Kentucky has beaten the teams they are supposed to beat, and often done that very well. They have blown out the mid-majors and cupcakes and handled their business like you would expect them to.
But the résumé is missing one thing: A signature win, or a win over a ranked team at all.
After getting handled by Louisville and Michigan State early on in the season, the Wildcats enter the most critical week of their non-conference schedule with a chip on their shoulder. And listening to Andrija Jelavic, they know exactly what is at stake.
Andrija Jelavic knows Kentucky needs to 'show our value'
When asked about the upcoming gauntlet against North Carolina and Gonzaga, Jelavic didn't mince words.
"We really want to beat ranked opponents and show our value that we can do it," Jelavic said. "It definitely matters."
This is a team that is tired of hearing about "potential." They want results. And to be honest, they need them if they want to have a good seed come March.
The opportunity ahead for Kentucky basketball is a massive one
The schedule makers have gifted Kentucky a massive opportunity to prove they belong and that they have improved over the early season blunders.
- North Carolina (6-1): Fresh off a blowout loss to Michigan State themselves will be looking to avoid a 2 game losing stream.
- Gonzaga: Coming off a 40-point drubbing by Michigan, the Zags will try to get revenge after last year's loss in Seattle.
Both blue bloods are wounded. Both are vulnerable, and both will want to win very badly.
ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Kentucky an 86% chance to beat UNC and a 50/50 shot against Gonzaga.
A sweep changes the entire narrative of the season up to this point. A split keeps the ship steady and quiets a lot of nerves. But another 0-2 week? That would sound the alarm bells heading into SEC play.
Jelavic is right. It’s time to show their value. Micah 7:7.