The Kentucky Wildcats concluded their 2024-2025 regular season with a 21-10 overall record and a 10-8 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. Under first-year head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats showcased resilience and adaptability, navigating a season marked by significant victories and challenging setbacks. We are going to take a look at just a few of those:
Season Highlights
The season started beyond belief. The Cats were back, they were free flowing, high scoring, and they beat Duke. That was enough for a lot of fans to say “we’re back”. The Cats rattled off big wins in the non-conference and in SEC play to the tune of 10 quad 1 wins, tied for 3rd most in the country.
Kentucky’s offense was a formidable force, averaging 85 points per game, ranking third nationally. This offensive prowess was evident in the 106-100 victory over No. 6 Florida and the narrow 90-89 win against No. 7 Gonzaga. The Wildcats also demonstrated their competitiveness against top-tier teams, securing eight wins against AP Top 15 opponents, tying the NCAA record for most such victories in a regular season.
Challenges and Low Points
Despite their offensive strengths, the Wildcats faced defensive challenges, allowing an average of 77.0 points per game, which ranked 297th nationally. This defensive vulnerability was exploited in losses to Ohio State (85-65) and Georgia (82-69).
The Arkansas loss was a deep blow for a lot of reasons: John Calipari’s return, the players who left and followed, a loss to a bottom half of the league team. Looking back Arkansas was in the ascendency but the Cats should have pulled that one out at home.
Impact of Injuries
The season’s narrative was significantly influenced by injuries to key players:
Jaxson Robinson (Guard): Robinson’s season was cut short due to a right wrist injury, leaving a void in Kentucky’s backcourt. He was really playing great basketball prior to the injury.
Kerr Kriisa (Guard): Kriisa suffered a foot injury against Gonzaga, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. There is a possibility of him returning next season.
Lamont Butler (Guard): Butler faced injury woes but made a notable return, contributing significantly in the latter part of the season while making strides to get healthy.
Andrew Carr (Forward): Carr’s recovery from injuries was pivotal; his double-double performance against Missouri (16 points, 12 rebounds) exemplified his importance to the team’s success. A healthy Andrew Carr makes a huge impact on this team’s ability to go deep in March.
This team was rarely able to play all together, and it will forever be a “what if” scenario.
Adjustments and Team Resilience
In the face of adversity, Kentucky’s depth was tested. Koby Brea and Otega Oweh elevated their performances, filling the gaps left by injured teammates. Brea’s 15-point first-half surge against Missouri and Oweh’s team-leading 22 points in the same game were instrumental in securing thory.
Statistical Overview
Offensive Highlights:
Effective field goal percentage: 56.3% (17th nationally)
Three-point shooting: 37.8% (22nd nationally)
Assists per game: 17.0 (14th nationally)
Defensive Concerns:
Opponents’ points per game: 77.0 (297th nationally)
Opponents’ effective field goal percentage: 50.0% (129th nationally)
The 2024-2025 regular season for the Kentucky Wildcats was a testament to their resilience and depth. Despite facing significant injuries and defensive challenges, the team secured notable victories against top-ranked opponents, fought valiently, and never gave in. BBN will forever remember this season regardless of how the postseason plays out.
