Kentucky Basketball: What to expect from Quade Green in his sophomore season

Quade Green strolled into Lexington last summer as the obvious choice to start at point guard.

Much like Immanuel Quickley this year, he was an early commit that started recruiting as soon as he made his announcement. He was all-in on being a Wildcat from the get-go.

As the only McDonald’s All-American point guard coming in the 2017 class, the position was his to lose. An eye poke and a back injury later, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not only the starting point guard but the most important player on the team.

Perhaps the most impressive thing Green did last season was his attitude after losing his position. He stayed positive, he continued to be a vocal leader, he knocked down big shots, and he was always there to close the game.

That is what Kentucky fans can look forward to this year.

With Ashton Hagans and Immanuel Quickley on the roster, I do not look for Green to run the point a ton. I think there is a strong chance he starts at the 2 guard position, where he spent a great deal of time last season.

Green is a knock down jump shooter, both from the perimeter and mid-range. He shot 38% from being the 3-point line last season.

With Hagans, Quickley, and Keldon Johnson penetrating, he should get some really good looks this year. The great thing is that once the defense rotates to him as a shooter, he has the court vision and passing ability to find the gaps and rack up assists.

The most important attribute that Green will bring to the table this season is his leadership. He may not be the emotional leader (PJ Washington and Johnson likely have a lock on that role), but he will have to be the guy to provide direction and keep everyone focused.

Green has to be the guy to get in Nick Richards’ face when he lets a ball go through his hands. He has to be the guy to slow Hagans down when he is trying to push the tempo too much.

Green will be the coach on the floor for the Kentucky Wildcats whenever he is in the game.

When will he be in the game? I believe he has a good chance to start, but I am certain he will always be there to finish.

What are you expecting from Green in his sophomore season?