Three Things Kentucky Basketball Must Do to Reach the Final Four
The Kentucky Effect
The Wildcats will enter the NCAA tournament as the school with the most all-time appearances. In their 54th appearance in the Big Dance, the Wildcats will have to earn their ninth NCAA Championship on the back of defense. There is no doubt about it. The ability to survive and advance will depend on Kentucky’s ability to defend the dribble, limit offensive possessions and score consistently.
In light of the Selection Committee’s decision to place Kentucky in the South Region of the tournament, the Wildcats will have a steep hill to climb. They will have to get through in-state opponent Northern Kentucky to kick off the dance. Additionally, followed by a matchup with tough under-the-radar teams like Dayton or Wichita State.
Then the real work will begin. Projecting that UCLA earns their trip to the Sweet Sixteen, a rematch with Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf will test the Wildcats will. If John Calipari can drive his team to the Elite Eight, they will once again come to meet the Tar Heels of North Carolina. Initially, the Wildcats defeated the Tar Heels but things are different in March.
For the Cats to reach their 18th Final Four in program history, they should expect a dog fight from start to finish.