Here are eight takeaways from UK's win over Ottawa.
1. Domination: Obviously when you're playing a DII NAIA team you expect a huge win, but the way the Cats started was impressive. If opposing teams don't come out of the gate ready to play, they could be out of the game shortly after it starts. 2012 and 2015 started games that way, too, but think this UK team is better offensively than both of those.
2. Jamal Murray: Even though it was an exhibition, I wish he could have landed the triple-double. The good news is he'll have other opportunities to be only the second UK player to do it. He's going to be a tremendous rebounding guard for UK.
3. Three-Point Shooting: This will be one of the better three-point shooting teams in the country, and definitely Calipari's best since he's been at UK. But one thing about the shooting is the looks will be better and easier than year's prior. When you have a team that's this unselfish that's one of the benefits.
4. Pressing: I know this is game one, well not even game one, but the press isn't going to work this season. Calipari doesn't emphasize it enough for it to be successful and it seemed like the majority of Ottawa's wide-open looks came on busted defense out of the press. I know, if UK sticks with it they will be better, but just don't see the point in making things easier for the opposing offense.
5. Defense: When UK wasn't pressing I thought the defense was pretty good for the most part. It's early in the season and they'll be much better, but all the guards will be able to defend, we already know about Poythress and Lee and Labissiere will protect the rim. Again, it's not perfect, but have seen enough to know the potential is there.
6. Labissiere: Saw a lot of good from the former five-star forward. He's unbelievably skilled offensively, and it showed with his 18-point performance where he only missed three shots. That being said, he has to get tougher. I feel like he got the best of Jon O'Con, but there were some battles that Skal lost. He should never be out-rebounded by Jon O'Con.
7. Run: I love how this team runs. They're going to play fast all season and it's going to be a joy to watch. They'll wear teams down and they'll do it often. 26 fast break points. Also saw some true dribble-drive which is hard to guard.
8. Willis: He only played 14 minutes tonight, which was strange, but what I saw was the same thing I saw in the scrimmage and practice. He's a great offensive player, a true three and I don't believe he'll be a liability on defense. We'll have to wait and see about the defensive part until the Cats play better teams.
Fun game.
1. Domination: Obviously when you're playing a DII NAIA team you expect a huge win, but the way the Cats started was impressive. If opposing teams don't come out of the gate ready to play, they could be out of the game shortly after it starts. 2012 and 2015 started games that way, too, but think this UK team is better offensively than both of those.
2. Jamal Murray: Even though it was an exhibition, I wish he could have landed the triple-double. The good news is he'll have other opportunities to be only the second UK player to do it. He's going to be a tremendous rebounding guard for UK.
3. Three-Point Shooting: This will be one of the better three-point shooting teams in the country, and definitely Calipari's best since he's been at UK. But one thing about the shooting is the looks will be better and easier than year's prior. When you have a team that's this unselfish that's one of the benefits.
4. Pressing: I know this is game one, well not even game one, but the press isn't going to work this season. Calipari doesn't emphasize it enough for it to be successful and it seemed like the majority of Ottawa's wide-open looks came on busted defense out of the press. I know, if UK sticks with it they will be better, but just don't see the point in making things easier for the opposing offense.
5. Defense: When UK wasn't pressing I thought the defense was pretty good for the most part. It's early in the season and they'll be much better, but all the guards will be able to defend, we already know about Poythress and Lee and Labissiere will protect the rim. Again, it's not perfect, but have seen enough to know the potential is there.
6. Labissiere: Saw a lot of good from the former five-star forward. He's unbelievably skilled offensively, and it showed with his 18-point performance where he only missed three shots. That being said, he has to get tougher. I feel like he got the best of Jon O'Con, but there were some battles that Skal lost. He should never be out-rebounded by Jon O'Con.
7. Run: I love how this team runs. They're going to play fast all season and it's going to be a joy to watch. They'll wear teams down and they'll do it often. 26 fast break points. Also saw some true dribble-drive which is hard to guard.
8. Willis: He only played 14 minutes tonight, which was strange, but what I saw was the same thing I saw in the scrimmage and practice. He's a great offensive player, a true three and I don't believe he'll be a liability on defense. We'll have to wait and see about the defensive part until the Cats play better teams.
Fun game.
