Alvin Brooks III, a native of Baylor University, who has spent the last eight years serving as Scott Drew’s assistant after winning a national championship, has been named as the newest addition to Coach Mark Pope’s staff by the Kentucky basketball team.
The addition of Brooks III is intended to help Kentucky return to its former glory in the SEC, where a national championship is clearly in the sights. The announcement coincided with Pope’s addition of a significant player through the transfer window, at least one significant catch. DJ Wagner, a former five-star prospect for Kentucky basketball, is currently leaving Lexington; his final destination is unknown.
Journalist Matt Norlander announced the newest significant development in UK basketball on his Twitter account on Wednesday.
Kentucky Basketball Hires Baylor Coach
As the news of Brooks III was made public, Norlander explained everything in simple terms. Norlander believes that the addition of Brooks III is a huge accomplishment for Coach Mark Pope’s squad.
The Bears finished third among men’s Division-I NCAA basketball teams in the Big 12 Conference with an overall record of 24-11 last season.
The goal for Pope and Brooks III will be to bring life back to a Kentucky basketball team that was defeated by March Madness champion Jack Gohlke and the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies in the opening round. Brooks’ Wildcats team will have Brooks III as an associate head coach.
Kentucky Loses Shepherd to NBA Draft
Guard Reed Shepherd of Kentucky basketball lost his chance to play at the next level this past Thursday when he decided to enter the NBA Draft. Even though Shepherd only averaged 12.5 points per game the previous season, he is predicted to be a top ten choice in this year’s draft.
Shepherd will be missed for his all-around skills and pinpoint three-point shooting, and Coach Pope and the Wildcats will have a significant void to fill going forward. The departure of former Kentucky coach John Calipari and the current state of the Wildcats’ team have fans curious about the precise makeup of the team for the upcoming season.
It appears that Coach Pope and the new coach Brooks III may have a few tricks up their sleeves this offseason in an attempt to produce a championship squad, even without Reed Shepherd. Brooks III might play a significant role in the portal and high school prospect recruiting process.
