After a sluggish start once again, everyone thought we was being set-up for another lackluster first half similar to the ones we have seen in recent weeks. At the first media timeout with 15:10 to go in the first half, the score was 6-1 and even that was a struggle, but then Alex Poythress checked in and things started to change. He brought a lot of energy and intensity, something that was missing from his repertoire last season and it was nice to finally see it. Poythress done a little bit of everything, offensive rebounds, drained jumpers coming off screens, blocked shots and even drained a three.
His energy seemed to be contagious as Kentucky quickly took it's first double digit lead with 10:12 to go in the half. The most impressive guy on the floor was of course, Julius Randle, I mean is there nothing this guy can't do? Countless times, he took someone to the rim and it never ended well for the defender. His ability to get to the rim was well known coming out of high school, but the other weapons he brings to the table are just as impressive, if not more so. A 6'9" 250lb man should not be able to handle the ball and his body like a point guard, but Randle does. That's part of what makes him so special and why NBA GM's a salivating over this kid. Just when you think you've seen everything he is capable of doing, he breaks out another highlight reel that leaves you shaking your head. If this season ends up being as special as most people thinks it's going to be, Randle will be the biggest reason. Oh, and by the way, Randle had another double-double in the first half with 16pts and 10rebs. Like Jay Bilas said on Twitter during this game, "Julius Randle has a double double at halftime. I don't care who it's against, that is impressive."
Overall, tonight was the most impressive first half the Cats have had and looked more like what fans expected the first time these guys took the floor.
The second half saw NKU come out and score the first eight points before Mr. Randle and company took control once again. Sure the Cats are supposed to dominate a team like NKU, but it's just how they looked doing it. Everything looked smooth, more like the team we expected to see at the beginning of the season instead of the team that went into the half up only 10 on UNC Asheville. If this team keeps improving every game, things could get ugly for a lot of teams this season.
Besides Randle, other guys done a lot that was impressive as well. Both Harrison twins, Poythress, Cauley-Stein, Dakari Johnson and Marcus Lee were very impressive to say the least. There was a lot to like about this game, tonight. The on court communication was much improved. Switching on defense, perimeter defense and free-throw-shooting also improved drastically. This was exactly the type of game the Cats needed before their matchup against Michigan State on Tuesday night. Seeing this performance made me feel a little more comfortable going into that game.
Bring on the Spartans…..
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