Kentucky’s backcourt picture is starting to take shape, and right now the contrast between Zoom Diallo and Mason Williams is hard to miss.
Diallo entered the season positioned as Kentucky’s PG1, but the ball security issues that have followed him into college are still hanging around. Across his career, he’s averaged 1.5 assists for every 1 turnover, and that trend has carried into the exhibition slate. So far, Diallo has 8 assists against 6 turnovers.
Williams, on the other hand, has looked far more composed. The freshman has given Kentucky a steadier hand with the ball, committing just one turnover over the two exhibitions. Part of that comes from Alex Wilkins handling a chunk of the point guard work when Diallo sits, but Williams has also shown better control in his passing.
The defensive edge has shown up, too. Diallo has been solid on that end, but Williams has stood out in the passing lanes with 4 steals so far. For a freshman to bring that kind of calm and activity to the floor is a big deal, and down the stretch against the Red Raiders, Williams was out there with Wilkins while Diallo watched from the bench.
That split is giving Mark Pope something to sort through as he weighs his guard rotation. Williams is clearly making strides, while Diallo is still trying to find a rhythm.
The numbers from the two exhibitions tell the story well:
Zoom Diallo: 26 minutes, 7 points, 3-for-7 from the field, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 turnovers
Mason Williams: 20 minutes, 1o points, 4-for-5 from the field, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 turnover
In Other News...
Kentucky Showed Real Promise And One Clear Concern Against Texas Tech
Kentuckys exhibition win over No. 19 Texas Tech at Rupp Arena offered a useful early snapshot of where this group is starting to take shape. The Wildcats worked through an uneven opening stretch, including some early turnovers and a slow start, but still managed to settle in and carry a 37-33 halftime lead into a second half that ended with a 76-65 victory.
Milan Momcilovic and Alex Wilkins were among the key contributors in helping Kentucky finish the job, a reminder that there is enough production here to like even before the games start counting. The cleaner takeaway, though, was the one the Wildcats could not ignore: the early sloppiness that nearly let Texas Tech control the tone, something they will want to clean up in their next exhibition against UCF before the regular season begins. [Read more 🡒]
Nick Saban Sees Something Real In Kentuckys Fast Start
Kentuckys quick climb under first-year coach Will Stein has started to draw attention well beyond Lexington. On College GameDay, Nick Saban pointed to the Wildcats 6-1 record and No. 12 ranking as evidence that this is more than a hot opening stretch, noting the kind of details that usually travel with teams that sustain success: a sturdy offensive line, disciplined play and a knack for winning tight games.
The broader SEC picture only adds to the intrigue. Kentucky heads into Week 8 tied with Georgia atop the conference standings, and its turnover margin has been among the best in the league. For a team that has spent the early part of the season turning close calls into wins, the next stretch will help show whether this fast start is a real leap forward or just the first chapter of a much tougher test. [Read more 🡒]
Kentucky Showed One Encouraging Trait Fans Needed To See Early
Kentuckys second exhibition at Rupp Arena offered the kind of early-season response fans were looking for, even with some rough edges still visible. The Wildcats fell behind early, fought through turnover problems and still managed to take control in a 76-65 win over Texas Tech, a game that gave Mark Popes team another useful look at where it stands heading into the season.
Milan Momcilovic and freshman Mason Williams were among the brighter spots, helping Kentucky steady itself after the shaky opening stretch. Texas Tech was without its best player, JT Toppin, as he continues recovering from an ACL injury, but the Wildcats still found a way to show the one encouraging trait that can travel when the games start counting. [Read more 🡒]