Photo by Clay Taylor
Texas A&M Basketball
Scouting Report: Kentucky Wildcats
Date: January 12, 2013 Place: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
Time: 3 pm TV: SEC Network
Overall Record: 10-4
Conference Record: 1-0
Last Five Games
Kentucky Athletics
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Kentucky Athletics
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Kentucky Athletics
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Kentucky Athletics
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Kentucky Athletics
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Off the bench...
Kentucky Athletics
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Against a zone (which the Ags will use to defend the Cats), they like to run a guard on the baseline and flash a post to the ball side elbow. Calipari's guards like to attack the middle of the zone and get into the paint to drop it off to the posts or shoot a floater.
At the end of the the shot clock or game clock, look for the Cats to get into a 1-4 low set. They will bring a post to set a high ball screen for the guard and will play and react from there.
Not only are the bigs great shot blockers, but they are discipline - staying on the floor for multiple head fakes - in timing their jumps. Kentucky's defense sparks the offensive tempo and they love to create turnovers so they can get out and run.
Time: 3 pm TV: SEC Network
Overall Record: 10-4
Conference Record: 1-0
Last Five Games
| Lipscomb | 88-50 | W |
| Marshall | 82-54 | W |
| @Louisville | 80-77 | L |
| Eastern Michigan | 90-38 | W |
| @Vanderbilt | 60-58 | W |
Probable starters...
Kentucky Athletics
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| #3 Nerlens Noel Forward 6-10 228 Fr. |
| Stats: | PPG: 10.5 | RPG: 9.1 | FG%: 57.1 | FT%: 54 | 3FG%: 0-0 | A/TO: 22/25 |
- SHOT BLOCKER, Rebounder, Defensive specialist
- Tries to go to his left hand every time
- Must block him out, Try to get him in foul trouble, Be physical
Kentucky Athletics
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| #10 Archie Goodwin Guard 6-4 200 Fr. |
| Stats: | PPG: 15.6 | RPG: 5.1 | FG%: 45.9 | FT%: 68.8 | 3FG%: 34.5 | A/TO: 53/46 |
- Loves to attack the basket in the open court and off ball screens
- Good shooter, Good ball handler, Decent defender
- Locate him in transition, No open shots, Block out
Kentucky Athletics
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| #22 Alex Poythress Forward 6-7 240 Fr. |
| Stats: | PPG: 13.5 | RPG: 6.3 | FG%: 64.2 | FT%: 66.2 | 3FG%: 37.5 | A/TO: 7/39 |
- Big, Strong presence on the floor that likes contact
- Looking to score when he gets the ball, Wants to rebound
- Will turn the ball over when you make him think, Pressure him
Kentucky Athletics
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| #34 Julius Mays Guard 6-2 192 GS |
| Stats: | PPG: 8.6 | RPG: 3.0 | FG%: 33.9 | FT%: 92.3 | 3FG%: 30.0 | A/TO: 46/16 |
- Smart guard that doesn't turn the ball over
- Will shoot when open, but likes to get his teammates involved
- Make him work for everything on offense, Don't put him on the free throw line
Kentucky Athletics
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| #12 Ryan Harrow Guard 6-2 170 So. |
| Stats: | PPG: 9.7 | RPG: 3.0 | FG%: 41.9 | FT%: 55.6 | 3FG%: 34.6 | A/TO: 35/11 |
- Talented guard that wants to score by attacking the paint
- Will push the ball in transition, Will knock down shots when given a chance
- Contest every shot with high hands, find in transition
Off the bench...
Kentucky Athletics
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| #15 Willie Cauley-Stein Forward 7-0 245 Fr. |
| Stats: | PPG: 7.7 | RPG: 6.1 | FG%: 61.5 | FT%: 36.4 | 3FG%: 0-0 | A/TO: 18/15 |
- Always looking to attack the rim off guard penetration
- Good rebounder, good shot blocker, takes up space
- Block him out, No easy dunks, Be physical and make him shoot free throws
Offensive tendencies
The Wildcats like to score in transition after forcing turnovers and blocking shots - especially after blocked shots. If they don't score on the fast break, their primary offense will come from quick shots in the half court. They like to use ball screens at the top of the key and create off the dribble. Rarely will they let the shot clock get below 10 seconds.Against a zone (which the Ags will use to defend the Cats), they like to run a guard on the baseline and flash a post to the ball side elbow. Calipari's guards like to attack the middle of the zone and get into the paint to drop it off to the posts or shoot a floater.
At the end of the the shot clock or game clock, look for the Cats to get into a 1-4 low set. They will bring a post to set a high ball screen for the guard and will play and react from there.
Defensive tendencies
The Wildcats have a number of long, athletic shot blockers on the team, giving the perimeter defense some freedom to reach for steals and get in the passing lanes. Calipari likes his teams to play man-to-man pressure defense, extending behind half court at times. With their length and quickness, full court pressure isn't unusual and while they don't have a set full court press, their athleticism gives them the opportunity to run and jump at any time.Not only are the bigs great shot blockers, but they are discipline - staying on the floor for multiple head fakes - in timing their jumps. Kentucky's defense sparks the offensive tempo and they love to create turnovers so they can get out and run.
Keys to the Game
Rebounding - This is the key to stopping the Wildcats' fast break opportunities.
Play Hard - Hustle, Effort and Intensity can equalize UK's length and athleticism.
Play Smart - Use shot fakes, attack when given the chance, don't force the issue.
Play Together - This is going to be a team win. No one player can do it by himself.
Composure - Playing in front of 23,000, have to stay calm and stick to the game plan.
Play Hard - Hustle, Effort and Intensity can equalize UK's length and athleticism.
Play Smart - Use shot fakes, attack when given the chance, don't force the issue.
Play Together - This is going to be a team win. No one player can do it by himself.
Composure - Playing in front of 23,000, have to stay calm and stick to the game plan.
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