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Kentucky Basketball: 3 takeaways from Wildcats season-opener loss to Duke

By Jerran Anderson

Nov 9, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) reacts after dunking the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) reacts after dunking the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Basketball guard Sahvir Wheeler Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky Basketball guard Sahvir Wheeler Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Sahvir Wheelers needs another ballhandler

Sahvir Wheeler was solid running the show for Kentucky basketball and played a pivotal role in their late run that saw them get within four points of the Blue Devils before time ran out.

When it was all said and done, it looked like Wheeler was on an island out there by himself trying to make things happen. It’s certainly not a knock on him, either, as his ability to pass is superb and his vision was on display all night long as he dished out 10 assists to go along with 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 shooting from behind the arc, but he also had seven of the team’s 13 turnovers.

While Wheeler’s usage was high, there’s room to create a bit more with the other guards in the Wildcats’ backcourt. TyTy Washington was another player with the spotlight on him that they can utilize in the offense. For his efforts, he finished with nine points and three assists on 3-of-14 (21.4 percent) shooting from the field in his debut.

Heading into Friday against Robert Morris, that’s something Coach Calipari and company can focus on as they look to improve as a unit.

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