The Top Five Plays of Skal Labissiere

by:Andrew Cassady04/05/16

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[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] @KentuckyMBB[/caption] How will history look back on the time of Skal Labissiere? Like Rondo, I think it will all be determined by the success he finds in the NBA. Will he go on to blossom in the offensive driven association and expand on the talent that is showcased below? Or will he fail to live up to unrealistic expectations and struggle to find his spot on the court? Only time will tell but with the news that Skal is hiring an agent and leaving Lexington its once again time to reflect on the year that was. Here are my picks for Skal's finest moments in the Blue and White: 5. Skal Goes One Handed Skal's final dominating offensive performance of the non-conference came in Miami against USF. (Raise your hand if you forgot that game even happened) Skal finished with 17 points and 3 blocks including this beautiful one handed jam. Something I wish we could've seen more of during the year. 4. Skal sighting in the Swamp https://youtu.be/R-uTcvGBBPA?t=20s Much like number 3 (foreshadowing) my fourth favorite play out of Skal involves a silky smooth catch and shoot off a tipped ball. This one came as he started to heat up against Florida en route to a career high 8 rebounds. 3. Skal Dominates NJIT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R0eFmSoGvU Impressive? Sad? Confusing? I'm not sure how to look back at Skal's best performance coming in the second game of the season as the results are puzzling. Skal absolutely dominated the Highlanders with a career high 26 points. My favorite play comes at 0:50 when NJIT knocks the ball away only of Skal to grab it and drill a smooth jumper.  Plus you get the smooth tones of Matt Jones calling the action. Well worth a watch. 2. Skal Dunks on Arkansas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMQQ8bzKBBQ When SEC play began Skal was hitting his lowest point of the season. In five conference games he was averaging 4.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.8 fouls per game in just 11 minutes per contest. Kentucky dropped road games to LSU and Auburn as the season seemed to be at a turning point. The Cats needed to win in Fayetteville, Arkansas for the first time in the Calipari era and with much on the line, Skal showed up. The big Haitian scored in double figures for the first time in over a month and landed the SEC dunk of the night.  A confidence restorer when he seemed to need it most. 1. Skal's Block Party https://youtu.be/LtnyG6TMO4Q?t=1m2s So why is Skal considered a top 20 pick in this summer's NBA draft? Look no further than this highlight reel against LSU. Skal showcased his ability in the final game of the season with jumpers, sky hooks, and the chase down block that takes the top spot. Part of what made Skal's season disappointing was the flashes of greatness that he would display in games like this one.   How will you remember Skal?    

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