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Article by Brad King

365 days ago, the number one problem facing the Kentucky basketball roster was painfully evident. With All-World Freshman Patrick Patterson anchoring the frontline along side a raw and young Perry Stevenson, true freshman AJ Stewart, an unheralded project in Mike Williams, an injury-proned bean pole named Jared Carter, and walk-on Marc 'Flurry' Coury; Kentucky's front court was overmatched in just about every match up verse a worthy opponent.

That very front line was used, abused, and mutilated for a great deal of the season. Marc Coury and his 2 points and 1.7 rebounds became the starter in the middle. Mike Williams got playing time in five games all season. Jared Carter was both unprepared and injured. And AJ Stewart tended to be lost defensively.

However, by halfway through the SEC season, things began to change most largely due to the fact that Perry Stevenson had become a player. Not just a player, but a very good player. In the last 15 games of the season, Stevenson averaged 8 points and 7 boards per game; including a 14 point performance verse Tennessee and an 18 point performance verse Florida. The Patterson/Stevenson duo became a formidable one in the high-low set, and often the front court became the most reliable facet of the Kentucky team.

Going into the 2008-2009 season, UK definitely does have holes to fill on the roster, yet the frontcourt is the strongest it has been since the 02-03 season. For 5 years, UK fans have been clamoring for a respectable front court. Finally, that problem has been eased. The addition of 6'9 270 lbs Josh Harrellson, a player known for his soft hands and physical prowess finds himself in a role which he can instantly contribute and thrive.

Jared Carter, now healthy, is the lone senior on this team. After a successful summer tenure in Africa with the Athletes in Action (where he became the leading scorer for that team), there is reason to believe that his 4th season will be much improved from the past. While many UK fans have always doubted the big guy, he always has one thing going for him. You cannot teach 7'1 height. Expect Carter to be a crucial part of Kentucky's success from here forward.

AJ Stewart might be the most athletic player on the Kentucky roster. With this arsenal of gravity defying dunks displayed in several showcases prior to his college career, there is no doubt that Stewart has some real potential to be something special at Kentucky. It is a popular notion that the biggest improvement a player makes in college is between his freshman and sophomore year. Judging by Gillispie's comments at his most recent press conference, the theory seemingly holds true for AJ Stewart, who could find himself as one of the first players off the bench.

While Marc Coury remains on the roster, Gillispie has alluded to the fact that the junior walk-on is fishing around for a scholarship offer. Yet, if Coury remains around, it is a good thing. Marc Coury is now one of the most experienced walk-on players in the NCAA due to UK's lack of front court talent from last season.