Scouting Wichita State

[FlCATFan]

There were three common opponents this season. LSU which Wichita State beat handily; and they lost to UL and Mich. State.

Protect the three point line and the Cats should win this by 8+. Sure hope that Monk returns to form today.

 

[Wvvrn]

Thanks for the great breakdown, and thanks to the Shocker fan for dropping by. I would say most UK fans would be rooting for WSU against any other tournament opponent.

A few thoughts on what should be a great game:

The Cats need Bam for the full game, he has to avoid early fouls. The Shockers will have no answer for him so their odds increase dramatically if they can get a couple early ones on him.

Frankamp has to make a high % of his threes to keep them in the game (I expect him to), Briscoe, or any of the guards, will abuse him on drives. Cats have a major advantage on O in this matchup.

Monk doesn't have to be on fire for UK to win but if he gets hot it's gonna be extremely difficult to pull the upset.

The Cats need to run, run, run. A half court, grind it out game will play into the Shockers strengths and limit UKs athletic advantage. If it does turn into an ugly game I expect Hawkins/Briscoe to play major minutes and thrive. Neither are afraid to mix it up in a slugfest.

No lead will be safe, no deficit insurmountable. Of course, Kentucky has had many sluggish starts this year and has made some great comebacks. I would not be surprised to see the Cats get in an early 15 point hole and then turn it on and win comfortably. They could likewise have a 20 point lead with 7 min to go and end up in a one possession game at the end. It could be a wild one.

I like UKs chances if it's a who can make the last shot type of game. Fox has become deadly as a closer and has put the team in a position to win more often than not. The substantial improvement in team FT shooting will pay off in this scenario.

In the end I think UKs guards will simply be too much for WSU. Nobody has been able to stop Fox. Nobody can stop Monk (except Monk). Briscoe should get to the rim at will.

So, Bam stays out of foul trouble: UK-79 WS-69. Foul issues for Bam: UK-93 WSU-92 in OT. GBB!

 

[Old_Red]

Funny, kenpom is just a computer metric non UK fans like you are using even though it doesn't matter for each game. Wear black and yellow today.

Is that really necessary? Why are you so angry? It is true they have no significant OOC wins and losses to 3 NCAA Tourney teams, one of which ls already out of the tournament, but they have won 16 straight games since January 14th. That is something that can't just be easily dismissed. That is unless you'd prefer to make silly inferences about a person's allegiance based on giving an opponent a little respect. Since there are only three** common opponents, there is little else to go on, other than supremely superior basketball intelligence which you seem to have awarded yourself over anyone who has a contrary view. That would make you a legend in your own mind.

** Forgot to count LSU as an opponent but given the way Johnny had them playing this year, that was an easy mistake to make.

 

[ThroughBlue]

Is that schedule real life?

 

[LawCat1989]

I am not taking WSU lightly by any means, I respect their coach and program but I feel some of their hype is not a product of their actual resume. Also, I don't see how Shamet and Frankamp can guard Fox, Monk, Briscoe and keep them from driving to the rim at will. Im sure zone will be employed to slow us down but I think if we can get in transition and have Monk break free from his shooting slump we will get the W and move on to Memphis.

 

[TheWyldKat]

UK is a better team, way better, than Wichita St. Just depends on which version of UK shows up.

Arkansas version wins easy, last night's version losss by 10+

I agree, if we play with high energy and intensity, guard the perimeter (3's) we will be fine. It will be great if Monk is on fire but if not someone usually steps up.

 

[78Gooses]

Thanks for your reports. I learn the X's and O's from intelligent posters like yourself.

 

[jackcarlson]

hey, no complaints about draws! If you can't beat the team you are up against, you don't deserve the trophy anyway.