KSR UK Player Interviews: Shai Alexander brings height to Kentucky's backcourt

What does Shai Alexander bring to Kentucky’s backcourt? Height. At 6’6″, Alexander will nicely compliment Quade Green, Kentucky’s other guard, who stands at only 6’0″. Alexander hopes that his height will create matchup problems and give an already versatile Kentucky team another dimension.

“I see things that a lot of shorter guards can’t see,” Alexander said. “Make passes and stuff like that, get my shot off over smaller guards.”

Alexander is most used to playing point guard, but he’s looking forward to sharing the backcourt with Green.

“I think we’re both good leaders. We can both get teammates the ball and stuff like that. We’re both really fun to play with. He’s really unselfish and really fun to play with. It’s fun.”

According to those who have seen practice and workouts so far, Alexander has been one of the most pleasant surprises. The one-time Florida commit reopened his recruitment once his stock rose last fall, and even though he had plenty of suitors, John Calipari made the biggest impression.

“I think Coach Cal was really genuine and honest with me when he came to visit and was different from a lot of coaches,” Alexander said. “It really caught my eye.”

Now, he’s ready to make his mark, even if it means not bringing the ball down the court every time.

“Coaches handle that type of stuff,” Alexander said when asked what role he envisions himself playing. “I’m just here to do what they ask of me and give the team my all and do whatever it takes to win.”

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Check out our other preseason interviews:

John Calipari | Kevin Knox | Hamidou Diallo | Wenyen Gabriel | Quade Green | PJ Washington | Jemarl Baker | Nick Richards