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Player comparisons are nothing new to college hoops, especially when it comes to a program with as much professional output as Kentucky. “Comps,” as they’re often called, are maybe the most popular way to give a fanbase an idea as to exactly what a new guy may be capable of. In the case of Alex Wilkins, he’s drawn the loftiest of nods early on.
Has anyone ever heard of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? Two-time NBA MVP and NBA Champion? If it's been too long, you can look no further than Alex Wilkins for a reminder as to who he was at Kentucky. Mark Pope himself said Wilkins had "SGA" vibes last month, and now, the Kentucky Men's Basketball X account is once again calling the comparison into light.
"[Alex Wilkins] looking a little familiar," read the caption. The attached clip featured Wilkins blowing past Reece Potter (all love to our guy there) with a shifty move, resulting in an easy finish at the rim.
Of course, the Big Blue Nation were all over this in no time. Anyone being compared to SGA, one of the most accomplished Cats to ever do it on the next level, will draw a firestorm of blue and white supporters to their side.
"I need more Alex Wilkins highlights," wrote Casey of Bleed Blue Network, to the tune of 160+ likes. KSR's Brandon Ramsey noted that Wilkins' ability to create his own shots will be a "HUGE offensive luxury" this season. Everyone in the BBN is all in on this guy.
Of course, you can count me in, too.
The BBN is All In on Alex Wilkins
Wilkins, coming in at 6-foot-5, 175 lbs, is physically comparable to SGA's 6-foot-6 frame. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard certainly has more physicality to his current game, but Wilkins has plenty of time (this offseason and beyond) to add to his frame going forward. Playing in the SEC, he'll have no other choice.
On the scoring front, Wilkins again looks to take up a similar role to the one that SGA had at Kentucky... only, he won't have to come off the bench behind Quade Green. That's a modern benefit, no doubt.
In his freshman season with the Furman Paladins, Wilkins averaged 17.8 points per contest, accompanied by 4.7 assists and two boards. He took on basically all of the team's scoring bulk and, even when the squad fell 82-71 to UConn in the Round of 64, Wilkins posted an impressive 21 points on a scorching 50% clip from deep.
His sophomore season in Lexington will present every opportunity for a huge, superstar-level leap. If Wilkins is SGA-like in any capacity, we could be in for a special run from the multi-faceted guard at Rupp Arena in Mark Pope's third year.
Today's best reads
- Mark Pope seems to have already fixed Kentucky's most annoying problem from last season
- Kentucky Basketball is developing a boiling SEC rivalry that's about to hit a new high
- The biggest "what if" 5-stars that came and went in modern Kentucky Basketball history
- Kentucky's best playmaker in summer practice may not even get to play this season
- Kentucky fans should embrace Mark Pope's underdog status ahead of his third year
This article was originally published on wildcatbluenation.com as Alex Wilkins continues to draw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander nods, and Kentucky fans are hyped.
