Who were the most important players for the Kentucky Wildcats in the last 5 years?

A Loaded Question

Over the last 5 years, what player has had the most positive influence to the Kentucky Wildcat men's basketball program?  That question has the potential to unleash a number of answers, as the programs has been up and down during the last 5 years.  I want to give it a shot , however, and give you my top 5 most influential players in which have put on a Kentucky jersey in the last half decade.  Here we go:

5. Joe Crawford

 During a period of time when the Big Blue Nation were questioning the ability of Tubby Smith to recruit, he put together one his best classes, which include Ramel Bradley, Rajon Rondo, Randolph Morris, and Joe Crawford.  Morris and Rondo decided to leave early and test the NBA water(in which turned out pretty good for Rondo), leaving Bradley and Crawford to lead the Cats during their junior season.  In my opinion( Joe took it upon himself to be the leader of that period. Take away the scoring ability that he had, and the Cats may have been NIT bound, instead of playing Michigan St. in the Great 8.

4. Jodie Meeks

 

We were all witnesses , as Jodie Meeks placed Kentucky back in the national media eye when he scored 54 points against arch rival Tennessee.  Throughout the remainder of the season, he had to play agains an onslaught of defenses that tried to contain him, in hopes that Patrick Patterson and gang would have to beat them.  I think Meeks play helped keep the Cats in light just enough to help the Big Blue Nation stay afloat. 

3.John Wall

I know, John Wall was a one and done player.  You are most likley saying, "Sam, how can you put John Wall on the list, he was only there for 1 YEAR?"  No matter your stance on one and dones, John Wall brought the program back to the top of basketball, where the Kentucky Wildcats belong.  He was the most talented player in the entire NCAA last season, and as we all know went on to the the first ever Kentucky player drafted # 1 overall in the NBA draft. 

2. Josh Harrellson

Last season was all about Jorts Mania.  The man has now became a Kentucky legend.  He went from being locked in the bathroom during halftime of a game in his freshman season, to becoming a producer in Kentucky's Final Four run.  With Enes Kanter ruled ineligible, Josh Harrellson took the lead as our go to big man, working hard to become a prime time player. 

1. Patrick Patterson

Patrick Patterson was a staple for the Kentucky Wildcats.  He could have took the high road and left town, after the Billy Gillespie debacle.  Instead, Patrick stood true and stayed with the Big Blue Nation.  His presence alone helped keep Kentucky in the main stream during much of the ho hum Billy G years. Thank you Patrick for sticking it out !

It's your Turn

Now that you have read my thoughts on the most influential players from Kentucky during the last five years, I want to know what you think.  Do you agree with me?  Who do you think I snubbed?  I will never know unless you tell me.  All you have to do is leave a comment below with your opinions.