BTI's Rants and Ramblings: Recognize Just How Special the Freshman Are

This guy averaged less than 5ppg his freshman season.  Was it the talent around him or are the freshman of today just better? Thought I would give just a little more positive slant on what has been a depressing few days around UK basketball land.  I think we have become almost too comfortable by the amazing play of the UK freshman over the last 2 seasons.  The string of 2 classes that we have been fortunate enough to enjoy is something that is truly unprecedented at Kentucky, and likely in college basketball.  Realize that over the past 2 seasons, Coach Cal has had 6 freshman average over 10 ppg (Wall, Cousins, Bledsoe, Knight, Lamb, Jones).  Since Kentucky came off probation in 1991-92, there were only TWO freshman that averaged double figures their first year before Cal arrived, Keith Bogans and Patrick Patterson.  Just to emphasize how rare it is for a freshman to be super-successful, look at some notable players of the past 20 years and their freshman scoring averages: Terrence Jones (2011): 17.9 ppg Brandon Knight (2011): 17.1 ppg John Wall (2010): 16.7 ppg Patrick Patterson (2008): 16.4 ppg Demarcus Cousins (2010): 15.1 ppg Doron Lamb (2011): 14.1 ppg Keith Bogans (2000): 12.5 ppg Eric Bledsoe (2010): 11.3 ppg ______________________________ Rod Rhodes (1993): 9.1 ppg Randolph Morris (2005): 8.8 ppg Jodie Meeks (2007): 8.7 ppg Rajon Rondo (2005): 8.1 ppg Ron Mercer (1996): 8.0 ppg Antoine Walker (1995): 7.8 ppg Gerald Fitch (2001): 6.5 ppg Chuck Hayes (2002): 5.9 ppg Tayshaun Prince (1999): 5.8 ppg Darius Miller (2009): 5.3 ppg Jamaal Magloire (1998): 4.9 ppg Tony Delk (1993): 4.6 ppg Wayne Turner (1996): 4.5 ppg Ramel Bradley (2005): 4.4 ppg Kelenna Azubuike (2003): 3.7 ppg Joe Crawford (2005): 3.2 ppg Jeff Sheppard (1994): 3.1 ppg Cliff Hawkins (2001): 3.0 ppg Anthony Epps (1994): 2.0 ppg Scott Padgett (1995): 2.0 ppg Bobby Perry (2004): 1.3 ppg Now, I only write this to further the point that we should not stress so much about this team, or even the last.  We should enjoy the amazing run of talent that has come through Lexington.  Some could argue that Coach Cal had no choice but to play the freshman as much as he has the last 2 years, but I would argue those would have been the best guys on the team no matter what.  Let's say John Wall was on the roster with Anthony Epps as a senior, who do you think would have been the starter?  I would argue Wall.    Whatever the case, continue supporting this team.  Do not give up of these guys, including the freshman.  They are ultra-talented, and I still believe that if they can click, they have enough to make it to Houston.  I hold out hope.  I hope you do too.