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The best Kentucky Basketball starting lineup became obvious in win vs. UCF
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- The best Kentucky Basketball starting lineup became obvious in win vs. UCF
Everyone knew Milan Momcilovic would be the star of this Kentucky Basketball team, and Malachi Moreno would be a huge piece. Three exhibition games later, that remains true.
However, the best starting lineup Kentucky can put on the floor has definitely changed.
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After three games, Kentucky clearly has a lineup that will be the best group to have on the floor together, at least early on in the 2026-27 college basketball season.
Point Guard: Mason Williams
Writing about a player struggling is never fun. But the fact is Mason Williams is simply outplaying Zoom Diallo in nearly every aspect. Williams should be starting. Over three games, he averaged eight points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal per game. More importantly, he averaged under one turnover per game and controls the offense much better.
Presumed starter Diallo has struggled. He averages just four points, two rebounds, two assists, and two turnovers a night. If he is not going to score at a high rate, those turnovers are just too difficult to overcome.
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After Diallo played more minutes in the season opener, the freshman Williams has seen his playing time surpass Diallo in consecutive games.
I don't think that stops.
Shooting Guard: Alex Wilkins
Posting a +32 plus-minus through three games, Wilkins is the kind of player who can get hot at any time. Turnovers are still an issue for him. However, his scoring offsets those mistakes when paired with the ability Williams has to protect the basketball.
If Wilkins gets his turnovers under control, he will be a great piece going forward. Diallo could also be a nice change of pace player behind Wilkins, which is another reason Williams should be the starting point guard.
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Small Forward: Milan Momcilovic
This does not require a long explanation. He is simply the best basketball player on this roster. He does everything well. He took over early in the overtime period against UCF by making three of the six total shots the team took.
Power Forward: Ousmane N'Diaye
This is probably the closest position battle on the roster. Justin McBride has looked really good at times, but N'Diaye gets the nod due to his ability to grab loose balls and defend multiple positions. His shooting needs to improve since he is shooting just 31% across three games. If he can consistently put the ball in the basket, he is definitely the starter.
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But for now it is a close battle, and N'Diaye's upside gives him the nod. When Kam Williams returns, I may slot Williams at the 3 and push Milan up to the 4 here.
Center: Malachi Moreno
Moreno has all the physical tools you want from a big man, and he proved it by coming just two assists shy of a triple-double against UCF. He still needs to develop a nasty streak. If he ever gets aggressive, he will be unstoppable. That is exactly why Franck Kepnang provides such a nice foil off the bench. Kepnang is an uber-aggressive center who can spell Moreno. If Moreno picks up on that aggressive energy, he will become a very dangerous player.
Exhibition games exist to test rotations and find the perfect chemistry before the regular season tips off. Right now, it's pretty simple.
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Putting Williams at the helm allows Momcilovic and Moreno to operate with the best possible supporting cast is the call that needs to be made.
Do you agree that this is Kentucky Basketball's best lineup? Sound off!
