Kentucky Basketball: 3 takeaways from defeat to Kansas Jayhawks

Isaiah Jackson filled up the stat sheet

The Freshman has already been getting Draft buzz, as he is expected to be a first-round draft pick. He proved he could play really well on both ends of the floor on Tuesday. The key to limiting Kansas was attacking their weakness, which is their frontcourt. Jackson completely took away any chance of scoring near the rim. Apart from Wilson, it seemed like no one could score on him.

With a night of dreadful offense, some credit had to go to the defense. That was not more apparent than the work down low, with Jackson. He finished with a Kentucky high eight blocks and collected 12 rebounds in the process.

David McCormack came into his career as a McDonalds All-American and highly touted. Although he hasn’t lived up to expectations, he is still a Big 12 level starter. He did not look like it at all tonight, finishing just 1-9 from the field and seven points. He also turned the ball over twice and was not a force on the glass, with just five rebounds.

Jackson’s offensive game isn’t quite to the level that you are hoping for from a potential lottery pick. However, he is smart down low and his 7’4 wingspan can get to shots very easily.

On a night where a lot went wrong and many Wildcat fans are scratching their heads, Jackson was a bright spot. Jackson only took seven shots in this game and made three of them. That begs the question if Jackson needs to take more shots. If that were to be the case, could Kentucky win future close games?