Kentucky basketball: 5 Rushed reactions vs Alabama

5. Defense is really improving

Kentucky’s defense has improved by leaps and bounds this season. There are still significant flaws, but their improvement is commendable. Calipari did a really good job switching up defenses throughout the game, both man and 2-3 zone.

The UK 2-3 zone defense can be really effective, when all 5 players are working together. Unfortunately, there were some breakdowns today that led to easy buckets in the paint for Alabama. The athleticism and length of the Kentucky basketball players makes the 2-3 zone effective, but communication is key as well.

Pick-and-roll defense is still a major concern for Kentucky’s defense. With Nick Richards in the game, ball-screens will be consistently used by opponents. Richards has shown throughout the season that he is incapable of being an effective ball-screen defender. Keeping him in the paint, protecting the rim, is best for Kentucky (hence: 2-3 zone).

In man-to-man defense, to avoid getting torched in pick-and-roll situations, using the “smaller” lineups that switch all screens is UK’s best option. An alternative would be to use Sacha Killeya-Jones in place of Richards, as SKJ is better in defending ball-screen scenarios. Bottom line, UK’s defense is at its best when SGA and Vanderbilt are playing together. These two are UK’s best defenders are best players at deflecting passes and grabbing steals.