1995 - 96 Outlook
But while Edwards may not see game action this season, freshman ivnt'iiuiiiyiTH may join Mercer in gaining significant minutes early for the Wildcats. Turner, a 6-2 guard from Massachusetts, is the prototypical lead guard, according to Pitino. He averaged 36.1 points and 10.1 assists per game in earning first-team Parade and McDonald's All-America honors. His style of play has drawn comparisons to former Detroit Pistons' all-star Isiah Thomas.
"He may be the quickest player I've ever coached," Pitino said. "There aren't too many players that can stop him when he has the ball."
Another newcomer that will see action at either two-guard or small forward will be Ohio State transfer iilTJ;HirTTir;iy,Hiiii. who sat out last season as a redshirt on the UK sidelines. The 6-4 guard is explosive on offense. Against Kentucky in the 1993 Maui Classic, Anderson scored 23 points and grabbed five boards for the Buckeyes.
"He's very talented," Pitino said. "He has skills to play both guard positions or small forward, but we'll use him primarily at the two or three spot."
Rounding out Pitino's pickings at the guard position is sophomore l^liilrlJilili'iTTTT?!. Mills saw limited action last year, but as one of the top shooters on the team, he could be a
e'll develop into a good defensive team," Pitino said.1 think we'll be a big time steal team. We skdd be vm active our point prodtdon too. We'll score a lot of points."
zone buster for the Cats, a la Chris Harrison, who graduated in '95.
Looking at the roster, it appears the talent at guard is tremendous. But Pitino is not sold on his depth just yet.
"There are a lot of question marks," Pitino said. "Wayne Turner  how much will he play? Will Derek Anderson play some two guard?
"The backcourt is questionable right now. I wouldn't say we're loaded. I'd say we're loaded at the three-spot more than anywhere else."
Antoine Walker
Pitino pencils in Anderson, Mercer, Edwards and as small forward possibilities. Walker had a fantastic summer, finishing as the leading scorer and rebounder at the U.S. Olympic Festival in Denver, averaging 20.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game to earn All-Tournament team recognition. He also played well in Italy, finishing as the team's second-leading scorer averaging 20.8 points and 7.8 rebounds. In the team's opening win over Cagiva Varese, the Chicago native scored a game-high 31 points.
And, last season as a freshman, he scored 21 points against Florida in the SEC Tournament semifinals and followed that effort with 23 points against Arkansas in the championship game. For the tournament, he was awarded the MVP trophy.
"Antoine will really be a special player when his plusses outweigh his minuses," Pitino said. "He gives up as many points as he scores with his defensive liabilities, and I'm sure that will be corrected. When we rid him of his defensive liabilities, I think he'll absolutely be a great prospect."