Kerr Kriisa has a swag that Mark Pope likes. (Vicky Graff Photo)
One player who probably has not got enough attention for the role he’s willingly embraced at Kentucky is guard Kerr Kriisa.
He has 93 collegiate starts but has been a solid contributor off the bench for Kentucky.
Against Jackson State Friday, he did not score but led the team with seven assists.
“He was that way from the beginning too. I think he knew exactly what he was walking into and I think he loves it,” Kentucky coach Mark Pope said. “I’m telling you, Kerr Kriisa, I don’t know if we get him walking in our doors every year. I’m enjoying and savoring every second I get to coach him because he’s really unique, he’s bringing so much to our team.”
That led Pope to recall a moment in the win over Duke when the Cats were down by “seven, eight, or nine and we were a little stymied” when Kriisa took over.
“We were walking at the huddle and Kerr was pushing everybody, just shoving them, right? He just refuses to accept whatever the common vibe is. He’s going to be contrary to it,” Pope said. “It’s really important and our guys receive it really well. And it just keeps everybody really sharp.
“He’s really special, he’s got a really unique skill set and personality and he brings defiance and swag and an insistence for a team.”
Pope remembered saying that “Kerr promised he was going to be the best pace guy in college basketball” and has done that every game for the Wildcats.
“That incredible consistent determination is beautiful too and he’s got both of those vibes going on in a really special package,” Pope said after the Jackson State win. “He’s special, and he was special tonight, if you think about it.
“Seven assists, zero points, let’s go, he’s cool with that. Dude is going to put up 20 one night when we need him to too.”
Kentucky will host Western Kentucky tonight.
2 Responses
That’s the beauty of this team whoever is hot the team mates find them often. Kriisa isn’t on this team to lead them in points. He’s here to distribute the ball and make everyone better which he is really good at. Its almost like having another coach on the floor. My only complaint so far and its not really a complaint its a misunderstanding. Is why doesn’t Ansley play more? Even like 3-4 minutes a game would seem like the perfect scenario. He’s averaging 10 mpg. He’s averaging almost 8 ppg. That’s incredible. I would love to see what he could do with a little more playing time. But Pope knows what he’s doing more than I do. Maybe he’s literally the spark plug. You can guarantee when he comes in he’s going to spark the team. He really reminds me of Walter McCarty. His role and everything. McCarty got way more playing time but there roles are similar.
Most of this team is so proud just to be wearing the Kentucky uniform…what a difference this has brought to Kentucky. I can’t get a read on Williams though…there are times when he doesn’t seem to be enjoying his role. Hopefully that changes as the season continues.