Jared Estep |  IUPUI

Since 2009 and the arrival of head coach John Calipari at the University of Kentucky an abundance of talent has come through the city of Lexington. Following the miserable Billy “Clyde” Gillispie era, Calipari made some major noise right away bringing in John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and Daniel Orton. Here is a breakdown of the best players at each position Calipari has brought in his 8 seasons.

Point Guard: John Wall
This and center are hands down the toughest positions to decide on, Calipari’s point guards have thrived at both the collegiate and NBA level. I went with Wall strictly because he came to Kentucky in the “dark days” when the program was down and put them on the biggest possible stage he could. Wall averaged 16.6 points, 6.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals and led the Wildcats to an Elite 8. Wall was drafted #1 by the Washington Wizards in 2010.

Shooting Guard: Aaron Harrison
Aaron “Ice” Harrison is selected here for obvious reasons. In his freshman season he is known for his three clutch shots in the Sweet 16 against Louisville, Elite 8 against Michigan, and Final 4 against Wisconsin. Harrison not only went to the championship in his freshman season but he went 38-1 in his sophomore season but ended his career at UK with a devastating loss to Wisconsin in the Final 4. Harrison’s career averages were 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 1.6 assists, while shooting 33 percent from three and 47 percent from two.

Small Forward: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Perhaps the hardest working player Calipari has ever had, and that is a big statement. MKG was always on the floor and up into whatever man he was guarding. Whenever the Wildcats were facing a great offensive player, you knew there were no worries when MKG was on the floor. Don’t forget he is a National Champion, too. MKG’s averages in his on season were 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, while shooting 50 percent.

Power Forward: Anthony Davis
You don’t have to say much about this guy, everyone already knows. Perhaps one of the best one and done season there was. Davis was one of the best rim protectors ever. And as Calipari says he only took the fourth most shots on the National Championship winning Wildcats team. Davis went on to win the National Player of the Year, Final Four MVP, and was selected #1 in 2012 by the New Orleans Hornets who are now the Pelicans. Davis also has gold medal from that year as well. Davis’ averages at UK were 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 blocks, and 1.2 assists, while shooting 62 percent.

Center: Willie Cauley-Stein
I know, this one seems absurd but hear me out; Willie was at Kentucky for three seasons and was one of the best defenders to come through UK while he was there. People forget how vital Cauley-Stein was during the 38 game winning streak in 2015 and how he could virtually guard any position on the floor. Cauley-Stein’s numbers were not out of this world but he was a Player of the Year finalist in his junior season at Kentucky and you can make a great argument he could have won it if not for the platoon system. Cauley-Stein’s career averages were 8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, while shooting 59.3 percent.