Is Cal Throwing Us For a Loop?

As Marquis Teague declared for the NBA draft last year it seemed to be a no brainer that Ryan Harrow, who sat out last season after transferring from North Carolina State would fill his role as the starting point guard for Kentucky. Last week Coach John Calipari gave fans a reason to believe otherwise. In an interview with Andy Katz, Calipari said that he expects Alex Poythress and fellow freshman Archie Goodwin to start. Other than those two, the line up is undecided. Calipari even hinted that the starting point guard spot was all but revered for Ryan Harrowed. Calipari stated that “Harrow and Mays Could be coming off the bench,” in a tone that placed Wright State transfer Julius Mayes above Harrow, but mentioned Archie Goodwin could possibly be starting at the point.

Could this be another one of Coach Cal’s scheme to throw fans for a loop prior to the season? If you’re asking me then the answer is yes. Archie Goodwin has often been described as “Tyreke Evans with a jumper,” but moving Goodwin to the point leaves a gap for the team at Goodwin natural position at shooting guard. Plus, anybody who has seen Ryan Harrow during Kentucky practices will tell you that Cal’s statement must be full of bologna, including former teammates, Darius Miller, Doron Lamb, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

The three former cats were in Lexington last week for Kentucky’s Pro Camp and sat briefly with the media to take a few questions. One Of those questions was regarding the talents of RyanHarrow. The question was simple “Will Kentucky fans be surprised with the play of Ryan Harrow this upcoming season?” The room was silent for a few second as the three smiled and looked at each other. Darius Miller couldn’t hold it in and let out a laughter that said ‘you have no idea what you’re in for.’ All three of the former cats spoke highly about Harrow and agreed that he will be starting for Cal this season, not coming of the bench. Doron Lamb added that the most surprising thing about Harrow is his “leaping ability...dunking the ball…and getting rebounds.”

As somebody who has seen Ryan Harrow practice in John Calipari’s and spoken to his teammates about his play, there is no doubt in my mind that he will the starting point guard for the Kentucky Wildcats next season.