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Three Things Kentucky Basketball Must Do to Reach the Final Four

By Frank Spencer

Mar 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Dominique Hawkins (25) celebrates after being named to the all tournament team following a win Arkansas Razorbacks during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 82-65. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Dominique Hawkins (25) celebrates after being named to the all tournament team following a win Arkansas Razorbacks during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 82-65. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky Basketball
Mar 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) and Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) near the end of the second half of a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 79-74. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Briscoe has been better down the stretch

In recent weeks, Isaiah Briscoe has made his way back into the hearts of the Big Blue Nation. The reality of it is, the Sophomore guard has not had the best of seasons. Briscoe returned for his second season this year despite participating in the NBA summer combine.

Briscoe hasn’t been the scoring threat that Kentucky needs him to be late in the season but a 20 point performance in the matchup against Georgia proved that he can score when needed. The ultimate test of an Isaiah Briscoe performance is his ability to take care of the basketball. Turnovers have been a problem for the Sophomore guard this season.

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Briscoe’s Best Asset

Isaiah Briscoe is most valuable to this team while utilizing his rebounding abilities at the guard position. As a super athlete, Briscoe can crash the glass better than most guards in the country. His 5.4 rebound per game average is a great additive to the Kentucky backcourt. Briscoe has also gotten in the habit of spreading the ball around the floor. His 4.3 assists per game help get guys like Malik Monk open looks on the perimeter.

The feisty Briscoe will need to contribute a little more offensively than he has during the second half of the season. An added 10-15 points per game from the guard would propel the Wildcats into a contender immediately.

The Briscoe Factor

It could be said that in tough games, the team’s success will rely on Isaiah Briscoe’s play. The guard has the ball in his hands too much to turn the ball over like he has this season. Kentucky cannot afford to give UCLA and North Carolina added possessions with giveaways. Briscoe must also stay on the floor and be smart with his defense to take the pressure away from Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox on the defensive end of the floor.

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