Kentucky Basketball: Isaiah Briscoe, Please Stop Walking

Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) reacts as he drives to the basket against the Florida Gators during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 88-66. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) reacts as he drives to the basket against the Florida Gators during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 88-66. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

I love many things about Isaiah Briscoe. But he does one thing that makes me pull my hair out.

Let me start by making one thing clear: I fully support Isaiah Briscoe. There are many things I admire about his game, including:

  • Toughness.
  • Ability to get to the rim.
  • Improved free throw shooting.

Would you like to know what gets under my skin? I’ll tell you what gets under my skin.

  • He is good for two walks a game.

Traveling is one of the most frustrating things to be called for in basketball. I think most would agree. And unfortunately, Briscoe is prone to shuffling his feet and gathering a couple calls a game. In Tuesday night’s win against Missouri, the Kentucky point guard had two in the first half.

So, what’s the deal?

Sometimes it makes you wonder. Is he doing this on purpose? Does he enjoy walking with the basketball? I had to investigate.

After doing some deep, 100% real research, I discovered (Created) a Spotify playlist that appears to be made by none other than Kentucky’s walking enthusiast: Isaiah Briscoe.

Notice the variety in walkin’ tunes. Briscoe starts his Fit-bit trips with Aerosmith’s classic rock anthem “Walk This Way,” a noted #walkingbanger. Next, he turns to songwriters Johnny Cash and Lou Reed for their takes on his favorite pastime.

Switching it up, he sprinkles in that modern Atlanta trap with Bankroll Fresh’s “Walked In,” later followed by Unk’s 2000’s dance-rap classic “Walk It Out.” But Briscoe clearly reminisces on the 90’s. He includes Smash Mouth’s “Walkin’ On The Sun” and The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).”

But don’t forget about the 80’s; Briscoe clearly doesn’t. When he needs a happy tune to brighten his day, he throws on The Bangles’ “Walk Like An Egyptian,” and movie trailer classic, “Walkin’ On Sunshine.” Leaving no stone unturned, he added Empire of the Sun’s “Walking On A Dream” for you-know-whats and giggles.

Say what you want, but Isaiah Briscoe is nothing if not cultured.

Next: The Kentucky All-Calipari Starting Lineup

Seriously Though

Briscoe has to cut it out. He is one of Kentucky’s sure bets to find a bucket, but those points never count when they come with extra steps.

You can call it nit-picking, but at this time of year, teams cannot afford wasted possessions. Taking care of the basketball should be Briscoe’s highest priority as Kentucky’s leader and experienced point guard.

Your playlist is #bangersonly, Briscoe, but save the walking for the off-season.

Schedule

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