With just one non-conference game remaining, a victory over Brown would give the Wildcats an 11-2 record as they head into SEC competition, bolstered by impressive wins against Duke and Gonzaga.
This strong record should leave Kentucky fans optimistic as non-conference play concludes, but the reality is that SEC games will present a significant challenge for this basketball team. The silver lining for Mark Pope’s squad is their experience, which may help them navigate the tough SEC schedule more effectively.
Kentucky’s matchup against Brown is set for New Year’s Eve, prompting us to outline three New Year’s Resolutions for this basketball team.
**Three New Year’s Resolutions for the Kentucky Basketball Team:**
1. **Re-embrace Ball Movement**
Earlier in the season, the Kentucky Wildcats were excellent at moving the ball, often opting for great shots over good ones. This strategy contributed to their impressive shooting from deep in the beginning. However, it seems they have strayed from this approach at times in their half-court offense, which is essential for their performance as they enter SEC play.
2. **Increase Three-Point Attempts**
At the start of the season, Coach Pope aimed for his team to rank among the best in the nation in three-point attempts. As the non-conference season wraps up, the Wildcats find themselves ranked 52nd, averaging 27.5 attempts per game. Although they’ve missed some open shots, embracing the three-pointer is central to their identity, and they need to continue taking those shots.
3. **Focus on Offensive Rebounds**
Given Kentucky’s preference for three-point shooting, they should be securing a considerable number of offensive rebounds. However, this has not been the case early in the season. Coach Pope has been stressing the importance of improving this facet of their game. Offensive rebounds can lead to open three-point opportunities, which are ideal for this Kentucky team. They must prioritize generating second-chance chances, a crucial component for success in SEC play.
