Cason Wallace named one of ESPN's standout freshmen in college hoops

When it comes to numbers, last night was Cason Wallace‘s best game as a Wildcat thus far. The freshman had 27 points, nine assists, and four steals in Kentucky’s 88-68 win over Florida A&M, all season highs. According to UK statistician Corey Price, Wallace is the first player in the Calipari to put up those numbers in a single game.

Wallace’s second-half performance vs. Michigan was definitely more clutch, but last night’s stat line vs. the Rattlers is impressive, especially when you consider he played point guard a significant chunk of the night. As Kentucky searches for its identity on offense, it’s clear that Wallace needs to be a big part of it.

Appropriately, Wallace is one of ten freshmen ESPN’s Jeff Borzello singled out this morning as the “Best of the Best” rookies this year in college hoops.

“He doesn’t have the big numbers of some of the other freshmen on this list, but Wallace has been one of the best two-way first-year players in the country — and more prolific outings appear to be coming. Observers have been calling for John Calipari to give Wallace more freedom, and Wallace is coming off the best game of his career, going for 27 points and nine assists in the Wildcats’ win over Florida A&M on Wednesday. Was averaging 10.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.4 steals and shooting 44.7% from 3 entering that game.”

Getting Wallace more involved one of Calipari’s “tweaks”

At point guard, Wallace was dishing buckets and making them. He was 5-6 from the three-point line, a welcome sight after going 1-7 from the outside vs. UCLA.

“Well, he made shots tonight,” John Calipari said after the game. “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.”

Earlier this week, Calipari teased some tweaks he’s working on with his team. Wallace being more involved on offense is one of them.

“One of those is me getting downhill, being more aggressive, and creating for others,” Wallace said after the win. “Not just looking for my shot but making sure everybody else gets a shot up as well.”