Kentucky Basketball: Wildcats' Biggest Reasons for Optimism in 2015-16

Sure, the buzz around the 2015-16 Kentucky team isn't as high as it was this past season, but the Wildcats are still expected to be a preseason top-10 team. That's what happens when you combine a top recruiting class along with the expectations that come along with being a Kentucky basketball player.

While there seems to be a bit of frustration from Big Blue Nation with Kentucky losing seven players from last year's Final Four team and missing out on some big-name recruits, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the 2015-16 season.

These are the Wildcats' biggest reasons for optimism in 2015-16. 

Tyler Ulis Running the Team

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Not many people would believe a 5'9" point guard who averaged just over five points a game as a freshman would be a high reason for optimism. But most people aren't Tyler Ulis.

In a list of the best players in college basketball, Ulis will often get overlooked. However, when you start looking at true point guards, there might not be anyone better in the country than Ulis. He's exceptional with the ball, especially with getting his teammates open. But he's also developed a floater he showcased last season that allows him to finish in the lane and is a strong outside shooter when he looks for his shot.

Defensively he's a menace. He uses his speed and ability to get underneath a bigger guard to create havoc, often leading to turnovers. Next year's team will be Ulis' team, and he'll have his chance to shine, as he won't have to split time with another true point guard like Andrew Harrison. 

More Top Recruits on the Way

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It shouldn't surprise anyone that the Wildcats have another batch of top recruits coming to Lexington.

Leading the charge is Skal Labissiere, the 7'0" big man from Memphis via Haiti. Labissiere is extremely skilled, with the ability to step away from the hoop and shoot the ball with ease. Think a little bit of Karl-Anthony Towns with his polished skill set and ability to handle the ball and shoot. 

Joining Labissiere is Isaiah Briscoe, another All-American coming to Lexington who will play in the backcourt with Ulis. Briscoe, who played point guard in high school, will be moved to the shooting guard spot similar to how Eric Bledsoe and John Wall played together during the 2009-10 season. Briscoe is a strong shooter, winning the Ballislife three-point contest recently, but he can also finish at the rim.

The other two players that will be heading to Lexington are Charles Matthews, a strong defender from Chicago, and junior college transfer Mychal Mulder, who is expected to provide outside scoring. 

John Calipari Is Still the Head Coach

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Yes, the players play the game. Yes, seven players from a 38-1 team are gone. But still there is head coach John Calipari, who is unequivocally one of the best coaches in the game right now. 

No other coach can claim four Final Fours and a national championship in the last five years. He's taken undefeated teams, No. 1 seeds and even a No. 8 seed to the Final Four. He continues to silence people who say his method of coaching can't be successful.

Calipari is ultimately the engine of the machine that Kentucky basketball has turned into. He constantly gets his players adjusted to the college basketball game and, quite frankly, is an underrated in-game coach. Too many claim Calipari just throws five players on the floor and hopes their talent and athleticism ultimately win the game. 

However, it's been Calipari making the adjustments to help his team. Whether it's breaking down film or adding a zone defense, it's his call on how the team plays. With him leading the team, there's always a reason to be optimistic as a Kentucky fan.