LEXINGTON, Ky. — For most of the summer, whether it be pickup games or practices, freshman Tyrese Maxey and sophomore Ashton Hagans were on opposing teams. The McDonald’s All-American newcomer and the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year can both play point guard, so both did in those offseason showdowns. But during a recent practice, Kentucky coach John Calipari put them where they’ll be on opening night: together in the same backcourt.



“And whew,” Calipari said, “they were good.”



Hagans returned to college for a second season knowing that his offensive game needs work and his defensive effort, as spectacular as it so often is, must be more consistent. He’s driven by a mission to replicate former teammate PJ Washington’s Year 2 success. Maxey arrived on campus as if he’d come back from the NBA, not as a teenager hoping to get there. He started a breakfast club, knocking on doors at the Wildcat...