Let's talk Kenpom Defensive efficiency

[Cats192]

After the last 2 games, Kentucky has moved up to #84 in Kenpom defensive efficiency. Granted, it's nothing to write home about. Kentucky's current offensive ranking is #2.

But Alabama finished #111 after last year's final 4 run. Their offensive ranking was #2.
Miami finished #99 after their final 4 run 2 years ago. Their offensive ranking was #6.

Obviously neither team won the championship. But those are two examples FROM THE LAST TWO YEAERS of subpar defensive teams getting to the Final 4.

If we can get healthy...

 

[Basscat1987]

I can’t speak for Miami. But as for Alabama if you looked at their defensive ratings for the 4 games they played to get to the final 4, they were one of the best defensive teams in the tourney during that stretch. They turned it up. Tonight we showed that we can turn it up as well

 

[NerlensCat]

After the last 2 games, Kentucky has moved up to #84 in Kenpom defensive efficiency. Granted, it's nothing to write home about. Kentucky's current offensive ranking is #2.

But Alabama finished #111 after last year's final 4 run. Their offensive ranking was #2.
Miami finished #99 after their final 4 run 2 years ago. Their offensive ranking was #6.

Obviously neither team won the championship. But those are two examples FROM THE LAST TWO YEAERS of subpar defensive teams getting to the Final 4.

If we can get healthy...

It’s all about Butler. He makes that big a difference for this team. If somehow he can come back healthy, he elevates everyone else.

 

[fatguy87]

What Duke and Florida have been able to do on both sides of the court is impressive.

 

[runt#69]

I'd like to see how Kentucky's defensive efficiency looks now.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

I'd like to see how Kentucky's defensive efficiency looks now.

It's top 20 since the ole miss game

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

#10 on T-Rank since 2/8, after ole miss.

 

[UKAlum84]

When we start irritating the perimeter and get steals and deflections.........It creates a positive trend.

Many teams do not guard that high intensity type of style.

One thing that looked good for us, was the ability to disrupt the offense of illinois, and take off to our goal to either layup or dunk the ball.

I thought, something has changed. The fight in these UK players has increased despite injuries and the refs....

 

[ImTheVillageIdiot]

When we start irritating the perimeter and get steals and deflections.........It creates a positive trend.

Many teams do not guard that high intensity type of style.

One thing that looked good for us, was the ability to disrupt the offense of illinois, and take off to our goal to either layup or dunk the ball.

I thought, something has changed. The fight in these UK players has increased despite injuries and the refs....

Theory for you….longer timeouts in NCAAT. Pope feels more comfortable having his players harass more on the perimeter because they will get plenty of breathers. I’m not saying it’s the only factor, but there is clearly a schematic difference in the amount of ball pressure coach is allowing right now

 

[UKAlum84]

Absolutely, its night and day difference from early in the year.

 

[BlueSince92]

We are obviously very good defensively compared to what we were. At the highest levels of competition, which more or less means from this point forward, I believe our defense is ultimately going to be about matchups and flow. A gestalt thing.

Case in point, when Otega was sitting last night Illinois scored on us almost at will for over ten minutes of gametime. Otega is a fine defender. But he is not a worldbeating defender (like Butler is when healthy) and it was not hardly only Otega’s man who was scoring all over us when he was out. So we obviously need some kind of synergy thing going on to really seriously lock in. Which means matchups are obviously going to play a role as well.

 

[Blueheart32]

Currently at 45 on Defense in KenPom. Up from 112 about a month ago. Offense is at 11th