Single Game Prospect Breakdown: Cason Wallace vs Tennessee
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The 6-foot-4 Cason Wallace has put together an impressive freshman campaign thus far for the Kentucky Wildcats as he fills up the box score nightly in a variety of ways.
The Richardson, TX native is averaging just under 12 points per game on an efficient 48% from the field, 39% from the 3-point line and 70% from the charity stripe.
The production continues for the consensus top 10 recruit with 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals and half a block per game.
Wallace’s talents are also recognized by the Cerebro Sports metrics with an overall C-RAM score of 9.1 and three individual metrics over 70 led by his score of 86 in defensive statistical impact (DSI).
When you combine the fact that Wallace is one of the best perimeter defenders in the country with the creation ability and the efficient shooting it is easy to see why he is widely considered to be a lottery selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.
That all around impact from Wallace was on full display Saturday vs Tennessee as he scored 16 points with six rebounds, six assists and a steal.
Offense
The passing ability was on display for Wallace in this game highlighted by the aforementioned assists but other really nice creation for his teammates that did not show up in the box score.
While he was a little bit careless and loose with the ball in this game, resulting in three turnovers, it was apparent how good he is at always playing at his pace and how hard it is to speed him up.
While this was not one of his most efficient games from the field, 6-of-14 overall and 0-of-3 from behind the 3-point line, you were still able to see the two-level scoring.
He made multiple tough mid range jump shots and there is obviously plenty of data to believe in the 3-point shot.
One thing to keep an eye on with his scoring is adding that third level, around the rim, to his scoring package. In this particular game there were a few instances where he seemed to turn down opportunities to get all the way to the rim.
Defense
Wallace is simply a joy to watch on this end of the court by excelling in multiple areas including on ball defense, off ball communication, screen navigation and rebounding.
While the disruption he is able to cause may not have been on display as much as other games in terms of box score metrics, you can still see his presence being felt when the offense defers from attacking his side of the court.
In complete transparency, and fairness, it should be pointed out that Tennessee senior guard, Santiago Vescovi, did get the best of him for a stretch to start the second half.
Even so, there was no doubt who the best NBA Draft prospect was on the court in Rupp Arena.
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