The preseason is officially over, and it’s hard to know what to think. Kentucky looked like a world-beater in a 13-point win over No. 1 Purdue, only to follow it up with a disastrous 14-point loss to Georgetown.
The blowout loss to the Hoyas was unacceptable, even for an exhibition. The team looked lost, turned the ball over, and couldn’t buy a basket for long stretches. But it happened, and now we see what Mark Pope’s team learned from it.
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As the Wildcats tip off the real season Tuesday night against Nicholls, followed by a Friday matchup with Valparaiso, here are the four things I’m watching most closely this week.
What does Kentucky need to do better?
1. Free Throw Shooting This is non-negotiable. This team has been dreadful from the free-throw line, a trend that cannot continue. They shot 8-for-15 (53%) in the Blue-White Game, a passable 9-for-13 (69%) against Purdue, and an abysmal 23-for-35 (65.7%) against Georgetown. That’s 12 missed free throws in a 14-point loss. Kentucky must be a 75%+ free-throw shooting team, period.
2. 3-Point Shooting (Can Anyone Make a Shot?) Much like their free throws, the 3-point shooting has been betraying the Cats. They shot 7-for-26 (27%) in the Blue-White Game, 9-for-29 (31%) against Purdue, and 7-for-30 (23%) against Georgetown. That’s a combined 23-for-85 (27%) in public appearances. Worse, they went 0-for-13 from deep in the second half against the Hoyas. This offense is designed to create open threes, but they have to go in. We specifically need to see Kam Williams get going, or his minutes may dry up fast.
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3. The Point Guard Position The offense looked chaotic against Georgetown without its primary ball-handlers. Jaland Lowe is expected to be back for the opener, but his role is crucial. Whether it’s Lowe, Denzel Aberdeen, or Collin Chandler, someone needs to get this team into a rhythm. The 1-on-1, stagnant offense we saw against Georgetown cannot be the norm. Ball movement and spacing, starting with the point guard, must improve dramatically.
4. The Rotation Mark Pope played 10 players over 15 minutes against Purdue and 9 against Georgetown (with Aberdeen out). Will he continue to use this “wave after wave” approach, or will he tighten the rotation now that the games count? Will it be a “hot hand” approach, or will he establish a firm 8-man rotation? How he manages minutes, especially in a game that should be a comfortable win, will tell us a lot about his philosophy for the season.
What are you watching for?
