Restoring That Feeling: The Outlook of Kentucky Basketball in the 23–24 Season
Sports editor Will Lyons gives you a look at the Kentucky Wildcats blazing start and how the team can hit another gear heading into conference play.
Kentucky Basketball is off to a blazing 6–1 start with their sole loss coming in a close game against the Kansas Jayhawks. Big Blue Nation has been active as expected on social media with many narratives around the team. Kentucky is built with veteran contributors in Tre Mitchell (WVU transfer) and microwave scorer Antonio Reeves. The vets are averaging a combined 33.8 PPG, 11 RPG, 5.9 APG and 3.5 stocks per game (steals + blocks) and the largest contribution they have provided is not measured on a box score. The leadership from these war tested players is showing as the talented freshmen find their way.
Returning Reeves and getting Mitchell to join the roster were huge victories for the coaching staff this off-season but the focus has always been on the freshmen. Coach Calipari has seen quite a few recruiting battles go other ways in recent seasons but this was vintage Cal. He signed a highly touted recruiting class including DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw, Justin Edwards, Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard. A late addition of 7’3 international big man Zvonimir Ivisic really had the Wildcats depth, versatility and athleticism off the charts.
Adding to the youth movement was the anticipation on seeing improvement from sophomores Adou Thiero and Ugonna Onyenso. Adou became a fan favorite in limited minutes last season showcasing a versatile skillset, athleticism and hustle. An off-season growth spurt and a second off-season working on his game had fans buzzing to see what the now 6’8” Forward can do with increased minutes and opportunity. Onyenso like the other two 7 footers on the roster have yet to play a minute this season leaving a void in the areas of rim protection and providing a consistent lob threat.
Considering the fact that Kentucky’s lone loss came at the hands of a team with a 7’1” 280 lb Center while our three bigs were out is truly a reason for optimism. Former top 5 recruit and McDonald’s All-American Center Aaron Bradshaw appears to be nearing return giving the Wildcats another gear they can reach. Bradshaw is a gifted athlete that can run the floor and catch lobs with ease, he has range out to the three off the catch and should provide a boost in rebounding and shot blocking. He fits into the mold of what Coach Cal prefers from a 5 man and will lighten the load off of grad transfer Tre Mitchell.
The other reasons for optimism are Coach Cal’s willingness (partially due to injury/eligibility issues) to have his team shoot more threes. Last season Kentucky attempted 18 threes per game ranking 320th in the country. So far they are attempting about 28 3PT attempts per game and making 42.6% of them. As we all know three points is worth more than two and the willingness to shoot the three changes how teams have to guard the Wildcats. Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham and Antonio Reeves are the primary floor spacers making 52% of their threes through seven games.
Outlook
Kentucky’s new found floor spacing and playmaking have been giving opposing teams fits. As we know anything can happen between now and March but Big Blue Nation has plenty of reasons for optimism. Highly regarded freshmen DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards have not played up to the lottery level hype surrounding their names but there is no cause for concern. The play of both freshmen has been trending upward while the other freshmen exceed expectation. Freshmen guards Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard having been two of the biggest driving forces behind Kentucky’s blazing start. Dillingham uses his quickness and otherworldly handle to create shots for himself and also get the defense off balance creating easy opportunities for his teammates. Sheppard is impactful turning defense into offense and averaging a ridiculous 63.3% from 3pt range to date.
John Calipari has coached a lot of talent in his tenure at the University of Kentucky but this team just feels different. It is one of the most well-built rosters from top to bottom and hasn’t even reached its peak yet. Integrating potential lottery pick Aaron Bradshaw while DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards continue to get comfortable is a scary thought. Heading into conference play I expect to see a battle tested Kentucky team win the conference and make a deep tournament run pending any injuries. The only thing Kentucky fans await now is news on Zvonimir Ivisic being cleared to play and raising the highly anticipated ninth championship banner.
