Isaiah Jackson, left, contests at shot by Olivier Sarr in practice. (UK Athletics Photo)
If the SEC does not grant Olivier Sarr a waiver so he can play this season for coach John Calipari, what will the Wildcats do for a post presence? The answer likely will be — or could be — 6-10, 205-pound freshman Isaiah Jackson.
“Taller people take longer to find themselves and find a voice on the court,” Kentucky assistant coach Joel Justus said about Jackson. “He is working on his body to get healthy and stronger. When young guys feel they are getting better and more comfortable, they can get better.”
Justus is hoping Kentucky will have Sarr, Jackson and freshman Lance Ware all to play the power forward/center positions. If there is no Sarr, then it could be Jackson or Ware at center with Keion Brooks or Ware at forward.
“We have got a long wiry, group of dudes on this team. They all need to be stronger versus bigger,” Justus said. “We are never going to look like Michigan State in November and December. Cal wants our guys strong and (strength coach) Rob Harris does a great job getting that done.”
Can Jackson be the rim protector Calipari values having so much?
“With his length and leaping ability, any time he can protect the rim and get blocks he can really start our offense,” Justus said. “Get deflections or force shots and get long rebounds will be our best offense in transition. He runs the court so well, too. Rim protection, rebounding and running the court are the things he does best right now and he’s working to get everything else better, too.”
Men’s basketball practice.
Photo by Chet White | UK Athletics
