Koby Brea (Vicky Graff Photo)
Kentucky opened the Mark Pope era just the way UK fans wanted with a methodical, organized 103-62 dominating win over Wright State.
No, Wright State is not a top 25 team or likely NCAA Tournament team. But it was still a 41-point beatdown of a team that Kentucky should have dominated and did by putting six players in double figures. And the Cats did it taking only 24 3-pointers — but they made 11.
“The speed they come with but the discipline they have is impressive,” said ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes. “The floor is spaced so well. That is great speed, tremendous spacing and quick ball reversal. It takes tremendous discipline to run with that type of spacing. Kentucky can create so much spacing because of the shooters it has.”
Jaxson Robinson sparked the UK offense in two exhibition wins but he took just six shots Monday, made three and had eight points along with five rebounds and three assists. Yet the Cats still had six players in double figures.
Otega Oweh continued to show he could be a bigger offensive force than expected with 21 points on 8-for-9 shooting, including 3-for-3 from 3-point range.
“It feels great. We have been working so hard for this and to go out there and play for the BBN is huge. We want to show off for the school,” Oweh said.
Koby Brea went 4-for-4 from 3 and had 18 points and was 7-for-8 overall from the field. That means the two were a combined 15-for-17 from the field and 7-for-7 from 3.
“I have not experienced anything like this before, because I got two wide open shots. It is the biggest blessing, and we have other guys who can do it too. That is a blessing behind this team,” Brea said.
Brea said the hot shooting “just happens” at times.
“I told them (teammates) that I don’t really plan on doing that stuff but sometimes it just happens and it gets the crowd going a little bit,” Brea said.
However, what stands out the most is that Kentucky had 30 assists on 39 made field goals. Six players had three or more assists led by five apiece from Lamont Butler, Brandon Garrison and Kerr Kriisa. Three players — Andrew Carr, Amari Williams and Robinson — all had three assists.
“That’s the whole point of this offense, being unselfish. We have great shooters,” Williams said. “Every time a great shooter has an open shot and passes it to another shooter, knowing that no one has that ego and makes unselfish plays, it is great. It helps our teamwork.”
Brea certainly appreciates the way the team passes.
“That is big time, really. Especially for the way we played. Our big guys are like our second point guards,” Brea said. “Everyone has seen Amari do it and now y’all get to see [Brandon Garrison] doing it too. I am glad that they get to showcase what they are going to do.”
Oweh knew it was important to win Pope’s first game as the Kentucky coach.
“Just knowing that we won feels good. I mean the atmosphere was crazy, like the pregame was a little different. You heard booms and stuff like that, so it just feels different for sure,” Oweh said.
He admitted celebrating with his coach after the game was fun.
“It was huge. I know you saw his suit might be a little damp. It was big time. We enjoyed it,” Oweh said.
