Of course, I don’t know whether or not Hopkins wanted to play SF or came to UK with the understanding that he would be allowed to play the 3 instead of the 4. I just know – because we’ve seen it forever – that traditionally (at least the last 40 years or so) almost every high ranked recruit wanted to play down a position because they thought it improved their desirability to the NBA. And I don’t see that what Hopkins is doing now at Providence proves it one way or the other. (But maybe he’s said something publicly that you’ve seen or read)
In the end , however, it really doesn’t matter does it? Because I agree with you it’s the coach’s responsibility to put a player in the spot he best helps the team win, regardless of what the player wants. So, whether Calipari pushes this unproductive and harmful (to the team) idea of playing down a position or it’s the player’s desire, the result is usually the same in my opinion – a team prone to offensive struggles and generally not as good as it could be.
