Cason Wallace breaks down changes made by John Calipari during practice

Cason Wallace has been told by head coach John Calipari the role he needs to serve Kentucky this season for UK to be successful. The true freshman guard is taking the task in stride, and is starting to look like a seasoned star running the point alongside Sahvir Wheeler.

“One of those is me getting downhill, being more aggressive, and creating for others,” Wallace said after defeating Florida A&M 88-68 last week. “Not just looking for my shot but making sure everybody else gets a shot up as well.”

Getting downhill off the dribble and shooting open shots while also creating for his teammates if his shot isn’t there – that’s a mature role for a 19-year-old college freshman. Despite the pressure, the former five-star recruit is proving why he’s a projected NBA lottery draft choice this summer.

Wallace is coming off the best game of his career. He went for 27 points and nine assists in the Wildcats’ win over Florida A&M last Wednesday. Entering the game, Wallace was averaging 10.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.4 steals while shooting 44.7 percent from deep.

The do-it-all co-starting point guard drew high praise from John Calipari, who has been a huge advocate for Wallace’s success this season.

“He made shots tonight,” John Calipari said Wednesday. “You know, we’ve got to keep working with him as he plays point. Decision making, seeing the court better. What he did today is he made shots so you couldn’t go under on the pick-and-roll. He dings a ball in. But he’s a terrific player.”

Wallace and the Wildcats will be back on the hardwood on the road at Missouri, who is already proving to be one of the strongest teams in the SEC this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Dec. 28 live on the SEC Network.