Kentucky Basketball: The Key to Each Incoming Freshman's 2015-16 Season

We know all about the mass exodus at Kentucky after last year's unbelievable 38-1 season, with the lone loss coming in the Final Four. While most programs would have a massive drop-off after losing their top seven players, the Wildcats are favorites to win the 2016 national championship thanks to another strong recruiting class.

John Calipari brought in four highly touted freshmen and a junior college recruit to balance out his roster, which still has Alex Poythress, Marcus Lee and Tyler Ulis returning. 

There's a good chance two or three of the incoming freshmen will only be in Lexington for a year, but all four players will be in the rotation for Calipari this season. Clearly, the first-year players will be particularly important, and Kentucky will ask each of them to do something specific to help the team improve upon last year’s championship miss.

With that in mind, let’s delve into the key for each freshman’s 2015-16 season. 

Charles Matthews: Lockdown Defense

Charles Matthews was a dynamic scorer in high school, but he doesn't have to do that at Kentucky. When he's on the floor, he will likely never be the go-to option on the offensive side of the ball, which is fine. 

While Calipari is known as a great offensive coach, we need to applaud his defense. Kentucky always has one of the best defenses in the country, and the key to that is athleticism on the wings, which allows the Wildcats to guard multiple positions and protect the rim. 

Matthews needs to be the lockdown defender on the wing. He's strong enough to guard a bigger player but needs to shut down the best scorer on the perimeter. While Matthews can help out in other areas, including driving to the rim, he will be most valuable as a defensive weapon for the Wildcats. Don't be surprised to see him in late-game defensive situations.  

Isaiah Briscoe: Scoring Option

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Isaiah Briscoe might be walking into the best scenario for any freshman across the country. A point guard in high school, he will move to the shooting guard spot because of Tyler Ulis.

While Briscoe is a natural playmaker, he's also a phenomenal scorer, and the fact he now can do it from a natural position sets him up for great success. Playing next to Ulis in the backcourt, Briscoe will have plenty of one-on-one options thanks to Ulis' ability to drive into the lane and get teammates open.

The key for Briscoe will be to take advantage of those situations. He needs to be the leading scorer in most of the games in order to be successful for Kentucky. He has an inside-outside game, as he's big and strong enough to finish at the rim and can also step out and be a dynamic shooter from deep. 

Jamal Murray: Be a Threat from Everywhere

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Jamal Murray needs to be the LeBron James for Kentucky this season. He plays a little bit of three positions but is a natural playmaker, whether it's creating his own shot or getting teammates involved.

The key for Murray is to be a threat from each position. If he's going to handle the ball or back up Tyler Ulis at the point guard spot, he needs to play like a point guard. When he's playing off the ball, he needs to look to create his own shot first and then get teammates involved, much like James does for the Cavaliers when fully healthy.

He doesn't need to lead the team in scoring, but he needs to have a balanced stat line. He'll be called upon to do a little bit of everything, so if he puts up 10 points, five rebounds and three assists per game, you would have a star on your hands. 

Kentucky's success on the offensive side of the ball and its ability to run the dribble-drive offense hinge on Murray's willingness to play multiple positions. 

Skal Labissiere: Be the Modern Center

Kentucky has had a heck of a run of big guys since Calipari took over as head coach. But, when you think of those guys—DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Nerlens Noel, Karl-Anthony Towns and Willie Cauley-Stein—they are more or less traditional centers.

Skal Labissiere needs to change that and serve as the small-ball type of center while still being 6'11". He has shown the ability to shoot from deep and stretch the floor, which is key in the dribble-drive offense. If he can consistently shoot from 15 feet out, his defender will never be in the lane, which will open space for the guards.

Defensively, he needs to continue to be the rim protector that he is, but he also has to guard wing players. During pick-and-rolls, Calipari likes to switch, something he was spoiled with by having Cauley-Stein the last three years. If Labissiere's lateral quickness is there, the coach doesn't have to change that philosophy.