Former Kentucky Jack \"Goose\" Givens makes the Y in the spelling of Kentucky during a timeout. Nov. 21, 2018 Kenucky 30

Mark Pope had to make some big moves in the power forward room, and he brought in two players Big Blue Nation is very excited about.

Those two players are Ousmane NDiaye and Justin McBride.

Last season at JMU, McBride put up some very impressive numbers.

McBride averaged 15.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game for the Dukes.

The 68 forward is back up at high-level basketball, and Big Blue Nation believes he is going to put up some impressive numbers this year in Lexington.

At practice, Kentucky legend Jack Goose Givens was asked about which player has surprised him most this summer, and McBride was his answer.

Here is what Goose had to say about McBride: Well, I know McBride is out right now and not practicing, but hes been one of the big surprises.

I didnt know for sure what to expect from him.

Hes a little quicker than I thought, quicker than he looks.

Better jumper than I thought, better jumper than he looks like he should be.

He shoots it lights out.

I mean, if you leave him open, hes made shots and will continue to do that.

Hes going to be a very valuable player.

Interesting because he may or may not start, but hes going to get some key minutes.

Hes going to be one of those guys when you look and say, well, hes playing well, the team is playing well, and if hes not, the team may not be.

But Ive been really impressed with McBride.

Last season the defense was an issue for McBride, but he is working very hard to get himself in better shape, and this should help him on the defensive end of the floor.

This added athleticism isnt going to make McBride an elite defender, but it could get him to a level where he isnt a liability.

I still predict NDiaye to start at the four for the Wildcats.

We have also heard some very good things about the offseason he has had.

Knowing the four was a problem for Pope and the Wildcats last season, it is very exciting to see that he has two players who will run his system at a high level.

The veteran McBride is ready to play SEC basketball, and I believe his best season of college basketball is still ahead of him.

His averages wont be as good as they were last year at JMU, but based on his minutes per game, McBride is going to have a big-time impact.