Player preview series: Nick Richards...who the heck knows what to expect?

[JRowland]

Of all the players on Kentucky's team this year, there are several that I throw my hands up with and say, "I really don't know what to expect." Usually the case with freshmen, but more so this year than others under Calipari, I believe.

In Richards' case, we're dealing with a 'a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. And I'm fascinated to watch his year play out.' We know he's not a go-to scorer on this UK team and we know he's going to block shots and do some nasty things defensively, but how can you project the level of impactfulness he makes for this team? Could see that going a number of directions.

@tj_walker has a great series going and this is another must-read installment.

LINK: Nick Richards' season preview

 

[uk78]

My concern with him is rebounding. Please don't quote stats. I don't care about overall stats because those can be padded when playing inferior teams. But, watching him against other talented inside players, he often was out of position for rebounds, beaten by smaller men for rebounds or put backs, and as the article points out he really will be counted on to be a rim protector, protect the paint, and rebound.

Hopefully, he will be taught about where to position himself, block out, and perhaps quicker reaction time to the ball. Personally, I am expecting ,different than the article, for SKJ to start over him. But, then again, how is SKJ doing in that overseas tournament? I have not found anything on it. I also have read how Cal may have Knox in the post but that may depend upon other front court players. There is no doubt, though, that Richards is the biggest inside presence we will have and hopefully he will surprise us all.

 

[Cawood86]

Kind of reminds me of Jamal Magloire, but a little more athletic. Kind of has a nasty streak in him that I like. If he can make teams play him honest in the post, it will be huge for the offense. I don't think rebounding will be an issue for this team, with Richards, PJ, and JV.

 

[VillaCat]

All I know is during the Julius Randle camp, all the players were there, and there were 2 distinct groups of players hanging out together. First group was the "alpha males"....Quade, Hamidou, Knox, and Richards....then everybody else. Richards carried a look on his face like he was dying to rip the head off of the first person that gave him a chance. Normally I'd say what a jerk, but when it's the starting big man for my Cats, thats exactly what i want to see.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

People are being way to sleepy when it comes to Richards

 

[Cowtown Cat]

People are being way to sleepy when it comes to Richards

Yes. Some are exhausted even, when talking about Vanderbilt. If healthy, dude's gonna be a star for UK.



Edit: I'm pretty high on Richards too. He can even handle the rock in transition. Pretty impressive, IMO.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

I'd liken him more to a WCS than a Jamal Magliore just from the few vids I've seen.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

10 and 6

 

[ORCAT]

Yes. Some are exhausted even, when talking about Vanderbilt. If healthy, dude's gonna be a star for UK.




Edit: I'm pretty high on Richards too. He can even handle the rock in transition. Pretty impressive, IMO.

Want to agree with you, Cowtown, but I read a report on here yesterday that said he has bad hands and turns the ball over a lot. The article claimed this was one of his weaknesses. I admit I don't know that much about Richards yet so I'm trying to realize what he might be fir us this year and keep coming up with the idea that it is completely unknown what he will do this year. What say you about that article?

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

My ? Is how long can he stay on the court without foul trouble.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Want to agree with you, Cowtown, but I read a report on here yesterday that said he has bad hands and turns the ball over a lot. The article claimed this was one of his weaknesses. I admit I don't know that much about Richards yet so I'm trying to realize what he might be fir us this year and keep coming up with the idea that it is completely unknown what he will do this year. What say you about that article?

Yeah. I believe I commented on it too, right below yours. Not sure which thread it was. I had just made this post and then read where he had a bad handle and/or bad hands and posted there as well. I thought he had a pretty good handle, especially for a big. I have also heard that he has bad hands in the past. Personally, I didn't come away thinking he had bad hands. The games I've watched him in he made a few good catches. One was an oop that he caught behind his head, with one hand and slammed it with authority. Admittedly, I haven't had the opportunity to see him play a lot. Just going based on the little I have watched.