Keion Brooks (SEC Photo)
With the way Kentucky’s offense has struggled any easy points would be welcome. Yet seldom this season has UK been able to consistently score on the fast break despite having a number of players with speed and athleticism.
Why is that?
“I think we didn’t put enough emphasis on getting out and getting early baskets in transition. Coach (John Calipari) has been doing some stuff lately to really get us out and running, which has really helped us, especially last game (at Missouri),” UK sophomore Keion Brooks said Friday.
“Coach has been really specific on what he wants certain players to do, what positions and what lanes we want guys to run. That really helped us last game. That’s just something we’ve got to build on going forward.”
They desperately need to build on that against Tennessee Saturday night because the Vols are one of the nation’s best defensive teams and UK’s half-court offense has been horrible most of the season.
“I mean, it doesn’t really play on my mind at all. It’s a basketball game,” Brooks said when asked about Tennessee’s defense. “They’re trying to stop us; we’re trying to score on them and vice versa.
“It’s going to be a battle. It’s going to be won down there in the trenches. Whatever team is tougher will come out with a win.”
Tennessee was the preseason favorite to win the SEC and considered a Final Four contender. The Vols have not been as disappointing as UK this year but are 5-4 in SEC play and coming off a disappointing 52-50 loss at Ole Miss when the Vols could not score.
Both teams have had issues at guard — but Brooks says not to blame UK’s guards for the team’s 5-11 record.
“I think our guards have been doing a great job with what Coach has been asking them to do. They’ve been doing what they can to make plays for us. They’ve been getting the ball to the right people. It’s a team effort. We all have to get in the lane and make shots for everybody,” Brooks said.
“And as far as guarding their whole team, I just feel like we have to lock into the game plan. Give them a couple of different coverages; not give them a steady diet of what we are doing the whole game and try to keep them off balance.”
So what kind of Tennessee team does he expect to see in Rupp Arena?
“The one that looks really good. That’s what you’re supposed to do. You’re expecting every team’s best shot,” Brooks said.
