Who want's to be a Kentucky Power Forward?

So with the news that Kentucky target Marcus Thornton took Kentucky off his list of schools - due to future pressure of incoming recruits - Kentucky has turned another page in the slimming book of possible solutions to the lack of size.


Thus, here are Kentucky's current options in rank of preference for the starting spot once held by Patrick Patterson:

1) Long-shot but best shot: Terrence Jones: Yes, this to me is a long shot at this point. Jones has verbally committed to Washington and all indications are that he will end up there. He still has yet to sign the LOI but I think the longer he stays unsigned but committed, the longer the WasU staff has to talk him into staying. Although, if he was to end up as a Cat, he would be an immediate impact player and would fill a very big hole. And while the leadership isn't there, Jones provides size, athleticism, and strength held by PPat.

2) Napoleon Complex: 4 Guard Lineup: Calipari has always run a 3-4 guard lineup and put the big man on the weak-side for cleanup. With it being year two of the Dribble Drive transformation, look for more sets of Calipari's trademark. Having 4 guys drive, and dish leaving Kanter open when double teams or helpside defense steps over. If Cal can get Liggins to make the same leap-and-bound progressions that he did last summer (after his stint in the dog house), Liggins can play along Miller, Lamb, Knight, and Kanter. While Liggins was recruited as a Guard, he has the size and strength of a Small Forward. His fast paced defense will give the outside playing big men issues, but conversely, they should give Kentucky fits when Liggins is posted up.

3) Jorts, not fashionable but it does the job: Josh Harrelson: A far step from impact this past season, Harrelson has shown his ability to play well at times. He has seen the start with Billy Clyde and is the tallest current Cat at 6'10. No matter what, he will see plenty of court time. If Jorts can spell Kanter and play alongside him, the Cats will make up for the lost size. With Knight, Lamb, Kanter and Miller/Liggins/Dodson on the court, if he manages a solid 8-9 points and 5-6 rebounds, he will be marked a success.

4) Future brighter than Present: Remi Dibo: Dibo is a 3* PF target ranked slightly behind Louisville's Gorgui Dieng by Rivals and Scout. If he chooses Kentucky he will not be a starter, as I see Harrelson above him as the 4 option, and he will not have the impact Marcus Thornton, Terrence Jones, or CJ Leslie would have had, but Dibo could give big minutes as 1 of 3 big bodies to hit the court. He'll step in for foul trouble and could have a major hand (and useful fouls) when the Cats play big teams.

5) Easy-enough said: F the Glass - Just don't miss: So this is a totally different team than last year. In 2009-2010, we saw amazing rebound advantages and the woe some shooting was controlled and countered by it. If Kentucky makes more shots and plays better defense, hell - why rebound. Play a small line-up, set up the press on made shots, and force turnovers.