Wildcats are like a Box of Chocolates: You Never Know Who Will Step Up

Vicky Graff Photo

Forrest Gump is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. In the film, lead actor Tom Hanks has the iconic line – “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

That line is pretty accurate when looking at many things in life. Even so when it comes to who will step up for the Kentucky Wildcats in crunch time.

On Saturday, it was Rob Dillingham who willed the Wildcats to a 111-102 win over Arkansas. Though he didn’t make much of an impact in the first half, Dillingham took over the final 10 minutes of the game and couldn’t be stopped. The star freshman led the charge as Kentucky pulled away from the Razorbacks, finishing with 15 points, five assists and just one turnover.

When Kentucky needs instant offense down the stretch, Dillingham has become the answer. But the fascinating thing about Kentucky’s roster is the weight of closing out games doesn’t always have to fall on his shoulders.

Earlier in the week it was Reed Sheppard leading the charge, scoring the basketball and getting teammates open shots in Kentucky’s comeback win at Mississippi State.

Last week it was Justin Edwards who posted 28 points in a perfect game against Alabama.

Antonio Reeves has been Mr. Consistent for the Wildcats, averaging 20 points per game on the season and doing so at a highly-efficient rate.

With Tre Mitchell back in the rotation, Kentucky now has four big men they can call on at any given time. Mitchell, Aaron Bradshaw, Ugonna Onyenso and Zvonimir Ivisic have all made an impact at some point this season.

And though Adou Thiero isn’t listed as a “big man,” he certainly plays like one at both ends of the court. His development of an outside shot and overall confidence have led to several highlights over the last few weeks.

As Kentucky nears the conclusion of their regular season, they appear to be peaking at the right time. The Wildcats have won five of their last six and done so by both blowing out teams as well as battling through adversity to win games they didn’t have much business winning.

It’s been an up-and-down year for head coach John Calipari and his team, but one thing is for certain.

Kentucky has as a deep rotation that’s playing well enough to win a national title.