With Top Notch Performances This Season, How Can Kentucky Better Their Chance at the National Title?

The Kentucky Wildcats have a compelling 9-2 tally and occupy the first position in the Southeastern Conference. They have only lost two games with one loss coming against the Kansas Jayhawks. Other than that they recently defeated the Louisville Cardinals, giving an apt response to their long-term rivalry.

The Kentucky trumped them by a large margin of 95-76. Other than that, they have also defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels, edging past them by an 87-83 margin. 9 out of 10 fans believe that the Kentucky is the team to watch out for this season.

What makes Kentucky so special?

They have an outstanding defense to fall back on. Their guard Rob Dillingham has supported this team throughout. He is not the alpha but has been an assist maker, creating opportunities for his team under tough conditions. The 18-year-old averages 14.2 points per game with 4.3 assists per match. This is the highest assist average for the Wildcats this season. This has been a breakout year for the freshman guard who is probably one of the quickest players in college basketball this season.

This team has already proven their mettle and the one thing they would need is time. Going ahead in the season, they are expected to have formidable group bonding which will help them forge their way in the NCAA season. They fall in the same league as the Purdue and when they are healthy and giving their best. This team in other words is one of the best in the college circuit right now and belongs to the cream layer.

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They have two seven-footers in their forwards Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Kingsley and things are expected to only get better for them if they deploy the services of Zvonimir Ivišić who is the third seven-footer in their roster. Ivišić is quite tall for his age and is one of the best rim protectors resting on the sidelines. He should be given a chance to stun all with his exceptional skills. Did you know that Kentucky is one of the few teams to have the same case with their supporting players?

The third and fourth fiddle

Their defense previously wasn’t the best in the country but with Bradshaw and Kingsley’s the numbers have improved significantly. This case can even be extended to include Ivišić who on his best days can give the opponents a run for their skills. Furthermore, he is also great at spacing the floor and is extremely talented.

Thankfully for the Wildcats, Bradshaw returned to the floor after suffering a knee injury. He has basketed an average of 8.5 points per game and has shown incredible caliber, especially with his staggering 66.7% three-pointer percentage. Additionally, he has also helped his team to ameliorate their defense by nabbing an average of 5 rebounds per game. He has also contributed his part in blocks and steal department.

They have another brilliant guard in Justin Edwards who has potted 9.9 points per game. He has also seized 4.6 rebounds per game which has only helped his cause of inclusion in the team. His field goal percentage of 46.7% and free throw percentage of 71.4% make him a force to reckon with.

Another of their forwards Tre Mitchell has been quite a player to watch this season. Potting an average of 13.2 points per game, Mitchell rules the rebounds number with 6.7 rebounds per game. He has a decent 38.5% three-pointer percentage and a field goal percentage of 54%. He has played the role of being the third fiddle to perfection. That’s another great point with the Wildcats every player knows their role and has adjusted to it. Going by it, their fans are over the moon.

How can they be title winners?

They are one of the best sides and will be great to watch when Dillingham and their guard Reed Sheppard contribute their parts. The game will definitely be enhanced when Ivišić joins them.The Kentucky will not only be regarded as a Final Four contender but also make a better case for the national championship winners. An astonishing number is that they had 15 fouls against the Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey.

They should however better their offense. The Wildcats should make the most of the space and pace since they have players who can execute tough offensive tactics. They can also display a full five-out offense. They can be thus become efficient playmakers, thwarting the opposition’s defense and neutralizing their strategies. Critics opine that despite the Wildcats giving their best they can end up being caught up in a post-up situation.  

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Hence, the Kentucky should look to improve on the above mentioned tactics if they are to win the championship.