Vicky Graff Photo
Kentucky coach John Calipari has had a lot of players doing a variety of things well on the court going into tonight’s game against Miami (Fla.), a 2023 Final Four team.
However, the biggest surprise might be freshman guard Rob Dillingham.
“He treats space for himself and his teammates as good as anybody I’ve coached,” Calipari said after UK’s win over St. Joseph’s. “If there are a bunch of guards better than Robert Dillingham, I’ve got to see them.
“Not only has he been good offensively but defensively he is up in them. Maybe the smallest guy on court and he comes up with five rebounds in that game which was a rock fight.”
SEC Network analyst Dane Bradshaw has called Dillingham an “energy giver” after watching him play.
“He has a lot of contagious energy to him,” Bradshaw said.
Dillingham came to UK known as a willing shooter and scorer. Some questioned how he would fit into Calipari’s system and adapt to sharing the ball. However, he’s fit in just fine.
Not only has he accepted his role coming off the bench, but he’s averaging 16 points per game — second on the team to Antonio Reeves’ 19 points per game — and has still shown he can be an explosive scorer.
What might be his biggest — and most surprising — contribution has been his passing. He leads Kentucky in assists at 5.2 per game and is ranked second in the SEC in assists.
Dillingham is shooting 54.7 percent overall — third best on the team — and 50 percent (14 of 28) from 3. Only Reed Sheppard has a better 3-point percentage.
He has even managed to grab 4.3 rebounds per game and also is averaging 1.5 steals per game.
4 Responses
When the Cats first got him I said he would end up being the best player on the team. We will see how it plays out. His play is not a surprise to me.
He’s flashy but under control. He’s a game changer just like others on this team.
He really helps make this team go, but it is much easier to help others that are also good teammates, good shooters, good passers, and good ball handlers. This is a team of basketball players; not just great athletes trying to play basketball.
I like players that can create for themselves and others, and be a legitimate threat from all 3 levels. If you don’t have at least two of those types of players on your team, you will struggle big time. UK has several of these types of players this year and they are a lot of fun to watch.
Reminds me of Isiah Thomas
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