Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: Regular Season Report Cards
Jan 15, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Ryan Harrow (12) guard Julius Mays (34) forward Nerlens Noel (3) and forward Willie Cauley-Stein (15) huddle during a time in the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee 75-65. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
The postseason starts tomorrow as the Wildcats await the winner of the Arkansas vs. Vanderbilt SEC tournament game. For all intensive purposes this is the start of a new season for Kentucky. We have seen teams in the past turn a disappointing regular season into a memorable postseason run.
Recently, UConn and the 2011 Kentucky Wildcats showed us what can be accomplished. The Brandon Knight team turned a 10-6 SEC season into an SEC tournament championship and a Final Four run. The 2011 Huskies had another spectacular run, going from 9-9 in the Big East to a Big East title as well as a national title.
Can the 2012-2013 ‘Cats pull off a similar turnaround?
But before we say goodbye to the regular season for good, let’s take a look at the personal seasons and hand out grades for the individual players.
I took a look at their best game of the season and a “Do-Over” game in order to be a little more positive.
February 12, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) against the Florida Gators during the first half at the Stephen C. O
Nerlens Noel
Best Game- at Ole Miss (2 points, 12 blocks, 7 rebounds)
Do-Over Game- vs. Maryland (4 points, 3 blocks, 9 rebounds)
Grade- A
The only thing that stopped Nerlens Noel from getting an “A+” was the fact that we didn’t get to see him for a full season. It’s no fault of his own, but a solid “A” is nothing to be ashamed of. Noel was the heart and soul of the team and put the Wildcats on his back. He only scored two points in his best game, but the 12 blocks with four fouls against Ole Miss put him on the national radar and single handedly earned him the defensive player of the year award in the SEC. He gave it his all in every game and was on a course to challenge Anthony Davis’ block record. His offense was a work in progress but he was improving. Hopefully Noel’s rehab will be swift so that we can all watch his continued progression in the NBA.
Mar 9, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Archie Goodwin (10) before the game against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Archie Goodwin
Best Game- at Louisville (22 points, five rebounds, two assists, 53% shooting, 75% from the free throw line)
Do-Over Game- vs. Auburn (3 points, two rebounds, two assits, 16% shooting, 25% from the free throw line)
Grade- B+
Archie Goodwin has been the source of ulcers for some Kentucky fans. His decision-making is questionable (charging in the lane against four guys, chucking up a shot, missing, no foul called) but the fact remains that he has been Kentucky’s offensive go-to guy all season long. He leads the Wildcats in scoring and is one of the few players on the team that has not gone through at least one major prolonged slump. Goodwin’s game would be so much better if he could convert at the free throw line. He shoots only 62.8% from the charity stripe; a player of his skill set needs to be in the 75% range. He has been playing very well the last four games, one of the few on the team that has been giving a consistent effort. His effort and scoring will be crucial during Kentucky’s tournament stretch.