Meet the 2022-23 Kentucky Wildcats: Cason Wallace could be one of nation’s top freshmen
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Need to know: Where every Wildcat fits for 2022-23
Meet every member of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team through a series of preseason stories.
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We’re getting to know all 15 of the 2022-23 Kentucky Wildcats. Here is what to expect from one of the UK freshmen. Watch Kentucky.com for stories about all of the remaining Cats as the preseason unfolds.
Cason Wallace
Uniform number: 22.
Height/weight: 6-4, 193.
Position: Guard.
Class: Freshman.
Age: 18.
Hometown: Dallas.
High school: Richardson.
Wallace’s role in 2022-23: Expected to be one of the best freshmen in all of college basketball, Wallace, who turns 19 on the day of UK’s season opener, is already projected as an NBA lottery pick.
He was arguably the best perimeter defender in the entire 2022 recruiting class, and he’s no slouch on the offensive end — getting to the rim with relative ease, showing an ability to knock down outside shots, and playing an unselfish, make-the-right-play-every-time style that led opposing coaches to fall in love with his game.
He’s a legitimate point guard with the potential to be the best playmaker in the 2022 class, and John Calipari has been pitting him against returning starter Sahvir Wheeler in every preseason practice, though it’s certain that those two players will share the backcourt for a significant portion of Kentucky’s games this season.
Wallace has played off the ball before, and he can thrive in that role, too. His defense sets him apart, and Calipari will probably rely on Wallace to shut down the other team’s best perimeter player at various points throughout the season.
Wallace’s older teammates have lauded him for his maturity and approach to the game, saying he doesn’t carry himself like a normal freshman and plays the game like a veteran college guard. His continued progression will be key to UK fulfilling its national title hopes.
This story was originally published November 3, 2022 at 3:00 PM.
