Kentucky basketball: 5 Rushed reactions vs Alabama

4. Low stack curl play

This play, which UK runs several times each game, is one of the best X’s and O’s adjustment that Calipari has made this season. Today, it worked best when PJ Washington and Kevin Knox were in the low stack, Quade Green was a shooter in the corner and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was at the point.

SGA would feed Vanderbilt at the top of the key, and then Vanderbilt would make a read and pass to either Knox or Washington. This is one of the most consistent ways in which Kentucky has scored easy baskets this season.

Throughout the play, all 5 Kentucky basketball players are in motion. Three defenders are forced to actively defend throughout the entire possession. Vanderbilt has the ball, so his man has to guard the ball. Knox and Washington are in a low stack together, with Washington setting a screen. Knox can curl, he can flare, or he can cut straight across the paint.

Vanderbilt and Knox just have to be on the same page, both reading Knox’s defender. If Washington’s man helps on the screen, then Vanderbilt will pass to Washington on the block. Vanderbilt also has the easy pass to Quade in the corner, or Gilgeous-Alexander on the wing. It’s a very tough play to defend when Kentucky has the right personnel on the floor.