Kentucky basketball is making history this season in ways Big Blue Nation hasn’t seen in decades. With five players averaging double figures— Otega Oweh (15.7), Lamont Butler (15.1), Jaxson Robinson (12.2), Andrew Carr (10.9), and Amari Williams (10.2)—the Wildcats boast an offensive balance that’s unparalleled in program history since at least 1995 according to Brandon Ramsey. Even the legendary 2012 championship team, which had five players scoring 9.9 points or more per game, couldn’t quite match this level of consistent production across the roster.
Kentucky currently has six players averaging double-figures...
— Brandon Ramsey (@BRamseyKSR) December 16, 2024
Oweh - 15.7
Butler - 15.1
Robinson - 12.5
Brea - 12.2
Carr - 10.9
Williams 10.2
I went back to 1995-1996 and Kentucky has NEVER had six players average double figures. The closest? 2012 title team with 5 + a 9.9 ppg
This depth is a testament to the versatility and selflessness of the Wildcats’ lineup. On any given night, multiple players are capable of taking over the game, making it nearly impossible for opponents to focus their game plan on just one or two stars. It’s no wonder Kentucky leads the nation in scoring, averaging an astonishing 91 points per game.
Head coach Mark Pope has emphasized a team-first mentality, and the results speak for themselves. “We have the right guys, good guys,” Pope said in a recent interview. “We’re not perfect, we have so much growing to do" he said signifying he belives they can get even better.
TOP SCORING OFFENSES IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL:
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) December 16, 2024
1) Kentucky - 91.3
2) Samford - 90.5
3) Penn State - 89.6
4) Missouri - 89.3
5) Alabama - 88.6
Depth has long been a key ingredient for teams making deep tournament runs in March. It allows coaches to adapt to different matchups and ensures fresh legs during grueling back-to-back games. Kentucky’s balance also minimizes the pressure on any single player to carry the load, a stark contrast to recent Wildcats squads that often relied heavily on one or two standout performers. If those guys were not hitting, it was hard for the other guys to pick them up.
The challenge for this team will be sustaining its high-octane offense and improving defensively as the competition ramps up in SEC play and beyond. But if they can maintain this level of depth and scoring consistency, the Wildcats have the tools to make a legitimate run at a ninth national championship. All this without really having a crazy night from 3 shows how dangerous this team can be.
Kentucky's offense under Mark Pope has been fun to watch. It's not just recruits taking notice.
— Jacob Polacheck (@PolacheckKSR) November 22, 2024
"A ref grabbed me before our last home game and he's like, every kid is going to want to play in this style, this system." -@Cody_Fueger
STORY: https://t.co/kiLpxo9U2v
WATCH:… pic.twitter.com/i8Er9MAvXf
For Big Blue Nation, the excitement is only getting bigger with each win. With a roster this deep and an offense this explosive, March can’t come soon enough for the first time in a while.