A Yahoo! report has Aaron and Andrew Harrison returning to Kentucky for their Sophomore seasons. The top 10 recruits, who were expected to be lottery picks, had seen their stocks slipped to the end of the first or early second rounders after disappointing Freshman seasons. They turned it on a bit in the NCAA tournament, fueling hopes that Kentucky could make another run next year.
What exactly is returning to Kentucky? Both Andrew and Aaron had eFGs under 50% last year, and each had assist and turnover rates that were virtually even. Kentucky struggled defensively last year, though their length on the perimeter (and the return of Willie Cauley-Stein) should help that next season.
The more immediate problem for the Wildcats is that they now have 11 guys who will be expecting major playing time next season, which will seemingly necessitate a transfer. If it doesn’t happen, highly touted players could be nailed to the bench for another season.
Kentucky will likely be the preseason #1 team, and even though they were an 8 seed last year, it would be tough to argue against it with all of the talent they have returning.
