We are now through two exhibition games for the Kentucky Wildcats as the regular season quickly approaches for Mark Pope’s squad.
With a win over Texas Tech this past Friday in Rupp Arena, the BBN got to see this team start to click against a top-25 team and one that has deep postseason aspirations. Looking good on both ends of the floor, it quickly helped erase any memory of the struggles the team had against Travis Ford and Little Rock.
Now, after a few games, let’s do a quick stock report for the team as we approach the regular season opener against Manhattan.
Stock up: Mason Williams
Quite possibly the highest riser through two games is freshman point guard, Mason Williams.
One of the few freshmen on this roster, the young guard has lofty expectations entering this season. Not only because his dad is a former NBA Champion, but because at the moment he is one of three guards this team has to play two spots and plenty of minutes. He is impressing so far.
Looking good on both ends of the floor, it is obvious Williams is ready for the moment at UK. The first big test, though, will come in a few short weeks, as the Cats face off against Kansas in the Champions Classic.
Stock up: Defense
This roster seemingly had some major holes on defense. However, through two exhibition games, they have actually looked quite impressive on that end of the floor.
The team’s length is bothering opponents, and the guard play is actually helping funnel offenses to the middle where the Cats actually have some shot-blocking threats this season.
Will it keep? That is the major question, but at the moment they look quite impressive.
Stock up: Milan Momcilovic
Momcilovic comes into this season as one of the most talked-about players in college basketball. Transferring from Iowa State to Kentucky brings some of that, but also being the top shooter in the sport brings its own level of weight. He has answered so far.
Looking the part of a superstar through the first two games, Momcilovic is showing some different facets to his game outside of being a knockdown shooter. If he keeps that up, it could be a big season for the senior forward in Lexington.
Stock Down: Zoom Diallo
It is early, but Zoom has struggled through two exhibitions.
Diallo comes into Lexington with the keys to the car as the starting point guard, and learning a new system is never easy. Can he fix up the offensive struggles and really get the offense going next week when the season starts?
That is the hope, as the Cats need him to be efficient to be really good this year.
Stock Down: Depth
Injuries have already taken a toll on this early part of the season with Trent Noah and Jerone Morton out, but at this point it is concerning how deep this team could be. Will it just be seven or eight players that have to lock down the spots and play all 40 minutes?
We know Coach Pope doesn’t like that philosophy, but it might be what has to happen heading into year three.
Who would you say has improved their stock the most in preseason play? Let us know in the comments!