Kentucky's defense will have to find a way to slow down Alabama today. (Vicky Graff Photo)
It’s been a while since Kentucky has defeated Alabama as the Wildcats will look to end a three-game losing streak to the Crimson Tide in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama’s three straight wins over Kentucky is the most against the Wildcats is the most in school history. Kentucky (9-4) hasn’t played since a 99-85 win over Bellarmine on Dec. 23. Alabama carries a three-game winning streak into the contest and has scored 100 or more points in two of those victories and defeated Yale 102-78 on Dec. 29.
“They’re playing with reckless abandon,” UK coach Mark Pope said. “They’re playing with great pace and terrific team, a well-coached team, so we’ll have our hands full, but we can’t wait to get there.”
Pope and his team spent the 10-day break “working a ton on just different spacing on the floor.”
“That’s been a huge deal for us, and different ways to earn space and different ways to approach the game on the offensive end,” Pope said. “Our communication is just massively key on the defensive end. It’s going to be all conference long. Maybe in no case more important than at Alabama.”
The Crimson Tide, Pope said, are similar to Indiana on the offensive end. The Wildcats defeated the Hoosiers 72-60 earlier last month.
“They have a little bit of an Indiana vibe in terms of …. they’re in the top one percentile and usage of ball screen actions, and they’re in the top 4 or 3 percent in terms of effectiveness using them.”
As for the Wildcats, Pope said his squad has made strides during the first two months of the season and likes the way they responded after losses to ranked foes Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina and Gonzaga.
“We’ve made huge progress,” Pope said. “I’m really proud of the guys. Made great progress through the non-conferences. Going to be tested in huge way on Saturday.”
It’s not certain whether Labaron Philon will play after suffering a leg injury in a win over Kennesaw State. Pope said Philon is “hard to contain” and an “elite playmaker.”
“He’s a multiple-move guy,” Pope said. “He finishes well around the rim. He’s shooting at an elite level clip. He’s a big-time player. He’s putting together a great season.”
Alabama coach Nate Oats said he “anticipates” Philon and London Jemison to play against the Wildcats, but added, “it’s hard to say.”
Former Alabama forward Mo Dioubate, now at Kentucky will return to the place he called home for two seasons. Oats and his staff are missing the toughness Dioubate brought to the team during the past two years.
“You didn’t really have to coach him to be tough,” Oats said. “He was tough. That’s who he is.”
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Gametracker: Kentucky at Alabama, noon, Saturday. TV/Radio: ESPN, UK Radio Network.
14 Responses
New year, the same old shit!
Alabama has the BIGGEST Half Time Lead Over Kentucky In The Last 30 Years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pope doesn't have an F'ing clue! They looked like they had never been on the floor together. I guess they watch Tik Tok videos during practice.
Pope is currently the weakest link in UK coaching chain and clearly shows on the biggest stages that he does not have this team and is in over his head.
I keep thinking they will get it together and still do. But always will be cat fan win or lose. Not the first time we've been through this rodeo. Go cats!!
Uk loves to go under screens
Chandler is horrible about that. He seems soft. I didn't think he was going to be so soft. He used to play hard in high school.
Pope is in way over his head. When he loses he pouts. When the players aren't playing good they also look like they are pouting. A bunch of crybabies who are pampered like they are kings of the world for playing a kids game basketball. I would give Brooks a raise and double whatever money your giving womens basketball. Football is hanging on by a string and basketball we just dont have the right coach.
I hate to say this but it's true. Calapari is a much better coach than Pope instead of upgrading we went down a few notches. We will have a better team next year I just don't think Pope is the right man for the job. You spend 22 million a roster of role players. Players who have no clue what there role is. We could have spent 8 million on a superstar center and a superstar point guard. Real all stars
Then spent 14 million filling out the roster. Pope gave everyone a million and Oweh and JQ 3 million a piece and Aberdeen and Mo-D also made 2 million a piece. For role players? What a waste of 22 million.
I dont think their is any question. Calipari is better.
That is correct Grant, but Calipari was still coaching like an NBA pimp at Arkansas until boogie Fland got hurt last year. From the point on, he went back to being the coach he was at UMass and Memphis. If he was still here, he would still be pimping.
I think our final record after conference play will be like 19-13. We barely get into the tournament and lose in the first or second round. That's what it's looking like right now. Noah and Jelavic didn't even get in the game. So JQ and Lowe who haven't played and haven't practiced just leap frog everyone who put the time and effort in? I would rather lose with heart than get blown out and nobody seems to be playing hard. Nobody diving for balls. Nobody has urgency or even look like they care. I knew Chandler getting married would destroy his game. Garrison needs to transfer. I would play Potter over Garrison. Why doesn't Jelavic play over Garrison. Jelavic is actually pretty good on offense. Garrison sucks at defejse and offense. I've never seen a player just fall off like Garrison. He was better last year.
Interesting that other coaches can get players to play while they are being paid. How come we can't? This group just isn't that good at basketball and Pope isnt that good at choosing them..at least right now.
No way this team makes the tournament
Larry it’s been awhile since You have gave us Your take on what is happening and what will happen. It would be great if You could give us Your thoughts? Thanks Larry
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