Making the case: Could Kentucky basketball start Adou Thiero?
Adou Thiero could be a wildcard for the Wildcats this upcoming season.
As a guard now turned tweener between small and power forward, his versatility could prove to be extremely valuable for UK.
There is a chance that Thiero could end up starting for Kentucky over Justin Edwards if things fall a certain way at the beginning of the year.
Would this be incredibly shocking? No, considering Thiero saw the court more than Edwards did during the GLOBL JAM. But it would be an interesting move for a Kentucky team that could realistically go 10 deep in a way they haven't in a long time.
It also wouldn't mean Thiero necesarrily got more playing time than Edwards, who probably should play exclusively SF while Aaron Bradshaw, Tre Mitchell and Thiero rotate at PF.
What would be some of the reasons Thiero could earn that starting spot? Here's why:
Experience
Being a sophomore, Thiero has a year of college basketball under his belt. He's grown in his role as a Wildcat and should be expected to make a jump statistically and through the eye test. SEC experience can be invaluable, especially during high-pressure situations where game-time decisions matter the most.
Edwards is a phenomenal talent, but Cal could lean towards giving Thiero the nod at SF simply because of his growth as a college player.
Development
Speaking of growth, anyone who caught a glimpse of Thiero during the GLOBL JAM this summer could attest to his noticeable physical improvements since his freshman year. A stronger physique, a serious height growth, and the combined versatility of playing both power and small forward, gives him an edge. While Edwards may be the superior offensive talent, Thiero's physicality, especially in the paint, could prove essential against aggressive opponents.
Thiero's ability to switch between power forward and small forward is a luxury. Such flexibility in the lineup allows the coach to experiment with various combinations, adapting to the game's flow and opponent's strategy.
While Edwards did outscore him during the GLOBL JAM with an average of 14 points and 6.5 rebounds in 24.8 minutes, Thiero's consistent previous record cannot be overlooked.
Defense
I want to give a nod to Edwards' defense, which aided him in nabbing 1.5 steals per game during the GLOBL JAM, I truly think Thiero's defense combined with his new physique and experience could prove to be one of his calling cards.
His physical growth and prowess can be an asset defensively. While Edwards may be the better player offensively, Thiero adds a new dimension to this UK defense that really lacked at times a season ago. You always need a glue guy.
Thiero is that glue guy.
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