Guest Article - Possibly Gr8?

     Since the beginning of the 2011-2012 basketball season, many knew this young but “experienced” group of Wildcats could contend for a national title, (Kentucky’s eighth) but did we really think they would be this dominate?
     Only 4 opponents have played Kentucky to within 6 points (3 being ranked in the top 15 at one time) and their one loss came at Indiana in a hyped environment on a last second game winner. If it weren’t for Christian Watford this team could be chasing history, not that they aren’t already.
     Anthony Davis is playing like a man among boys. The 6’10″ freshman stud is averaging roughly 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game. Numbers we haven’t seen from a freshman since Shaquille O’Neal was terrorizing the game in Baton Rouge. Now, I’m not trying to forecast the future but numbers never lie.
     Along with Davis comes other touted freshman like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist who can absolutely fill up a stat sheet across the board and Marquis Teague, who as of late is being the floor general that we thought he would be. 5-star recruit Kyle Wiltjer is coming off the bench with productive minutes and 6 points. Terrence Jones is back to to becoming himself and Doron Lamb is shooting almost 50% from 3-poing range.
Being a senior on a John Calipari squad is almost unheard of but Darius Miller is making the most of it. Playing the role of the Wildcats’ 6th man, Miller is averaging 10 points with 26 minutes played per game. Accompany that with 1 and half turnovers  and you have one of the smartest players in the nation. He is very underrated at 6’8″ with a smooth game and his inside approach is unstoppable.
After all that being said, is this really the team? Is this the team that gets the Big Blue Nation it’s 8th and possibly the most desired title ever?
     My vote is yes. This team has all the tools to get it done in New Orleans. Unlike the 2009-10 team, they do have a couple of guys that can knockdown the outside shot. Unlike the Final Four team of last year they can go 7 deep. It is set up for these Cats like no team since 1996 has had it. It is up to them to grasp the moment and bring back the hardware to it’s beloved state.

-Justin Dewight Sumpter