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Kentucky Basketball: John Calipari’s Young Wildcat Squad Has to Improve

By Frank Spencer

Feb 21, 2017; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Jordan Barnett (21) looks to pass as Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) defends during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2017; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Jordan Barnett (21) looks to pass as Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) defends during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Basketball has now won five consecutive contests. It’s not for the faint of heart, as the Wildcats have struggled dearly.

Kentucky Basketball’s most recent excuse for a performance came in Columbia, Missouri. The Wildcats traveled to Missouri to take on a Tigers team that has lost 16 of its last 18 contests. With only two conference wins on the year, and only seven total, John Calipari’s team was ultra confident entering the matchup.

Unfortunately, the young Cats had to fight for every single possession to finally pull out the win. This has been the case over the course of the previous string of games. Unlike most Kentucky teams under Calipari, this team is not head and shoulders better than everyone else in the conference. There is legitimate competition for the Cats throughout the entire SEC. At least it seems that way by the way they have been playing.

Related Story: Briscoe Needs to Be Better. Period.

The Definition of Insanity

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. If Isaiah Briscoe continues to turn the ball over at a high rate, why does he continue to see time? The Sophomore guard has struggled to put a complete game together for some time. It’s hard to recollect a satisfactory performance from Briscoe based off of pure memory. Anyway you put it, unless Briscoe can stop jacking up three point shots and kicking the ball out of bounds on drives to the basket, he is of no use for the Kentucky Program.

A bit harsh? Yes. When your “leader” cannot lead by example, he doesn’t need to be a leader at all. By the eye test, Isaiah Briscoe seems to be trying to do too much at times. Getting to the rim is one thing, but mid-range jumpers and taking three shots from behind the arc a game is not what he does best. It hasn’t worked before, it’s not going to work now. Get it together.

A Broken Record

Kentucky has won six of their last seven contests. On paper, ideally, the Wildcats have taken care of business as of late. As anyone who has watched the games, it’s the same old song and dance. Inconsistent effort and hustle by these immature Cats have kept teams with significantly less talent close late in games. There is no killer instinct. At least not in the second half of this regular season.

Next: The All-Calipari Starting Lineup at Kentucky

Unless there is a quick turnaround, these Kentucky Wildcats cannot compete in the coming weeks with college basketballs best. Desperate teams are dangerous when March rolls around. Teams in the SEC Tournament will be looking to make their resume NCAA-worthy by making a splash late in the season. A lot of bubble teams will be looking for a matchup with Kentucky to try and stake their claim as an NCAA Tournament team. The Kentucky Wildcats cannot afford to regress as the real work is just now beginning.

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