De’Aaron Fox a Top 5 pg?

It was March 24th of 2017 when I was watching De’Aaron Fox’s Kentucky Wildcats face off in a rematch in the Elite 8 against Lonzo Ball’s UCLA Bruins. The matchup was well anticipated between the two potential Top 5 picks with many thinking Lonzo Ball would outplay and prove to the rest of the world why he should be, not only the first point guard, but the first player off the draft board in April.

As someone that was from, and lived in Southern California, I kept my eye on the Bruins, mainly because this was the most buzz that had been around the team since Kevin Love & Russell Westbrook were on the squad in 2008. Unlike the rest of the world, I was unimpressed with the play of Lonzo Ball. Don’t get me wrong, He had a great Freshman season, but I never thought he would become a Superstar at the next level or even compare to guys like Jason Kidd or Magic Johnson.

On a National stage, my suspicions about Zo were correct. While being guarded by Lonzo, to start the game De’Aaron went 4-4 scoring Kentucky’s first 8 points. Aaron Holiday was brought in shortly after to guard Fox. I also noticed that Lonzo struggled to create and score in the Half court setting. Ball seemed afraid of the moment compared to Fox who was ready for the moment. Swipa seemed locked in. He was picking Lonzo up full court on defense and going at him on the offensive end as well. At times Lonzo even looked afraid to handle the ball. Fox erupted scoring 15 first half points while also creating easy opportunities for his teammates. Lonzo finished the First Half with a disappointing 6 points and only 3 assists.

To start the 2nd Half, Fox added 4 quick points out of the gates. One of the the buckets included him jumping the passing lane, picking off a Lonzo Ball pass, which led to an electrifying fast break dunk. You can tell that Fox just wanted it more! I don’t know how Magic Johnson could have watched that game and thought that Lonzo would be a better pro than De’Aaron Fox. Fox finished the game with 39 points 4 assists & 2 steals leading Kentucky to the Elite 8.

Fast Forward to 2022 where Fox is leading a young and promising Kings squad, averaging 25.5 ppg 5.1 rpg & 6 apg. Fox is looking like a top 5 point guard in the NBA and Sacramento won’t be the laughing stock for long, especially with Mike Brown now calling the shots. Even in a guard heavy Western Conference don’t be surprised if Fox makes his first All-Star appearance this year. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Kings make the play-in. Fox has made strides year after year and is becoming a young Superstar before our eyes as I expected since his days at Kentucky. Fox checked off every box for me as a Wildcat; the only question mark for me was his shooting. This year Fox is posting career highs shooting 54.8% from the field, 37.5% from three & 83% from the free throw line. I hate to say I told you so, but I did. Dear NBA, De’Aaron Fox has arrived!

VSPN Writer | Vincent Cason II 9:24 PM PT