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| | Thursday, November 2 Preseason Top 25: No. 10 Kentucky | ||||||||
Matt Payne, Lexington, Ky. "Look out for Kentucky, even though the depth has been hurt by the loss of Jules Camara. The biggest question will be if Saul Smith has improved at the point enough to guide them to the top, and of course -- outside shooting. May not make it to the championship game, but will battle everyone tough and I see them making another trip to the Elite Eight or possibly the Final Four." Rob Baker, Edgewood, Ky. "UK will go exactly as far as Tubby allows by keeping both Tayshaun Prince and Saul Smith where they belong: on the bench." Bob Fleu, Lexington, Ky. Follow the rest of the top 25 Click on the following pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | |||||||||
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Why No. 10?: Jason Parker. If Parker didn't land at Kentucky from North Carolina then the Wildcats would be struggling to crack the top 20. Parker makes a difference because he gives the Wildcats a legit inside scorer. He's not a traditional freshman after playing a year of prep school and logging tons of time on the all star summer and spring circuit the past two offseasons. Losing Jules Camara for the season (Kentucky's DUI policy) means Parker will have even more attention paid to him on the court. But he can handle it if Marvin Stone gives him some relief and adds production in the post. The Wildcats are set in the backcourt where much-maligned point Saul Smith simply has to be a threat and set up wings Keith Bogans and Tayshaun Prince. If he can do that, defend the opposing point, and limit his turnovers, the critics should hush. Marquis Estill sat out last year but has the skills to be a versatile big man who can extend the defense. He could be the X factor with Camara gone. Don't be surprised to see Cliff Hawkins long more time, either, giving the Wildcats the necessary pop off the bench.