Jarred Vanderbilt posted a double-double on Saturday night in Kentucky basketball’s blowout win over Missouri. Now that he’s got a dozen games under his belt, is Vanderbilt finally clicking with his teammates?
Jarred Vanderbilt posted a double-double on Saturday night against Missouri. The Kentucky basketball team routed the Tigers 87-66 in Rupp Arena. Vanderbilt had 11 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. It was, by far, Vanderbilt’s best performance of the season. Is it any coincidence that the Wildcats had their best game of the season as well?
Big Blue Nation has been waiting for Vanderbilt to break out. After missing UK’s first 17 games with a foot injury, Vanderbilt returned on January 16th against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Now, 12 games into his season, Vanderbilt seems to be hitting his stride.
In his first 8 games, Vanderbilt averaged 4.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. Over the past 4 games, his numbers are way up. After scoring only 3 points in the loss to Auburn, Vanderbilt has scored 11 points in 3 straight games. In that same 4 game stretch Vanderbilt is averaging double-figures in rebounds with 10.8 per game.
The last 3 games
The Kentucky basketball team is on a three-game winning streak. In all three games, the Cats have scored over 80 points. Is it a coincidence? I don’t think so, and Vanderbilt is a big reason why UK is scoring more. He is dominant on the offensive glass. In fact, that’s where Vanderbilt manufacturers most of his scoring.
While Vanderbilt is not a knockdown shooter like Kevin Knox, or a banger like PJ Washington, he gives the Cats something they’ve been lacking. Quickness. Vanderbilt is not only fast, he’s quick. He is able to quickly position himself between defenders and the rim. That combined with his strength and size is the reason for his high number of rebounds.
Vanderbilt has also increased his minutes as of late. Earlier in the season Vanderbilt was limited to about 12 minutes per game. I think, knowing he was on a minutes restriction and having a lack of chemistry with his teammates was problematic early for the Kentucky basketball team. Vanderbilt didn’t know where he fit on the team, and he was trying to make up for lost time with bad shots and silly turnovers.
Now that Vanderbilt’s found a groove and know where he fits, this Kentucky basketball team is dangerous. Vanderbilt’s presence is a huge boost for this UK team and he could be the difference come March.