JAM session

Summer’s a little bit better for Kentucky fans. Let’s explore why.

1. Plenty of promise with Kentucky

John Calipari tried to downplay GLOBL JAM expectations, offering the “there’s a chance we go 0-4” idea earlier this week.

Well, Kentucky already exceeded those dreary expectations in one game, finishing off Germany, 81-73, in its opener on Wednesday. Was it perfect? No. But it certainly showed what the Cats are capable of.

Antonio Reeves scored 24, Tre Mitchell added 22, and freshman DJ Wagner had 16 points, six assists, two steals and two blocks.

Additionally, Kentucky won without injured big men Ugonna Onyenso and Aaron Bradshaw, two players who figure to battle for minutes at the five when healthy.

Considering those absences, Calipari was asked if he thought about playing top-rated freshman Justin Edwards at the four but downplayed it.

“I didn’t like Justin Edwards at the four. We tried it, but he doesn’t know the position enough,” he said afterward.

It wasn’t really avoidable on Wednesday with a smaller lineup. Edwards grabbed nine boards and dished out four assists despite shooting struggles.

The rest of the youngsters also had their moments. Wagner started and appeared to be the most comfortable — he made numerous highlight reel shots, like this step-back jumper — while Rob Dillingham had six points off the bench.

But this is just one game. There will be moments when Kentucky fans want to toss their TV remote across the room when Dillingham or Wagner take ill-advised shots.

That’s expected with talented, young freshman guards of their caliber. But some of Cal’s best teams featured skilled scoring freshman guards, which should be right in Wagner’s wheelhouse. The playmaking aspect will take time, but he’s clearly willing to involve teammates within the offense.

That also goes for the rest of the team. How they respond today against Canada is the next test.

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2. CofC win factory

For those wondering if the College of Charleston is a one-season wonder, think again.

Fresh off a 31-4 season that featured a 20-game win streak, the Cougars have the pieces in place to make another NCAA Tournament. There’s optimism around Pat Kelsey’s program — and it’s not just all the #OurCity and hanging on the rim hype.

CofC can actually grab an NCAA Tournament win thanks to its key returnees and some promising newcomers.

Ante Brzovic, a 6-10 forward who plays with uncommon finesse, is the catalyst behind Charleston’s offensive success. He averaged 11.6 points and 5.6 boards in only 19 minutes per game last season. Expect his minutes and production to increase in 2023-24, as the smooth lefty continues to adjust to the D-I game (he transferred from D-II Southern Oklahoma State before last season).

Three starters — Dalton Bolon, Pat Robinson and Ryan Larson — graduated. So the additions of CJ Fulton (10.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 5.0 apg at Lafayette), versatile forward Frankie Policelli (13.7 points, 9.4 rebounds at Stony Brook) and Bryce Butler (22.5 points at D-II West Liberty) will be essential.

Butler is the most intriguing of the transfer crop. The 6-5 guard follows in the shoes of fellow West Liberty transfers Bolon and Robinson (quite the feeder system for Charleston!) as a former D-II All-American. He had five 30-point games last season and topped 20 points 26 times. The Cougars will need that kind of scoring punch.

Are we hyping Charleston because it’s playing on Dec. 2 in the inaugural Field of 68 tip-off series? Nah. But it sure doesn’t hurt.

3. Summer League Standouts

Victor Wembanyama grabbed the attention at the NBA‘s Summer League, but I find the event to be a much more gratifying way to see some of my old favorite college hoops players.

So take a stroll down memory lane with some of the guys I loved watching in college, and see how they’re faring in Summer League.

Mike Daum: South Dakota State/Sacramento Kings

An all-time top-10 scorer in college hoops, Daum sparingly played in the first few games in Vegas, but scored 22 points in 24 minutes on Tuesday against the Bulls. His numbers overall are the least impressive on this list, but it’s fun to see him get some run. Daum still gets buckets from all three levels.

Michael DeVoe: Portland Trail Blazers/Georgia Tech

It was surprising the 6-5 sharpshooter never seemed to gain traction in NBA circles. Until now. DeVoe made the most of his chance when Scoot Henderson got injured and scored 29 points in a narrow win over Wemby’s Spurs. That’s a night DeVoe could build on for some NBA traction.

Javon Freeman-Liberty: Chicago Bulls/DePaul

Does DePaul have another NBA player in the making? We saw Paul Reed and Max Strus collect nearly 100 million in combined NBA contracts this offseason. Freeman-Liberty’s doing his best to capitalize on his opportunity. He’s averaging 21 points, four boards and four assists in three games.

Kenneth Lofton Jr: Louisiana Tech/Memphis Grizzlies

Lofton’s averaging 20.7 points and 7.3 boards through five games, and showing he’s worthy of some NBA run. The Grizzlies agree. The franchise rewarded Lofton with a four-year contract worth over 6.7 million dollars, of which 2.7 million is guaranteed.

Sam Merrill: Cleveland Cavaliers/Utah State

Merrill is showing shades of his Utah State form, averaging 18.7 points and shooting 48% from deep for the Cavs. The Cavs have two unabashed shooters in Emoni Bates and Sharfie Cooper, so it’s impressive Merrill has gotten off more than 10 threes per game in three games.

An SEC switch

Chris Beard’s now in the SEC after years of coaching in the Big 12. He discusses the move, what’s ahead for his Ole Miss roster, and his exit from Texas and what it means to be back coaching.

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Links as you comb through the ESPY winners.

• Top-30 recruit Isaiah Abraham will announce his college destination on Friday.

• New Mexico and New Mexico State agree to resume yearly series following one-year hiatus.

• The Big 12 has a plan when it comes to conference expansion.

• Virginia and Marquette announced staff moves.

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