It's a good point for sure. Our problem last night was that our 2 other shooters (Dilly and Shepherd) were also in foul trouble and played some of the fewest minutes because they kept picking up cheap fouls all night. We also can usually count on some shots from Wagner and Edwards along the way but they were both ice cold. I'm hoping that cold shooting from those guys was a lot of nerves from the big stage and not something that becomes a consistent issue. I don't think either of those are great shooters, but we don't need them to be great, just not terrible like they were last night.
I think we would win that game after we have 2 things worked out...
1. A completely healthy team (and a clear understanding of roles with everyone onboard)
2. A little bit more experience for our freshmen knowing how to close out games.
Really, we were VERY close to being able to win that game even with some of the basic and dumb plays that we made. I'm amazed we were that close to winning that game. Honestly, what we saw to begin the game is what I expected. I figured we'd be shell shocked, we'd be completely unable to defend Dickinson, and the lead would balloon to 20+ and remain in the teens until the end. But that was not the way the game went at all. UK controlled the game well over half the way and, even after Kansas cameback with some hot shooting (unusual shooting), still took a good lead and just needed to close it out. The talent is there, but closing isn't just about talent. That is what we are still missing against a good team. And let's be honest, Kansas is the #1 for a reason right now.
Bottom line for me: I am excited about this team and like what I see. We'll see what we get when everyone is healthy, I just hope that happens soon.
