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Three-Guard Offense Working Like Clockwork
It's Causing Turmoil Among UK Opponents
Here's a riddle:
It's smaller than most of their kind; has six legs: confusing to opponents: and loves to run? No. not a wounded spider.
And it's not a six-legged race at a Munchkin picnic. Give up? (I knew you would)
The answer is quite simple - Eddie Sutton's three-guard offense.
Over the year's I've gotten used to UK's public address announcer. Jim I ngle going through the traditional 'at guard. . .at center' intra. Even during the lineup introductions I was expecting I ngle to announce James Blackmon at center. It took me a second or two to realize the Wildcats were starting three guards and two forwards.
Nick Nicholas
Cats' Pause Columnist
No starting center. That's kind of confusing, you know.
In his first three games (counting the exhibition against the Cezchoslovakians) the UK head mentor started guards Roger Harden (6-1) James Blackmon (6-3) and Ed Davender (6-2). And to the amazement of many the smaller Wildcat lineup is working like clockwork.
Though the trio have added a new dimension, the big question is, can they sustain the same winning effort against a taller ball club?
Sutton, though, feels that he can't start the three guards against every squad. Since forwards Kenny Walker (6-8) and Winston Bennett (6-7) must try hold their own on the boards, some schools may put to task the smaller lineup.
Only time will tell, but I think the three guards Kentucky has, plus with Paul Andrews and Leroy Byrd ready to check in, can play against teams such as Indiana, Louisville, Auburn, and Alabama. Only Kansas and LSU, because of their outstanding front lines, would probably be too much for Kentucky's unique initial lineup.
Starting and playing the Harden-Blackmon-Davender tandem helps Kentucky in so many ways, however.
While Davender is picking up where he left off last season, Harden and Blackmon appear to be much more relaxed. If Harden, who performed well in last year's NCAA tourney, continues to shoot the eyes out of the bucket and Blackmon plays with the all-out effort shown lately, then Sutton's first year may be a memorable one as far as wins and losses are concerned.
So far this season, all three players are shooting from the perimeter with success. Though it wasn't against the likes of Kansas or Louisville it's promising to know that the guards can shoot the ball through the hoop. Last season Davender connected on 41.2 percent (93 of 226) from the field; Blackmon, 41.2 percent (68-165); and Harden, 39.5 percent (66 of 167).
In addition to their scoring punch, all three have proven they can dish out assists, steals, and rebound more effectively than your average guard. And when it comes time to dish out the full-court press these are the guys  with the quick hands and feet  who Sutton will look to.
Blackmon
Harden
Eddie's His Name, Defense Is His Game
As long as this lineup continues to work, and work well, then why change it? If the guards can continue to connect then Walker and Bennett will be that much more effective, offensively. Teams will not be able to double and triple team Walker like they have in the past. Plus with a healthy Bennett, UK has another hot pistol in its artillery framework.
The Louisville Male product has all the tools. And with the three-guard set a healthy Bennett may be the most important person on the floor. His shooting, rebounding, and defense are needed to help make the setup work.
Having Harden, Blackmon and Davender on the floor gives UK so many weapons. That is. . .if the threesome plays like they have been of late. Northwestern State did play well in losses to Kentucky and Alabama and Chaminade (an NAIA institution) was still considered a threat even if it did feature seven new faces this season. Still, it doesn't compare to what awaits Kentucky in the month of December.
Cincinnati, Indiana, Kansas and Louisville will set the Wildcats' scenario for the sequals or extinction of the three-guard offense.
One thing is for sure, all three men will see plenty of playing time. Sutton even mentioned that the guard not starting may play more than the other two.
Differences in playing styles is why the smaller lineup works. Davender  the best defender of the three; Blackmon  the best athlete, can be an effective rebounding guard; and Harden  the best passer and also has experience and leadership in his corner.
With all three players in the lineup it seems to ease the tension. The guards, like everyone else, realize that they'll see enough playing time to keep 'em happy. And with no animosity among the Wildcats means more fun. . .and more fun means a better overall game from everyone.
Playing against teams similar in overall size  Auburn, Alabama, Vanderbilt, Mississippi and Mississippi State  the three-guard offense could be used. It's against squads like Kansas, which boast a starting front line of 7-1, 6-11, 6-5, that may frighten UK's new coach. Other teams on Kentucky's schedule in which Sutton might ban the new lineup are Indiana, Louisville, LSU, Tennessee and North Carolina State. Against the Hoosiers, Cardinals, Tigers, Volunteers and Wolfpack, Walker and Bennett will need additional help.
That's where the development of Cedric Jenkins. Robert Lock, Richard Madison, Irving Thomas and Todd Ziegler comes into play. UK's unique lineup is, in a way, helping the 'Cats forwards and centers.
How?
As long as the three-guard offense continues to click the more time Sutton and his staff will have to work his taller youngsters into the game plan.
Lock and Jenkins, who averaged 7.3 and 4.4 minutes per game as freshmen, are slowly though surely contributing at the post. So much in fact, that either player is apparently ready for a starting assignment.
All five have looked impressive at times. Their inside games, on both ends of the court, are a must against the Pervis Ellisons, Danny Mannings, Chuck Persons, Nikita Wilsons and John Wiliams of the collegiate roundball world.
Sutton's makeshift lineup, though, is keeping everyone in Kentucky happy to this point.
And a satisfied bunch of Blue and White supporters relay a happy Wildcat team.
Sutton's smaller lineup  Walker, 6-8; Bennett, 6-7; Blackmon, 6-4; Davender, 6-1; and Harden, 6-foot  may bring back memories of Rupp's Runts. During the 1965-66 season legendary Wildcat mentor Adolph Rupp coached one of the most courageous group of Wildcats ever. The lineup, vastly smaller than the Wildcats' starters of today, consisted of guards Louie Dampier (6-foot), Tommy Kron (6-5); forwards Larry Conley (6-3) and Pat Riley (6-3); and center Thad Jaracz (6-5).
It was during that season UK went on to record an impressive 32-2 slate, losing only to Tennessee (69-62 in Stokely) and to Don "Bear" Haskins' Texas Western squad (72-65) at the NCAA championship contest in Landover, Md.
Riley, now the successful head coach of the LosAngeles Lakers, jumped center for the '66 squad. During the season, meanwhile, Riley won 55 of 58 taps.
So, is there a name for Eddie's three-guard lineup?
Sutton's Shorties? Sutton's stumps?
Naaah.