Kentucky basketball: Game preview, 3 keys vs Auburn

1. Enough is enough and it’s time for a change

There’s no way to sugarcoat it, the Wildcats have to shake up their starting lineup. John Calipari has stuck to his guns long enough and it’s time to find a lineup that works. He won’t have to look far, because Cal put his best lineup on the floor to start the second half against Texas A&M.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Quade Green need each other. Gilgeous-Alexander needs a three-point threat like Green on the floor. Green can knockdown open jumpers, and the threat of his outside shooting draws the defenders away from the bucket, which is where Shai likes to operate.

Creating his own shot is not Green’s strong suit. He requires a good pass from a teammate or a fast break opportunity to score. Enter Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA’s ability to penetrate defenses and kick-out to the open shooters is perhaps his greatest asset. Having Shai and Quade on the floor as often as possible is a must.

Wenyen Gabriel has always been an energy-guy off the bench, however, it’s now time for Gabriel to get a starting spot. Gabriel, just like Green, offers another viable option from the perimeter. With Jarred Vanderbilt now back from injury, he seems to provide the same intensity that Gabriel brings to the game. Vanderbilt can be the new energy-guy off the bench.

Sorry Hami and sorry Nick, but you two are slowing the progress of this Kentucky basketball. Cal needs to do what he knows needs to be done, and bench Hamidou Diallo and Nick Richards. Diallo has only averaged 18.3 minutes over the past 3 games and Richards’ average is only 16.7. The writing is on the wall, and with the Tigers lacking size, advocating for Richards would be difficult to sell.