NCAAB · 11 months ago

College Basketball: 5 Things I’ve Learned About Kentucky Through 3 Games

John Canady

Host · Writer

5) Kentucky's Win over Duke Will Pay Dividends Down the Line
Kentucky entered their first matchup of the season against a ranked opponent as underdogs. With little to no expectations, Pope’s squad had confidence in themselves regardless of the doubters or even the double-digit deficit the team faced during the battle. The Wildcats found a way to win, and with a long season ahead, this could be the victory that elevated the UK’s squad to the next level, especially when March comes around.

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1) Mark Pope has the Wildcats Playing with Pace
Over the offseason, Kentucky Basketball underwent a significant change with the departure of John Calipari and the hiring of Mark Pope. After a complete rebuild with zero returning players, coach Pope put together a squad to best represent the style of play he hoped for his new program to play with. Undoubtedly, his preferred style of play is fast-paced. Through the first three games, you can see the quickness and indecisiveness the Wildcats play with. The team plays hard, makes quick decisions, and prioritizes ball movement rather than ISO ball, which is a significant change from how Kentucky played last season. Considering a 3-0 start, UK's new identity looks to be a key to success.

Odds to Win National Championship: Kentucky +2500

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2) Koby Brea May be the Best Player on the Roster
One of Pope's most significant offseason additions through the transfer portal was the sharpshooter forward from Dayton, Koby Brea. The fifth-year senior joined the Wildcats looking to play against the top programs in the league and showcase his skillset. Through the team's first three games, he's done precisely that. Leading Kentucky in scoring, averaging 15.3 points per game, the versatile forward has added on 4.3 rebounds and two assists off the bench. Entering the season, many believed BYU transfer Jaxson Robinson would be the primary option for Kentucky, but up to this point, Brea has been that guy for them.
3) Lamont Butler is the Point Guard UK Needed
Lamont Butler is another big name who joined the Wildcats in the offseason. Coming fresh off a deep March Madness run with his former squad at San Diego State, the point guard took on the challenge of playing for a big program. He's averaging 9.7 points, 3.3 assists, and three rebounds in his first three starts while shooting 44% from field goal range. Although his stats may not be impressive, his impact on the court has gone far beyond the stat sheet. Butler's IQ often puts him in the right position on both sides of the floor. His ability to break down opposing defenses and make the right play nearly every trip down shouldn't go unnoticed.
4) Starting Front Court is Impacting Early
With zero returning players for Pope's first year, the head coach had to rebuild the frontcourt through the transfer portal, and he did exactly that. The additions of Wake Forest transfer Andrew Carr and Drexler transfer Amari Williams have looked like one of the more underrated moves of Kentucky's offseason. Carr has quickly impacted the Wildcats with his ability to stretch the floor, averaging 13 points, 3.3 rebounds, and two assists, shooting 68.4% from field goal range, including 60% shooting from three. Meanwhile, Williams is averaging a double-double with 11.7 points and 11.7 rebounds. The seven-footer has shown off his passing abilities, especially from the top of the key, where a lot of Kentucky's offense runs through him.
5) Kentucky's Win over Duke Will Pay Dividends Down the Line
Kentucky entered their first matchup of the season against a ranked opponent as underdogs. With little to no expectations, Pope’s squad had confidence in themselves regardless of the doubters or even the double-digit deficit the team faced during the battle. The Wildcats found a way to win, and with a long season ahead, this could be the victory that elevated the UK’s squad to the next level, especially when March comes around.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) Mark Pope has the Wildcats Playing with Pace
Over the offseason, Kentucky Basketball underwent a significant change with the departure of John Calipari and the hiring of Mark Pope. After a complete rebuild with zero returning players, coach Pope put together a squad to best represent the style of play he hoped for his new program to play with. Undoubtedly, his preferred style of play is fast-paced. Through the first three games, you can see the quickness and indecisiveness the Wildcats play with. The team plays hard, makes quick decisions, and prioritizes ball movement rather than ISO ball, which is a significant change from how Kentucky played last season. Considering a 3-0 start, UK's new identity looks to be a key to success.

Odds to Win National Championship: Kentucky +2500

Level up your college hoops bets with SportsGrid’s free CBB Picks & CBB Player Props.

College Basketball: 5 Things I’ve Learned About Kentucky Through 3 Games

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