As the season progresses, Kentucky basketball fans are beginning to grapple with an unsettling question: Is this year’s squad simply not a good shooting team? The Wildcats’ struggles from beyond the arc have become a glaring issue, raising concerns about their ability to compete against top-tier opponents. Let’s break down the situation and explore possible solutions.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The team’s three-point shooting woes are impossible to ignore. Koby Brea, the Dayton transfer, has been a rare bright spot, shooting an impressive 56% from deep (32 of 57). However, the rest of the team has combined to hit just 30% of their attempts (70 of 230). This stark disparity reveals a significant problem: outside of Brea, there’s no reliable perimeter shooter.
Even more concerning, no other player is shooting above 38% from three. Jaxson Robinson and Kerr Kriisa, in particular, have struggled mightily, both converting under 30% of their attempts. For a team that prioritizes three-point shooting—averaging over 30 attempts per game—this inefficiency is a serious obstacle.
Impact on the Offense
The Wildcats’ offensive system relies heavily on spacing and perimeter shooting to create opportunities in the paint. When shots aren’t falling, defenses can sag off the perimeter, clogging driving lanes and making it difficult for players like Andrew Carr and Amari Williams to operate effectively inside.
This has led to prolonged scoring droughts—Kentucky has gone over five minutes without a basket in each of their last three games. Poor shooting not only stifles offensive momentum but also puts additional pressure on the defense to keep games competitive.
What’s Going Wrong?
1. Shot Selection
Kentucky’s shot selection has been inconsistent. Too often, players settle for contested threes or force shots early in the shot clock. Improving shot discipline and focusing on high-percentage looks could help address the problem.
2. Over-Passing
While ball movement is usually a strength, Kentucky sometimes falls into the trap of making one or two unnecessary passes per possession. This extra movement can disrupt the rhythm of the offense, leading to rushed or awkward shot attempts.
3. Confidence Issues
Shooting slumps can be as much mental as they are mechanical. Players like Robinson and Kriisa need to rebuild their confidence, whether through simplified roles or targeted drills to refine their mechanics.
Potential Solutions
1. Optimize Rotations
Mark Pope may need to rethink his rotations. Players like Ansley Almonor, who is shooting 37% from three, deserve more opportunities if others continue to misfire. Similarly, younger players like Travis Perry and Trent Noah could provide a fresh spark, even if their contributions are initially limited.
2. Play to Strengths
If the Wildcats can’t find consistent outside shooting, they may need to pivot to a more paint-centric offense. Emphasizing post play, pick-and-roll sets, and mid-range jumpers could help compensate for their three-point struggles.
3. Feed the Hot Hand
When a player like Brea is shooting at such a high clip, the offense should prioritize getting him more looks. Setting up plays specifically designed to free him for open shots could maximize his impact.
4. Mental and Physical Adjustments
The coaching staff should focus on building confidence among struggling shooters while also addressing any technical flaws in their form. Film study, shooting drills, and individualized coaching can go a long way in turning slumps around.
Outlook for the Season
While the shooting struggles are a legitimate concern, it’s still early enough in the season for Kentucky to make adjustments. Shooting slumps are not uncommon, and with the right tweaks, the Wildcats could find their rhythm as the season progresses.
However, time is of the essence. If Kentucky wants to compete at the highest level—particularly in a stacked SEC—they’ll need more production from beyond the arc. For now, the Wildcats’ fate hinges on whether they can evolve from a team with potential into one with the consistency and firepower needed to contend.
If they can get even one or two more players to step up alongside Brea, the narrative could shift dramatically. Until then, Kentucky fans will continue to ask the tough question: Is this just a bad shooting team, or can they turn it around?