Mid-season review: Grading each Kentucky basketball player and Mark Pope

The Wildcats have had a rollercoaster of a season, with some players excelling and others still finding their groove. Let’s hand out some grades based on their performances so far.

Otega Oweh – Grade: A+

Oweh has been a scoring machine, leading the team with 15.7 points per game on an efficient 50.3% shooting. He has been in double digits every game.
Highlight Stat: 15.7 PPG

Lamont Butler – Grade: A-

Mid-season review: Grading each Kentucky basketball player and Mark Pope

Butler is the engine of this team, leading in both assists (4.9 per game) and steals (1.8 per game). His defensive tenacity and ability to set up his teammates make him invaluable.
Highlight Stat: 4.9 assists per game

Jaxson Robinson – Grade: C-

Robinson has been a solid contributor, scoring 13.0 points per game and hitting 34.4% from three. While his shooting is respectable, his overall efficiency could improve.
Highlight Stat: 43 three-pointers made

Koby Brea – Grade: B+

Brea has been a sniper from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 47.2% from three-point range. His shooting has been on a downward trajectory and a bounce back is needed.
Highlight Stat: 47.2% 3PT

Andrew Carr – Grade: B-

Carr’s versatility shows with 10.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He’s a steady presence, doing a little bit of everything for the Wildcats.
Highlight Stat: 53.9% FG

Amari Williams – Grade: B+

Williams has been a force in the paint, leading the team in both rebounds (8.8 per game) and blocks (1.6 per game).
Highlight Stat: 8.8 RPG

Brandon Garrison – Grade: B-

Garrison has provided solid minutes off the bench, averaging 5.8 points and 4.6 rebounds. While he’s been efficient, shooting 51.9% from the field, he hasn’t yet made a huge impact.
Highlight Stat: 51.9% FG

Mark Pope calls for more threes: Wildcats deliver in style, with dunks  thrown in

Ansley Almonor – Grade: C+

Almonor has shown flashes, especially with his three-point shooting (37.5%), but he will need to be a little better on the glass to make a large impact.
Highlight Stat: 37.5% 3PT

Kerr Kriisa – Grade: C

Kriisa has struggled to find his shot, averaging just 4.4 points per game on 27.9% shooting, but his presence is sorely missed.
Highlight Stat: 3.8 assists per game

Travis Perry – Grade: C-

Perry is showing flashes of potential as he works to adjust to the college level. While his 35.3% three-point shooting is respectable, his defense has been lackluster. On the positive side, Perry’s work ethic and willingness to learn are evident, and he’s making the most of his opportunities.
Highlight Stat: 35.3% 3PT

Trent Noah – Grade: I (Incomplete)

Noah’s limited minutes (5.0 per game) have made it difficult to evaluate his full potential. With just 7 appearances so far, his role remains undefined as he continues to acclimate to the college game.
Highlight Stat: 50.0% FG

Collin Chandler – Grade: I (Incomplete)

Chandler has had a quiet start to his college career, with just 12 appearances and an average of 8.3 minutes per game. Chandler’s flashes of defensive effort and hustle show that he’s committed to earning his spot in the rotation.
Highlight Stat: 100.0% FT

Mark Pope (Head Coach) – Grade: B+

Pope has done a commendable job managing a roster filled with transfers and young players. His rotations and game plans have kept Kentucky competitive, though there’s still work to do in terms of consistency. He gets credit for bringing out the best in players like Oweh and Williams but could make better use of the bench.
Highlight: Developing a strong defensive identity

Final Thoughts

The Wildcats are in a good position midway through the season, with several standout performances leading the charge. If the role players step up and the team shores up its shooting consistency, the sky’s the limit for this group.

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