Kentucky Basketball’s Christmas Wish List: What the Cats Need After a Wild Win Over Bellarmine
It wasn’t exactly a defensive clinic, but Kentucky’s 95-85 win over Bellarmine gave Big Blue Nation something to chew on heading into the holidays. Offensively, the Cats looked sharp-arguably as good as they’ve looked all season.
But defensively? Well, let’s just say there’s plenty of room under the tree for improvement.
Let’s unpack what we saw on the floor, and what Kentucky needs heading into the break before SEC play tips off.
Kam Williams: The Breakout Game We’ve Been Waiting For
Kam Williams delivered the kind of performance that turns heads and shifts rotations. He went 8-for-10 from deep, torching Bellarmine’s defense with a smooth, confident stroke that never looked forced. When a guy gets that hot, you feed him-and Kentucky did just that.
This wasn’t just a good shooting night. It was a statement.
Williams has been waiting for his moment, and now that he’s had it, the question is whether this can become a trend. Because if he can consistently stretch the floor like that, the Cats become a completely different offensive animal.
Jasper Johnson Settling In at the Point
With Jaland Lowe sidelined, freshman Jasper Johnson stepped into the lead guard role and held his own. He finished with 11 points and seven assists, showing poise and control in a game that was played at a fast pace. He’s not the traditional floor general-at least not yet-but Johnson’s ability to create and keep the offense flowing was a bright spot.
And speaking of facilitating…
Otega Oweh: The All-Around Engine
Oweh nearly posted a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, 10 assists, and eight boards. He’s been the glue guy all season, but this performance was a reminder of just how versatile and valuable he is. Whether it’s crashing the glass, finding open shooters, or defending multiple positions, Oweh does the dirty work-and he does it well.
The Other Side of the Ball: Defensive Concerns Loom Large
Let’s not sugarcoat it-giving up 85 points to a 5-6 Bellarmine squad isn’t going to cut it, especially with Alabama looming in the SEC opener. Kentucky’s defense was flat-footed for long stretches, slow on rotations, and too often caught ball-watching.
Effort wasn’t the issue. Execution was. And that’s something that has to be cleaned up if this team wants to contend in the SEC.
The Christmas Wish List for Kentucky Basketball
With an 11-day break before conference play, here’s what the Wildcats should be hoping for this holiday season:
1. More Minutes for Jayden Quaintance
We get it-there’s a minutes restriction in place. But Quaintance is too important to be on the sidelines for long stretches, especially with Kentucky’s defensive struggles.
He brings size, rim protection, and physicality that this team desperately needs. With Alabama on deck, it’s time to start ramping him up.
2. A Healthy Jaland Lowe
Lowe’s absence has been felt in a big way. He’s the true point guard this roster needs-a steady hand who can control tempo, get guys in the right spots, and take care of the basketball. If this break gives him the time he needs to heal up, Kentucky’s offense will look a lot more balanced.
3. Consistency from Denzel Aberdeen
Aberdeen quietly had a strong game against Bellarmine, dropping 14 points while going 4-for-7 from three. He’s shown flashes all season, but consistency has been the missing piece.
When Lowe is healthy and running the point, Aberdeen becomes even more dangerous off the ball. If he can settle into that role, Kentucky’s backcourt becomes a lot deeper.
4. A Midseason Point Guard Addition (Wishful Thinking, But Still)
This one’s a long shot, but it’s on the list for a reason. With Lowe’s injury concerns, the Wildcats could use another reliable ball-handler who can step in if needed. It’s not an easy fix midseason, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
5. Confidence for Collin Chandler
Chandler started the year looking like a breakout candidate-confident, aggressive, and fearless. But lately, that swagger has faded.
He’s still a knockdown shooter, but he’s passing up looks he was taking earlier in the season. Kentucky needs him to rediscover that early-season confidence, because when he’s clicking, he adds another layer to this offense.
6. Better-and More Consistent-Three-Point Shooting
It’s been an issue all year, especially in the bigger games. But if the Bellarmine game showed us anything, it’s that this group can shoot.
The Cats went 16-for-30 from deep, led by Williams’ explosion. That kind of shooting opens up everything else offensively.
The challenge now is to bottle that performance and bring it into SEC play.
Looking Ahead
The win over Bellarmine wasn’t perfect, but it gave Kentucky a lot to build on. The offense is starting to click, the young guys are growing into their roles, and there’s still time to tighten things up before the schedule gets serious.
Conference play starts next Saturday with a big one against No. 14 Alabama.
That’s when we’ll find out just how ready this group is. For now, the Wildcats will take the win, enjoy the break, and hopefully check a few items off that Christmas list.
Quick Hits from Around the Sports World:
- Kam Williams’ Big Night Headlines the Win - A breakout performance that could change the rotation moving forward.
- Kentucky Football Retains Anwar Stewart - Continuity on the defensive line is big for the Wildcats heading into the offseason.
- NFL Week 17 Picks Are In - Playoff implications are everywhere. The Packers, 49ers, and Eagles are all in must-win mode.
- Pro Bowl Games Feature 19 First-Timers - A new wave of talent is making its mark.
- Chiefs’ Move to Kansas Sparks Political Fallout - A move that’s shaking things up in Missouri.
- Thunder’s NBA Wins Record Hopes Fading - A red-hot start is cooling off fast.
- NBA Power Rankings: Thunder and Knicks Lead the Pack - Despite a few stumbles, OKC still looks dominant.
- J.J.’s Wild Rookie Season Continues - A rollercoaster ride that’s been anything but predictable.
Enjoy the holidays, BBN. The real tests are just around the corner.