Kentucky basketball: Updated starting lineup predictions for the Wildcats

Keion Brooks Jr of the Kentucky Wildcats. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Keion Brooks Jr of the Kentucky Wildcats. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Kentucky basketball starting lineup
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Projected Kentucky basketball starting lineup: Terrence Clarke, SF

Filling in for Nick Richards, who emerged as one of Kentucky’s best players at the end of the season, won’t be easy. Calipari can feel secure about that replacement plugging in his third five-star freshman in Terrence Clarke.

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The 6-foot-7 forward out of Wolfeboro, NH picked Kentucky over other top programs like Duke and Memphis. Clarke has received high marks from scouts for his passing and court vision, allowing him to make plays even if he isn’t the one to put the ball in the basket.

A long and wiry player, Clarke doesn’t have the same type of athleticism as Boston but makes up for it with impeccable body control. Clarke’s natural instincts help cover some areas of his game that could use improvement, like his jump shot.

The Wildcats will need Clarke to emerge as a more mature shooter but the presence of Boston helps give him more room to work. Clarke can already get to the basket with ease and his ability to defend multiple positions will help out as well.

That kind of versatility is very appealing for Calipari, who can use Clarke up and down the lineup to create matchup problems. Clarke will be a huge weapon for the Wildcats this season.