Meet the Wildcats: #15 DeMarcus Cousins

DeMARCUS COUSINS

FRESHMAN

POWER FORWARD

6'11 260

MOBILE , AL

LEFLORE HS

BEFORE UK:

Like John Wall, DeMarcus is one of the cornerstones of the 2009 recruiting class. He was a Parade and McDonald's All American and led LeFlore HS to the state semifinals in 2008 and 2009. He averaged 24.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 3.2 blocks and 5.1 steals a game his senior season in HS. As they commonly rave about baseball players, DeMarcus is a 5 tool threat. Cousins was also a member of the 2009 USA Junior National Select Team. He was rated the #1 PF and #2nd best player overall by Rivals (behind Wall) and the best PF and #4 overall by ESPN.

FROM ESPN: This top-five 2009 prospect absolutely dominates games when he focuses on the task at hand. He has the tools to score on the low block as well as take his man away from the rim. Cousins also passes the ball well and throws solid outlet passes.

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS SEASON:

Cousins will be starting alongside Patterson this season ans we can pretty much say that his potential is limitless. His play so far in the Blue/White game and the 2 exhibition have already made Calipari say that Kentucky will be more of a post up team than he originally talented. Playing beside Patterson gives UK a tremendous force inside. Cousins is special in that he is a great passer as well and he also has a pretty good three point stroke for a big man.

I know a lot of pundits liked to bring up Cousins as a project due to his attitude, but he has but an upbeat, charismatic team player thus far. His playful attitude has made him a fan favorite already and skill wise, I consider him a bigger Antoine Walker. He can do everything well. DeMarcus will be one of the team leaders in minutes played, I would wager he averages around 25 - 28 minutes as well as averaging about 15 points and 8 rebounds a game.

Don't get me wrong, there are going to be nights when Cousins will toss in over 20, maybe even 30 but it's going to be a nightly toss up as to who is going to be the dominant scorer between he and Patterson. There are going to be nights when they both get their 20 points and nights when they defer to other players on this team. Unfortunately, I think that the Cousins show in Lexington is a one year engagement, but I am always anxious to be proven wrong on that.

DeMarcus on choosing Kentucky: "It was all Cal. I came here to play for Coach Calipari. I played it for the media like I was so confused, but I already had my mind made up. That was an early decision. Who wouldn't want to play for a coach like that? And then you're at Kentucky? Come on, that speaks for itself. I've got the best of both worlds"

CALIPARI ON COUSINS:

“DeMarcus is one of the most talented big men I've ever had. He has tremendous ball-handling skills for a player his size. His combination of size and shooting ability should make him tough to defend. He has a mean streak on the court that gives him an edge"