Saturday marks the third game in Gonzaga’s six-game series against Kentucky at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The Zags have already won the first two matchups—an 89-85 victory over No. 17 Kentucky in February at Rupp Arena, which helped propel Gonzaga to a strong finish last season and a ninth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. The second-ranked Zags also defeated No. 4 Kentucky 88-72 in November 2022 at the Arena. This season, Gonzaga returns six of their top seven scorers, while Kentucky is adjusting to a new head coach and largely revamped roster. We caught up with John Clay, a longtime columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader, for an update on the new-look Wildcats.
Kentucky’s New Head Coach and Philosophy
Mark Pope, the captain of Kentucky’s 1996 national championship team, replaced John Calipari as head coach after Calipari’s move to Arkansas. Initially, many fans were skeptical about Pope’s hiring, as he had not won an NCAA Tournament game in his nine years as a head coach. However, Pope quickly won over the Kentucky faithful with his enthusiasm, gratitude, and ties to the program. His introductory press conference, held in a packed Rupp Arena, was one of the most memorable in recent years.
Pope has brought a fresh approach, particularly on offense. While Calipari’s offense was often criticized for being outdated, Pope’s system is designed to be modern and fast-paced. He aims to have Kentucky shoot 30-35 three-pointers per game. Before a loss to Clemson, the Wildcats were leading the nation in scoring, averaging 96.7 points per game.
Kentucky’s First Setback of the Season
Kentucky suffered its first loss of the season to Clemson, falling 70-66. This was the Wildcats’ first road test and came in a tough environment against a solid opponent (Clemson is ranked No. 15 in the NET). The key to the loss was Kentucky’s inability to adjust to Clemson’s physical style. The Wildcats were outrebounded 31-21 in the first half and struggled with second-chance points, losing that battle 10-1. While Kentucky improved its rebounding in the second half, it was unable to match Clemson’s tenacity. Additionally, the Wildcats have been struggling with their three-point shooting, hitting only 25-27% from beyond the arc in recent games.
Newcomers Leading the Way
Kentucky’s roster this season is composed mainly of newcomers. Transfers have scored 713 points, while freshmen have contributed 30. Oklahoma transfer guard Otega Oweh leads the team with 16.0 points per game, showing his ability to score in various ways, from driving to the basket to hitting the occasional three-pointer. Kentucky’s offense is well-balanced, with five players averaging in double figures, and center Amari Williams not far behind at 9.9 points per game. Jaxson Robinson, a key player who transferred from BYU, has proven to be one of Kentucky’s best offensive options. Robinson earned Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year honors last season and is averaging 12 points per game.
Keys to Kentucky’s Success Against Gonzaga
For Kentucky to rebound from its loss to Clemson and take down Gonzaga, two things are crucial. First, they need to improve their three-point shooting. Pope’s system relies heavily on spacing the floor and making perimeter shots. If Kentucky can shoot better from beyond the arc, it will open up more offensive opportunities. Second, the Wildcats must match Gonzaga’s physicality better than they did against Clemson. This means improving not just on the glass, but also in areas like passing lanes and defending in the post. If Kentucky can make these adjustments, they will have a strong chance to win in Seattle. However, if they fail to do so, it could be a challenging night against the Zags.
