Collin Chandler and his UK teammates wanted to prove their toughness to Vanderbilt. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Not only did Vanderbilt beat Kentucky 80-55 in Nashville earlier this season, but the Commodores taunted UK with postgame comments about UK’s lack of physicality and not being tough enough to stay with the Commodores.
The Cats couldn’t do anything but listen — or at least they could not until Saturday when they beat Vanderbilt 91-77.
“This game was personal for a lot of reasons. The last time we left a lot to be desired. We did not want to let that happen again,” said sophomore guard Collin Chandler, who had 23 points in the win, after the win. “The toughest team wins and we know that.
“They challenged our toughness, our heart, our physicality. That was a point coming into today. Vanderbilt is a team that challenges you physically in your toughness and made a few comments last time, so I think it was important for us to make a statement.”
Chandler said playing at home was a huge bonus for the Cats and the big win could be the start for a big finish to UK’s season because Kentucky played its most complete game of the season to beat Vanderbilt.
“I think it is super important for our team, and fans, to see a complete game,” Chandler said. “You have to see it in order to replicate it. It is a big thing. I think it is something we can do. We took a few steps forward today and I hope we can keep it going.”
Kentucky coach Mark Pope said no one should be surprised that Chandler went 6-for-8 from 3-point range against Vanderbilt.
“I mean, a week ago he was the number one 3-point shooter in the SEC. It’s crazy a guy goes 6-for-8 and nobody is surprised. That’s what he does. He’s got a calmness and a poise, and we talked about this a lot,” Pope said after the Vandy game.
“He’s always been confident, but he’s just getting more and more comfortable. His ceiling is incredibly high. He’s got so much more in the tank.”
Center Malachi Moreno when Chandler — and others — are making shots it opens the court for everyone.
‘That’s why we started hitting each other on back doors and guys were getting close ups. You saw Mo (Dioubate) get a couple layups there. Otaga (Oweh) was getting some backdoor cuts and some open driving lanes, so we’re shooting shots and everybody is getting open,” Moreno said.
“It makes life easier for O (Otega Oweh) because if I am hitting shots and finding guys early they have no choice but to not help and that opens O to get downhill any possession he wants and he can show what he did tonight when things open,” Chandler said after the Vanderbilt win.
“I think when Denzel Aberdeen is penetrating and moving the ball, he’s so good. Ortega attracts so much, he has so much gravity as a player as well.”
Chandler’s hot shooting propelled Kentucky to a big start, something that Kentucky certainly could use at Texas A&M Tuesday night.
“They’re challenged our toughness right from the jump. We were hitting everything and it was impressive. They stuck with us for a little bit, but then we ran away, and it’s hard to come back down 20 in the first half for any team,” Chandler said. “I thought we did a good job as a team and just put pressure on them.”
6 Responses
I said it last year. I said it when he signed and I said it to start the year. Next year Chandler will be the best player on the team. He will actually be better all around next year and he will shoot 6-7 more shots a game without Oweh and Aberdeen. Chandler is next up. He has a all SEC year coming next year and if he stays to be a senior he has a chance to be a all American. He could be a all American next year but he has a lot of work to do. If he can tighten up on defense and learn to penetrate the lane better and dribble better he will be a complete player. He's already the most athletic player on the team and that will only improve but he also the best shooter on the team. I don't know what Noah's problem is with shooting. He gets shots he just doesn't hit them. I think he puts to much pressure on himself because he's a good shooter. I think if we can get a core of Chandler, Jelly, Moreno, Williams, Mo-D, JJ, Potter, and Hawthorne. You just need one big who can eat the glass up. Then grab the best two point guards in the transfer portal. Guys who play every game without injury. I would also grab a freshman point guard. Someone who can learn his first year and play a little minutes then can take over in year 2. Or get a senior point guard in the portal and then get like a sophomore or junior. Someone with multiple years left. If we get two point guards we should be good if Jasper Johnson comes back because you can practice him at the point all summer and he will be ready.
I also feel that Chandler has most talent and upside of anyone on team. Think there has been a little loss of confidence at times but hopefully in rear view mirror. There appear to be some rumblings that JQ may be back for Tourney and wouldn't it be great to have him back for next year?
Hearing the rumbling about JQ too. Will see.
Wildcats need to add speed to offense and defense. Entire team must play shut down defense. I would love to show problems with foul shots. There is no excuse to miss free show. They call me Automatic
By that logic take every game personal
I honestly don't like the thought of JQ coming back. These 9 guys are starting to gel. If he gets put into the lineup that means less minutes for someone who is playing at a high level right now. I guess he can get Garrisons spot up minutes. Anything is better than BG with the ball in his hands. He shuffles his feet and acts like he's never held a basketball. Its a very simple game if you get out of your own mind.
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