1. Khani Rooths, F
The most surprising star in the making for the Cardinals in the first two games had to be sophomore Khani Rooths. Many speculated whether Rooths would have the capability and the opportunity to make a significant leap forward in his second year with coach Pat Kelsey. Those questions were quickly put to rest, with Khani having back-to-back big games to start the year. Rooths began the season with a massive 20-point, 7-rebound performance, only to come back the next game (in a starting role) and post 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Cardinals. His surge to early-season stardom has been a welcoming aspect of the early going for all Cards fans.
Rooths has shown major aggressiveness and intensity on both ends of the floor. With the Wildcats' perceived strength being their athleticism, having players of a similar caliber on the Cardinals to counter these talents will surely be necessary. Cards fans are looking to Rooths to fill this void and be another athletic scoring and enforcer in this game. If the Cardinals want their chance to come away with the victory, Khani Rooths will need to be a significant piece of that game plan.