The Estill County Tribune, February 15, 2017, Page 13 Fox can play himself into a higher spot in draft as easily fall in that 15-20 could have a good shot at range. the 2018 lottery.” “His speed, especially Question: Isaiah Bris- end to end, as well as reac- coe is perceived as a player tion time, has been impres- leaving for the draft and sive, but I think his poten- someone that wants to leave tial on the defensive end is for the NBA. But at his size also something NBA teams and limited shooting range, are liking about him. Being is that realistic? What do able to knock down jumpers you see his draft status as? consistently is going to be Isaacson: “I think Bris- the thing he needs to worry coe’s ceiling as a draft pick about the most, and will be is the second round no mat- the difference between be- ter what, so coming out this ing a starter one day or a year really won’t make a difference. As you note, the by Larry Vaught back-up (in the NBA).” Question: Bam Adebayo shooting continues to be an Players often come to has been considered a cer- issue, but Briscoe still has play basketball at Kentucky tain lottery pick at times this value on the defensive end, now to enhance their NBA year. Do you agree? Has he plus his ability to use his Draft status. It’s something shown enough offensive body to get to the basket. coach John Calipari sells versatility for NBA per- “He’s far from an NBA to players as he points to sonnel and what concerns point guard, but the skills the draft picks he’s had and would you have about him? are there; his decision-mak- how well many of them are Isaacson: “No, Adebayo ing is a problem, though, doing in the NBA. is far from certain at this and watching these past A player can play him- point to be a lottery pick, few games, he seems to be self into a higher spot in the and I would be surprised if regressing, though I tend to draft — Eric Bledsoe, Ja- he does end up there, with err that he is just putting a mal Murray, Trey Lyles for the 15-20 spots a lot more lot of pressure on himself to instance — that many ever likely, as of now. But, as I lead this team. I could see imagined. However, be- keep mentioning, there is Briscoe being a guy who cause the spotlight is always plenty of time for things to goes into pre-draft work- on UK basketball, a player happen, and Adebayo can outs and impresses teams can hurt his draft stock with look to take advantage. Five with his defense and com- subpar play — remember to 10 years ago, a player like petitiveness, and I wouldn’t Skal Labissiere. Adebayo would likely be a be surprised if he ends up as While it’s still way to top 10 player, but with more a mid-second round pick.” early who may go where in NBA teams looking for big First Look at P.J. the draft or who may even men who can help spread enter the draft, it’s never too the floor, Adebayo may get Kentucky fans can get early to speculate. Ed Isaa- overlooked. a first-hand look at future cson has followed the NBA “Now, I remember Wildcat P.J. Washington draft for many years and his watching him at Madison Friday and Saturday nights NBAdraftblog.com was a Square Garden earlier this when he plays in the Ken- go-to site for information. year during warm-ups, and tucky Lake Showcase at Now he’s transitioning to he seemed to be knocking Marshall County with his the agent side of the busi- down 18-20 foot shots much Findlay Prep (Nevada) ness, but that doesn’t mean better than expected, but he teammates. he has to keep his opinions hasn’t shown it in a game at “He has a 7-2 wingspan Former NBA draft analyst Ed Isaacson says NBA teams like the speed De’Aaron about this one last draft to all. and is really a tough kid. He Fox has and that will make him a likely top 20 pick at worst. (Jeff Houchin Photo) himself. “On top of that, he’s goes after those loose balls Question: What is the not really a great interior and once he gets it, you do Diallo Next Season upside for Malik Monk defender, and even worse not take it out of his hands,” Hamidou Diallo has not when it comes to the NBA when he has to come out on said his father, Paul Wash- played for Kentucky since draft and what he has he the perimeter, and that lack ington, who is also the Find- joining John Calipari’s team done to help/hurt his draft of versatility may make lay Prep head coach. “A lot in January and the plan re- stock this year? NBA teams overlook him of that is from coming up mains for him not to play Isaacson: “With his ath- in the first 14 picks. Still, he in Texas playing football. until next season. However, leticism and shooting abil- would be a great value later He loves the contact and he’s noticed all the attention ity, it’s tough to see Monk on in the first round, going UK fans will see that next UK players get. falling outside of the lottery, to a team where he has time year.” “It just shows you that the or even the top 10. The real to develop.” The 6-8 Washington stage that we’re on is a dif- question will be is there a Question: Senior Derek could potentially play a va- ferent type of stage. Night in way for him to move into Willis obviously can shoot riety of positions. His father and night out you just got to the top five or six picks. The the ball, but Calipari has says they do not label him at be the best version of your- most impressive part of his never been happy with his any position and noted what self,” he said. game has been his jumper, defense or rebounding. Any he could have done against He’s not been surprised but not just the ability to chance he gets drafted? Josh Jackson of Kansas by picture and autograph re- hit shots, but to hit difficult Isaacson: “With his size and when UK played the Jay- quests from fans. shots, off the dribble or with shooting ability, there’s cer- hawks in late January. “I’ve seen it. New York a hand in his face. Monk tainly a possibility, but this “A kid like Josh Jack- is pretty much – it’s not the doesn’t have ideal size for draft will be particularly son could really not get by same, but it’s pretty much the shooting guard spot, so deep, and I think the num- him and physically he could the same. I mean, people it’s critical that he be able to bers work against him and not rebound over P.J. As have fans everywhere. hit those tough shots. Where he’ll have to try his luck a coach, it’s good to have We’re just blessed to have Monk has really hurt himself with the D-League route.” a player like that on your the fans that we have,” he has been with his shot selec- Question: What are your team,” Paul Washington said. tion, which has been awful thoughts about Wenyen Ga- said. “Put a taller kid on him He admits he’s been at times, as well as an in- briel? and he goes by them. He asked more times than he difference on the defensive Isaacson: “Gabriel has leads our team in assists. He could count about whether ends for long stretches.” probably been my favorite has really good court vision he would play this year or Question: Is there any of the UK freshmen since and instincts with the ball.” not. doubt about De’Aaron Fox the start of the year, even Paul Washington likes “I just tell them ‘I don’t being a lottery pick? What if he wasn’t really a candi- the preparation work that know at this point,’ because flaws in his game might date to come out in the draft Calipari does with players. me telling them the whole worry NBA personnel and is this season, though I still “He does stuff I do not story would take a lot of it his speed that NBA scouts wouldn’t rule it out. Gabriel see anywhere else in the time I’d say,” Diallo said. like more than anything? has a great combination of country. What he has done Isaacson: “While there size, length and athletic abil- at Kentucky bringing those Kentucky Softball are a significant number of ity, and as his skill set con- kids in and making them Kentucky opened its point guards who should be tinues to develop, I can see playing his way has been softball season last week- incredible. That’s not easy first rounders this year, there him becoming a very good end and coach Rachel Law- Hamidou Diallo says fans ask him frequently if he to teach,” Paul Washington is still a lot of jockeying for two-way wing at the NBA son has built the team into will play this year, but the plan remains for him to said. position to take place. Per- level. That skill develop- a national power during her wait until next season. (UK Athletics Photo) sonally, I think Fox is worth ment — shooting, ball han- Findlay Prep guard Jus- 10 years at UK. But while a lottery pick, but the num- dling, movement — needs tin Roberts is headed to De- she does not want anyone bers don’t always work out to hit the next level this Paul. Paul Washington says to know it, she’s a softie and that way, and he could just summer. If that happens, he that senior Donnie Tillman, made that clear when she BODY FITNESS a 6-8 forward, and Reggie cried talking about a senior EXERCISES CLASSES Chaney, a 6-8 junior, are player at Media Day before both solid players and 6-6 the season even started. HELPFUL FOR PERSONS WITH ARTHRITIS, forward Lamine Diane is as “She is a softie at heart,” ASTHMA, DIFFICULTY MOVING well. UK pitcher Meagan Prince Gentle Exercise and Movement All five starters average said. “She is tough and in- in double figures with P.J. timidating and you can’t get Builds Strength and Flexibility Washington at 19.7 points into her head, but she has a per game and Diane at 15.8 soft heart when it comes to MONDAYS & leading the way. her girls.” Then there is 6-7 sopho- Breanne “Buzz” Ray is WEDNESDAYS more Spencer Washington, another senior who has seen P.J. Washington’s younger the soft side of Lawson that INSTRUCTOR: Sister Loretta Spotila, RN brother. He’s 6-7 and has the coach doesn’t go public TIMES: Monday and Wednesday mornings been sidelined for about two with often. TIMES: 10:00 AM -- 11:00 AM months with a broken hand ”Honestly, I was not sur- but Paul Washington hopes prised she cried. She puts PLACE: Estill County UK Extension Office he can play this weekend. on a hard front for everyone PLACE: Golden Court (off Stacy Lane Road) “They are all very unself- else — I think she has to. ish and play well together. I But once you get to know Donation: $3.00 per class Softball coach Rachel Lawson hates being called a think we are a fun team to her, she has such a love for FOR MORE INFORMATION: watch,” the coach said. softie, but her players say that is exactly what she is. our team and every player,” Call Sister Loretta @ 723-8505 (Vicky Graff Photo) Ray said. “She cares a lot.