Ja’Mori Maclin is Now Playing More of His ‘Natural Position’ for Kentucky
As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare for the postseason, one of the most encouraging developments has been the emergence of Ja’Mori Maclin in a more prominent role. Under head coach John Calipari, Maclin is now playing more of his “natural position,” a shift that could be a game-changer for the Wildcats as they aim to make a deep run in March.
Maclin, a versatile guard with a strong defensive presence and the ability to score in a variety of ways, has spent much of his career at Kentucky in different roles, often filling in where the team needed him most. However, with postseason basketball on the horizon, Calipari has opted to move Maclin back to a position that better suits his skill set, and it’s clear that this change has the potential to elevate both Maclin’s game and the team’s overall performance.
“For a while, we had to ask Ja’Mori to do a lot of different things, play out of position, and sometimes he was doing what we needed him to do but not necessarily what he’s best at,” Calipari explained. “Now, we’re getting him back into his natural role, and it’s making a big difference. He’s more comfortable, more confident, and you can see it in his play.”
Maclin, who originally came to Kentucky with a reputation as a dynamic combo guard, is now being used more in the role that allows him to shine—running the offense and being a primary ball handler. This change is a return to the way he played before coming to Kentucky, and it’s starting to pay dividends for the Wildcats. Maclin’s ability to push the ball in transition, create plays for his teammates, and finish at the rim has added an extra dimension to Kentucky’s offense.
The shift in Maclin’s role has not only boosted his individual production but has also opened up more opportunities for his teammates. With Maclin more involved in directing the offense, guards like Sahvir Wheeler and TyTy Washington can focus more on their scoring and playmaking, knowing that the ball handling duties are spread more evenly across the team. The more fluid offensive flow has allowed the Wildcats to become more efficient, particularly in fast-break situations.
Defensively, Maclin’s quickness and ability to guard multiple positions continue to be assets for Kentucky. As the Wildcats enter March Madness, their defensive prowess will be crucial in slowing down high-scoring teams, and Maclin’s versatility allows him to match up against a wide range of players. His perimeter defense has been a key factor in Kentucky’s overall success this season, and with his increased comfort in his natural role, expect his defensive contributions to become even more prominent.
In his natural position, Maclin has been able to showcase his basketball IQ and leadership, qualities that were at times underutilized when he was asked to play out of position. His confidence is growing with every game, and it’s clear that he is beginning to settle into his rhythm.
“For me, it’s all about getting comfortable, playing with confidence, and staying aggressive,” Maclin said after a recent game. “Now that I’m back in the role I’m most familiar with, I’m just trying to make plays for my teammates and help the team win.”
As Kentucky heads into the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, Maclin’s newfound comfort and confidence will be critical. The Wildcats need every piece of their roster firing on all cylinders if they are to make a deep postseason run, and Maclin is poised to be a key contributor. With him playing more of his natural position, Kentucky fans can expect to see a more dynamic, cohesive team as they chase a championship.
