Unlike many other years under John Calipari’s watch, the Kentucky Wildcats aren’t playing with immediate difference-makers in the paint. Now primarily operating with upperclassmen, Tony Barbee sees the post players taking positive steps in their developmental process.
Nick Richards is a late-bloomer under Calipari standards. Those standards are lightyears ahead of typical college basketball expectations. Now entering his third year in the program, Richards has transformed into one of the most reliable players on the team.
Richards has scored in double figures in each of the last six games, averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds through that stretch.