KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Coach: Tubby Smith | Record: 21-12
Overview:
Another year, another 20-win season for Kentucky
(that would be 16 years in a row, if you're
counting). But the Wildcats didn't slash through the
SEC as they've done in seasons past. An
uncharacteristic third place finish in the SEC East
caused some grumbling among the Kentucky faithful,
but that can all be remedied with a nice run through
the NCAA Tournament. Guard Rajon Rondo has carried
Kentucky for much of the season, but he's in a bit
of a scoring slump as of late.
Potential Difference Maker: The long range
shooting of guard Patrick Sparks really makes a
difference for Kentucky. In two games against
Florida this season, Sparks was a combined 2-12 from
3-point land. Kentucky lost both games. In two games
against South Carolina, Sparks was 10-14 from long
distance. Kentucky won both those games, the first
by a slim 2-point margin.
On Offense: They are pretty basic on the
offensive end. They do a lot of three-out, two-in
with a few box sets and a little flex offense.
On Defense: They have struggled a little,
playing man-to-man so you will see a little more
zone then I am sure they would like to play.
Strength: They are solid, but not great
across the board. This team’s best asset is good
coaching.
Weakness: Chemistry. They don’t always seem
to be on the same page. They tend to play to the
level of their opponent. In addition, they are
suspect on the boards and Rondo hasn’t shown the
ability to really shoot it well from the perimeter.
Key to Success: They will need Sparks to have
success from the perimeter. They would be much more
effective on the offensive end if they could get
Ramel Bradley going.
How to Beat Them: Pound the glass and make
Rondo prove he can beat you with his jumper.
