Kentucky Basketball: Is Isaac Humphries The Key to a Wildcats’ Victory?

In one of the most obscure stats of the year: Kentucky is now 22-0 when Isaac Humphries scores.

The Wildcats are also just 2-5 when he has a donut hole in the scoring column. Kentucky only has wins against Michigan State and Georgia when Isaac Humphries does not score. Besides Briscoe, some would say that Humphries is one of the most frustrating players on the team. Nonetheless, more often than not, when he scores, the end result is usually a positive. He can get in the scoring column by using one of the multiple tools in his arsenal.

Hook shot

I’m afraid to say, the “Humphries Hook” is an all or nothing attempt at the basket. It can be a thing of beauty, in which he spins toward his left shoulder, releasing the ball from his right hand in rhythm. Although, I think we are all more used to the hook shot that is off-center and leads to a defensive rebound for the other team. The constant is that he is able to get good leverage with his size, which leads to good position in the paint. The way he finishes, unfortunately, is not always a constant.

Jump Shot

I believe the best part of Humphries’ game is a 10-15 ft. jump shot where he has time to set his feet and make it in uncontested fashion. Let’s be honest.  When the defense collapses on a Fox drive, or when Monk draws two defenders on a drive, Humphries has to be ready to take and make the shot. Just recently in a game against Florida, Humphries and Briscoe seemed to play a game of cat and mouse that looked eerily similar to a scene in the movie, Semi Pro (where apparently Will Ferrell’s character wanted the ball, and then quickly changed his mind, then changed his mind again). After a little back and forth, Humphries was able to make his lone basket of the game. Of all his tools, this is the tool that I have the most confidence in.

Lay-up/Dunk

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: this is probably the most effective way for him to score. Humphries has way too many layups go off of the side of the rim. Defenders also tend to get a hand on the shot. These missed attempts usually lead to run-outs for the other team. Coach Calpari loves to preach to the players about not getting blocked; just get the ball on the rim, and someone will get a rebound. However, when Humphries is in the game, Adebayo will not be in, and he is the only player Big Blue Nation can trust to make that type of play.

Free Throw Jumper

The infamous free-throw score is the most boring of them all. The referees pick on Humphries game after game. It is more likely that his opponents will be shooting most of the free throws. Right now Humphries is shooting a mediocre 56% (according to espn.com) from the stripe, which is a little misleading. He currently only has 23 attempts from the charity strip. That can’t help his confidence.

Humphries just lacks the opportunities for him to develop his stroke. As a big man, he has good release and follow-through on his shot, which right now, do not reflect in his average. He’s not the guy I would want on the line when the game matters most. I also don’t cringe whenever he steps up to knock down the foul shots.

Next: The Weekend BBQ, Volume 1

Is Humphries The Key?

Is there a correlation between Humphries scoring and Kentucky winning? I don’t know. Maybe.  I do know that Isaac has strengths and  limitations, but Kentucky has to use him effectively for him to be the best version of himself. If only we could chalk up a “W” immediately following a Humphries score.