As Kentucky faces mounting challenges in SEC play, many are asking: Is there a blueprint to beat Mark Pope’s Wildcats? In the latest episode of KSR’s Zoom Action breakdown show, Brandon Ramsey and Zack Geoghegan analyze the film from Kentucky’s last two games to uncover what’s working and what’s not.
While the Wildcats have had their share of impressive moments this season, including a dominant win over a Top 10 Florida team, the road loss to Georgia raised some red flags. The defeat was a stark reminder that Kentucky’s vulnerabilities can be exploited, especially on the road. As Kentucky prepares for another tough SEC matchup against Mississippi State, these weaknesses will be under closer scrutiny.
One of the primary issues discussed in the breakdown is Kentucky’s inconsistency in shot-making. Much of the team’s struggles, particularly in the loss to Georgia, can be chalked up to missed opportunities—whether it be open shots or lapses in execution during key moments. However, Ramsey and Geoghegan also point out that the problems run deeper than just the inability to hit shots. Georgia was able to expose cracks in Kentucky’s defense and exploit mismatches, especially in transition and at the rim.
Despite these setbacks, there’s good news: Kentucky’s issues are fixable. A lot of it comes down to refining the fundamentals—making smarter decisions, tightening up defensively, and improving shot selection. The Wildcats have the talent to bounce back, but they’ll need to correct these weaknesses quickly, particularly with the SEC gauntlet ahead.
The Zoom Action episode also delves into some broader strategic concerns, explaining how teams can potentially replicate Georgia’s success in future matchups. And, of course, Steven Peake adds his perspective with a passionate rant about the officiating, rounding out an insightful breakdown on Kentucky’s current state.
As Kentucky looks to get back on track, the road ahead will be challenging. But with adjustments, the Wildcats still have plenty of time to get back to their winning ways.
