Shai Alexander drawing praise from Kentucky Wildcats; Future one-and-done?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t a headliner in Kentucky’s 2017 recruiting class. However, the top-40 prospect could be turning heads next season for the Wildcats.

“He’s not one of the top-ranked players, but I think he’s really good,” UK freshman Kevin Knox told SEC Country. “He’s really good in pick-and-roll situations, he’s really good at changing speeds. I think he’s one of the sleepers on our team.”

P.J. Washington, another incoming freshmen, echoed Knox’s statements.

“His length, his height and just his feel for the game,” Washington said. “He can shoot it, he can get to the rack, create for others, and he’s just a big guy.”

Gilgeous-Alexander is a versatile combo guard that can play multiple positions, on and off the ball. Standing at 6’6 with a 6’10 wingspan, he could see some time in three-guard lineups due to his length. At the point guard spot, the length in a lineup with SGA, Diallo, Knox, Washington, and Nick Richards/Sacha Killeya-Jones could cause a lot of problems defensively.

Gilgeous-Alexander has been impressive in early workouts and pickup games with the team, SEC Country’s Kyle Tucker said.

247 Sports Recruiting Analyst Jerry Meyer said that he believes Gilgeous-Alexander has potential to be a one-and-done player. He has been high on him for quite some time. He placed him in the top 20 of 247 Sports final Class of 2017 rankings, whereas the other rankings had Alexander in the 31-39 range.

Alexander’s versatility could be key during the upcoming season for the Kentucky Wildcats.

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