1. So that's the kind of hot shooting this team is capable of.
After an ice cold shooting performance in Exhibition Game 1, the Cats scorched the nets with a vengeance against San Lorenzo, shooting 64-percent from the field and 58-percent (7/12) from long range. Kentucky was even 16/21 from the free throw line. We don't yet know whether this will be a very good team or a great team, but if they shoot like that it's safe to say not many teams will have what it takes to compete.
2. Tyler Herro and Keldon Johnson can be devastating.
The two freshmen combined to shoot 12/17 overall and 6/8 from three-point range. Both players are capable of putting the ball on the floor, creating their own shots and scoring in transition. They can put the ball in the basket from three levels. Whether they're on the court together or separately, they give Kentucky an offensive dimension it did not have in quite the same way a year ago. What was really impressive about Herro's performance in particular was his shot selection. He was stepping into good looks in rhythm all night. Because he shoots the ball at a high elevation and doesn't hesitate he's able to get his looks off against pretty much any matchup and already seems comfortable working off screens.
3. Immanuel Quickley can stuff a stat sheet and is a smooth operator on offense.
Kentucky's starting point guard (so far) only attempted four shots. He only scored six points. But Immanuel Quickley dished out five assists, didn't turn it over once and snatched down seven rebounds. Ashton Hagans' defense has impressed a lot of folks so far and rightfully so. But Quickley, in his second exhibition game, has been deliberate and confident running the offense and distributing and has shown a very nice ability to knock down jumpers off screens.
4. Reid Travis was much more comfortable than on Wednesday.
It might have been that Travis was just suffering from a bad case of nerves during his Kentucky debut on Wednesday, even if it was only an exhibition game. He looked uncomfortable and out of sorts in that first game, but against San Lorenzo he was much more settled, attacking cutting lanes, catching the ball and keeping it high to go straight up at the rim, and quick off the floor. His hands have been impressive both games and his rebounding will be there all season.
5. Balance, balance, balance. That could be this team's calling card.
For weeks everyone has been saying this is a team with a lot of good players but no obviously great players, and it might indeed be without a lottery pick in next year's draft. Having said that, few college basketball teams have as many players who are capable of performing at a high level and that showed up in the form of outstanding balance on Thursday night. Six Kentucky players scored in double figures (Herro led the way with 22) and nobody seemed to be forcing anything.
After an ice cold shooting performance in Exhibition Game 1, the Cats scorched the nets with a vengeance against San Lorenzo, shooting 64-percent from the field and 58-percent (7/12) from long range. Kentucky was even 16/21 from the free throw line. We don't yet know whether this will be a very good team or a great team, but if they shoot like that it's safe to say not many teams will have what it takes to compete.
2. Tyler Herro and Keldon Johnson can be devastating.
The two freshmen combined to shoot 12/17 overall and 6/8 from three-point range. Both players are capable of putting the ball on the floor, creating their own shots and scoring in transition. They can put the ball in the basket from three levels. Whether they're on the court together or separately, they give Kentucky an offensive dimension it did not have in quite the same way a year ago. What was really impressive about Herro's performance in particular was his shot selection. He was stepping into good looks in rhythm all night. Because he shoots the ball at a high elevation and doesn't hesitate he's able to get his looks off against pretty much any matchup and already seems comfortable working off screens.
3. Immanuel Quickley can stuff a stat sheet and is a smooth operator on offense.
Kentucky's starting point guard (so far) only attempted four shots. He only scored six points. But Immanuel Quickley dished out five assists, didn't turn it over once and snatched down seven rebounds. Ashton Hagans' defense has impressed a lot of folks so far and rightfully so. But Quickley, in his second exhibition game, has been deliberate and confident running the offense and distributing and has shown a very nice ability to knock down jumpers off screens.
4. Reid Travis was much more comfortable than on Wednesday.
It might have been that Travis was just suffering from a bad case of nerves during his Kentucky debut on Wednesday, even if it was only an exhibition game. He looked uncomfortable and out of sorts in that first game, but against San Lorenzo he was much more settled, attacking cutting lanes, catching the ball and keeping it high to go straight up at the rim, and quick off the floor. His hands have been impressive both games and his rebounding will be there all season.
5. Balance, balance, balance. That could be this team's calling card.
For weeks everyone has been saying this is a team with a lot of good players but no obviously great players, and it might indeed be without a lottery pick in next year's draft. Having said that, few college basketball teams have as many players who are capable of performing at a high level and that showed up in the form of outstanding balance on Thursday night. Six Kentucky players scored in double figures (Herro led the way with 22) and nobody seemed to be forcing anything.
