After getting bumped from the starting lineup, Adou Thiero fully embraced his new role

It was only a matter of time before Aaron Bradshaw worked his way into the starting lineup. It took the seven-foot freshman just three games to make it happen, and deservedly so, but John Calipari can’t play six guys at the same time. Someone was going to have to accept being moved to Kentucky’s bench.

That someone was sophomore wing Adou Thiero, who had previously started all eight games he’d been available for this season. During Kentucky’s 87-83 win over No. 9 North Carolina on Saturday night in Atlanta, Thiero didn’t check in until the 14:24 mark of the first half. He finished with just 17 minutes of playing time — his second-fewest of the season — but he made sure that every single second counted.

Thiero recorded seven points (including just his second made three-pointer of the season), two assists, one rebound, and — most notably — a career-high four blocked shots. These weren’t your regular ole rejections either; Thiero was pounding North Carolina’s shot attempts so forcefully into the hardwood that you wouldn’t be shocked if the State Farm Arena floor now has some cracks in it.

Every blocked shot looked more like a volleyball spike than a basketball play. But it wasn’t just his rim protection that stood out. Thiero made multiple impressive plays driving to the rim, including a slick up-and-under finish shortly after checking into the game for the first time.

“Wow, he played well,” Kentucky head coach John Calipari said of Thiero. “He played well. He just did some stuff that normal — he’s so physical and going to the basket, he’s so good. He’s skilled with the ball. I’m saying it again. The way basketball is going, he’s gotta get better shooting the ball. Now he’s not bad, but if he’s a knockdown shooter, he’s a top-five pick… He’s so physical, he busts through it’s a layup. I’m really proud of him.”

It would have been natural for Thiero to be upset with having his starting role taken from him, even if that was always the ultimate plan once Bradshaw made his way into the rotation. But instead of sulking, Thiero quickly embraced this new opportunity. His effort was contagious to his teammates. Even without an elite shooting stroke, he was a huge reason why Kentucky came out with the win against North Carolina. Thiero can do just about everything else.

“At the end of the game I hugged him, because he accepted whatever (Calipari) said and he came in there and made an immediate impact,” Kentucky fifth-year senior Tre Mitchell said. “I mean he literally, he lifted us off the floor. The energy that he brought and the plays he made, it’s second to none. Just to be able to adjust to that switch-up he had and then he still gave it his all every second he was out there.”

Kentucky is going to need that same level of effort from Thiero consistently moving forward. It will likely mean doing so off the bench for the rest of the season. But if Saturday was any indication, he’ll do whatever his team needs if it means picking up a win.