In Mark Pope’s offense, both centers must be able to pass the ball, which he will have this season. Amari Williams is a proven exceptional passer, but so is Kentucky’s backup center, Brandon Garrison.
Garrison averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in his freshman season at Oklahoma State. The former McDonald’s All-American hopes to improve his numbers this season.
Isaac Trotter of 247Sports forecasted the role of each transfer for the Kentucky Wildcats, and he feels Garrison will support Williams.
Trotter believes Garrison’s role for the Kentucky Wildcats will be as follows: “Williams is probably the best bet to start at five, but Garrison will play. As a freshman at Oklahoma State this season, the once-heralded recruit delivered some impressive defensive performances. That is where Kentucky’s bread will be buttered. Garrison provides Kentucky with a vertical lob threat and increased rim protection. The Wildcats should have a good rim protector on the floor for the entire 40 minutes. However, Garrison’s playmaking should not be overlooked. He quietly had a 13% assist rate last season. It wasn’t very impressive, but he should eventually be able to make reads in this scheme.
Garrison is one of the most promising prospects on this Kentucky roster. He’ll be the backup five this season, learning from Williams. Then, the following season, it will be his show, and Garrison will be one of the best bigs in the SEC. When I watched Garrison’s game film at Oklahoma State, I saw flashes, and he is poised to breakout this season.
