The Kentucky Wildcats have been blessed to have 2 freshman that have been the most consistent players on the team, and for that fact, the nation.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Anthony Davis, looked upon by many as the two top freshman in the nation, have been consistent with their effort, intensity, and doing everything they can do to win basketball games.
That can not be said for every player on Kentucky’s team and I think that could be a problem when SEC play starts.
Which leads to the question, who can’t have a bad game for this team to win every game going forward?
Here is a breakdown of the top 6 players and what they have done in the last 3 games.
Doron Lamb: Not too long ago I would have said that Doron Lamb was arguably the Wildcats most consistent player this season. That has changed over the last couple of games. Since he scored 24 points vs. Chattanooga and Samford, he has shot 7-21 from the field(33%) and averaged 10 points over the last 3 games. That also included a 1-7 performance vs. Louisville.
Darius Miller: After yesterday’s 7 point 8 turnover performance makes me beg the question of which Darius are we going to see on any given day? This shouldn’t surprise anyone as it seems like he has done this his entire career at Kentucky.
Terrence Jones: The only loss Kentucky has had was when Terrence was MIA so he could easily be the answer to the stated question. But, I don’t think his scoring is as important as he activity in the paint grabbing rebounds and making it tough for the opposing front court to get shots. Terrence Jones is an enigma to me as I think the Cats can win without his scoring, but no way can they be consistently great without his effort.
Marquis Teague: Teague hasn’t lived up to the expectations of what is expected from a Calipari point guard, but he has shown slight improvement, mainly with his defense and hustle plays. Teague still shoots the ball too much, and in his last 3 games the stats show why he shouldn’t.
Marquis is 7-24 for a frozen 29%. He is 1-6 from the three point line for 17%. My guess Marquis Teague needs to quit shooting outside of 10 feet and start going to the basket and make his teammates better at the same time. Teague’s assist/turnover ratio hasn’t been very good lately either as he had 12 assists and 14 turnovers in the last 3 games. Teague hasn’t come close to his potential yet this team still wins.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: I don’t think anyone would argue that Kentucky CAN NOT WIN without MKG. Kidd-Gilchrist has been the most consistent Wildcat with his desire and willing to put his heart and soul every time he takes the floor. His stats over the last 3 games show how important he is. MKG is averaging 19 points on 16-28 for a blistering 57%. He has 32 rebounds during that span and also dishing out 9 dimes while committing only 3 turnovers. MKG is the motor of the Big Blue Machine and the good thing is I don’t think he ever runs out of gas.
Anthony Davis: The consensus #1 player in the 2012 draft has also been as consistent as MKG with his hustle and never quit attitude. Davis is averaging 14 points per game over the last 3 contests and an impressive 57% from the field. The most impressive stat is his total of 15 blocks in those games, by far leading the nation with 62 total, and besting the totals of most teams. AD also has 34 rebounds in the last 3 for an average of 11 a game. Davis is a game changer in the paint and I think is the MVP if it wasn’t for MKG.
Now that you have read what each player has done lately, which player do you think Kentucky can do without playing well and still win games?
My list of most important to least important is below. Do you agree or disagree and what would your list be?
1. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
2. Anthony Davis
3. Terrence Jones
4. Doron Lamb
5. Darius Miller
6. Marquis Teague
