Anthony Davis now holds the SEC freshman record for blocked shots in a season with 116. (Chet White, UK Athletics)
In the article, Dortch discusses the substantial impact he is making on the college game as well as the potential he has to do the same at the next level. Here's an excerpt:
In coaching parlance, Davis is a "plus six," meaning his 7-foot-4 wingspan is six inches longer than his 6-foot-10 body. Combined with his leaping ability and an innate sense of timing that allows him to wait out an opponent's fakes, those arms have become the biggest defensive weapon in college basketball and, very possibly, will make Davis the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft in June.
Led by Davis, who hides 220 pounds on his lanky frame, Kentucky has become the most fearsome defensive team in the country, and in so doing the No. 1 team in both major polls. The Wildcats, as of last weekend, are second in the nation in defensive field-goal percentage (36.4), first in blocked shots per game (9.3) and 15th in scoring defense (58.5). Before an 86-52 win at South Carolina last Saturday, they had held three straight opponents to under 50 points, something that hasn't happened at Kentucky since the 1950-51 season.
Kentucky coach John Calipari has altered his defensive philosophy a bit this season. His goal is to finish last in the Southeastern Conference in steals. The Wildcats don't gamble for deflections. They try to keep their opponents in front of them. And if they allow one into the lane ... well, too bad for him. That's where Davis awaits.
LINK: DORTCH ON UK'S "PLASTIC MAN"
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