Kentucky basketball is facing a pivotal moment as they gear up to take on the Auburn Tigers on the road tonight. Assistant coach Cody Fueger emphasized the need for the team to play "fearless" basketball, focusing on creating opportunities for their teammates. But what does that entail for the Wildcats?
Let’s dive into the numbers. The assist stats aren't painting a pretty picture.
With Jaland Lowe sidelined, Denzel Aberdeen has stepped up, but his 3.2 assists per game highlight a key issue-he’s prioritizing his own shots over facilitating for others. This approach is unsustainable for a cohesive offense.
After Kentucky’s tough loss to Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Nate Oats critiqued their offensive strategy.
“When I watched them play, I didn’t feel like they moved the ball great... You look, and their assist rate is pretty high.
Do a deeper dive - 27 assists, 27 assists - against bye games that play a lot of zone. When they played high major teams that were really good, their assist rates were very low.”
The Georgia game underscored this, with 13 assists matching 13 turnovers. Oats wasn’t off the mark.
So, what’s the game plan for Kentucky to make a deep run in March Madness?
The Wildcats need to embrace a more selfless style of play, akin to a soccer team’s possession strategy. They’ve been moving the ball, but often without a clear purpose to secure quality shots. Too many possessions against Georgia ended with either an Otega Oweh or Denzel Aberdeen attempt or turnover.
To turn things around, each player must drive with the intent to create better opportunities for their teammates. If an easy layup is available, they should take it. Otherwise, they need to be aware of their teammates’ positions and facilitate plays for them.
Kentucky shines when they drive to pass, but all too often, they’re driving to score. Cody Fueger put it succinctly:
"At the end of the day, at all times, we want to play fearless. We want these guys to play free and just play basketball, and making plays for teammates, it's everything for us offensively. And it can be screening, making a play for a teammate, it can be our pace of play, passing obviously, bringing two [defenders] to the ball."
This mindset needs to kick in tonight against Auburn. If not, Kentucky might find themselves struggling in Columbia, fighting to keep their season alive.