Kentucky's depth -- arguably its most important differentiating factor this season -- took a significant blow when veteran forward Alex Poythress suffered a season-ending torn ACL on Thursday in practice.
Poythress was averaging only 5.5 points (eighth on the team) and 3.8 rebounds in a little more than 20 minutes per contest, but can his impact on the Wildcats be effectively measured by numbers? He's a veteran who is viewed as a calming influence and was a significant factor in last season's run to the national title contest.
How does Poythress' absence alter the complexion of the Kentucky Wildcats? Should John Calipari abandon his platoon system? If not, who should move into the starting lineup in Poythress' place? ESPN's Jeff Goodman reached out to those who would know best: ESPN's Seth Greenberg and primary SEC analyst Sean Farnham, as well as ESPN analyst Jay Bilas and a handful of head and assistant coaches who have already faced the Cats this season.