Kentucky Wildcats sophomore Immanuel Quickley is a player many have high expectations for in his second college season.
“We practiced, a guy grabbed me and said, he’s not even the same kid,” John Calipari said of Quickley during Kentucky’s media day last week. “He’s not the same -- forget about basketball-wise look at how he walks and carries himself.”
In order for the Wildcats to win their ninth national championship, they will need Quickley to take a big jump in year two. As a freshman, averaged 5.2 points per game with 1.2 assists in a bench role.
This year he may again come off the bench but will expect to play more minutes and be on the court during critical moments.
As a result, NCAA.com’ s Andy Katz listed Quickley as one of the nine “glue guys” that will be key leaders during the 2019-20 season.
Here’s a look at what Katz said of Quickley.
“Ashton Hagans will be the lead guard. Tyrese Maxey will be the star. But Quickley could be the glue on the perimeter, giving the Wildcats needed spot minutes.” -Andy Katz.
The other eight players to make the list were:
- Alex Lomax, Memphis Tigers
- Dwayne Sutton, Louisville Cardinals
- Luke Frampton, Davidson Wildcats
- Theo John, Marquette Golden Eagles
- Mike McGuirl, Kansas State Wildcats
- Andres Feliz, Illinois Fighting Illini
- Romello White, Arizona State Sun Devils
- Corey Kispert, Gonzaga Bulldogs