The Ideal Kentucky Basketball Player Replacements

John Calipari is losing five players to the NBA Draft this year.

Many predict that the five will be first-round selections. This means that there will be big shoes to fill in Lexington.

This slide show will take a look at some of the up and coming undecided freshman that could help fill the shoes of some of the players.

It would be great if Coach John Calipari could land most of the players in this slide show, just like he did with John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins.

Star Search for Daniel Orton, C

The Wildcats will lose quite a bit with the loss of Daniel Orton.

As the team's center, he was able to go hard on defense and rack up a few points.

He was a great player that blocked shots day in and day out.

His offense and defense has been said to possibly have him pretty high up in the NBA Draft.

Who can replace Orton?

Dream Pick: Enes Kanter, C - Ranked No. 25 Overall

The Kentucky Wildcats have their replacement for Orton set.

Enes Kanter verbally committed to the Wildcats recently.

Very little is known about Kanter, except that he is a solid player.

He is very young and is already considered NBA ready. He might earn a spot on the Turkish national team and play with Hedo Turkoglu in the World Championships.

The Kentucky basketball center spot is looking promising.

Star Search for Eric Bledsoe, PG

It seemed like John Calipari was getting greedy when he was able to bring in two top tier point-guards with Wall and Bledsoe.

Bledsoe was considered more of a pass-first point-guard.

He was a play-maker. He had games where he would erupt on the other team and drop 20 points. He got in the paint and was still able to make good passes with coverage.

Who can replace Bledsoe?

Dream Pick: Josh Selby, PG (Ranked No. 7 Overall)

The McDonald's All-American, who made noise at the Slam Dunk contest, is still uncommitted.

He is a great all-around player that would fit great under Calipari. Selby has a dribble and drive offensive approach that would appeal greatly to the Kentucky coach.

The chances of him landing in Lexington are very unlikely if Brandon Knight ends up going to UK.

If that happens, you could see Selby in Kansas.

Star Search for Patrick Patterson, PF

Patrick Patterson withdrew his name from the 2009 NBA Draft.

It is highly unlikely that he would do so a second time.

The big man helped Kentucky get the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. One year with Coach Calipari definitely helped Patterson mature more and his draft stock might have increased.

Who can replace Patrick Patterson?

Dream Pick: C.J. Leslie, PF - Ranked No. 11 Overall

Kentucky would get a nice rebounder and aggressive defender in Leslie.

Kentucky's offense would get even better with his addition.

He is a great perimeter shooter that can consistently rack up points. Calipari would use him the same way that he used Patterson, except Leslie would most likely be shooting from further away.

What can help the Wildcats in getting him?

He was John Wall's high school teammate.

Star Search for DaMarcus Cousins, PF/C

Cousins developed an odd relationship with Coach Calipari, but he was able to put his relationship aside and play hard every game.

He racked up a nice amount of points and rebounds every game. He hurt teams inside the paint. What an outstanding physical player!

Who can replace DaMarcus Cousins?

Dream Pick: Terrance Jones, SF (Ranked No. 3 Overall)

I know what you are thinking!

How can a small forward replace a power forward or center? Several scouts have said that Jones might be the best replacement for Cousins.

Kentucky is on his shortlist of schools where he could end up. Jones can help in the front court due to the absence of Patterson and Cousins. He can swing from the three to the four under Calipari's guidance. He blocks a ton of shots, much like Cousins did this year.

The only thing that could stop Jones from coming to Lexington may be the distance from his hometown in Oregon. But Calipari's minute spreading to him, may attract him back.

Star Search for John Wall, PG

Runner-up Player of the Year
Prodigy
Possible No. 1 Pick
Odd-on NBA All-Star
Possible New Jersey Net

Who in the world could replace a resume like the one of John Wall?

Dream Pick: Brandon Knight, PG - Ranked No. 3 Overall

Knight's playing style is fast and his defense is strong.

He goes well with Calipari's fast-break offense and the man-to-man defense the Wildcats play.

Knight has the skills to be a good scorer. His dribble penetration is great. He can score from the outside a bit with a superb mid-range jump shot.

Calipari has been known to get players ready for the NBA. The proof is with Derrick Rose, who was selected No. 1 overall.

He also did good with Tyreke Evans, a possible NBA Rookie of the Year candidate. Wall was great and could follow in the footsteps of the two.

Could Brandon Knight be next?

The Future of Kentucky Basketball

As long as John Calipari is in Kentucky and he shows that he can make players into NBA stars like Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and possibly John Wall, the Wildcats will be filled with talent.

It is scary, because they can be better than this past year's team.

Calipari was the chosen one. He was sent to deliver a National Championship to the fans in Lexington. He has the tools to do it. It is time.