Kentucky’s Starting Lineup in 2009-2010
The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team had an impressive season in 2009-2010, finishing with a record of 35-3 and reaching the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. One of the keys to their success was their talented starting lineup, which featured a mix of freshmen and upperclassmen. Let’s take a closer look at the players who made up the starting five and the other key contributors on that team.
John Wall: The Talented Freshman Point Guard
John Wall was the star of the Kentucky team, a dynamic and explosive point guard who was the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. As a freshman, he averaged 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, leading the Wildcats in all three categories. Wall was a force on both ends of the court, using his speed and athleticism to break down defenses and his quick hands to disrupt passing lanes. He was named the SEC Player of the Year and was a consensus first-team All-American.
Eric Bledsoe: Wall’s Partner in the Backcourt
Eric Bledsoe was Wall’s backcourt mate and provided a scoring punch from the shooting guard position. As a freshman, he averaged 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, shooting 38.2 percent from three-point range. Bledsoe was a tenacious defender who often guarded the opponent’s best perimeter player. He went on to have a successful NBA career, playing for several teams including the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks.
Patrick Patterson: The Versatile Big Man
Patrick Patterson was a junior forward who provided a steady presence in the frontcourt. He averaged 14.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, shooting 50.9 percent from the field. Patterson was a versatile player who could score inside and outside, and was also a strong defender. He played four seasons in the NBA for the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors.
DeMarcus Cousins: A Dominant Force in the Paint
DeMarcus Cousins was a freshman center who quickly established himself as one of the top big men in the country. He averaged 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, shooting 55.8 percent from the field. Cousins was a dominant force in the paint, using his size and strength to overpower opponents. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Year and went on to have a successful NBA career, playing for several teams including the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, and Golden State Warriors.
Darius Miller: A Key Reserve with a Bright Future
Darius Miller was a freshman guard who played a key role off the bench for the Wildcats. He averaged 6.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, shooting 37.7 percent from three-point range. Miller was a smart and versatile player who could play multiple positions and was a solid defender. He went on to have a successful career at Kentucky, winning a national championship in 2012, and played six seasons in the NBA for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Darnell Dodson: A Valuable Contributor off the Bench
Darnell Dodson was a junior guard who provided instant offense off the bench for the Wildcats. He averaged 6.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, shooting 38.6 percent from three-point range. Dodson was a streaky shooter who could get hot from beyond the arc and was also a solid defender. He played one more season at Kentucky before transferring to Southern Miss.
Daniel Orton: A Promising Freshman Center
Daniel Orton was a freshman center who played a limited role for the Wildcats, averaging 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. He showed flashes of potential but was hampered by injuries and inconsistency. Orton was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic but played only two seasons in the league before bouncing around to several other teams.
Ramon Harris: A Senior Leader and Role Player
Ramon Harris was a senior forward who provided leadership and energy off the bench for the Wildcats. He averaged 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, but his contributions went beyond the statistics. Harris was a vocal leader and a tough defender who set the tone for the team. He played professionally overseas after graduating from Kentucky.
Perry Stevenson: A Defensive Specialist and Energy Guy
Perry Stevenson was a senior forward who played a key role as a defensive specialist and energy guy for the Wildcats. He averaged 3.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, but his real value came on the defensive end of the court. Stevenson was a tenacious defender who could guard multiple positions and was also a strong rebounder. He played professionally overseas after graduating from Kentucky.
Mark Krebs: A Walk-On Who Played a Role on the Team
Mark Krebs was a senior guard who began his career as a walk-on but worked his way into a role on the team. He played in 23 games and averaged 0.4 points per game, but his contributions went beyond the box score. Krebs was a hard worker and a positive influence in the locker room, setting an example for his teammates. He went on to a career in broadcasting after graduating from Kentucky.
Josh Harrellson: A Little-Used Reserve Who Would Later Shine
Josh Harrellson was a sophomore center who played a limited role for the Wildcats, averaging 1.3 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. He did not see much playing time during the season, but would later emerge as a key contributor in his junior and senior years. Harrellson played six seasons in the NBA for the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Detroit Pistons.
