Highlights, MVP and Twitter reactions as Wildcats race by Kentucky Wesleyan
The Kentucky Wildcats tipped off the 2024-25 season tonight as they welcomed the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers to Rupp Arena. In the first of two exhibition games over the next week, the Cats played about as well as you could hope, beating the Panthers 123-52.
As the new Kentucky team took the court in the first half, it was evident from the jump that this team and this style of play would be vastly different. With a ton of motion on offense and 3s going up all over the court, the BBN got an early look at what this team could be when they get hot from the floor.
However, the ball movement is potentially overlooked. Add all three of those pieces together, and the Cats raced out to a 36-point lead.
The second half was about as enjoyable as the first. The Cats continued their dominant shooting while also showing some terrific play on the defensive end, not to mention some more flashes we saw in transition.
Overall, tonight was a breath of fresh air. Not only is this team already buying in to what Mark Pope and his staff are trying to do, but they are also incredibly deep. Who Knows what the rotation will look like when they face off with Duke in just a few weeks? It is obvious that the Cats could roll out whoever they want, and they would immediately make an impact.
Looks like it could be a fun season folks.
Go Cats!
Highlights
Box Score
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Game MVP
There are several players we can hand this award to tonight, but Otega Oweh’s play overall was impressive.
He finished the game with 18 points on 7/9 shooting from the field, including 2/2 from 3. He also added five rebounds and three assists.
The Oklahoma transfer quite possibly was the one player that many in the fanbase didn’t know what to expect. Well if tonight is any indication. He might push for one of the best players on the squad.
Shoutout to Jaxson Robinson and Lamont Butler as well. The two veteran guards played exactly how we expected—like potential superstars.
Twitter Reactions
For the first time under Mark Pope, here come your Cats.
Kentucky’s starters:
– Lamont Butler
– Otega Oweh
– Jaxson Robinson
– Andrew Carr
– Amari Williams pic.twitter.com/iUwGnOQ5eZ— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) October 23, 2024
Pope just ran a better set on possession 1 than I’ve seen in years and that’s 100% serious
— PELS YEAR. BBN (@pelsyear) October 23, 2024
Poor stream quality on SEC Network +
More like SEC Network –
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) October 23, 2024
I know we are playing a D2 team in October, but if we were to play a D2 team in October, this is what I would want it to look like
— Matt Sak BBN (@MattSakR2NG) October 23, 2024
It is absolutely unbelievable what a different style of basketball this is than anything we have seen in a long time
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) October 23, 2024
Ball movement, scoring balance, energy standing out for Kentucky early. Wesleyan doesn’t have the horses to simulate a typical regular season matchup but the Cats have a lot of guys who can chip in.
— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) October 23, 2024
It’s way too early…
But I like our team.
— Steven Peake (@StevenPeakeKSR) October 23, 2024
Don’t care if it’s an exhibition game. I’m hooked on this Kentucky team. I’m once again excited about Kentucky basketball. This offense is beautiful.
— Bobby Reagan (@BarstoolReags) October 23, 2024
By my rough count, 58 of 74 (78.4%) countable Kentucky basketball offensive possessions tonight against Kentucky Wesleyan resulted in a UK shot attempt during the first 14 seconds of the shot clock.
— Cameron Drummond (@cdrummond97) October 24, 2024
Jaxson Robinson postgame after Kentucky’s first exhibition game:
“I can’t tell you how happy I am not to be guarded by Lamont Butler.”
Robinson led Kentucky with 19 points (5-9 3P). Butler finished with six steals and two blocks.
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) October 24, 2024
Imagine you are an elite HS basketball player when you see the UK team and style of play. Now consider the recruiting staff UK has.
— MeManBoy (@MeManBoy0) October 24, 2024
Had this not been an exhibition, Kentucky would have tied a school record for made 3s with 21 set vs. North Carolina in 1989 (21 of 48).
— TheCatsPause247 (@TheCatsPause247) October 24, 2024
KWC’s Cooper: We gave those shooters a lot of confidence. Guys were rolling off the bench confident. Seemed like they capitalized on every look they got. Sacrifice for each other. To have 32 assists and 5 turnovers shows a team that has no agenda except executing their offense.
— Jeff Drummond (@JDrumUK) October 24, 2024
Tonight is @KentuckyMBB’s largest margin of victory in any game (71 points) since November 6th, 2016 vs. Asbury (93 points)
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) October 24, 2024
Need more A Sea Of Blue coverage? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get all the latest Kentucky Wildcats news and views. And Go CATS!
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