Why'd Pope go 100% away from Williams?

[UKBlueBlood]

I kind of figured it was also to avoid giving Louisville an opportunity to deploy a “hack-a-Amari” strategy late in the game. Sometimes Amari appears capable at the FT line, and other times he appears shockingly horrendous. Garrison seems more reliable. Given that Louisville kept hanging around within one or two possessions, they only needed to steal a couple of opportunities to possibly sneak away with a win today.

 

[TFCats11]

5th year player, never going pro, but he’s essentially to UK’s success. Coach Pope will keep him engaged ✅

 

[Ky_Bred_Cat]

Amari needs to learn how to use his length on defense.

 

[sefus12]

This is going to be a big issue in the SEC, so Pope basically is trying to get at least one of them to step up. I'd be fine with Garrison if he wasn't such a black hole on offense. He's GOT to either make a quick and decisive move and a good shot or pass it. Right now it's zero passes and half the time it's a forced shot. He's playing for his NBA stock IMO.

Our bigs are an issue at this point. BG wants to shoot anytime he gets the ball on offense when he should be the fifth option no matter what. At the same time Williams seems lazy as all get out on D, which is weird considering he was supposed to be one of the best defensive bigs out there.

 

[DraftCat]

May of been the drinks but didn't even notice he wasn't out there. Not sure what that means.

 

[yes_takeaside]

Also, should just add in Garrison's favor, that play he made down the stretch where he hustled like crazy and saved the ball out of bounds off of Hepburn was huge!

Have a ? About that. Looked like it hit him out of bounds before hitting the floor

 

[mcwildcats04]

Have a ? About that. Looked like it hit him out of bounds before hitting the floor

I don't think it did. It was close. But think it hit Hepburn and then next hit the floor.

 

[yes_takeaside]

Amari did not come out to hedge on a screen for Chucky who then drove down into Williams for the bucket and 1.

He was subbed out at that point and I don’t think he came back in.

 

[gbl97]

Amari was on triple-double watch at halftime. Think what he could do with a consistent motor.

 

[mcwildcats04]

Amari was on triple-double watch at halftime. Think what he could do with a consistent motor.

Yeah I think he had a really good first half. That's why I was so surprised with the minutes in the second half while the game was live. But, I understand a little better now.

 

[CatFanInIlliniLand]

I’m not happy with a lot of things Amari does, especially his lack of hustle.

Look at that stat line though. In 16 mins. Imagine if we got 30 productive mins a game from him?

He’s key for this team to go far.

 

[WildcatStu1]

I said after the Gonzaga game, he needs to watch some film of Jamaal Maguire on how to physically protect the rim. I like the rest of his game, but needs to be nasty when a guard tries to drive to the basket, currently too soft in this area.

 

[bnewt]

Was NOT protecting the rim on defense and was watching the ball come off while the Card players grabbed offensive rebounds.

If you're not going to do what Coach expects out of you, you will be sitting next to him.

Plus he should have had several dunks, but he put up soft layups instead

 

[J-Ryan]

I was so pissed when he could've easily blocked a shot near the rim and didn't even try.

I saw that same shot. He just watched the guy shoot. Didn’t even get his hands up

 

[darkshadesofblue]

Too much finessing when he’s wide open under the basket, instead of jamming it. I’d say Garrison earned it tonight

 

[Cawood86]

Guarantee Williams knows why. I think Coach Pope says a lot without saying anything.