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Two of Kentucky's former players have come away impressed after their first impressions of the group who will replace them.

DeAndre Liggins and Josh Harrellson have both had the chance to play in pickup games at UK this summer with their former teammates and the highly-touted incoming freshmen class.

"Anthony Davis impressed me a lot," DeAndre Liggins said. "He blocked my shot a couple of times."

Facing Davis taught Liggins an important lesson, there's only one way to finish when the 6-foot-10 freshman is around the rim.

"You got to dunk on him because if you lay it up he's going to block those shots," he said.

Harrellson compared Davis to another one of his former teammates.

"He reminds me a lot of Perry [Stevenson] but a little more athletic... real long and lanky," he said.

Harrellson was complimentary of all the new players but was most impressed by Ryan Harrow, a transfer from North Carolina State who will have to sit out next season.

"You all thought John Wall could jump? Just wait until you see this kid. What is he like 5-foot-10 maybe? A 50 inch verticle. It's crazy."

Freshman Mike Kidd-Gilchrist said recently that he would like to inherit Liggins' role as the team's defense stopper.

"He's got the ability and I think he's going to be a good talent," Liggins said.

"He's got more upside than me and he's a very talented player. I think he has great defense instincts. he's going to bring a lot of intangibles to next year's team."

Improvements made by returning players have also stuck out to Harrellson.

He's hung out with senior Darius Miller several times over the summer and "everytime he surprises me with how strong he's gotten," he said.

Harrellson also says sophomore Terrence Jones' game is continuing to develop.

"He's really improved his shot and I think his leadership and his maturity level [have improved.]"