Kansas Jayhawks game will answer questions about Kentucky Wildcats basketball platoon

Tonight’s game versus the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team and the Kansas Jayhawks will be the first big showdown of the 2014-15 college basketball season.  The last time these two teams met was on college basketball’s highest stage as Kentucky defeated the Jayhawks for the National Title.  A lot has changed since then, but both teams find themselves in the top five once again.

Throughout both games, John Calipari has held pretty steadfast to his platoon system but tonight’s game will test that theory and it will be interesting to see how faithful Cal stays to the system.  

"Looking forward, Kentucky plays Kansas on Tuesday at the Champions Classic in Indianapolis. That will be an interesting test for both teams, but especially for the Wildcats as they haven’t yet seen a team that can come close to matching their athleticism like the Jayhawks can. The backcourt matchups are especially interesting, as we’ll get to see the long Harrison twins go up against smaller, jitterbug-type guards in Devonte Graham and Frank Mason as Poythress is forced into duty against Wayne Selden. At some point, Calipari is going to have to mix up his guys again and find the right fit. I wonder if at some point we see Ulis playing with the Harrison twins together to match up against the relative speed of the Jayhawks. That would be a fun lineup, and one that could force turnovers and really get out in transition for easy baskets. Regardless, the story from today is that Kentucky won despite not playing up to their potential. Eventually, though, that will likely catch up to them as Calipari tries to find the right mix of guys playing together."

Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Questions will be answered on both sides of the ball tonight. This is the first of several early season challenges for Kentucky and the Jayhawks provide the perfect challenge.

"Though Kansas doesn’t match UK’s depth, eight Jayhawks played 16 minutes or more in a season-opening 69-59 win over UC Santa Barbara, three of them freshmen and three sophomores. Perry Ellis and Jamari Traylor, both juniors, provide the experience for Kansas, while freshman Devonte’ Graham came off the bench and led the Jayhawks with 14 points in 26 minutes. “They are running their stuff,” Calipari said. “They are doing a terrific job of doing what they do. I mean, they play a style and they play it well. They are playing hard and pressing and denying. They are pushing up on defense and trapping randomly at times. They are trapping pick and rolls. They are being very, very aggressive.” This marks the fourth edition of the State Farm Champions Classic and the second UK-KU matchup in the event, which Kentucky won 75-65 en route to the 2011-12 national title. Each of the last three years, Coach Cal talked of the Champions Classic game being too early for his young team. This year, he’s singing a new tune. “We are in a little different position than we have been in the past, where we have a brand-new team and trying to get your team together,” Calipari said. “This team needs to be challenged to see where we are. This is going to be one of those kinds of games.” The stage, as well as the opponent, will dictate that."

Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Mitchell and his UK hoops basketball team have already notched their first big win over the season, over the #8 Baylor Bears last night at Rupp Arena. The Hoops were down 14 points at one point but stormed back for the win. This is the second classic game between these two teams over the last two years as UK Hoops defeated Baylor in that multi classic overtime game in Dallas. Last nights win just solidifies UK Hoops as an Elite program.

"Makayla Epps added 12 points including four free throws in the final minute as Kentucky scored the game’s last 11 points over 2:28. Linnae Harper added 11 for the Wildcats, who shot just 36 percent but held Baylor (1-1) to 32 percent shooting and outrebounded the Lady Bears 24-18 in the final 20 minutes. Nina Davis scored 18 points, Khadijah Cave added 17 and Imani Wright 10 for Baylor, which seemed in control with that 14-point lead before Kentucky clamped down on both ends for a 2-2 tie in what has been an interesting series to say the least. Monday’s meeting at Rupp was the third between the schools in the past year and came nearly a year after Kentucky beat Baylor 133-130 in an epic four-overtime matchup in Arlington, Texas. The Lady Bears won the rematch 90-72 in last spring’s Sweet 16, but that December contest remains memorable for setting an NCAA record for combined points. That game was also notable for being played before a sparse crowd at the Dallas Cowboys’ massive stadium because of an ice storm that shut down the region. Kentucky fans were only slightly deterred by Monday wintry weather, but the conditions kept last year’s attendance record of 23,706 intact with an announced crowd of 22,075 that won’t soon forget the Wildcats’ remarkable rally."