Tyler Herro shows he’s here to stay

The Kentucky Wildcats tipped off with San Lorenzo on Thursday night for their second of four exhibition games in the Bahamas.

With sophomore Nick Richards shining bright in Wednesday’s season premiere, freshman Tyler Herro’s 16-point performance was slightly overshadowed.

However, the 6’5 shooting guard continued his efficient shooting by lighting up San Lorenzen for 22 points on 7/10 shooting, including a hefty +23 plus/minus.

Herro came in as a known shooter and with redshirt freshman Jemarl Baker out, he embraced the spotlight.

It’s also significant that Herro, a freshman guard on a guard-heavy, platoon-style team is making the most of his shots. He’s shooting 13/21 in his first two games as a Wildcat, which includes 4/8 from behind the arc. He’s also perfect from the free throw line, hitting all eight of his attempts.

While Kentucky desperately needs his shooting, Herro isn’t just a spot-up shooter.

In fact, he’s showcased multiple turnaround jump shots and hard drives to the basket.

That also goes without mentioning his playmaking ability, which is another gem for head coach John Calipari.

Yet another factor Herro brings to court and makes opposing defenses cringe is the fact while he can make plays dribbling the ball, he can also get his shot any time he wants.

“Fearless,” announcer Dan Dakich accurately described Herro.

This will come up big for Kentucky in late-game situations and, on a team full of hard-nosed, driving bulldogs, is certainly a nice compliment.

Herro is the type of player Kentucky has long been waiting for. His time in Kentucky jersey, while it’s only been exhibition performances, is absolutely something for Big Blue Nation to continue to be excited about.

Even Herro’s teammates had to interview him following his latest big outing:

It’s only a pair of exhibition games, but Herro already looks well on his way to being the steal of the 2018 recruiting class. After all, 247 Sports Composite, which measures all the recruiting services, had him ranked 37th.

Spoiler: There aren’t 30 players in this class better than Herro. His offense is far too advanced, and he already looks ready to average double figures for a Kentucky team favored to make it to the Final Four and be a serious threat to win it all.

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