When you watched the game live, you were wondering where Collin Chandler was. When you watch the replay, you see it was a massive disappearing act.
Chandler’s vanishing act in College Station was the result of a perfect storm. First, Texas A&M’s defense, which ranks among the Top 3 in the SEC in three-point percentage allowed, refused to give Chandler any free catches. They sped him up, crowded his space, and dared the rest of the roster to beat them.
A massive disappearing act at Reed Arena
The sheer lack of involvement is what makes this performance so astounding. Chandler played 34 minutes, second only to Otega Oweh, yet he finished with just one field goal. He was 1-of-5 from the floor, finishing with 3 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Coming off a career-high 23-point performance on Saturday where he looked like a future lottery pick, seeing one of the best shooters in the country take just five shots in a critical road game is baffling.
You don't have to get 23 every night, but you can't get 3 if you are Chandler. Pope may have to draw up specific plays to get Chandler the ball in a position he feels confident in.
The iso-ball trap
While the Aggies did their part defensively, the Cats helped them out by falling into a trap of "iso-ball." Mark Pope admitted after the game that the gameplan was "not good," and the shot distribution reflects that.
The trio of Mouhamed Dioubate, Otega Oweh, and Denzel Aberdeen took the brunt of the offense, combining for 34 of Kentucky's 63 shots. While Oweh (24 pts) and Dioubate (19 pts) were productive, the lack of sets designed to get Chandler open looks left the sophomore as a mere bystander for long stretches of the 96-85 loss.
That can not happen to one of the best shooters in the country. Other coaches get their guys open looks, now Mark Pope needs to do the same.
What this means for March
For a guy who has played as well as Chandler down the stretch, disappearing in a game that could have secured a double-bye in the SEC Tournament is a major red flag. The team was hoping for a win here and then a good showing against Florida on Saturday to see how high they could climb in the NCAA Tournament.
But if the Cats are going to win, they will need number 5.
Mark Pope has to find a way to keep Chandler involved when teams "speed him up," or the Cats' stay in the postseason will be a short one.