Kentucky's 85-65 loss to Ohio State left Big Blue Nation frustrated and searching for answers. Here are five glaring issues the Wildcats need to address if they want to get back on track.
1. Shooting Struggles: Who Are These Guys?
It’s tough to win when you shoot 29.8% from the field and 18.2% from three. Kentucky’s key players are simply underperforming compared to their career averages. Jaxson Robinson shot 1-for-6 from deep, and Koby Brea wasn’t much better at 1-for-4. On a night when Ohio State shot 56.6% overall, the Wildcats needed their best shooters to show up—and they didn’t. Pope has emphasized spacing and ball movement, but it won’t matter unless shots start falling.
2. Rebounding: A Missed Opportunity
When you miss as many shots as Kentucky did (40, to be exact), you should dominate the boards. Instead, Ohio State won the rebounding battle 35-32. Amari Williams led Kentucky with just eight rebounds, and no one else came close to double digits. The Cats must impose their will on the glass, especially in games where scoring is scarce.
3. Bench Drop-Off: Where’s the Support?
When Lamont Butler or Andrew Carr head to the bench, the Wildcats’ performance drops off dramatically. None of the reserves—R.J. Almonor, Sam Chandler, Noah, Perry, or Brandon Garrison—have stepped up consistently. Noah has barely seen the floor, and it might be time to give him a real shot. Kentucky needs more than just warm bodies off the bench; they need production.
4. Predictable Offense
Opposing teams are pressing Kentucky and denying easy passes, and the Wildcats aren’t adjusting. The passing is slow, the cutting is uninspired, and the team looks stuck in neutral. A team built on balance and sharing the load can’t afford such stagnation. It’s time to start exploiting space and quicken the tempo.
5. Jaxson Robinson: Back to the Bench?
Robinson has shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency is holding him back. His 40% shooting overall and 30% from three aren’t cutting it. A move back to the sixth-man role, where he excelled last year, might help him regain his spark. Starting Brea could provide steadier scoring and allow Robinson to come in firing with better body language.
The Wildcats have the talent, but without addressing these issues, the road ahead will remain bumpy. BBN, it’s time to regroup and refocus. The potential is still there—now it’s about unlocking it during a daunting SEC.