For a short time, Kentucky basketball appeared to have its starting lineup nearly settled.
Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins were expected to handle the backcourt, while top transfer Milan Momcilovic looked like a clear choice at one forward position. Sophomore center Malachi Moreno was also expected to return to the starting lineup.
Then Mark Mitchell committed to Kentucky.
The former Duke and Missouri forward immediately looked like the obvious choice at power forward. His experience, physicality and production seemed to give Mark Pope the ideal piece to complete his starting five.
But Mitchell’s decision to return to Missouri has reopened the competition.
Kentucky is now back to searching for the player who will occupy the final starting spot when the Wildcats begin the season Nov. 3.
Ousmane N’Diaye
Ousmane N’Diaye may have the best opportunity to claim the position.
The 7-foot forward is entering college basketball after three seasons playing professionally in Europe. His size, athleticism and 7-foot-3 wingspan give him a combination of physical tools that could make him a major weapon.
N’Diaye can run the floor, finish around the rim and stretch defenses with his willingness to shoot from outside.
There is, however, plenty of room for improvement.
He shot just 30.5% from three last season and reportedly showed some inconsistency during Kentucky’s summer practices. His defensive positioning also needs to become more reliable.
Still, his upside is considerable.
If N’Diaye can become more disciplined and comfortable within Kentucky’s system, he could emerge as one of the team’s most talented players.
Justin McBride
Justin McBride gives Pope a much more physical option.
The 6-foot-8, 250-pound transfer averaged 15.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season at James Madison. He also shot 40% from three on 95 attempts, making him more than just a traditional power forward.
His rebounding ability could be especially valuable for Kentucky.
The Wildcats will need more physicality on the glass, particularly with Momcilovic not being known as a dominant rebounder.
McBride’s biggest challenge will be proving that he can defend consistently at the high-major level. His offensive decision-making is another area Kentucky will monitor.
But if Pope wants toughness and strength at the 4, McBride could receive serious consideration.
Trent Noah
Then there is Trent Noah.
The Harlan native is entering his third season under Pope and is the only Kentucky player who has been with the coach for all three years.
Noah brings shooting, experience and physicality.
Although his career three-point percentage is only 33.3%, Kentucky has frequently praised his shooting ability during practices. He also posted the team’s best defensive rebounding percentage last season.
Noah has already shown that Pope is willing to trust him in important situations. He started Kentucky’s first two exhibition games and the regular-season opener last year before suffering an ankle injury.
He may not have the physical tools of N’Diaye or McBride, but his experience could make him an intriguing option.
Kentucky Has Several Choices
Pope could also consider a smaller lineup involving Kam Williams, which would move Momcilovic to the 4.
That approach could give Kentucky additional shooting and offensive versatility, but it could also create major concerns on the boards and defensively. Williams’ health will also be an important factor after another foot surgery this offseason.
For now, N’Diaye appears to have the strongest case to become Kentucky’s starting power forward.
But McBride’s physicality and Noah’s experience could keep the competition open throughout the fall.
Mitchell’s departure undoubtedly changed Kentucky’s plans, but Pope still has options.
The biggest question now is which player can convince him that he is the best fit alongside Diallo, Wilkins, Momcilovic and Moreno when the Wildcats finally take the court.
