John Wall’s All-Time Kentucky Basketball Starting Five
Kentucky basketball is renowned for its talent both at the college level and in the NBA. Under John Calipari, Kentucky has signed more top-25 players than any other program, producing an incredible array of talent year after year. This was highlighted by 34 first-round draft picks during Calipari’s tenure, including 30 players who declared for the NBA draft after their freshman season.
With such a rich history of talent, even extending back to the pre-Calipari era, it’s intriguing to consider who would make the all-time Kentucky starting five. One of the most talented players to come out of Kentucky, John Wall, recently shared his picks on ‘Run It Back’ on FanDuel TV. Here’s Wall’s all-time Kentucky basketball starting lineup:
1. John Wall(Guard)
– One of the most electrifying point guards to play at Kentucky, Wall was the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft and has enjoyed a successful NBA career. His speed, court vision, and leadership set him apart.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander*(Guard)
– A versatile guard who has blossomed into an NBA star, Gilgeous-Alexander’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a perfect fit in this elite lineup.
3. Devin Booker (Guard)
– Known for his scoring prowess, Booker has become one of the best shooters in the NBA. His ability to create his own shot and score from anywhere on the court makes him a key addition to this lineup.
4. Anthony Davis (Forward)
– A dominant force on both ends of the floor, Davis was a consensus national player of the year and led Kentucky to a national championship in 2012. His shot-blocking, rebounding, and scoring ability make him a cornerstone of this lineup.
5. DeMarcus Cousins (Center)
– Cousins, known for his powerful presence in the paint, was a double-double machine during his time at Kentucky. His skill set as a big man who can score, rebound, and pass makes him an essential part of this starting five.
Analysis
Wall’s selection of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins in the frontcourt provides a formidable combination of defense, rebounding, and scoring. Davis, with his versatility, and Cousins, with his dominant post play, complement each other perfectly. In the backcourt, the combination of Wall, Booker, and Gilgeous-Alexander offers a blend of playmaking, shooting, and versatility, ensuring a dynamic and high-scoring offense.
This starting five showcases the incredible depth of talent that has come through Kentucky’s basketball program, particularly under John Calipari’s tenure, highlighting why Kentucky remains a powerhouse in college basketball.
Revisiting John Wall’s All-Time Kentucky Starting Five
John Wall’s all-time Kentucky starting five consists of:
1. John Wall (Guard)
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Guard)
3. Devin Booker (Guard)
4. Anthony Davis(Forward)
5. DeMarcus Cousins (Center)
This selection certainly highlights the depth of talent Kentucky has produced, particularly under John Calipari’s tenure. While Wall’s choices are hard to argue against, it does raise interesting points about whether the selection is based on college performance, NBA success, or a combination of both.
Evaluating the Picks
John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins
– John Wall: A natural choice for the point guard position, Wall was a standout in college and has enjoyed a successful NBA career. His leadership and playmaking abilities were evident during his time at Kentucky.
– DeMarcus Cousins: Wall’s frontcourt partner during the 2009-10 season, Cousins was a dominant presence in the paint and an essential part of that team’s success.
Anthony Davis
– Anthony Davis: Almost impossible to leave out, Davis was the National Player of the Year in 2012 and led Kentucky to a national championship. His defensive prowess and versatility make him a cornerstone of any all-time Kentucky team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Devin Booker
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Known for his versatility and skill, SGA has developed into an NBA star. His inclusion, while perhaps surprising to some, underscores his impressive all-around game.
– Devin Booker: Though he came off the bench during his lone season at Kentucky, Booker’s transformation into one of the NBA’s top shooters justifies his spot.
Possible Alternatives
College Performance Focus
If focusing purely on college performance, other guards might warrant consideration:
-Tony Delk Led Kentucky to a national championship in 1996 and was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
– Jamal Mashburn A dominant force in the early ’90s, Mashburn led Kentucky to a Final Four appearance in 1993.
Balanced Approach (College + NBA)
Balancing both college success and NBA career, the lineup might include:
-Rajon Rondo Known for his exceptional playmaking and defensive abilities both in college and the NBA.
-Jamal Murray Averaged 20 points per game in his single season at Kentucky and has become an NBA star.
My Suggested Lineup
Based on a balanced approach, here’s an alternative all-time Kentucky starting five:
1. John Wall (Guard): Retain Wall for his leadership and playmaking.
2. Anthony Davis (Forward): A must-have for his defensive and offensive capabilities.
3. Tony Delk (Guard): A nod to his college dominance and championship performance.
4. Jamal Mashburn (Forward): His all-around game and leadership make him indispensable.
5. DeMarcus Cousins (Center): Retain Cousins for his dominant presence in the paint.
Conclusion
John Wall’s selections reflect the rich history of talent at Kentucky, particularly emphasizing recent stars who have made significant impacts in the NBA. While the conversation about the all-time Kentucky starting five is subjective, it highlights the program’s exceptional ability to develop top-tier basketball talent.
