Kentucky Basketball Has struggled to get production off of the bench this season. As of late, things have started to turn around.
As Kentucky Basketball prepares for the opening game of the NCAA Tournament, we take a look at what will be a key component of their success. The Bench.
John Calipari has spent most of the season with this starting lineup:
1. De’Aaron Fox
2. Malik Monk
3. Isaiah Briscoe
4. Wenyen Gabriel
5. Bam Adebayo
Throughout the SEC Tournament though, Senior, Derek Willis pushed his way into the starting five in place of a struggling Gabriel.
Why is Bench Play So Important?
For John Calipari, getting production from the bench is just as important as getting it from your superstars. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine that things happen throughout a game that will put your key players on the bench for extended periods of time.
Must Read: Analyzing Kentucky's Path Through the South Region
Coach Cal needs to depend on a few key role players in order to have any hope of bringing championship number nine home to Lexington.
Dominique Hawkins
Hawkins, fresh off of his SEC All-Tournament team performance will be the Wildcats’ key contributor off of the bench. He will see the most time. He may even rival the minutes of Isaiah Briscoe who can show signs of inconsistency.
One thing that you will get from Hawkins is good, hard nosed basketball. Everyone who watches a Kentucky Basketball game can see that Dominique is one of the most important pawns in the chess game.
Hawkins will be the most critical sub that will have to play well in order for the Cats to fight their way out of a loaded South Region.
Wenyen Gabriel
Most fans would generate the consensus that Wenyen Gabriel has been a bust so far in the season. There was so much hype surrounding the talented freshman. Unfortunately, Wenyen seems to have had a difficult time finding his place among the college ranks.
One thing that Gabriel has going for him, is his exceptional athleticism. The Freshman can really get up and down the floor and has shown instances in which he can contribute offensively.
He flirted with a three point shot for a small stretch of games. Gabriel was included in the starting lineup for most of the year but looks to come off the bench now with the improved play of Derek Willis. Gabriel has had seven games in which he has scored double digit points and is averaging 5.5 points per game.
Gabriel’s place is on the glass. He has to be able to rebound the basketball and play defense in relief of Willis, who will generally pick up the slack on the offensive end out of the four spot.
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Mychal Mulder
The Canada native has came on to the scene lately as a super athletic three-point specialist. Mulder has shown that he can come in and knock down shots when needed. Although Mulder doesn’t see a huge chunk of minutes playing behind Malik Monk, the Senior can really contribute to what the Wildcats want to do offensively.
In order for the Cats to make a deep run into the heart of the South Region and beyond, Mychal Mulder will have to be efficient in his defensive presence. Additionally, Mulder will have to contribute some sort of offensive threat to take the pressure off of the other three point shooters.
Whether it’s spreading the floor, or putting it in the basket, Mulder and be a critical piece to the puzzle.
Isaac Humphries
Finally, the last key component off of the bench for the Wildcats is the Australian seven-footer. Isaac Humphries is not a player that can give you sensational minutes. He’s the definition of a role player.
Humphries’ job is to come into the game in relief of Bam Adebayo. He is expected to be a defensive presence in the paint with the absence of Bam on the floor. Calipari will need Isaac Humphries to be able to defend and rebound the basketball efficiently in times when Adebayo cannot be on the floor.
Living the Dream
Playing in the NCAA Tournament is a dream come true for basketball players everywhere. A chance to play in the Final Four on the grandest stage of them all will bring out the best in everyone. At least it should.
Kentucky will get what they need out of their stars. Adebayo, Fox, and Monk will be ready to step up their game. The key to victory in the Big Dance is depth.
Kentucky and John Calipari absolutely have to find sufficient production off of the bench to compete night in and night out. The odds are stack against Kentucky in the tough South Region.
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If the young Wildcats want to make a name for themselves and carve their own piece of history out of the glorious rock that is Kentucky Basketball, the bench has to take them there.