Kentucky has a spacing problem. And ironically, that problem is tied directly to one of its most productive players.
Mo Dioubate has been a warrior this season after transferring in from Alabama. He brings the hustle, the defense, and the physicality that this team often lacks. The numbers scream that he should be on the floor as much as possible.
- PTS: 11.6
- REB: 5.8
- FG%: 62.2%
He is efficient, he rebounds, and he scores inside. But there is one glaring hole in his game: He is 1-for-11 from deep. And teams are leaving him open.
The small ball twist needed for Kentucky basketball
In Mark Pope's "pace-and-space" system, having a non-shooter at the 4-spot allows defenses to sag off and clog the paint. It kills driving lanes for guys like Otega Oweh and Jasper Johnson.
So, what is the fix? Pope dropped an interesting nugget about shifting Dioubate’s role.
"I do think there's a space for Mo at the five situationally," Pope said. "Mo is 6-5. He plays a lot bigger than that... there will be moments he's so physical, we can do it."
Playing Dioubate at the 5 (center) changes the math. Instead of him clogging the lane alongside a 7-footer like Malachi Moreno, or Brandon Garrison, he becomes the roller and the rim protector. It surrounds him with four shooters, opening up the floor for his relentless drives.
It makes Kentucky "actually...really small," as Pope admitted but it might be the only way to get Dioubate's production on the floor without strangling the offense.
Expect to see more of this "Small Ball Mo" lineup against UNC and Gonzaga.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion