LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Kentucky's Ashton Hagans showed he was one of the most promising guards in college basketball last year, playing tough on-ball defense and his ability to distribute the basketball.

Now, he needs to be a better scorer and the Wildcats might need his leadership more than anything else.

The Southeastern Conference's co-defensive player of the year is Kentucky's top returning scorer - though he averaged just 7.7 points per game. He is the lone starter among four returning veterans.