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Quade Green poised to take the keys to this Kentucky offense

Green has been tabbed one of the top returning college players set to replace a star from last season.

Jason Marcum - Sea of Blue

At the start of the 2017-2018 season, most Kentucky fans thought Quade Green was going to be the leader of the team.

But as the season went on, we all saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shine as he became the leader and turned himself into a lottery pick. As a result, along with his injury, Green didn’t get to step into the light like most expected.

Now, it’s his time.

After having a year under his belt, he should be ready to take the keys to this loaded Kentucky offense. NCAA.com thinks that Green has all the tools to turn himself into the point guard this Kentucky team needs.

But a year of college experience is huge, and if Green progresses naturally, he could average about 15 points per game on high efficiency.

That’s a really good player on what’s likely to be a national title contender. Don’t sleep on Green.

Green averaged a healthy 9.3 ppg on 45.1-percent shooting and 37.6-percent from beyond the arc. Considering he did take a back seat to Shai, these are very solid numbers, and they’re only going to improve.

Despite the heavy talent at guard that includes Immanuel Quickley, Tyler Herro, and Ashton Hagans, Green should get his opportunity to lead, as long as his progression as a player is where it needs to be. After seeing Green’s attitude and play style last year, this shouldn’t be a problem.

What Green lacks in athleticism and quickness, he makes up for it with his heart and leadership. He can be a general out on the court for Calipari this year and I expect Cal to let him take the reigns at times. Not to the extent that Tyler Ulis had, but similar.

There is a big whole with Shai leaving, but I expect Green to fill it and accept this challenge to become the leader.

Here is a look at some of the summer workouts Green has been doing to ensure he reaches his potential in Year 2:

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