Takeaways: The Kentucky Wildcats got a signature win in blowout fashion beating Miami 95-73

What can we take away from Kentucky's 95-73 win over #8 Miami?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Updated:
Nov 28, 2023 10:53 PM EST
Original:
Nov 28, 2023

In this story:

Kentucky Wildcats

Miami (FL) Hurricanes

The Kentucky Wildcats were able to blowout the Miami Hurricanes in Rupp Arena, giving the Cats their first signature win of the season.

Kentucky just continues to shoot the ball well, which will lead to a bunch of wins for the Cats this season.

There is a good chance the Cats are a top eight+ team in college basketball the next time the AP Poll comes out.

What can we take away from Kentucky's 95-73 win over the #8 Miami Hurricanes?

Reed Sheppard will be a one and done

Nov 17, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard (15) makes a three point basket during the second half against the Stonehill Skyhawks at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Many thought freshman Reed Sheppard would be a player to stick around for a while in Lexington and play multiple seasons for the Cats. If he continues to play like he did in this game for the rest of the season, there is no way he will be in college for multiple years. Sheppard led the game with 21 points on 8-13 shooting and 5-9 from deep. He also had five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. The freshman guard is playing his way into lottery-pick territory if he continues to play like he has to start the 2023-24 season.

The Cats continue to not turn the ball over and dish out assists

Oct 27, 2023; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Rob Dillingham (0) fives forward Tre Mitchell (4) during the first half against the Georgetown Tigers at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky had 26 assists in this ball game and only turned the basketball over eight times. The Cats play such fast-paced basketball that it is crazy to think they keep the turnovers to single digits almost every game. Kentucky will have one of the best assists-to-turnover ratios in all of college basketball if they continue to take care of the basketball. Knowing this team has three freshman ball handlers, it's amazing how well they have taken care of the rock. We are seven games into the season, and the young guards already look like seasoned veterans.

DJ Wagner's health

Nov 24, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard D.J. Wagner (21) passes the ball during the second half against the Marshall Thundering Herd at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

DJ Wagner went down with a lower-body injury in this game and didn't return. Coach Calipari didn't have much to say about the injury in his post-game press conference, but the initial feeling is that it won't be anything long-term. If Wagner is a bit banged up, there is no reason to rush him back, as the Cats don't play a real good team until December 16th when they take on North Carolina. Hopefully, Wagner will be good to go sooner rather than later, but this is something to monitor.