Inconsistent Kentucky Elicits Wide Range of Emotions

Kentucky basketball fans are in a peculiar position. The BBN lives and dies by the Wildcats and this year that’s taken on a much different meaning.

In the early years of John Calipari’s tenure, Kentucky fans expected a win every time their team took the court. This year each game brings a new level of uncertainty, adding a feeling of unexpected nervous energy.

Simply put, nobody knows what team is going to show up whenever Kentucky takes the court. That’s the truth in a very literal sense. Kentucky has only been at full strength in half of its 26 games, with Sahvir Wheeler and CJ Fredrick sidelined by injuries over the previous two. No matter who is suiting up for the Cats, it’s difficult to project what kind of performance we will see on any given night.

Top Players are Streaky

Cason Wallace will be the first Kentucky Wildcat’s name called in this summer’s NBA Draft. He looked the part in back-to-back games by scoring 20 and 24 points against Florida and Arkansas, respectively. In the two games since he’s 3-of-21 from the field.

While few players have such a dramatic range, he is not alone. Oscar Tshiebwe combined for 11 points in back-to-back games, then responded with a 20-point and an 18-point performance. Antonio Reeves made 6-of-7 threes in a 27-point night at Ole Miss, then did not even attempt a three-pointer four days later. Against Mississippi State Reeves knocked down three three-pointers and had 11 points in the first half. After intermission he only made one more shot. You never know what you’re going to get from each Wildcat on any given night.

Kentucky Plays See-Saw on the Bubble

The NCAA Tournament Bubble has become an ever present part of the BBN’s lives. Every time the Cats piece together a couple of wins, they’re one away from putting the Bubble conversation to bed. Then there’s a loss that brings the BBN right back to square one.

Ahead of the Arkansas game I was prepared to watch a Kentucky win that would seemingly secure the Cats a spot in the field of 68. Five days and two losses later, I was exasperated, ready to find something else to do with all my free time in March. Then Kentucky got a Quad 1 win at Mississippi State.

Not only am I all the way back in, I’m talking myself into a Final Four run.

Chris Livingston‘s 13 second half points made him the latest Wildcat to “flash.” Every player on this team has shown great moments, but never at the same time. If they can all figure it out together and be at their best in March, this could be a lot of fun.

The 2022-23 Kentucky basketball team has been great at times, and terrible at others. Sometimes it’s not even game-by-game, it’s half-by-half (see: Arkansas). Fans overreact to every single up and down. It’s what makes us fanatics. It also makes forecasting the future so difficult, but one thing is certain, this has been one of the wildest rides of the John Calipari era. It’s only going to get more nerve-wracking in the homestretch of the season.