Harrellson worked to show he belonged at UK
October 14th, 2009 | 
Author: By LARRY VAUGHT
Josh Harrellson had to prove to new Kentucky coach John Calipari that me merited a chance to stay at Kentucky. He lost 12 pounds and hopes to lose a few more to improve his quickness.
“But I am stronger. I usually ran in the morning and then lifted with the team. I usually did about two workouts a day and then open gym,” Harrellson said. “I would run on the treadmill about two miles and bike seven miles or do something like that. I would run a pretty good pace. At the beginning of the summer, I did another conditioning workout to lose more weight. Then after I lost 10 or 12 pounds, I did regular workouts to add muscle,” Harrellson said.
“I see myself as a team leader this year, a kind of spark plug. I think I can hit big shots, motivate people and get everybody ready to play. I think almost all the veterans are taking leadership role and helping. I think Pat (Patterson) will be a great team leader, but I can help, too.”
One way is with his 3-point shooting.
“I think it is going to help me a lot. Everybody plays one on one, so somebody is going to beat their man off the dribble. My man will help and they will kick it out and hopefully I will knock down the shots. It will be easier to score,” he said. “I can put the ball on the floor now and beat people off the dribble or I can do a little dribble pull-up shot. I am better rebounder and better finisher. But I can hit the 3-point shot if I just get a chance to shoot it.”
Harrellson remains anxious to show UK fans he’s better than the player they saw last year and deserves the opportunity Calipari is giving him on a team that has interior players like Patterson, Perry Stevenson, DeMarcus Cousins and Daniel Orton.
“I am really anxious prove everybody that I belong here. I think last year I was under restraints to not do what I wanted to do in my own game. Coach Cal gives everybody the freedom to play your own game. That’s why we are all here,” Harrellson said.
“Every player on our team can play. Put them in and they will produce. Coach Cal says he will play nine or 10 players every game. Hopefully I can find myself in that nine or 10. Practices will be a battle. Everybody has different skills they bring to the table. We are all looking forward to it.”
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Great article as always Larry, I think Harrelson is one of the X factors for the upcoming season, I see him being much like Suton was to Michigan State last year. If he can step up and hit some critical three point baskets in the crunch, his playing time and productivity will greatly increase and obviously help the team. I feel like he has the potentional to be an outstanding role player on this team. If he can do alot of the little things and hit a some key shots, his worth to be kept on the team will be proven. I wish him the best and look forward to seeing him do well.
Dare I say “EnFuego”!!
That is a great comparison. Not sure he can be that good, but he certainly can help
Larry, I think Coach Cal will get the best out of each and every player on the roster this year. I truly believe that we will see new and exciting things from some players that didn’t look the part last year. Liggins, Harrelson, and a few others will do a complete 360 in my opinion. Coach Cal will build confidence in these scarred players and have them playing at a much higher level. Having said that… will Harrelson play like a Suton?, probably not, but if he has him thinking he can, it will only benefit the team. Sometimes a boost in confidence is all a player needs to get things going in the right direction.
Good points Fred. Confidence is a fragile thing and Billy G. took that away from a lot of players last year.
Those are some amazingly confident statements from Josh. What a difference 6 months has made for this young man. The transformation of Josh from last season through this season will truly be an inspirational one for any player, if he can back up half of that confidence on the court. Good luck to him. I can’t wait to see him succeed. Great work Larry.
It is amazing how time and confidence can change a player’s outlook
I hope they only make a 180 degree change.
Valid point Jason
I think another comparison might be Scott Padgett.
Unfortunately for Josh, this team is more talented than the 98′ team with one MAJOR exception. The 98′ squad had multiple, serious theats from 3-land.
Let’s not pray that teams won’t pack in the lane (they will), John, Eric, DeAndre, Darius, & R. Harris aren’t solid from 20′ (they probably won’t be), and we struggle at the line (I have a feeling we will).
With this said, the 3-pointer will be as important as Fidler firing long to open up the short game. Josh could see much more playing time than one would expect.
Funny thing is this…
There are 6 solid threats from outside the arc – three of which are traditional centers. The only guard with range that will get over 10 minutes a game is Dodson.
Teams will learn quickly you can’t guard JW one-on-one. You must help. Repeat: you must help. Guys like Josh have to be open for this system to work and they must have fresh legs.
By seasons end, you will see Josh, DeMarcus, and Daniel firing some three balls. It’s an absolute must for this system to work.
Can anybody say “Jodie Meeks”. It’s just crazy scary to imagine this team with him around.
(breath taken)
Great comparison to Padgett and what he could do. Team might be a little better from 3 than some expect because there will probably be a lot of open 3′s to take. They will miss Jodie, but the plus side is that it does open playing time for more young guys and that could be a blessing by March. Great post Jim