A very late UK/Northwood review

I had to wait to watch this game because of it being televised so late. In this part of Kentucky, if you don't have dish, it seems that you always have to catch the first few games on tape delay. Instead of complaining, I'm just gonna get into the review of the game. 

   First let me say, this Kentucky team looked better in their first game (exhibition) than I thought they would. They done many things well from driving to the basket, blocking shots, shooting the ball, and rebounding. But there was also some things I seen that is a little concerning. Their on ball defense leaves a lot to be desired. No one could stay in front of their man on defense. The good part about this is, it showed how good the secondary, and help defense is on this team. Everytime someone lost their man on defense (which was often), someone always picked them up before they could get to the basket. Noel, Cauley-Stein, and Archie Goodwin saved their teammates time after time with impressive shot blocking ability. What shots they didn't block, they altered so much  there was no chance of Northwood scoring on the inside.  Noel and Cauley-Stein, when in the game together is going to be one of the biggest matchup problems most teams will see all year. Both are extremely athletic, and can guard multiple positions. Mix that with their ability to close out on shooters out on the wings, and other teams are going to struggle scoring inside or out once this team figures out defense. 

With eleven different lineups used against Northwood, Calipari showed how many options he has at his disposal during the course of the game.  Of course it still being the exhibition portion of the schedule, Cal is just trying to figure out who plays well together, and who responds well in certain situations. It's safe to say, when everyone figures out their role on the team, Cal will have an answer for anything another team tries to throw out on the floor. 

Everyone played well, but the one that stuck out to me, and probably all of you was Archie Goodwin. Sure it was against Northwood, but Goodwin got to the basket when and where he wanted. There wasn't a single player on the floor (teammates included) who could stop him from driving the lane. The impressive thing is that more times than not, Goodwin converted his drives for either a basket, or a "and one".  This kid is the real deal, and it's going to be interesting to see what he is capable of going forward this season. 

   All in all, I was actually impressed how well the Cats played in the game. I was expecting some struggle with it being early in the season. While there were some things they will need address (turnovers and defense), there was also a lot to be excited about. Cal will get them to where they need to be, they just may take a few bumps early until they can grasp what Cal is teaching them.