Eight Predictions for Kentucky Basketball in 2019
We are about 11 hours from closing the book on 2018 as I write this article and I can’t help but look ahead to 2019 and what could be a great year for Kentucky basketball. Here are some predictions for…
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Continue ReadingWe are about 11 hours from closing the book on 2018 as I write this article and I can’t help but look ahead to 2019 and what could be a great year for Kentucky basketball. Here are some predictions for 2019 including the remainder of the high school season and the 2019 AAU campaign.
- Dontaie Allen will end his career as the second highest scorer in Kentucky history. He’s been derailed a bit by a knee injury for the last week but unless it is worse than feared and his misses another week or two, Allen should end his career comfortably in second place all time in scoring. Don’t be surprised if he ends up averaging over 40 points per game for his Senior year.
- Scott County will take a loss or two but will win the State Championship. This Cardinal team is on a mission and could end up undefeated if not for the loss of Michael Moreno for 4-6 weeks. I think they may lose a game or two in these next 4-6 weeks while Moreno is out but I do think they will cruise to a state championship in March without a real challenge in the Sweet Sixteen. They’re too talented and have amazing chemistry.
- This 2019 Class will go down as one of the best we’ve seen. There are at least 6 or 7 players who could be Mr. Basketball in any other year. Dontaie Allen, David Johnson, KyKy Tandy, Michael Moreno, Kyle Rode and Isaiah Cozart would all be the front runner for Mr. Basketball any other season. Several players are signed to high major schools already and we could see one or two more signed with mid major or better teams in the spring.
- The 2020 Class will have a huge AAU season. Most classes don’t get a ton of attention from college coaches until their 17u season and this Junior class seems to be down that same path. I think it’s in the realm of possibility that there could be 3 or more high major recruits in the class and there will be another 8-10 players who get their first Division I scholarships in the Spring or Summer.
- The 2021 Class will have a big AAU season. I think there could be 2 or 3 Kentuckians in the Sophomore class who get their first Division I offers this summer. There are several D1 caliber players (in my opinion) in the class and we could see more than one get those first offers this July.
- The Zion Harmon case will get ugly. It’s already been a mess with the KHSAA moving it to federal court and then the Harmon’s getting an injunction. There is a possibility that an injunction could allow Harmon to play and then the federal court could rule him ineligible again before the postseason. And I think everyone expects Harmon to move on from Marshall County after the season regardless of how the court case shakes out.
- The Sweet Sixteen will be really good. While I am on record for predicting that Scott County will roll to a state title, I do think that the tournament itself will be great. There is so much talent in the state right now and so many good teams with contrasting styles that this season’s Sweet Sixteen will be a memorable one. Lots of star power and great coaching will be on display at Rupp Arena if there are minimal upsets in the regional tournaments.
- Kentucky basketball as a whole will keep getting better. Basketball has been on the upswing for the past few years and will continue to get better. Kentucky lacks the elite size and post players but our guards and wings are continuing to get national attention as prospects. Our players are getting better and bigger. Our coaches continue to be among the best in America and our passion for basketball is unparalleled. Looking forward to another great year of Kentucky basketball in 2019.