Photo by Keyli Chisesi (Go Big Blue Country)
The Kentucky Wildcats continue to be represented on preseason award watch lists. This time freshmen Kevin Knox and Hamidou Diallo were both tabbed to the Oscar Robertson Trophy watch list, which is presented annually by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association to the national player of the year.
Both players flashed their potential during the exhibition portion of the schedule. Knox led the Wildcats in scoring with an average of 19.3 points per game, including a 15 point, 11 rebound performance vs. Centre College last Friday.
Diallo, who decided to return after redshirting last season, also played well during the exhibition schedule. The UK freshman turned in his best performance vs. Morehead State, finishing with 23 points while knocking down 8-of-12 field goal attempts.
Both Knox and Diallo will be instrumental in Kentucky’s success this season. Diallo surprised everyone when he decided to withdraw his name from last summers NBA draft and Knox fooled everyone when he decided to pick Kentucky during the spring 2017 signing period.
The award is named after Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. The award will be presented at the Final Four in San Antonio; somewhere Knox and Diallo plan to be.
The freshmen duo will look to become the second Wildcat to win the award, as Anthony Davis won the award after leading Kentucky to the 2012 NCAA Championship.
Kentucky tips off the 2017-2018 regular season this Friday vs. Utah Valley at Rupp Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and it will be available on the SEC Network.
