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SEC Basketball power rankings: Alabama rises, Kentucky and Arkansas drops

By Cooper Watson

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the first half against the Robert Morris Colonials at Rupp Arena on November 12, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the first half against the Robert Morris Colonials at Rupp Arena on November 12, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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SEC Basketball Oscar Tshiebwe John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

team. 528. . 7-2. . Wildcats . 5

Kentucky’s resume by itself is…underwhelming. They opened the season with a loss to No. 2 Duke in the Champions Classic before reeling off seven straight wins against teams ranked No. 100 or lower in KenPom (six of which ranked sub-285). They were finally tested again this past Saturday with a trip to South Bend to take on 3-4 Notre Dame, a test which they failed, losing 66-62. The ‘Cats have two upcoming chances for redemption, though, with games against No. 15 Ohio State in Las Vegas as well as a rivalry game against Louisville in Lexington.

West Virginia transfer center Oscar Tshiebwe has been arguably the most dominant inside presence in the country through the first month of the season, averaging 16.3 PPG and 14.4 RPG on 67.8% shooting, highlighted by a 17 point, 20 rebound game against Duke in the opener. Tshiebwe ranks first in the nation in rebounds per game, offensive rebounds per game, and offensive rebounding percentage as well as fourth in defensive rebounding percentage and seventh in defensive rebounding percentage.

Five-star freshman PG TyTy Washington has also been excellent, averaging 13.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 3.3 APG. Kentucky’s offense would likely benefit from giving Washington more control and playmaking opportunities as well.

Big Blue Nation has been frustrated with the team’s outside shooting and rightly so. Kentucky struggled shooting the ball last year but added several shooters this offseason only to shoot a worse percentage from three to start this season. C.J. Frederick’s injury was significant with regards to Kentucky’s outside shooting considering he was a 47.4% 3-point shooter for Iowa last season.

On paper, Kentucky has the talent to win the SEC and make a Final Four run. Unfortunately for them so far, basketball isn’t played on paper.

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