Kentucky Climbs Kenpom Ratings Following First Win

A dominant win always goes a long way to help in the computer ratings. That is especially the case for this year’s Kentucky basketball team.

The Wildcats are one of a handful of power conference schools with a brand-new roster. That phrase has been used before, but never so literally. There is zero returning production on this Kentucky basketball roster.

That complicates things for computer rankings. Ken Pomeroy has tinkered with his preseason formula over the years to adjust to the ever-changing times in college athletics, but zero returning production is zero returning production.

Despite that setback, Kentucky entered the season ranked No. 43 by Kenpom. Following the 41-point win over Wright State, the Wildcats jumped eight spots to No. 35 overall. Kentucky ranks No. 21 in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency and No. 8 in Effective FG% (68.5).

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How Kentucky Opponents Fared on Opening Night

While scrolling through the rankings, you will find that 12 of Kentucky’s future opponents are currently ranked higher than the Wildcats, eight of which are in the SEC. Alabama is No. 4, one spot ahead of Auburn at No. 5.

Texas A&M slipped two spots to No. 18 after falling on the road at UCF. Even though Buzz Williams brought back a great roster, when Wade Taylor IV isn’t hitting, they struggle to score. Last night he was 4-15 from the field and the Aggies had multiple chances to send it to overtime, but couldn’t convert.

Even though nobody showed up to watch it, Ohio State and Texas opened the college basketball season in Las Vegas. The Buckeyes knocked off the 19th-ranked Longhorns 80-72, despite a 29-point performance from freshman Tre Johnson. Former Wildcat Aaron Bradshaw had 2 points in 21 minutes. Kentucky plays Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic and the Wildcats will travel to the Moody Center in February.

A couple of teams flip-flopped at the top of the Kenpom rankings. Gonzaga jumped Duke after drubbing Baylor in a shocking opening-night victory. The Blue Devils seemed to have no problem dispatching Maine. Cooper Flagg had 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in his debut. Kentucky plays Duke one week from today in Atlanta at the Champions Classic.