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He blocked three of his game-high four shots in the first half and ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes knew what sophomore Ugonna Onyenso doing that meant for Kentucky and coach John Calipari.
“Ugo is starting to come on and Calipari knows it. His energy, his length … the only thing he can’t do is pick and pop,” said Dykes.
He’s right but for this team Onyenso doesn’t have to score and he knows it. He had six rebounds, four blocks and three points in his 17 minutes in Wednesday night’s 90-77 win over Mississippi State.
“Whatever it takes to help the team,” the 7-foot sophomore said on the UK Radio Network after the win. “The reason I am locked into the game is because I am not really worried about the offense.
“Of course it is good to get 20 points but for me blocking shots is different for me. I might get to double digits in blocked shots one day.”
Onyenso also helps in two other ways. Freshman Aaron Bradshaw started the game sluggishly and got knocked around. Calipari did not hesitate to go to Onyenso. The sophomore’s play also enabled Tre Mitchell to play only 28 minutes, fewer minutes than he’s played in any SEC game.
“I think the way Ugonna Onyenso played in the first half around the basket blocking shots was huge,” former UK All-American Jack Givens said on the UK Radio Network. “This game is a game of messages. I think Ugonna delivered messages early that you are not going to bring the ball in here and that’s one reason Kentucky got off to such a good start and built up a big lead.”
Calipari said his best teams have always been able to block shots. Onyenso had four of UK’s seven blocks against Mississippi State after getting five blocks in Saturday’s loss at Texas A&M.
Onyenso hurt his foot in July during UK’s trip to Canada and some wondered if he would even get back this year. Now not only is he back, but he’s contributing in ways UK needs.
“For most people when they get injuries they got a lot going through their mind about how to get back. My teammate and trainers helped me stay positive through the whole injury process,” he said. “My whole rehab my goal was to stay mentally locked in and study the game from the sideline.
“I am grateful. I am glad to be back and very happy to be doing what I know how to do.”
Onyenso said this team gets along so well off the basketball court that it has built trust.
“With this group it is about being there for each other,” he said.
He explained that in Saturday’s loss at Texas A&M he had a “terrible first half” that prompted injured teammate Adou Thiero to talk to him.
”Adou walked up to me and said they shouldn’t mess with you. You are a very good player. You should bring that energy,” Onyenso said. “Having people around me like that means a lot.”
2 Responses
It doesn’t hurt that he went against Oscar everyday last year.
Ugo is still learning what he can do. The team is still learning what he can do. By tournament time, he could very well be a double double guy…maybe even a triple double guy at times. I wish Edwards would pay attention to what he is doing. Edwards could be a double double guy too if he would worry less about scoring and just play ball.