The Kentucky basketball team improved to 5-0 following a decisive victory over Jackson State. A significant factor in the Wildcats’ success this season has been their unselfish play and willingness to make the extra pass, as evidenced by their assist statistics. Over the first five games, Kentucky has maintained an impressive assist rate of 61.6% of their made baskets combined.
After the game, Mark Pope praised the team’s ball-sharing abilities, characterizing it as an inherent quality present in every player on the roster. This trait has been on display throughout the season.
“I thought our guys did an amazing job creating opportunities for each other. Achieving 29 assists is great for us, and I’d gladly take that any night, especially in a game like this where it can be tempting to just focus on scoring for oneself. This team has developed a mindset where they genuinely enjoy making plays for each other, which is beneficial and quite rare. It’s crucial for our style of play, and our players are increasingly understanding that the more they contribute to others, the more they’ll benefit in return; that’s how the game works when it’s played right, and they certainly felt that tonight. I was very proud of them… A notable highlight tonight was that 11 players scored, with 11 out of the 12 contributing points. The only player who didn’t score led us in assists. That’s exactly how Kentucky basketball is meant to operate. One player didn’t score but provided seven assists in just 12 minutes, while everyone else on the floor contributed to the scoring. I think we had four players with five or more assists in the game.” Pope remarked on the Wildcats’ unselfish play.
Kentucky’s ability to share the ball has been a defining characteristic of the team this season. In their most recent game on Friday night, they recorded an impressive 29 assists out of 41 made shots, highlighting a remarkable rate of assisted baskets. It’s also noteworthy that Kerr Kriisa did not score but provided 7 assists within just 12 minutes of play.
The way this Kentucky team distributes the ball adds to the excitement of watching them play. They showcase an entertaining style of basketball, particularly when their ball movement is as fluid as it has been.
