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Kentucky Basketball: 3 takeaways from blowout loss against Duke

By Lukas Harkins

LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 30: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Rupp Arena on January 30, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 30: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Rupp Arena on January 30, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 06: Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 06: Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Growth defensively is the first step

Moving forward, Kentucky basketball will need to learn to lock in on the defensive end of the floor. And while Duke might end up being the best offensive team that Kentucky faces this year, there are still glaring issues that can be exploited by many teams. The team struggled tremendously in just about all facets of the game on the defensive end of the floor and that is definitely concerning moving forward. It practically seemed as though Duke could score in just about any way against the ‘Cats on opening night.

As already mentioned, some of these defensive struggles can be attributed to the talent level of the opposition. Duke is clearly going to be an offensive juggernaut this season. Nonetheless, improvements have to be made because no team should post these numbers:

  • 118 total points
  • 1.409 points per possession
  • 43-for-79 (54.4%) shooting
  • 12-for-26 (46.2%) from three
  • 22 assists to 4 turnovers

Because of this, defense has to be the top priority moving forward. And considering UK does not face another dangerous opponent until Dec. 1 when they face UNC-Greensboro, there is plenty of time to figure out how to improve defensively. And it is also important to note that there is no one culprit regarding the defense in this one. Kentucky, as a unit, just simply could not stop Duke from scoring.

Improving as a team defense will require everyone to improve and not just one player in one-on-one situations. Great individual defenders certainly help to build a good defense but team coherence is what can make a great defense. It will be intriguing to see what steps the Wildcats take on the defensive end.

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