6. Kentucky (2-0)
Between freshmen, transfers, and returning players, significant talent has been streaming in from every direction for Mark Pope and this Kentucky program. Fresh off a Sweet Sixteen season in his debut with the Wildcats, expectations are high once again in Lexington, especially with what should be another challenging season in the SEC. The Wildcats passed the early challenges in the opening week.
There wasn’t a ton of drama Tuesday, with Kentucky persevering 77-51 over Nicholls State. Collin Chandler was the leading scorer with 15 points while star returner Otega Oweh added 13 in a nice win after a slow start. There was no slow start Friday, as the Wildcats cruised to a 107-59 victory against Valparaiso. Six players scored in double figures, led by 18 points and 10 rebounds from Malachi Moreno off the bench in an easy win to cap the opening week of the season.
When faced with stiffer challenges, Kentucky has a talented lineup to lean on beyond just Oweh and Chandler, and we’ll certainly see what players like Jaland Lowe and Denzel Aberdeen can produce as the season progresses. Regardless, those stiffer challenges are closer than it seems, as the Wildcats get a tough matchup at rival Louisville early next week. It’s a major opportunity to prove that they’re a Top 10 team with national expectations.