Kentucky basketball: Cats loss of Washington, game shows the value he brings

Kentucky players have fight and determination that will carry them a long way

This team has a lot of upsides and unlike last year’s team shows a lot of fight, determination, and learns from game to game making the necessary adjustments.

As long as Wheeler and Washington are fine this Kentucky team will be fine as well. This loss has not diminished any luster on making a deep NCAA Tournament run. If anything it’s another positive.

As noted above they have a lot more showcase games to flex and showcase big-time wins. They are not dependent solely on one player, and while they may not be as smooth as the case against Auburn they will be in games at the end with a chance to win.

Kellen Grady added 17 points on 4 of 7 three-pointers while Wheeler had 17 points and 4 assists.

That’s all you can ask and hope for is to have a fighting chance.

Grady said after the game that this game isn’t the end of the world.

"“You don’t win a championship in January…We want to be our best in March.”"

There are a lot of big-time players, role players, and players still learning like Bryce Hopkins and Daimion Collins. They have CJ Fredrick on the bench recovering and I am sure feeding his teammates lots of his observations and thoughts.

This time last year we were mercifully just wanting to see the season end, while this year we are eager to see just how this team responds from game to game.

Kentucky returns to Rupp Arena for a Tuesday night game hosting Mississippi State (12-5, 3-2) in a 9 PM EST tipoff on ESPN.