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Kentucky's offense is great, but the defense is near the top of the country in several key stats too

By Drew Holbrook

Nov 22, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) celebrates during the first half against the Jackson State Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Nov 22, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) celebrates during the first half against the Jackson State Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images / Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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While much of the buzz around Kentucky basketball in 2024 has focused on the team’s high-octane offense, and rightly so, it’s the defense that has quietly turned the Wildcats into a national contender.

Under Mark Pope’s guidance, the Cats have embraced a suffocating defensive identity, ranking among the country’s elite in several critical categories. Players like Otega Oweh and Lamont Butler are relentless defensively.

Here’s a breakdown of why Kentucky’s defense has been better than advertised:

Elite 3-Point defense

  • Kentucky ranks 2nd nationally in opponent three-point percentage, holding teams to just 21.2% from beyond the arc.
  • Only Furman (21.0%) edges them out, making Kentucky one of the most feared perimeter defenses in the game.

Big time rim defenders

  • The Wildcats average 6.7 blocks per game, good for 7th in the nation so far.
  • With rim protectors like Amari Williams and Brandon Garrison anchoring the paint, opponents have struggled to finish near the basket.

Lockdown shooting defense

  • Opposing teams are shooting just 36.5% against Kentucky, placing the Wildcats 20th nationally in total field goal percentage defense.
  • This consistency forces teams into contested shots more often than not.

Cleaning the boards

  • Kentucky leads the country in defensive rebounding, pulling down an incredible 35.2 defensive boards per game.
  • Controlling the glass has limited second-chance opportunities for opponents, helping Kentucky dictate the pace of games, igniting fast breaks.

Other defensive contributions

  • The Wildcats are averaging 8.4 steals per game, a testament to their active hands and defensive instincts.
  • They also rank among the top 50 in turnover margin, converting their defensive stops into fast-break opportunities.

Mark Pope has instilled a culture of defensive discipline and effort. ““If you come play Kentucky. Then you're going to play for 40 minutes. We're not going away. We're not backing down. We're not changing.” Pope is definitely focused on defense, a worry that Cats fans had going into the year.

This defensive prowess has paired seamlessly with Kentucky’s potent offense, creating a balanced and formidable team.

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, the Wildcats are undefeated and look like legitimate Final Four contenders—not just because they can score, but because they can stop any team they face.

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