Three takeaways from Kentucky basketball’s opening-night win over Howard
Three takeaways from Kentucky basketball’s 95-63 win over Howard on Monday night at Rupp Arena:
1. Not a bad opening night
After four games in the Bahamas and a couple of exhibitions, the real curtain finally lifted on Kentucky’s 2022-23 basketball season and the opening-night reviews were all good.
No Oscar Tshiebwe. No Sahvir Wheeler. No Daimion Collins. No problem. The Cats rolled early and often, jumping to a 49-26 halftime lead on the way to the 32-point blowout of the visiting Bison.
John Calipari’s club shot 58.1 percent in the second half and 54.8 percent for the game. After missing its first five three-point attempts, it finished 11 of 24 from beyond the arc. It outrebounded the Bison 42-37, blocked five shots, made 10 steals and was credited with 20 assists on 34 made field goals.
Antonio Reeves (22) and CJ Fredrick (20) combined for 42 points. With Wheeler out, freshman Cason Wallace nearly produced a double-double, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Jacob Toppin turned in his first career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. And Ugonna Onyenso blocked four shots in his 20 minutes on the floor.
“I’ll be honest,” Calipari said afterward, “I didn’t think we’d have this kind of show.”
2. Kentucky’s shooters showed up
After some up-and-down perimeter shooting in its two exhibition games, Kentucky showed what it is capable of from downtown this season.
After missing those first five three-point attempts, UK was 11 of 19 from three the rest of the night. Reeves finished 6 of 12 from three. Fredrick was 2 of 5. The rest of the team was 3 of 7.
“I’m happy that we’re making shots,” Calipari said. “This is a team that can shoot 24 or 25 threes. If we really make them, we may shoot more.”
Another stat that caught Calipari’s eye: Fredrick played 36 minutes and did not turn the ball over.
“CJ makes the right plays,” the coach said. “Think about it, a guy who makes shots and doesn’t turn it over.”
Not a bad combination.
3. Next step: Incorporate the missing back into the lineup
Though Tshiebwe did not play Monday, he was on the floor shooting shots during warm-ups. It’s possible that he could play Friday when the Cats face Duquesne at Rupp. It would be his first game back after preseason knee surgery.
No word on whether Wheeler has recovered enough from his leg injury to be available Friday. Collins was to return Monday night from Texas after being with his family after the death of his father. But Collins is to return to his home state for the funeral on Saturday.
“I don’t think he’ll be with us on Friday,” Calipari said on his postgame radio show.
What happens when all three are available at the same time? It’s a good problem to have. Or problems. Calipari said Wallace and Wheeler can play together. Collins might need some time with the grieving process before he’s mentally ready to play. That’s up in the air.
“You won’t believe this, but Oscar is playing,” Calipari said.
He also said this: He has 11 scholarship players but 11 scholarship players are not playing.
“I’m not going to play 11 guys,” the coach said.
Who plays and who doesn’t will depend on who defends and who produces during the game. Stringing together good practices counts. Performing during the actual games counts more.
“The great thing about this game and I think the next game is everybody’s going to get their chance,” Calipari said.
Box score from Kentucky basketball’s 95-63 season-opening win over Howard
New stars emerge for Kentucky in blowout win over Howard to tip off the 2022-23 season
The 2022-23 Kentucky basketball season begins with three key Wildcats on the sidelines
Five things you need to know from Kentucky’s 95-63 season-opening win over Howard
