Mark Pope is gearing up to make a run for a crucial year 3 in Lexington. If he can't get the roster right, he will not have a job after next season. That is the reality of modern college basketball. You can't lose 26 games in 2 seasons in Lexington with many being blowouts.
Because of those blowouts and home losses, Mark Pope has to get this Kentucky basketball roster absolutely perfect. And there are two players he must prioritize, Mo Dioubate and Trent Noah.
Mo Dioubate does everything you need
Mo Dioubate came over from Alabama and immediately gained the trust of BBN from everywhere on the court, except the 3-point line. 8 points and 5 rebounds in 21 minutes, great effort, solid defense, and a guy who brought a real fight to the game. But that shooting was rough, 6-28 from deep is bad. And it's worse when you look at his overall field goal percentage of 54%. Get down low, Mo.
But why he is so important is what makes him special. There won't be a moment on the floor when he isn't giving you everything he has got. And yes it is limited, but you can't replicate or fake what he does well. Having a guy like this on the roster is key.
And Trent Noah is another key, but not for the reason you think.
Trent Noah's rebounding versatility is a massive plus
25 years ago, a 3rd year junior in the same system at the same school was exactly what you would want. It would mean a big leap, a fanbase ready for his return, and a no-brainer. But some out there continue to think Trent is more of a EKU type player, and that is short-changing a player who does a lot more than you think.
The ball stuck in players' hands last year. And it really killed the offensive flow, and it actually was the driving force for the Iowa State meltdown.
With Trent on the floor, you can guarantee he will move the ball and get the ball out of his hands when he should. He also works his butt off on the glass, and you can't teach that skill.
Now comes the part that is a real sticking point for a lot of you out there. He struggles to defend, he has issues with quickness, and he is not the athlete that you are expecting out there. But watch the tape on the offensive end.
When Trent is on the floor, the offense functions a lot better. Part of that is his reputation for being a knock-down shooter, though that was challenged last year. But a big part of that is just his desire to be a good teammate.
You need guys who are willing to do whatever it takes to win, and Trent fits that perfectly. He will gladly do whatever he can to help Kentucky.
And that's why Mo and Trent are two guys this next roster needs. They do what it takes to win; they don't care about anything else. You can never have too many of those guys, because that attitude bleeds over to other guys.
And if you have a whole team that cares and buys in, then you have a team that can accomplish special things, and Kentucky is due for some special things.