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Kentucky basketball: 5 Rushed reactions vs Mississippi

By Matt Upchurch

LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 28: Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders perform during the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena on February 28, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - FEBRUARY 28: Kentucky Wildcats cheerleaders perform during the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena on February 28, 2018 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 30: Quade Green
LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 30: Quade Green /

4. Cal’s commitment to small-ball

It certainly seems like John Calipari is committing this team to playing with a variety of “small” lineups. Nick Richards minutes have continued to decrease game and game again. Sacha Killeya-Jones has seen his opportunities decrease as well. Calipari turns to Gabriel, PJ Washington and Jarred Vanderbilt to play as “bigs” in the absence of Richards and SKJ.

So far, it’s working out well for the Cats. For the record, I’m a big supporter of Kentucky playing without Richards and/or SKJ, for the time being. Vanderbilt is an absolute beast as a rebounder, offensively and defensively. PJ Washington is the most consistent scorer in the post for the Cats. Wenyen is a versatile defender, and can also knock down perimeter shots.

It’s really tough to argue against Calipari keeping Richards and SKJ on the bench. This isn’t to say that Richards won’t continue to start, or that SKJ won’t be valuable off the bench. In order to have postseason success, UK will need both players to contribute. The Cats are simply a much more versatile, athletic, and dynamic team when they go with the “small” variation of lineups.

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