Mark Pope’s first month as head coach of Kentucky basketball has been a roaring success, blending early dominance with clear areas of improvement. The Wildcats are undefeated in November for the first time in seven years and have demonstrated why they are serious contenders in the national conversation.
Otega Oweh. Kentucky Basketball.@KentuckySports pic.twitter.com/zCXngFBUWD
— Ryan C. Hermens (@ryanhermens) November 30, 2024
Team Stats and Key Contributors
Kentucky has relied on balanced scoring and strong team chemistry to post an average of 96.7 points per game while holding opponents to 67.3—a formidable 29.4-point margin. The Wildcats' offense operates efficiently, shooting 51% from the field and 38% from three. Their rebounding (45.0 per game) and unselfish play (21.1 assists per game) reflect a team willing to grind and share the ball.
Stars
- Otega Oweh: The leading scorer at 15.9 points per game, Oweh has been a two-way standout, shooting 57% from the field and contributing 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.
- Koby Brea: A marksman from beyond the arc, Brea averages 14 points, hitting an astonishing 61% from deep.
- Lamont Butler: An all-around contributor, Butler averages 12.4 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
- Jaxson Robinson: Adding 12.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, Robinson has been critical in stretching the floor.
- Andrew Carr: Leading the frontcourt with 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, Carr’s inside-out play has been vital.
- Amari Williams: The team’s defensive anchor, Williams averages a double-double with 10.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game while leading with 1.7 blocks per game.
Areas for Growth
Pope has stated that this season is “a race from our first game on November 4th to hopefully the Final Four.” His emphasis on rebounding, limiting turnovers, and fostering offensive growth has been evident:
- Pope seeks elite rebounding, saying "We'd like to be a 30% offensive rebounding percentage team...", and while the team isn’t quite there yet, their effort on the boards is improving. If they can get that many of their misses, which are few, watch out.
- Three point shooting, Mark Pope wants 35 3's a game.
Highlights
Turn that volume up for this one:
That sweet, sweet sound from a @kobybrea 3️⃣
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 30, 2024
📺 - SEC Network pic.twitter.com/SQJ2rBoOc4
🎥Highlights: Kentucky 123, Kentucky Wesleyan 52
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 24, 2024
Jaxson Robinson - 19 PTS (7-12 FG, 5-9 3FG) | 3 REB
Otega Oweh - 18 PTS (7-9 FG, 2-2 3FG) | 5 REB | 3 AST
Ansley Almonor - 15 PTS (5-7 3FG)
Lamont Butler - 11 PTS (5-8 FG) | 6 AST | 6 REB | 6 STL pic.twitter.com/ubgwuwuEp9
🎥 Highlights: Kentucky 105, Georgia State 76
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 30, 2024
Jaxson Robinson: 19 PTS (9-14 FG) | 3 REB | 2 AST
Lamont Butler: 17 PTS (7-10 FG) | 6 AST | 4 REB | 3 STL
Amari Williams: 14 PTS (4-6 FG) | 6 REB | 3 AST
Otega Oweh: 12 PTS (5-8 FG) | 2 REB | 2 AST
Ansley Almonor: 12 PTS (4-5 FG, 2-3… pic.twitter.com/hF3hNQYHRe
🎥 Highlights: Kentucky 100, Bucknell 72
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 9, 2024
Koby Brea - 20 PTS (7-11 FG, 6-8 3FG) | 6 REB
Jaxson Robinson - 14 PTS | 4 REB
Amari Williams - 13 PTS (5-8 FG) | 14 REB
Andrew Carr - 11 PTS (5-6 FG) | 3 REB
Otega Oweh - 10 PTS | 5 REB
Kerr Kriisa - 6 PTS | 12 AST | 4 REB pic.twitter.com/LdNXqTdBQZ
🎥 Highlights: Kentucky 77, Duke 72
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) November 13, 2024
Andrew Carr - 17 PTS (5-8 FG, 2-3 3FG) | 5 REB | 3 AST
Otega Oweh - 15 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST
Amari Williams - 10 PTS | 8 REB | 2 AST | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/O8EO5e1IN7
The schedule ramps up for December but it has been one great month for Kentucky basketball.