Auburn Undercover’s preview coverage of No. 1 Auburn’s trip to face Kentucky continues with Opposition Insight, a series aimed at bringing an opposing reporter’s perspective of Auburn’s next foe. Joining us in this installment is Aaron Gershon, who covers Kentucky for Cats Pause on the 247Sports network.
Dive in for Aaron’s assessment of this year’s Kentucky team, and his key matchups Saturday afternoon in Rupp Arena, where Auburn looks to win for the first time since 1988, and clinch a share of the SEC regular-season championship in the process.
The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team is looking fierce this season. With a current record of 19-9, they’re sitting seventh in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) standings ¹. Let’s dive into the team’s roster, schedule, and stats to get a better understanding of what they’re working with.
Roster Breakdown
The Wildcats have a diverse roster with a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. Some key players to watch out for include:
Otega Oweh: A junior guard standing at 6’4″ with a strong defensive presence .
Lamont Butler: A graduate student guard who brings leadership and scoring ability to the team .
Jaxson Robinson: A graduate student guard who’s been making waves with his three-point shooting .
Ansley Almonor: A senior forward with a strong rebounding game .
Schedule and Recent Performance
The Wildcats have had a strong schedule this season, with notable wins against Duke, Gonzaga, and Tennessee ³. However, they’ve also suffered some tough losses to teams like Clemson, Ohio State, and Alabama.
In their most recent game, the Wildcats secured a 75-64 win against Tennessee, showcasing their resilience and determination ¹.
Stats and Rankings
The Wildcats are currently ranked 17th in the AP poll and 23rd in the coaches’ poll . They’re averaging 85.6 points per game, which ranks fourth in the nation.
Some key stats to note include:
Rebounds per game: 38.8, ranking 42nd nationally ¹
Assists per game: 17.1, tied for 20th nationally ¹
Points allowed: 76.6, a respectable defensive effort ¹
Coaching Staff
The Wildcats are led by head coach Mark Pope, who’s in his first season at the helm. Pope is joined by associate head coaches Alvin Brooks III and Mark Fox, as well as assistant coaches Cody Fueger, Jason Hart, and Mikhail McLean ².
Overall, the Kentucky Wildcats are a force to be reckoned with this season. With their strong roster, solid coaching staff, and impressive stats, they’re a team to watch out for in the NCAA tournament.
