1.) CJ Fredrick has to start hitting shots.
CJ Fredrick has been referred to by many as “the missing link” on last year’s Kentucky team that never quite had the presence of a knockdown, lights out shooter. Coming into the 2022-23 season fans have all heard the praise regarding the 3-point shooting from the Iowa transfer, which has thus far, left plenty to be desired.
In both the Michigan State and Gonzaga losses, Fredrick finished each game shooting 16.7% from beyond the three-point line, putting up an underwhelming 5 and 3 points to conclude each game. However, on the season the Senior transfer Guard from Ohio is averaging 11.8 points per game, and shooting an overall 42% (35% from 3 pt range), which leaves the question: Can Fredrick put up big numbers against top-tier competition, or is he more apt to perform in the low stakes games?
In order for the Cats to see more production offensively moving forward, they are definitely going to need someone to step up to the plate and start knocking down shots. Coach Cal will likely be looking to Fredrick’s sharpshooter reputation in the coming games to spread the Defense out and detract some pressure away from our talented big men.