Kentucky commit Shai Alexander rounds out game

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- As Kentucky fans were celebrating the program's five-star pick-up of Hamidou Diallo, another top-50 future Wildcat, Shai Alexander, was causing some major damage at the Penny Hardaway National Hoopfest.

Alexander, a 6-foot-4 guard that can play practically all three spots on the perimeter, has shown major production, versatility, and improvements that should make him an immediate contributor next year.

During his two-game stint in Memphis, Alexander was tremendous as he knocked in 20 of his 26 field goal attempts, four of his seven perimeter jumpers and grabbed six rebounds. While his shooting abilities were once questioned, the efficiency that Alexander has shown makes him that much more of a difficult matchup.

“Honestly, it has just been putting the work in at the gym,” he said. “Working on the spacing of my feet, my elbow and getting reps in the gym which has given me more confidence.”

Alexander said he must work on speeding up his jumper and working on his athleticism and strength, though it does look like the Hamilton Heights star has taken the next step up within his game. His improvement makes the 2017 recruiting class for John Calipari’s program that much more impressive.

When broached on the subject of peers headed to Lexington next fall, Alexander broke out with a smile about what could be.

“It is special,” he said. “We have guys that can shoot, passers and rebounders. We are going to be really tough.”

Alexander outlined further on how next year’s group might play.

“They are going to use us the same way they use these guys now: having three guards out top and getting up and down the floor fast.”

Heading back home with two wins, both coming in a dominant fashion, Alexander might be the least-heralded member of Kentucky’s 2017 class, but he could be the guy that is the glue to it all next year, a guard that could aid in the road back to the Final Four.