Kentucky basketball: 5 Rushed reactions vs Mississippi

2. Hamidou Diallo keeps it simple

Hamidou Diallo is continuing to play better and better each game down the stretch. The recipe to his improvement is pretty clear: he’s been simplifying the game. When Hami has an open shot, he takes it. Diallo, even though not mistake-free, drives the ball to the basket when there’s an open lane.

Throughout the season, Hami has taken poor, contested jumpers. He has also forced dribble penetration into a crowded paint and turned the ball over or forced up an ill-advised shot. The Hamidou Diallo that BBN has watched these last 3 or 4 game has been much more patient. It’s not a coincidence at all that this has resulted in a better shooting percentage for Diallo.

Hami was able to knock down a couple three-point shots in each of the last 2 games. As Diallo continues to score from the perimeter and in transition, UK becomes a very difficult team to beat. Even though Hami is taking less shots, he’s becoming a much more efficient scorer and teammate.