Andrew Carr says Brandon Garrison is a player 'flying under the radar' for Kentucky

Wake Forest transfer Andrew Carr was once a sneaky pick for Kentucky’s most underrated signing of the offseason, the 6-10 sniper seen as a potential star for the Wildcats considering the perfect system fit with Mark Pope.

But how can you be sneaky or underrated when it’s become a near consensus that Carr will be a top contributor in his fifth and final season of eligibility in Lexington?

With the West Chester, PA native stealing most of the early spotlight among players to keep a close eye on, who does he believe deserves more love going into Pope’s first year at Kentucky? Carr singled out a teammate of his in the frontcourt who could explode with the Wildcats.

“I think I would have to say probably Brandon Garrison,” Carr told KSR. “He’s been awesome, he’s a younger guy — we’ve been hanging out a whole bunch, just getting to know him. He’s a really special guy, always happy, fun, easy-going.

“I think he’ll be really great on the court. He’s going to be able to expand his game and shoot it a little bit. The physical tools are obviously there for him. I really think he’ll be able to make an impact on this team. He’s flying under the radar right now.”

Garrison comes to Kentucky as a former McDonald’s All-American, spending his first season in college at Oklahoma State. There, the 6-11 center averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game in 29 starts of 32 total appearances. He produced in limited time on the floor, playing just 22.6 minutes per contest, translating to 13.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG and 2.6 BPG per-40 averages.

“On the court, you’re getting a young man that’s a rim protector, very versatile, that has an extremely high IQ of being able to pass the basketball, great hands and great timing,” his high school coach, Lenny Hatchett of Del City (OK), told KSR. “… He knows he’s gonna have to bring it every day, and he competes. That’s one thing that we’ve always done, even back to when he was in high school and I know he did Oklahoma State, being able to go compete at that level every day in practice. He knows those guys down there are going to be bringing it and it’s gonna only make him better.”

Pope saw firsthand what Garrison could do coaching against him in the Big 12 a year ago, going for a career-high 21 points against BYU while also putting up 20 against Alvin Brooks III and Baylor in conference play.

“Brandon’s a McDonald’s All-American and a FIBA U18 Americas gold medalist with Team USA who crushed me at BYU last year and crushed Coach Brooks at Baylor last year,” Pope said upon Garrison’s signing. “We’re unbelievably glad he’s on our team now. He’s an incredible person with a brilliant, joyful smile that BBN will fall in love with. We’re really excited about our front line and Brandon will be a key piece to it.”

The early returns are positive on Garrison, his teammate picking him out as a name to watch in his debut season with the Wildcats.