NCAA Tournament: 5 Things We Learned About the Kentucky Wildcats

Mark Pope Has Brought a Much-Needed Change of Culture

Towards the end of the Calipari era, it was clear that the culture around Kentucky basketball was running stale. Following the departure from coach Cal, most fans and basketball minds around Kentucky had their sights set on big-fish hires such as UConn's Dan Hurley, NBA head coach Billy Donovan, or even potentially Baylor's Scott Drew. However, Mitch Barnhart had the perfect Calipari successor in his mind, which was former Wildcat Mark Pope. At first, many were critical of the hire, believing the head coach hadn't shown enough at BYU to return the program to a contender. Pope's newly established culture has the team in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019, earning him an extra year on his newly signed contract and the support of Kentucky fans.

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Koby Brea is More Than Just a Sharpshooter

Koby Brea is another transfer portal addition that Pope managed to land last offseason. The six-foot-seven guard is mainly known to be a knockdown shooter courtesy of his efficient jumper. However, Brea has proved since being inserted in the starting lineup in the NCAA Tournament that he's much more than a sharpshooter. In their win over No. 6 Illinois on Sunday, the guard finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and an assist, showcasing his ability to put the ball on the floor while proving his basketball IQ is next level with multiple timely backdoor cuts. If Brea's game continues to elevate, the Wildcats will be a tough out.

The Wildcats' Defense is Coming Together at the Right Time

Throughout the season, Kentucky's success has mostly come on the offensive side of the floor. The Wildcats have struggled on the defensive side throughout the season. Still, down the stretch of the season, Pope's squad showed flashes of a defensive unit with improved communication that could make life tough for opposing offenses. Two games into tournament play, they've shown exactly that, ranking No. 2 in defensive efficiency behind only the Houston Cougars, who rank No. 1.

Amari Williams is the X-Factor

Amari Williams has quietly been the largest reason for the Wildcats' success up to this point. The big man is averaging 10.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 55.7% from field goal range. And while the stats aren't flashy, it's what the big man does outside of the stat sheet that makes him so important for Kentucky. Not only is his defensive presence in the paint as a seven-foot shot blocker valuable, but his ability to handle the ball and pass at a high level allows for, UK to run multiple sets through him, which makes it a nightmare for opposing defenses to defend. Williams is an X-Factor for the Wildcats, and when he's playing at his best, his strong play elevates his teammates' play.

Mark Pope Has Brought a Much-Needed Change of Culture

Towards the end of the Calipari era, it was clear that the culture around Kentucky basketball was running stale. Following the departure from coach Cal, most fans and basketball minds around Kentucky had their sights set on big-fish hires such as UConn's Dan Hurley, NBA head coach Billy Donovan, or even potentially Baylor's Scott Drew. However, Mitch Barnhart had the perfect Calipari successor in his mind, which was former Wildcat Mark Pope. At first, many were critical of the hire, believing the head coach hadn't shown enough at BYU to return the program to a contender. Pope's newly established culture has the team in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019, earning him an extra year on his newly signed contract and the support of Kentucky fans.

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