Vicky Graff Photo
We’re 24 hours removed from No. 12 Kentucky’s 95-73 blowout win over No. 8 Miami. The Wildcats have just one loss so far this season (89-84 to then-No. 1 Kansas) and are averaging more than 94 points per game. There’s an excitement amongst fans that hasn’t been felt in quite some time.
So far this year, Kentucky is playing basketball as well as they ever have under head coach John Calipari. Their offense has been modernized to fit the theme of today’s game – shooting a high volume of three-pointers and layups while eliminating mid-range jumpers and other low percentage shots. The Wildcats are also taking good care of the basketball and have a sound rhythm on offense.
Calipari’s team is shooting 42.6% from three-point range and making nearly 12 threes per game. That percentage is miles ahead of where the team has been over the course of the previous 10 seasons, which consistently hovered around 34-35%. Their three-pointers made is also an amazing mark, considering that number has nearly doubled from an average of six over the last 10 years.
The Wildcats are also sharing the ball well without turning it over, averaging over 20 assists to just eight turnovers. That’s far and away their best assist to turnover ratio during the last 11 seasons. In fact, during the last 10 seasons, Kentucky has twice had a negative assist to turnover ratio.
So, what’s caused this massive jump in efficiency?
It could be the small-ball lineups Calipari has been “forced” to run with big men Aaron Bradshaw, Ugonna Onyenso and Zvonimir Ivišić sidelined during the first month of the season. More guards on the floor naturally leads to more ball handlers and better long-range shooters getting opportunities.
Kentucky’s offensive success could also be a product of their quality depth and young, athletic talent. Calipari’s No. 1 recruiting class, combined with Antonio Reeves and sophomore Adou Thiero, are an offensively gifted and athletic group capable of not only stretching the floor but also getting out in transition for easy baskets. Their healthy mix of talented freshman and savvy veterans has been a lethal knockout punch so far for the Wildcats and they’ve shown no signs of slowing down.
The Wildcats will have their next big test against No. 17 North Carolina (fresh off a 100-92 win over No. 10 Tennessee) on December 16th in Atlanta in the CBS Sports Classic. In the meantime, Kentucky will host UNC Wilmington on Saturday before traveling to Penn next weekend.
