Mark Pope is on a mission to increase Kentucky’s offensive firepower from beyond the arc. While the Wildcats are currently averaging 27.5 three-point attempts per game — ranking 52nd nationally — Pope has his sights set on crossing the 30-attempt threshold. A vital step toward that goal? Encouraging forward Andrew Carr to trade in some of his shot fakes for actual three-point attempts.
“That is something we’re working on,” Pope explained during his Monday night radio show. “We’d like him to be more aggressive from the three-point line.”
Carr’s hesitance to fire from deep has been a noticeable issue this season. Despite his 6-foot-11 frame and his ability to stretch the floor, Carr often opts for a shot fake, even when presented with clean looks. For opposing defenses, it’s become a predictable habit, diminishing the potential impact of his presence on the perimeter.
So far this season, Carr is attempting just 1.5 three-pointers per game, the second-lowest rate of his collegiate career and the fewest since his sophomore year at Delaware. This is a far cry from his career-high of 3.2 attempts per game during his first year at Wake Forest, where he shot 31.1% from three. Last season, Carr found his rhythm, hitting 37.1% of his threes on 2.8 attempts per game, a performance Kentucky desperately needs him to replicate.
Unlocking Carr’s Potential
Pope has made it clear that he sees Carr as a “terrific shooter,” capable of delivering from beyond the arc. Yet, Carr’s hesitation, combined with his current 27.8% three-point shooting percentage, has stifled his confidence. Pope believes this reluctance is holding back both Carr and the team’s offensive potential.
“He’s incredibly capable,” Pope said. “It’s just a part of his game that’s going to continue to grow and expand. As he gets more comfortable with how we’re playing and what we’re doing, he’ll become more aggressive.”
To address this, Pope and his coaching staff are working to design more catch-and-shoot opportunities specifically for Carr. They see him as an integral part of Kentucky’s offensive system, especially in spacing the floor. However, for the strategy to work, Carr must consistently take and make those shots.
More Than Just a Shooter
While Carr’s shooting has been a point of emphasis, his overall contributions to the team remain vital. He’s averaging 11.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game, solidifying his role as one of Kentucky’s most reliable players. Pope has even turned to Carr in clutch moments, trusting him to deliver in high-pressure situations.
But Pope believes there’s more to unlock. Carr’s offensive aggression, particularly from deep, could elevate Kentucky to the next level as the season progresses. “This team is at its best when Andrew is aggressive,” Pope emphasized. “That includes taking more threes.”
The Road Ahead
With SEC play looming, Pope is optimistic that Carr can find his rhythm and become the sharpshooter the Wildcats need. Confidence will be key, and so will a willingness to adapt. As Carr grows more comfortable within Kentucky’s system, Pope expects him to embrace the role of a consistent floor spacer, opening up opportunities not just for himself but for his teammates as well.
For Kentucky, it’s about more than just numbers; it’s about maximizing potential. And for Carr, the message from Pope is clear: trust your shot and let it fly.
