Through 7 games, here's the list of our top five players in order:
#1. Reed Sheppard: Beyond the out-of-this-world shooting efficiency, the best thing about Reed doesn't show up on the stat sheet: he makes everyone around him better. His anticipation, and the way he's calmly able to both push controlled pace on offense and apply controlled pressure on defense is so impressive. He's just a natural playmaker that doesn't have to force anything because the game comes so naturally to him, like breathing air or thinking farts are funny. Already on UK's all-time Cream Team and hasn't even played 10 games.
#2. Rob Dillingham: I'm so impressed with this dude and think he's still underrated by UK fans. The first sign he wasn't messing around was when he showed up in the Blue/White game with 20 extra pounds of muscle looking like he spent the Summer just fighting packs of wild dogs and dropped 40 points. Like Reed, he just oozes natural playmaking. It comes so easily for him. Sure, he brings some sauce to what he's doing, but it hardly ever looks forced and is generally the right basketball play. I knew this guy was a shot maker, but he's a born playmaker who like Reed makes everyone around him better. Shooting over 50% from 3 and a 5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio? Yeah, that'll do.
#3. Antonio Reeves: Just a do-everything scorer. Can win at all levels on the floor, with great start-stop ability to get free and get his shot. Despite the clunker of the Kansas game, he has been out of this world. I've been especially impressed with his pull-up game so far this year and it seems like playing with this group and their infectious playmaking and passing has bled over into his game as I'm noticing he's doing more of the little things so far this season, like grabbing a tough board, or making that extra pass for a better shot, whereas last season it felt like he was forcing his game at times. Nope, not this year. Just averaging a casual 19 points a game.
#4. Tre Mitchell: I must admit, I didn't think he'd be this good. I figured he'd be a good pick-and-pop option for this squad, but like Reeves, you just notice so much more of the little stuff. He's a quietly sound playmaker. He's a better finisher around the basket than I thought he'd be. He's got good hands and a very nice handle for a man of his size. He's in a tough spot on defense with our current roster, but he does battle and isn't a huge liability.
#5. D.J. Wagner: Considered Thiero and Edwards here, but ultimately went with D.J. Unlike Reed and Rob, D.J.'s game still seems awkward and forced most of the time. It's like he's still feeling his way out, like a blind man at an orgy. But he's already showed notable improvement and the ability to just breakdown and get by anyone trying to stay in front of him. That's going to put any defense at a disadvantage playing against a guy who can consistently get past his man and get to the rim. He has been almost quietly really good protecting the rock and has the potential to be an elite on ball defender. Exciting stuff.
What do you all think?
#1. Reed Sheppard: Beyond the out-of-this-world shooting efficiency, the best thing about Reed doesn't show up on the stat sheet: he makes everyone around him better. His anticipation, and the way he's calmly able to both push controlled pace on offense and apply controlled pressure on defense is so impressive. He's just a natural playmaker that doesn't have to force anything because the game comes so naturally to him, like breathing air or thinking farts are funny. Already on UK's all-time Cream Team and hasn't even played 10 games.
#2. Rob Dillingham: I'm so impressed with this dude and think he's still underrated by UK fans. The first sign he wasn't messing around was when he showed up in the Blue/White game with 20 extra pounds of muscle looking like he spent the Summer just fighting packs of wild dogs and dropped 40 points. Like Reed, he just oozes natural playmaking. It comes so easily for him. Sure, he brings some sauce to what he's doing, but it hardly ever looks forced and is generally the right basketball play. I knew this guy was a shot maker, but he's a born playmaker who like Reed makes everyone around him better. Shooting over 50% from 3 and a 5-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio? Yeah, that'll do.
#3. Antonio Reeves: Just a do-everything scorer. Can win at all levels on the floor, with great start-stop ability to get free and get his shot. Despite the clunker of the Kansas game, he has been out of this world. I've been especially impressed with his pull-up game so far this year and it seems like playing with this group and their infectious playmaking and passing has bled over into his game as I'm noticing he's doing more of the little things so far this season, like grabbing a tough board, or making that extra pass for a better shot, whereas last season it felt like he was forcing his game at times. Nope, not this year. Just averaging a casual 19 points a game.
#4. Tre Mitchell: I must admit, I didn't think he'd be this good. I figured he'd be a good pick-and-pop option for this squad, but like Reeves, you just notice so much more of the little stuff. He's a quietly sound playmaker. He's a better finisher around the basket than I thought he'd be. He's got good hands and a very nice handle for a man of his size. He's in a tough spot on defense with our current roster, but he does battle and isn't a huge liability.
#5. D.J. Wagner: Considered Thiero and Edwards here, but ultimately went with D.J. Unlike Reed and Rob, D.J.'s game still seems awkward and forced most of the time. It's like he's still feeling his way out, like a blind man at an orgy. But he's already showed notable improvement and the ability to just breakdown and get by anyone trying to stay in front of him. That's going to put any defense at a disadvantage playing against a guy who can consistently get past his man and get to the rim. He has been almost quietly really good protecting the rock and has the potential to be an elite on ball defender. Exciting stuff.
What do you all think?
