Few teams had as much preseason hype as the Kentucky Wildcats, viewed as having one of the most expensive overall rosters in college basketball. However, as the season has begun, issues have emerged for Coach Mark Pope’s team. They are 3-1, but their only defeat came at the hands of rival Louisville, 96-88.
The competition doesn’t get any easier for the Wildcats, who have to face a top-20 Michigan State squad in the annual Champions Classic on Tuesday night. Here’s a look at some of the keys to victory for Kentucky.
1. Figuring out point guard situation if Jaland Lowe is out
One of the top incoming transfers in the nation was Lowe, who averaged over 16+ ppg at Pittsburgh. However, he’s been dealing with shoulder issues for the last month and reportedly re-injured it, leaving his status for the game unknown. Assuming he misses the game, look for leading scorer Denzel Aberdeen (15.3 ppg and 3.0 apg) to take the lead guard role. Whether that works against Michigan State and star passer Jeremy Fears Jr. will be the key question.
2. Keeping Jaxon Kohler off the glass
With Arizona State transfer Jayden Quaintance still out, Kentucky will need Brandon Garrison and Malachi Moreno to step up at the five-spot. That’s because they’re facing one of the nation’s top rebounders in Kohler, who is averaging 14.3 ppg and 13.3 rpg. He’s playing at an all-league level right now, and the Wildcats’ frontcourt has been inconsistent.
3. Collin Chandler the x-factor
With Lowe out, the Wildcats will need other guards to step up. One player to watch is Chandler, a former top-40 prospect who played 10 mpg as a freshman but has been breaking out so far, averaging 11.3 ppg and 3.5 apg. He’s also shooting 57% from three-point range on nearly six attempts. If he has a good outing, that offense will give Kentucky a chance to win.