Kentucky Basketball: Emergence of Immanuel Quickley’s big for Wildcats

Immanuel Quickley is having a breakout campaign for Kentucky Basketball this season. Will the sophomore guard lead the Wildcats to a Final Four appearance?

Over the past couple weeks, sharpshooter Immanuel Quickley has been unconscious on the offensive end. Whether it has been shooting a high percentage beyond the arc or driving into the paint, Quickley has been a difference-maker for Kentucky Basketball and is helping make a push heading into the NCAA Tournament.

Starting the season, Quickley’s role was not what it is at this current moment in the season. His role was to just come in and make a contribution to the team. It was up to guys in Ashton Hagans and Tyrese Maxey to carry the offense being the backcourt mates. But as the season progressed, Quickley would slowly but surely begin to catch fire and his stats would slowly rise and his role would begin to change as the season progressed.

Quickley is currently averaging 16.2 points while shooting 42% from the field. He has emerged to become the Wildcats best shooter as he gets good looks from three and can also attack the rim and create an opportunity in the paint despite his small frame. He has set his mind on taking advantage of each possession and trying to take the most of it when he’s in the game.

Prior to the season beginning, teammates and coaches have raved about Quickley’s development from a season ago and how his hard work was paying off with terrific results. “Immanuel’s not even the same player” Head Coach John Calipari stated in an interview. Looking at his freshmen season, Quickley was not the consistent shooter with his percentages being in the early ’30s. But after putting in work over the summer to get his shot right, it has been one of the biggest takeaways for Kentucky’s season.

Heading into the SEC Tournament along with the NCAA Tournament, The Wildcats will be tested while trying to achieve their ultimate goal. With them sitting at #8 on the AP Poll, they have some work that needs to be done if they’re going to knock down the teams in front of them to win the NCAA Championship.

Quickley should be one of the go-to guys down the stretch for the team. His ability to create his opportunities whenever can has worked for two reasons. For one, he can torch the defense and keep the team afloat in certain situations. And second, if the defense decides to double team, Quickley has the ability to find an open man and find an easy bucket for his teammates. It’s safe to say that anything can happen on the floor when Quickley is involved and engaged on the offensive end.

Looking at this Kentucky roster, they have the firepower to make a run in the NCAA Tournament. With great minds on the floor along with the coaching resume of John Calipari, this team has the ability to upset some teams and their run could be a grand one. It will be interesting to see how Quickley carries the momentum of his play into the Tournament. If he is clicking on all cylinders when it matters most, then The Wildcats will become a dangerous team to play.