It has often been said by fans and observers that John Calipari’s offense “makes shooters worse.”
Thanks to some research by Tristan Pharis of A Sea of Blue, we can see that those comments aren’t statistically true.
In fact, every transfer to Kentucky, except for two, has actually statistically improved in Coach Cal’s offense (click Tweet to expand):
During Kentucky’s struggles in recent years, many have said something to the effect:
“UK’s offense make shooters worse.”
That is inaccurate. Here is a statistical deep dive of UK’s transfers, before and at UK.
Interestingly, all but two had career highs in 3P% and makes……
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) May 29, 2023
Antonio Reeves (2022-23)
Before UK: 1.6/4.6 3P, 34.8%
At UK: 2.4/5.9 3P, 39.8%
Sahvir Wheeler (2021-23)
Before UK: 0.6/2.3 3P, 26.2%
At UK: 0.6/1.8 3P, 33.3%
Jacob Toppin (2020-23)
Before UK: 0.4/1.8 3P, 24.5%
At UK (senior season) : 0.5/1.8 3P, 30.5%
Kellan Grady (2021-22)
Before UK: 2.1/5.7 3P, 36.6%
At UK: 2.6/6.2 3P, 41.5%
Davion Mintz (2020-22)
Before UK: 0.7/2.1 3P, 35%
At UK: 1.8/4.9 3P, 36.2%
Olivier Sarr (2020-21)
Before UK: 0.1/0.6 3P, 23.4%
At UK: 0.5/1.1 3P, 46.2%
Nate Sestina (2019-20)
Before UK: 0.6/1.8 3P, 36.4%
At UK: 0.8/1.9 3P, 40.7%
The two that didn’t improve were Reid Travis and CJ Fredrick, who dealt with injuries and bad luck throughout last season.
CJ Fredrick (2021-23, only played one season at UK due to injury)
Before UK: 1.6/3.4 3P, 46.6%
At UK: 1.2/3.8 3P, 31.8%
Reid Travis (2018-19)
Before UK (senior season at Stanford): 0.5/1.7 3P, 29.5%
At UK: 0.2/0.8 3P, 26.9%
