After losing a close game to No. 4 Kansas in Chicago, No. 7 Kentucky will look to get back on track on Friday at Rupp Arena when it takes on East Tennessee State.
The young Wildcats showed their potential in a hard-fought contest against the Jayhawks, with John Calipari’s team being a play or two away from picking up the victory.
Now, Kentucky will prepare for an ETSU team that opened the season with a loss at Northern Kentucky before winning at Savannah State on Monday.
The Bucs put up 35 3-pointers in the win over the Tigers, connecting on 11 of those attempts.
Players to Watch
Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky)
Diallo is off to a fast start, scoring at least 14 points in the Wildcats’ first three games.
Just like his fellow freshman counterpart Kevin Knox, Diallo’s elite athleticism gives him a chance to contribute in a lot of different statistical categories.
And as his 3-point shot continues to develop, Diallo has a chance to become one of the SEC’s best all-around scorers.
Quade Green/Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky)
There are still questions regarding Kentucky’s point guard play, and Green and Gilgeous-Alexander have certainly had their moments of playing like freshmen.
However, there’s still plenty of upside with both players, and since we still don’t know which may emerge as the most consistent option at point, let’s group them in together.
Both have had their bright spots (Gilgeous-Alexander against Utah Valley and Green against Vermont) and both have had their struggles (Kansas).
But while some are panicking, I still think these two will grow into their roles nicely as the season progresses and give Kentucky solid production at that position.
Devontavius Payne (East Tennessee State)
Payne went for 28 points in the win over Savannah State, which included knocking down six 3-pointers on 14 attempts.
Considering that there’s a good chance we see the Bucs shoot a lot of outside shots in this one, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to see Payne lead the charge.
Although he only scored five points in the opener against Northern Kentucky, the 6-2 senior should be able to build off the Savannah State performance and give East Tennessee State a viable scoring option alongside Desonta Bradford.
How Kentucky Can Win
The Bucs have struggled to take care of the ball in their first two contests, turning it over 40 times total already.
Kentucky’s length and athleticism should give the Wildcats an opportunity to cause East Tennessee State to commit even more mistakes, and if that happens, it’ll allow Calipari’s squad to get out on the break and score easy baskets in transition.
Those type of momentum swings in Rupp always put pressure on the visiting team, and Steve Forbes will need his guards at their best to keep from giving the Cats too many extra opportunities.
How ETSU Can Win
Aside from taking care of the ball, the Bucs have to prevent Kentucky’s length from causing a one-sided affair on the boards.
The Wildcats are averaging 12 offensive rebounds per game through three games, and East Tennessee State’s lack of size may allow Kentucky to be even more aggressive on the glass.
There has to be a focused effort from this team to limit second chance points and make the Wildcats earn their points the hard way.
Of course, it’ll also help to take good shots and not try to force things against a Kentucky squad that’s already blocked 22 shots this season.
Game Details
Date: November 17
Time: 7 PM EST
TV: SEC Network
Who wins on November 17?
- Kentucky (75%, 3 Votes)
- East Tennessee State (25%, 1 Votes)
Total Voters: 4
Loading ...