Kentucky’s offense against Ohio State was so dreadful that fans couldn’t help but compare it to the infamous "dribble-drive" days under John Calipari. The Wildcats’ disjointed play, wild drives to the hoop, and errant shots brought back memories of those chaotic offenses that relied more on athleticism and offensive rebounds than actual structure. For a program now led by Mark Pope, who preaches discipline and efficiency, this game was the complete antithesis of what he envisions for Kentucky basketball.
Kentucky looks absolutely horrible. Like they thought they were going to NYC just for fun and forgot they had a game.
— College Basketball Wire (@CBBWire) December 22, 2024
Looks like Calipari offense.
From start to finish, the Wildcats looked lost on the offensive end. Players drove recklessly into traffic, seemingly without a plan, throwing up desperate shots and hoping for rebounds, or worse turning it over. The result? A measly 29.8% shooting from the field and 4-of-22 from beyond the arc. Instead of finding open looks or setting up their teammates, Kentucky's players often forced shots into double teams, leading to frequent turnovers and easy buckets for Ohio State.
The lack of adjustments was perhaps the most frustrating aspect for fans. Despite a disastrous first half where Kentucky scored just 30 points, Pope’s squad didn’t deviate from their ineffective strategy. Ohio State played in your face defense for.40 minutes and the Cats simply had no answers.
Kentucky looked like Calipari was still the coach…
— Ernie Morrison (@EMorrison45) December 22, 2024
What makes this performance even more perplexing is how far removed it is from Pope’s stated philosophy. Since taking over, Pope has emphasized ball movement, smart shot selection, and spacing—a stark contrast to the chaotic, athletic-driven style fans were reminded of in Madison Square Garden. This game, however, was a throwback to an era most Kentucky fans hoped was long gone.
Even with a stellar night at the free-throw line, hitting 27-of-32, the Wildcats were never truly in the game. Ohio State, by comparison, shot a blazing 56.6% from the field, exploiting Kentucky’s lackluster execution at every turn.
Calipari back calling the offense for Kentucky? A lot of 1 on 1 throw up a bad shot plays right now
— Scott Brown (@scottbrownyse2) December 22, 2024
If Pope and the Wildcats want to avoid more nights like this, they'll need to go back to the drawing board—because Kentucky fans have seen enough of this style to know it doesn’t work.