NCAA Basketball Kentucky Wildcats

Devin Booker, Tyler Ulis Fueling Kentucky Wildcats

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By @TimLetcher

Jeff Blake, USA TODAY SPORTS

Jeff Blake, USA TODAY SPORTS

There has been quite a bit of discussion this season about the platoon system employed by John Calipari and his Kentucky Wildcats. The initial concept of the platoons was to get the most possible playing time out of 10 talented players on the Wildcats’ roster.

Calipari has tinkered with the system all season long, changing combinations and mixing the two platoons when needed, especially late in close games.

While the original intent was to maximize playing time for Calipari’s nine McDonald’s All-Americans, plus Willie Cauley-Stein, there has been an added benefit to the platoons.

When Calipari goes to the bench initially, he brings in the group known as the white platoon. Within that group of five players are the two guys who are carrying Kentucky right now, freshmen guards Devin Booker and Tyler Ulis.

The energy that Booker and Ulis bring to the floor keeps opponents on their heels. It’s difficult to keep up with the quickness of Ulis and the shooting ability of Booker.

That energy was evident again on Saturday as Kentucky beat the South Carolina Gamecocks 58-43 in Columbia to move to 19-0 on the season. Booker led Kentucky in scoring with 18 points, while Ulis added six points and six assists.

It’s clear right now that Kentucky is a better team when Booker and Ulis are on the floor. Aaron Harrison and his twin brother Andrew Harrison continue to start for Kentucky, but the Wildcats seem to be fueled by the energy that Booker and Ulis bring to the floor.

Calipari will likely continue to use platoons to get his players maximum playing time, but he quietly will also enjoy the boost that Booker and Ulis give his team when he goes to the bench.

Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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