Kentucky has a team this year where all the players seem to always get along. (Vicky Graff Photo)
One intangible that could propel Kentucky to a big run in March is team chemistry. Granted, that can be overrated but flash back to last year when it was obvious UK had problems chemistry-wise. But not this year.
Kentucky assistant coach Orlando Antigua says chemistry “is a strength of this team” and has been since the team got put together.
“All of us have communicated that. We have the synergy and togetherness you need to win. that’s huge in terms of winning,” Antigua said.
“You are going to meet teams that have equal talent and coaching ability. That’s when the intangibles come into play. One more possession, one more rotation, one more pass, one more offensive rebound.”
“You need guys to like each other and want to play for one another. They are the ones living it and doing it every day for and with each other.”
That also enables UK to play fast the way the coaches want to this year.
“We have a lot of athletes, a lot of guys in unbelievable shape,” Antigua said. “We take pride in trying to get into a team’s legs. That’s when we start separating ourselves from teams. The way Sahvir (Wheeler) pressures the ball and the way Oscar (Tshiebwe) rebounds and allows us to get out let’s us play fast.”
