Louisville vs. Kentucky: Keys to the matchup between the Cardinals and Wildcats
By Andy Harrell
How Louisville and Kentucky matches up in the paint
Louisville will most likely start Junior Center Steven Enoch and Junior Forward Dwayne Sutton at the 5 and 4 positions. While Enoch is a skilled scorer and a massive presence in the paint at 6-10 and 260 pounds, he’s struggled defensively at times. Enoch’s defensive awareness of what’s happening off the ball is definitely a point of needed improvement for him.
With that, Enoch is often times out of position and VERY prone to fouling on the defensive side of the ball. It’ll take a concerted effort from him to stay out of early foul trouble and stay in play to compete against Kentucky’s deep, skilled front line.
Sutton contrarily is undersized but plays with the defensive and offensive tenacity of a man possessed. With maybe the nations highest motor, Sutton’s only fault will lie in being overshadowed by the talent and athleticism of his opposition. Counting Sutton out against “superior” players is something Kentucky can ill afford. Sutton has proven time and time again he rises to the occasion.
The Cardinals should also have very significant contributions from Sophomore Malik Williams. Williams is an inside-out, stretch 4 and perhaps the team’s best interior defender. Also look for graduate transfer Akoy Agau to steal minutes as a garbage man on offense and solid defender at the rim.
Kentucky’s front line is anchored by two of its most productive players. Graduate transfer Reid Travis is a very experienced, tough, skilled scorer. He shoots well, both away from the rim and powering through contact on the block. He will be a handful for Louisville defenders and will certainly aim to draw some early fouls to hobble Louisville’s available front line depth.
Sophomore PJ Washington is a gifted all around player. On top of being the teams 3rd leading scorer and leading rebounder he also averages over two assists per game and one block in just under 26 minutes per game. Washington has improved markedly from his freshman year in shot selection and rebounding aggressiveness and positioning. A big day for him is inevitable.
Kentucky will have an advantage in their front line depth with significant contributions from Freshman EJ Montgomery and Sophomore Nick Richards. Both big men are highly capable of defending the rim and putting their body against the opponent to generate rebounding opportunities.