Bryce Hopkins
No matter how many years he plays at Kentucky — and probably even after his career ends — the same question is always going to eventually be asked of Bryce Hopkins. Why did he de-commit from Louisville and then pick Kentucky just a few weeks later?
It happened again Thursday at Kentucky’s basketball satellite camp at South Oldham High School.
“I felt this was the best situation for me. If I come here and do what I have to do, I know I can get to the next level, with all that coach Cal has to offer,” Hopkins told media members during the interview session. “It wasn’t anything personal with (Louisville). I just wanted to do what’s best for me, for my dreams — to get to the NBA.”
The 6-7, 220-pound Hopkins was a consensus top 40 prospect nationally but his name is seldom mentioned prominently in talk about UK’s upcoming season. Instead, the talk is about the big-time shooters coach John Calipari has brought in or the experience of the returning players.
However, Hopkins is the kind of “positionless” player that Calipari loves. Coach Staunton Peck used him everywhere from point guard to center last season and said he never backed down. He worked to improve his outside shooting and shot 40 percent from 3-point range while averaging 24.4 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in the Chicago Catholic League for Fenwick High School.
Peck never had to worry about Hopkins backing down and Calipari has made it clear he wants him to play the same way for the Wildcats.
“He’s said he wants me to bring my tough grittiness that I bring from Chicago. Stuff like that. I’m going to be playing hard, playing good defense,” Hopkins said.
“Growing up, nothing was ever handed to me. My dad instilled in me to just be tough and take what you want. Coach Cal didn’t guarantee me anything when I came here. He said I’m going to have to take what I need. That’s what I came here to do.”
