Giving Grades To Platoon II

Class resumes at the University of Kentucky in just over a week but it was the basketball team that just finished schooling opponents in the Bahamas. The Cats looked great as they rolled to a 5-1 record and as such it is now report card time. Platoon I got their scores on Saturday so let’s see if the second group got some passing marks as well:

Image Via Chet White | UK Athletics

Tyler Ulis- A+

Tyler Ulis was the breakout star of the Bahamas as he proved he is already an elite player and it’s only August. Ulis is further along than any of other Cal point guards at the same point in their careers and he’s only going to get better. Ulis did everything you’d want a point guard to do as he defended, shot, and passed like a guy that has been here for four years instead of four weeks. It’s going to be fun to watch Ulis continue to get better but even if he doesn’t improve at all he’s already a blast to watch.

Dominique Hawkins- B

Hawkins may not have poured it in like he did back in his Madison Central days but he did showcase an improved offensive game to compliment his great defense. Hawkins and Ulis combined to form a defensive Voltron that frustrated opposing guards all week long. Hawkins knows his role an plays it well. By the time he is a senior he could be just as effective on D as DeAndre Liggins.

@D_Maup points out the Drew Franklin Photobomb.

Derek Willis- B

Time and again commentator Jay Bilas gushed about Derek Willis being the most talented 12th guy in the nation. You could argue about Derek’s standing in the rotation but what can’t be argued is his ability to make an impact in year two. Derek took full advantage of his time in the Caribbean by putting on a dunking clinic and teaming up with Marcus Lee for the  autolobs. While he showcased that he is no longer a defensive liability, he still has a way to go to become a stopper. The man from Mt. Washington may struggle to see significant minutes this season but he’s going to be a real weapon for his junior and senior year.

Marcus Lee- B+

No Trey Lyles? No problem. Marcus Lee is back and just as athletic as ever as he jumped up to the rafters to snag passes nobody else could dream of getting. The big man shot dunked an impressive 65% from the floor and even hit a few jumpers along the way. If Lee can hit that jumper with consistency it’ll be hard to keep him off the court as he could spread the defense out a la Terrence Jones. Plus, his defensive pressure and go-go gadget limbs helped turn platoon II into a disruptive force. Lee could be primed for a major sophomore season.

Karl-Anthony Towns- A

KAT saw his hype diminish during his final year of high school because he didn’t participate in the AAU circuit to the extent of his classmates. It’s hard to imagine that there are 8 players better than  Big Karl in last year’s class as the 7-footer looks like the total package. Mr. Towns put on a highlight reel over the 6 games with his spectacular passing, excellent footwork, ridiculous blocks,  great rebounding and nearly leading the Cats in scoring. Now, Chad Ford and Jeff Goodman think he could be the number one pick. KAT will likely be a fan favorite before his time in Lexington is finished.

What grades to you give to the players of platoon II?