way back from injuries that have sidelined him for 2 seasons but he is a career 47% 3pt shooter and is also an excellent on-ball and help defender. He will get more minutes as he continues to work his way back. Lance Ware has developed a reputation as an enforcer and a guy who plays with intensity and attitude. He has become a serviceable back-up for Oscar. Now, the final piece to this puzzle is the guy who just reclassified to the 2021-22 class and hasn't joined the team yet. Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso is a 6-11 225lb center who may challenge Ware for backup duties at center by the end of the season. He only played since January at Putnam Science Institute in Connecticut, but the team went undefeated with him as the anchor down low. In 20 games, 11.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.7 blocks. Before coming to the U.S. he was involved in the NBA Academy in Africa and actually became the youngest player to make the senior men's Nigerian team. UK's depth may be as good as it has been since 2015.
The outlook for this UK team is very positive this season. They are a consensus top 5 preseason team and are predicted to be a 1-seed come March. After seeing this group in action, I am very excited for the season to begin. The schedule is definitely an upgrade from last season and includes Michigan State in the Champions Classic on Nov 15, Gonzaga at Spokane on November 20, Michigan in London on December 4, UCLA in New York (in MSG) for the CBS Sports Classic on December 17, Louisville at Rupp on New Year's Eve, and Kansas in Rupp on January 28. All of this in addition to the SEC schedule, which will include 9 home and 9 road games. Here's hoping for a great season.
Last edited:
