James Wiseman Knows a UK Frontcourt that Includes himself and Vernon Carey would be Dominant
INDIANAPOLIS – While John Calipari seems to be pursuing almost every top guard in the 2019 class, James Wiseman and Vernon Carey Jr. still remain at the top of the list.
Wiseman and Carey are the top two players in the 2019 class by every major recruiting service and for good reason. They each do different things on the floor and would complement each other’s games very well. Both were in action at the Nike EYBL over the weekend in Indianapolis and UK assistants Tony Barbee and Kenny Payne were in attendance.
Wiseman battled foul trouble in his first game on Saturday, which limited his play, but he was able to find a rhythm in the final two games of the weekend. For the weekend, Wiseman averaged 21.5 points per game across four games in Indianapolis, including 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting in the weekend finale.
The 6-foot-11 versatile big man showed his full arsenal on the floor in Sunday’s win. He ran the floor and battled for position in transition and delivered thunderous dunks. The most impressive thing, though, was his ability to face up and make moves off the bounce, including a smooth step back jumper. Following the game, Wiseman spoke with Go Big Blue Country about what worked for him on the court.
“My face-up game and just being patient,” Some games I wasn’t patient enough and was just rushing my moves. I just settled down.”
If John Calipari had his choice, Wiseman would be the guy manning the frontcourt in Lexington for the 2019-2020 season, but he’s not shying away from the opportunity to pair Wiseman and Carey together. What would a possible frontcourt with those two monsters look like?
“We would be dominant because both of us is very versatile for our size,” said Wiseman. We would definitely be dominant.”
Wiseman admitted that he and Carey discuss the possibility of playing with each other at the college level and it wouldn’t be their first time on the same team.
“It would be good for us to play together. We were USA teammates last summer.”
While Wiseman is doing his thing, Carey Jr. is also showing out at the EYBL. Through eight games, he is averaging more than 17 points per game to go along with 6.3 rebounds.
With Carey, Calipari isn’t alone and he has plenty of help recruiting the big man. Former Wildcat and NBA lottery pick Bam Adebayo has told the 6-foot-10, 250-pound Carey all about Kentucky and how it’s the place to help players reach their dreams the fastest.
“[Bam Adeboyo] says if you’re trying to go to the league after your first year, you’re supposed to go there, that’s the school to go,” said Carey. Coach Cal is just going to help you develop.”
It’s a stretch that both big men play together at the college level but Calipari has pulled off crazier things. He is on the verge of convincing five-star point guard Tyrese Maxey to reclassify to 2018 and join a UK backcourt that could have four five-star point guards. It’s insane but never think that any idea is crazy for Calipari.
The message has been heard loud and clear from Calipari, Adebayo, and assistant coach Kenny Payne, who excels at working with UK big men. Payne was in attendance at the EYBL event to watch both Wiseman and Carey over the weekend.
“He [Kenny Payne] just tries to get guys to go to his program,” said Carey. “He pretty much tells them what they want to hear. I feel like if you want to go one-and-done, then just go there.”
