5 Things we learned about the Kentucky basketball team
By Drew Koch
4. The Kentucky basketball team does not need Jarred Vanderbilt…yet
The Cats have been without their leading rebounder since March 6th. Jarred Vanderbilt has been sidelined since Tuesday’s practice before the SEC Tournament with a sprained ankle. In the 14 games Vanderbilt has played this season, he’s averaged 7.9 rebounds.
Vanderbilt is a difference maker on both the offensive and defensive glass. In fact, most of his offensive production (5.9 points per game) comes on putbacks or converted free throws after an offensive rebound.
Vanderbilt is also very adept a handling the ball, something that very few players aside from Green and Gilgeous-Alexander to well. While he’s not asked by John Calipari to run the offense, I believe he has that type of “point-forward” ability.
Amazingly, the Cats have looked good in the tournament thus far without Vanderbilt. They did, however, play a team that was ranked No. 261 in rebounding in the opening round. The Wildcats outrebounded Davidson 34-26. UK also outrebounded Buffalo 39-27. While the Bulls are 11th in the nation in total rebounds, they allow opponents to grab 36 rebounds themselves.
Kentucky has yet to need Vanderbilt on the floor in order to win games. However, playing lesser competition such as Davidson and Buffalo was a factor in that. Kansas State is not a good rebounding team and neither is Loyola-Chicago, but Nevada could give UK trouble on the boards. If Kentucky gets by Kansas State and matches up with Nevada, the Cats could really use Vanderbilt in that game.