Kentucky basketball 2023 backcourt depth chart: Wildcats look extremely deep

Kentucky basketball's backcourt may be one of the best in the entire country this upcoming season.

Author:
Lance Dawe
Publish date:
Aug 14, 2023 6:07 PM EDT

In this story:

Kentucky basketball's backcourt may be one of the best in the entire country this upcoming season.

Despite having an inexperienced roster, John Calipari has offset that lack of experience with talent. The Wildcats should be expected to play a pair a trio of freshmen between both guard spots, two of which are five-stars (the other being a high in-state four-star).

Could a better backcourt with a much higher ceiling than seasons past elevate the Wildcats this year?

Here's a breakdown of everyone UK will play at point or shooting guard:

Point Guard

Jul 16, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; USA-Kentucky guard DJ Wagner (21) drives to the net against Canada center Enoch Boakye (13) during the first half of the Men's Gold game at Mattamy Athletic Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports — John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Wagner will be UK's starting point guard to begin the 2023 season. While some were expecting Rob Dillingham to make a push for the starting spot, it seems like Calipari is set on Wagner leading the charge with Dillingham backing him up.

DJ proved to be a capable distributor during the GLOBL JAM, averaging 4.8 assists per contest while also scoring 14 points a game.

While Dillingham was not an efficient scorer - shooting just 31% from the field - he also averaged 3.5 assists in just 17 minutes of action.

Dillingham is a flashier and more unpredictable ball handler, but Wagner had the more steady presence at the 1 throughout the GLOBL JAM.

The depth chart should look like this:

1. DJ Wagner

2. Rob Dillingham

If needed, UK can also slide Antonio Reeves or Reed Sheppard in at point. Sheppard is a bit of a wild card, considering how much he played/how well he played relative to expectations in Canada. His ability to switch between both point and shooting guard should allow him to find more time on the court this season.

We could end the 2023-24 season with Sheppard as the backup point, not necessarily in terms of rank in the rotation, but in terms of minutes.

Shooting Guard

Jul 16, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; USA-Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves (12) drives to the net against Canada forward Adam Paige (17) during the first half of the Men's Gold game at Mattamy Athletic Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports — John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Reeves is your guy here.

1. Antonio Reeves

2. Reed Sheppard

3. DJ Wagner/Adou Thiero

Reeves led the team in scoring in Canada on insane shooting (23 PPG, 57.9% FG, 56.3% 3PT). He likely won't play out of his mind the entire upcoming season, but he proved this summer that he can be an extremely reliable option at the 2 for UK in his final year with the Cats.

Sheppard did everything in the GLOBL JAM. He averaged 8.5 points on 50% shooting to go along with 2.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists (led team), 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks in just 21.3 minutes of action per game. He was a surprising star of the JAM and will be expected to split time at both point and shooting guard.

Adou Thiero is more of a wing, especially now considering he's bulked up and grown an inch or two, but there's a world where Coach Cal throws out a lineup with Thiero at the 2.