Kentucky Basketball: Transylvania Pioneers 42 @ Kentucky Wildcats 76 Game Recap

Courtesy of Chet White

Well this game was much more competitive in the first half than even I thought it would be but like expected UK was just too much for this Transylvania team, who by the way is going to be very successful this season at the Division 3 level.

I was a little surprised to see Aaron Harrison starting at point guard but I have to say if Andrew is going to miss anymore games than this is the lineup I like. Aaron ran the point extremely well. Made the right plays, looked to get other players involved and didn't force any shots or play like a shooting guard at all.

Kentucky was able to get off a fast start and sure looked like they were going to end this game early with three's from Aaron Harrison (2), Julius Randle and James Young. It is clear that Calipari finally has the team he wants because they are definitely able to play this dribble drive and kick out offense that he loves and it works out great for this team because ball handling and three point shooting is definitely a strength of this team. Almost every player has shown the ability to put the ball on the floor including big ol' Willie Cauley-Stein.

Transylvania though was able to give Kentucky some competition and not allow them to play a relaxed game. Everytime Kentucky would start to look like they were going away Transylvania would go on a small 5-0 or 7-2 run to keep the score reasonable. Kentucky was finally able to go on a 8-0 run to give them a 10 point lead with 7:00 minutes remaining and for the rest of the half each team just traded baskets with the halftime score finishing at 41-30.

UK got off to a great start in the second half going on a 13-0 run 6 minutes into the half before Translyvania hit their first basket to take a 54-32 lead. The UK defense came out not allowing the open looks from three that were there for Transylvania in the first half by extending their defense out. Their defense just really picked up the pressure and started getting after their man off the ball.

Translyvania kept it close and competitive in the 1st half but whatever Calipari told them at halftime worked because UK's second half defense was special as Translyvania only score 4 points in the first 12 minutes of the second half as UK was able to take a 30 point lead 64-34 and would just trade buckets the final 8 minutes of the game and win 76-42.

Team Notes

• Julius Randle was easily the Player of the Game. He had an impact in every facet of the game finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists. His assist numbers don't wow you but he showed an amazing ability to handle the ball in the paint and find the open man. He also was able to lock down his man defensively. Randle just plays with such relentlessness that I don't think tams are going to expect and he really is a special player that no team will be able to fully prepare for. Most complete player in the nation and my early preseason player of the year pick.
• Willie Cauley-Stein has to be one of the more improved players in the nation. He looks so much more comfortable offensively and is showing a very nice touch on his shot and the ability to shoot left-handed. One aspect of his game that probably doesn't get talked about enough is his on-ball defense as he lead the team with 4 steals. Great feet and very quick hands. Expect him to average around 2 SPG this year.
• Young didn't have an offensive explosion but finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Best on-ball defender and will be Kentucky's x-factor this year. While he won't probably start expect him to play around 30 minutes a game and be the most productive guard on this team.
• Aaron Harrison showed that he can definitely handle the point if his brothers injury happens to be a long term one. Only had 2 assists but didn't turn the ball over and kept the ball moving side to side and making the defense rotate. All around solid game that left me impressed with his ability.
• Alex Poythress played a fine game with 7 points, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block but only finished the game with 1 rebound and for somebody as big as he is that just isn't good enough. Still doesn't play with that sense of emergency and makes me feel like he isn't giving 100% all the time.
• Dakari looked great from his backup center spot with 9 points and 8 rebounds and showed that on the offensive glass that he will be a force to reckon with. Twice he secure offensive rebounds and was able to finish at the rim even while being hacked. Seems to capitalize on every minute he gets whether its a lot or a little.
• Derek Willis got most of his minutes in the first half as Marcus Lee replaced him in the 2nd half but another option from behind the three point line as he knocked down 2 three's early in the game. Beautiful pure jumpshot and will help stretch defenses for Randle, WCS and Dakari down low.
• Jarrod Polson played solid minutes finishing with 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Will be a very solid role player for this UK team in case of injuries or foul trouble.
• Marcus Lee won't get major minutes this year due to the talent on this team but he is a high energy guy and I fully expect him to do big things in the future but if the team needs a spark he can definitely be that type of player and have a big impact from time to time on this team.
• Overall offensively Kentucky was solid as they shot 50% from the floor and 35% from three but shot 42% in the first half. You can tell Calipari finally has the guys he wants as this team is built perfectly to run the dribble drive offense that he loves. The players did such a good job of getting into the paint to draw double teams and finding open teammates out on the perimeter. Extremely talented passing team. Not a whole lot of "wow" passes but consistently made the extra pass to turn a good look into a great look. Not one player dominates the ball and even though they are a young team they already understand the "team" concept.
• Struggled a little bit defensively early as they let Transylvania get open looks from three but after halftime they just shut down every possible. Played aggressive and might possibly be the best steals team in the nation as multiple players on the team showed the ability to read the offensive player and use quick hands to get steals and easy buckets.