How Ryan Harrow's Transfer Affects Kentucky's 2013-14 Rotation

Ryan Harrow transferring to Georgia State from Kentucky is a win-win for both parties. It might be a bigger win for the Wildcats, however.

That might be hard to believe since Harrow was the starting point guard for the Wildcats this year and scored 10 points per game. However, with next year's monster recruiting class, Harrow would have likely been stuck on the bench for most of the season.

His transfer now allows Calipari to go after point guard Dominique Hawkins and groom him to be a four-year player.

Hawkins very well could turn into the next Darius Miller if he does commit to Kentucky. Not due to his size or game, but the fact Hawkins, a 3-star player, will be a complimentary player to the 5-star players Calipari brings in.

With Harrow out of the picture now, Hawkins has the chance to challenge Jarrod Polson for the backup point guard spot. It also allows more competition, as there is the chance Harrow would have been upset with his lack of playing time and pouted. 

The guard position now becomes clear, and Kentucky head coach John Calipari can develop his rotation and plan for each player. Andrew Harrison will obviously be the dominant player at the point guard position, but Calipari can begin to work Hawkins and Polson—again, if Hawkins decides to commit. 

Harrow's transfer opens up another scholarship, so if a player decides to leave early for the 2013 NBA draft, Kentucky can offer scholarships to both 5-star small forward Andrew Wiggins and Hawkins. If Kentucky is able to get both Wiggins and Hawkins, the rotation becomes very deep, with power off the bench as well.

While Kentucky loses a veteran presence off its bench, Harrow's transfer allows Calipari and his staff to begin defining roles for all point guards and for the rotation to be one with no challenges. If Harrow decided to stay, the question of playing him or Polson behind Harrison would have been a troubling decision for Kentucky's staff.

Most importantly, it allows Calipari to go after more recruits in the class of 2013 to help bring Kentucky back to the NCAA tournament.