Thursday Quickies: EJ Returns Edition

After a long-awaited decision, EJ Montgomery decided to forego the NBA Draft and return to Kentucky for the 2019-2020 season.

EJ’s return is huge for next season, obviously.

He was a piece that was very much needed on this team. Kentucky needed EJ in the frontcourt or they would be forced to rely on Nick Richards and Nate Sestina, while probably picking up a reclassification from 2020. Now, the frontcourt unit is deeper and more talented, and EJ could take a step forward to be one of the better big men in the conference next season.

EJ’s return also gives Cal a lot more flexibility in lineup choices and an opportunity to really develop Montgomery even more.

Montgomery will be able to play alongside Nick Richards or Nate Sestina, or even in more small-ball lineups with Keion Brooks playing the 4 and Montgomery at the 5. Calipari has a lot of lineup options at his disposal going into next season.

But of course, Kentucky may not be done yet. Kerry Blackshear, the Virginia Tech grad transfer, opted to forego the NBA Draft and Kentucky will likely be on his list. That’s another name to be on the lookout for, and if he winds up at Kentucky, oh my.

Tweets of the Day

Welcome back EJ!

The Cats may not be done just yet.

Quickies

Kentucky could still be possibility for Blackshear - Herald Leader

Blackshear surprised many by returning to college.

What EJ’s return means for Kentucky - KSR

If EJ can make the jump we expect, Kentucky has a potential All-SEC 1st team big man on the roster.

Could Kentucky play a game in the UK? - Herald Leader

It doesn’t seem like the overseas trip is imminent.

SEC announces Kentucky’s conference schedule - Cats Pause

The Cats get two games against Auburn in 2020.

Abbey Cheek named unanimous 1st team All-American - KSR

She’s the first in program history to be chosen unanimously.

Jordan Nwora returns to Louisville - Courier Journal

Nwora’s return could mean UK and UofL will both be preseason top 10, or maybe top 5.

Anthony Davis meets with David Griffin to discuss Pelicans future - ESPN

I highly doubt this resolves the issues in New Orleans.

LeBron and Dwyane Wade’s sons are high school teammates - ESPN

Zaire Wade and Bronny James will team up at Sierra Canyon in California.

Adam Silver talks to Drake about sideline antics - Yahoo

That should’ve been an interesting conversation.