Kentucky basketball: Game preview, 3 keys vs Aggies
By Drew Koch
3. Someone needs to step up to help Shai
I don’t know who it is, but someone needs to help Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the offensive end. SGA has been Kentucky basketball’s ‘go-to’ guy since his breakout game against Louisville. Since that beat down of their arch rival, Shai has played 456 of a possible 520 minutes. That’s 35 minutes per game.
Outside of Knox’s performance in Morgantown against West Virginia, the Cats have relied exclusively on Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive prowess. And while I want the ball in Shai’s hands in crucial moments, there is too much talent on this Kentucky basketball team for him to shoulder so much of the load himself.
Kevin Knox, it’s time to play up to your potential. PJ Washington, it’s time to assert yourself on the low block. Jarred Vanderbilt, the injury is behind you. It’s time to use your speed and quickness to get to the basket.
SGA can get to the hoop almost anytime he wants. But, having trust in his teammates to knock down open shots or get into position to receive an incoming pass is what this team needs to be successful. Somebody, anybody needs to step up big for the Cats on Saturday, and if they do there’s a good shot that UK walks out of Reed Arena with a W.