Mark Pope’s offensive system has faced significant challenges the last few games and during his tenure at BYU due to high-pressure defenses. This type of defense is forcing his teams to adjust their game plans. This defensive strategy is hard to do on the fly and is often executed by teamswho loike to play at a slower pace. It has emphasized denying perimeter opportunities, compelling players to attack the basket instead. While this approach has sometimes disrupted Kentucky's offensive rhythm, it has also highlighted areas of growth needed to be a championship caliber team.
At Kentucky, Pope's Wildcats have encountered difficulties shooting from beyond the arc several times, as seen in key matchups. Against Duke, they shot a modest 32% from three, and against Gonzaga, just 28%, sinking only seven triples in that overtime thriller. Similarly, at BYU, his team struggled against Duquesne in last year’s NCAA Tournament, shooting only 39% overall, with standout performances often limited to individual efforts rather than team-based perimeter success the system is designed to create.
Early in the game we were cutting and moving and getting some looks. Kentucky has gotten discouraged and sort of stopped the hard cuts. Credit the Zags, but our confidence in what we run offensively has been shaken the last couple games. Gotta get that confidence back!
— Corey (@wildcatguru) December 8, 2024
Players like Koby Brea have seen their shooting percentages decline under these defensive tactics the last few games. Brea, who entered the season as a reliable shooter, got off to a crazy start, but has struggled to find his rhythm recently. Brea is shooting just 34% the last 4 games from deep, but still 61% on the season, showcasing how hot he was.
Brea isn't the only one though, and it is a trend that underscores how defensive pressure disrupts offensive flow. Kentucky has compensated by emphasizing inside scoring and cutting. In the Gonzaga game, the Wildcats scored 48 points in the paint, showing Pope's adjustment to leverage movement and passing to counter extended defenses.
In the postgame, Pope expressed pride in how his team adapted, noting that their cutting game opened lanes for easier opportunities at the rim. Pope said "It was massively encouraging" to see the guys punish teams pushing out on them with that kind of pressure. This shift not only demonstrates tactical flexibility but also provides a framework for continued development. He emphasized the importance of productive practices and learning how to succeed against elite defenses, adding, “We’ll have a great film session” on cutting to alleviate pressure.
Western Kentucky went over lots of cuts & switched underneath. Andrew Carr got two backcuts off that. Don McHenry goes over & gets caught on the top side of a switch. Good read & straight line cut by Carr. 18 points, 10 rebounds. @KentuckyRivals pic.twitter.com/ZRAhdC9954
— David Sisk (@CoachDavidSisk) November 27, 2024
While Kentucky's shooting remains a work in progress, Pope's focus on creating high-percentage opportunities in the paint and improving ball movement offers promise that even if the 3 isn't falling, his team won't be out of it.