Kentucky Basketball Trying to Regain Its Glory

The University of Kentucky is averaging over 80 points a game—their most in more than a decade.

Billy Gillispie is a tough, no-nonsense coach who is all about teamwork and doing things his way, or else. The Wildcats are playing a wide-open style reminiscent of Rick Pitino's days at UK.

After having success with Joe Crawford putting up big numbers last year, (Crawford was drafted by the LA Lakers) junior guard Jodie Meeks is more than holding his own.

It helps having a healthy roster—namely Meeks—who is scoring 24.8 points-per-game after missing most of his sophomore season with a variety of maladies. There is also a renewed sense of belief in each other, and in the exacting ways of their perfectionist coach.

The Wildcats are averaging 81.3 points—the most since Pitino's last team in 1996-97—and have already scored at least 88 points six times this year—a number it hit just seven times combined in the four previous seasons.

Patrick Patterson is a lottery pick-in-waiting, and is averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Patterson is coming off a foot injury which forced him to sit out the final six weeks of the season last year. A fully healthy Patterson can simply give the 'Cats an inside presence that lets his 6'9" 240-pound frame dominate at the college level.

Perry Stephenson is improving at the center position. Listed at 6'10", Stephenson has an arm span of 7'5".

Freshman DeAndre Liggins is a star waiting to bust out, and Juco transfer Josh Harrelson has provided double-doubles in the couple of games this year when he could stay out of the coach's doghouse.

Freshman Darius Miller is also the real deal. Standing 6'7", the two guard slashes through the paint with the greatest of ease and a silky smooth jump shoot.

AJ Stewart has the special kind of athletic ability that every college coach craves, while Juco transfer Kevin Galloway has earned more minutes as the season has worn on due to his 6'7" frame that can play the point to create mismatches.

The recruiting trail has also been kind to the Wildcats with 2009 commits.

Daniel Orton, a 6'9", 265-pound center out of Oklahoma, will be a terror in the SEC with his massive skills of power and shot-blocking.

Jon Hood, a 6'7" shooting guard from Madisonville, KY, is a high-riser that will bring back memories of Rex Chapman for UK fans.

GJ Vilarino, a point guard from Texas, is a blur with the  basketball in his hands. He was Gillispie's first commit at Kentucky.

2010 commit Dominque Ferguson from Indianapolis is considered by many to be the most talented recruit in school history.

The sleeping giant is starting to wake up, which isn't what the SEC and the rest of the country want to hear!