6. Kentucky (7-0)
Each passing week shows us a bit more from these Wildcats and the early returns on a brand new roster are fantastic. Everything changed in the offseason and Mark Pope has certainly exceeded expectations in his first November at the helm. The Duke win legitimized their early success and they kept on with their winning ways this past week at home.
In what’s been one of their closer games this season, Kentucky took care of business against Western Kentucky on Tuesday in an 87-68 victory. Andrew Carr and Otega Oweh both had 18-point performances in the win. Friday’s win was even more decisive, with the Wildcats beating Georgia State 105-76 despite their worst long-range shooting effort of the season. Jaxson Robinson had 19 points to lead six Kentucky players in double figures.
Seven games doesn’t tell us if Mark Pope is going to live up to expectations in Lexington even if he had a fantastic first month on the court. The offense looks elite despite none of these players having played together prior to this season. That win over Duke remains currency on this resume and it might be joined in the coming weeks, as the Wildcats have major opportunities at Clemson and against Gonzaga.