Kentucky basketball entered the season with high expectations, and the Wildcats have delivered plenty of excitement and some disappointments too. By comparing their stellar November stats to their season-long numbers, we can gauge how they’ve evolved, where they’ve improved, and the areas that need more work as they push into January. The Cats were 7-0 (including exhibitions) in November and 5-2 in December.
November: A Dominant Start
In November, Kentucky averaged 96.7 points per game and held opponents to 67.3 points, giving them an eye-popping +29.4 scoring margin. They shot a scorching 51% from the field and 38% from three, with an unselfish style reflected in their 21.1 assists per game. The Wildcats were relentless on the boards, averaging 45.0 rebounds per game.
Season-to-Date: December Challenges Temper the Pace
Fast forward through December, and Kentucky’s averages reflect both growth and adjustments:
Scoring: Dropped to 89.1 points per game (from 96.7 in November)
Opponent Points: Increased to 72.8 points per game (up from 67.3)
Shooting Efficiency: Decreased slightly to 48.0% from the field (from 51%) and 35.5% from three (from 38%)
Rebounding: Slipped to 43.4 rebounds per game (from 45.0)
The drop-off in scoring and shooting is notable, as the assists fell as well. Kentucky's offense was really stuck in neutral a lot of the month with draughts of 3 minutes super common in games. They even went almost 9 minutes without a field goal once.
Key Statistical Comparisons
Assists and Ball Movement:
November: 21.1 assists per game
Season-to-Date:
18.8 assists per game
The drop in assists aligns with a slower pace and lower shooting percentages. However, Kentucky’s 1.92 assist-to-turnover ratio remains elite, showing that they’re taking care of the basketball.
Rebounding Battle:
November: 45.0 rebounds per game
Season-to-Date: 43.4 rebounds per game
Coach Mark Pope’s goal of hitting a 30% offensive rebound rate is still within reach, but December revealed more challenges on the boards, particularly against bigger, more physical teams who slow it down.
Three-Point Efficiency:
November: 38% from three
Season-to-Date: 35.5% from three
While still strong, the decline in three-point shooting reflects some inconsistency. Players like Koby Brea (50.7% from three, down from over 60%) continue to shine, but the team will need greater contributions across the board to hit Pope’s goal of attempting 35 threes per game.
Defensive Prowess:
November: Opponents shot 40.5% from the field and 28% from three.
Season-to-Date: Opponents shoot 40.5% from the field and 27.5% from three.
Kentucky’s perimeter defense has tightened even further, becoming one of the nation’s best. This consistency has been a bright spot amid other fluctuations.
The Standouts: Progress Under Pressure
Otega Oweh: Increased scoring from 15.9 points per game in November to 16.2 points per game season long.
Koby Brea: While his three-point percentage dipped slightly from 61% in November, he still shoots an outstanding 50.7% from deep.
Amari Williams: Improved his rebounding and defensive impact, averaging 9.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, stepping up as the team’s interior anchor.
Key Takeaways: Growing Pains with Promise
The Wildcats remain a top offensive team, but December revealed areas for growth, especially on the boards and in maintaining scoring efficiency against tougher opponents. They’ve also shown the resilience to adjust and compete, with defensive consistency serving as a foundation.
As Kentucky progresses, fans can expect continued growth and excitement. With stars like Oweh, Brea, and Williams leading the way and young talents finding their rhythm, the Wildcats are positioning themselves for a strong finish to the season.