Kentucky Basketball: Wildcats win first foreign trip game

Kentucky basketball used a second-half scoring run to blow past the Bahamian National team. Which Wildcats stood out in their first foreign trip game?

Kentucky basketball started its foreign trip off on the right foot as the team defeated the Bahamian National team by a score of 85-61. However, the game was much closer than the final score indicated and the two teams were actually tied (45-45) about halfway through the second half. The Wildcats jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first few minutes by speeding up the game, forcing turnovers, and getting easy baskets.

Sophomore center Nick Richards was the early beneficiary and he showed an improved offensive package. He hit a few jump hooks, finished above the rim, and even flashed a mid-range jumper from the short corner. His interior defense and shot blocking abilities were also on display as he, most notably, spiked one shot into the opposing team’s bench.

If Richards can bring this type of activity and production more frequently, then Kentucky will be even more dangerous. Most people penciled Richards in as the team’s ninth man, but this was certainly an encouraging debut to his sophomore season.

The Bahamian National team was able to get back in the game by hitting some long-range shots and by taking advantage of lapses in Kentucky’s defense. They also were quite fortunate that Kentucky only shot 2-for-20 from three themselves. Spacing on offense was certainly an issue for the Wildcats as none of their four big men were able to get anything going from the perimeter.

PJ Washington was unsuccessful on a few corner threes (but played pretty well otherwise) and EJ Montgomery missed a few jumpers as well. Montgomery was billed as a capable shooter coming out of high school so he may be the best and most realistic floor spacer in the group.

Kentucky’s guards also struggled from long range. Starting guards Quade Green and Immanuel Quickley combined to shoot 2-for-18 from the floor and 1-for-9 from three. Green played a solid floor game and made some nice passes, but just could not put the ball in the basket. Many of his looks were contested, which also did not help him find his shooting touch. Both players will need to hit shots for Kentucky to reach its full potential.

Ashton Hagans was pretty quiet offensively but made an impact defensively with his ball pressure. He forced multiple turnovers with this length and athleticism but, like many players on this team, he is not known as a shooter.

Tyler Herro was the biggest standout performer of the game as he showed off his athleticism and mid-range game. Herro was also active on defense, which awarded him a few easy run-out dunks. He has the reputation as a knockdown shooter, but even he could not find his 3-point range, going 0-for-3. There were multiple instances in the second half where he turned down wide open looks, which simply cannot happen for a team that already struggles from beyond the arc. Herro will see a much bigger role than many anticipated and it might not be long before he cracks the starting five.

Both Reid Travis and Keldon Johnson surprisingly struggled offensively in their Kentucky debuts. Travis is an ELITE rebounder who uses his physicality and quickness to pursue missed shots outside his area. He looked very uncomfortable and was consistently getting rejected around the rim. Travis took too many dribbles in traffic and would take a long time loading up for his shot which resulted in a 2-for-9 shooting performance with three turnovers. A wide-open missed dunk capped off a rough offensive outing, but his work on the glass was certainly eye-opening.

Johnson looks the part of an NBA wing with his frame, length, and athleticism. His style of play reminds me of Jaylen Brown, although Johnson is less athletic and is a tier or two lower as a prospect. He did a great job attacking and getting to the rim, but he just could not finish at the basket. Johnson looked to be forcing it in the second half and finished 3-for-15 from the field.

Overall, a solid opening game for the Wildcats. While some key players struggled, it is important to have the perspective that this is only one exhibition game three months from the start of the season. Kentucky should be one of the top teams in the country and it is such a treat to see them play competitive basketball as we manage the arduous off-season.