The Loss Of Darnell Dodson Opens Offensive Holes For Kentucky

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The Kentucky Wildcats are equipped with one of the better College Basketball programs. They acquire and enhance their players into premier collegiate athletes. AS of late, with the addition of John Calipari, the Wildcats have produced some of the best NBA talent.


Every player from the 2009 recruiting class except Jon Hood and Darnell Dodson was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NBA draft.


That's well understood right? Well no; Dodson beat out Orton in points and assist while shooting a far better three-point percentage. 


Not to mention, he received more minutes than Orton and led the Wildcats in three-pointers made with 50--keep in mind, he led the team in three-pointers playing around 15 minutes a game.


Coming out of Junior College, Dodson was considered one of the better slashing guards. He is 6-foot-7 and has the versatility of playing the two and three because of his athleticism and height. He was always advertised as a great shooter and that was evident last season.


However, because of the magnificent freshman classes Coach Calipari has strung together, Dodson has never received the chance to showcase his elite skills. I assume the notion of playing time was a huge part of his discretion.


In fact, according to the Associated Press, Coach Calipari said he could possibly return, "if he meets our standards."


The Wildcats lured in Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, Enes Kanter, Stacey Poole and Doron Lamb to name a few. With so much talent, I suppose Coach Calipari would only call on Dodson for his sharpshooting ability as he did the year before.


Now, is this a good or bad decision for the Wildcats? Right away, you presume that it was a role player that could be easily replaced.


But with Dodson and Eric Bledsoe, their top three-point shooters from a year ago gone, stretching the defense or passing out to the wing man for a three-ball will be greatly missed.


Yes, you have Darius Miller, but what will transpire once the three-balls do not fall? It's always beneficial to have three-point specialist on your team.


With Kentucky, next season they'll have Knight and Miller.


Overall, Dodson wasn't considered the backbone of the Wildcats. His contributions will be miss, but with a coach like John Calipari, he'll put a bandage over the problem.


The 2010 recruiting class didn't feature a lot of pure three-point threats, but the Wildcats are equipped with a deadly mid-range team.

The loss of Dodson hurts the Wildcats on the three-point line and depth, nothing else.


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