USA Today via Reuters
Jan 5, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Dontaie Allen (11) blocks a 3-pointer by Vanderbilt Commodores guard Maxwell Evans (3) during the second half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Arden Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 5, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Dontaie Allen (11) blocks a 3-pointer by Vanderbilt Commodores guard Maxwell Evans (3) during the second half at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Arden Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
The Kentucky Wildcats boast one of the top recruiting classes in college basketball. However, they’ve struggled to perform in the ongoing 2020-21 season, but things seem to be taking a turn at the moment. Kentucky has been knocked off AP’s Top 25 rankings, but they have every chance of fighting their way back in.
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Kentucky Wildcats are reigniting the lost flame
The Wildcats started off the 2021 season in the worst possible manner. Victories were hard to come by, and they suffered six straight defeats for the first time since the 1988-89 season. Hence, John Calipari was put under massive pressure, but now the team is responding.
The Wildcats have picked up their game and they’re on a winning run despite playing without freshman guard Terrence Clarke in the last four games. This speaks volumes about Calipari’s coaching system and that the Wildcats always have a chance of bouncing back.
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Kentucky is BACK.
‘Cats have won 3 straight and are now 4-6 overall.
Also 3-0 without highly ranked freshman Terrence Clarke.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 10, 2021
The Kentucky Wildcats are currently enjoying a 3-0 run and have shrugged off their six-game losing streak. Their most recent W came against the Florida Gators, which improved their record to 4-6 for the season.
Keion Brooks Jr. returned to play his first game of the season for the Wildcats and instantly impressed. He didn’t allow the rustiness to hinder his game and chipped in with a 12-point performance and went 6-8 from the field.
Also Read | The Five Greatest NBA Players To Come From the Kentucky Wildcats
Can Kentucky regain the lost value with the help of their newest addition?
It is no secret that the Kentucky Wildcats have lost their shine. Their current form is overshadowing their past achievements, but there’s always scope for change. Moreover, they are also adding a valuable forward in Oscar Tshiebwe to the team.
Tshiebwe has transferred to Kentucky from West Virginia and it could not have come at a better time. The sophomore forward played good numbers in his freshman season and is in for a new start with the Wildcats.
“I am excited for this new chapter of my life. I will continue my career at the University of Kentucky,” Tshiebwe wrote on Twitter.
I am grateful for the time I spent at West Virginia, and the lessons that I learned. I’ve spent a lot of time praying to God to help me make the best decision for my future. I am excited for this new chapter of my life. I will continue my career at the University of Kentucky #BBN pic.twitter.com/rm08UwtDBI
— Big O (@Oscartshiebwe34) January 11, 2021
Though Tshiebwe will start training with the Wildcats, he can only start playing for them from the 2021-22 season. However, this shouldn’t affect the team majorly and they will look to produce victories to assert their place at the top.
The Kentucky Wildcats take on conference leaders, Alabama Crimson Tide, in their next encounter and have a chance of gaining a spot at the top with a win. Alabama has been consistent this season, but not unbreakable.
Can Calipari’s men post-victory against Alabama and revive their damaged season?
Also Read | Why Did the Kentucky Wildcats and Duke Blue Devils Fail to Rank in the Top 100 for NCAA NET Rankings?
