KSR Today: Kentucky celebrates 2-0 at Drake’s house

How do you celebrate back-to-back impressive wins to open the 2023 GLOBL JAM in Toronto? By visiting the home of one of the biggest artists in the world — that would be friend of the program Drake, who has opened his doors to John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats while he’s out on tour.

“We’re going to do some fun things tomorrow,” Calipari said at the conclusion of Kentucky’s 93-61 win over Canada on Thursday. “We’re gonna go to a friend of mine, his house. We’re going to swim in his pool, practice on his court. He’s on tour.”

Antonio Reeves, who led the Wildcats with 23 points on 10-15 shooting in the win, added that it would be a cookout at the five-time Grammy Award winner’s home. And he expects his undefeated squad to have a big time.

“I don’t know what to expect until we get there but we’re going to have a ball,” Reeves said. “We’re going to have a blast there. We’re going to have fun. I heard they’re going to have a barbecue so we are going to eat good as well.”

Most people don’t get the opportunity to hang out and practice inside a $100 million mansion on their day off. But most people don’t have connections like John Calipari.

Reed Sheppard, Antonio Reeves lead the way

We already talked about Reeves’ team-high 23 points that included a 3-6 clip from 3-point range. But that’s expected of a guy with ten 20-point efforts and 26 double-figure performances in his debut season with the Wildcats. Dude knows how to get buckets, plain and simple.

The big story was Reed Sheppard’s dominant two-way effort that included 14 points on 5-8 shooting and 2-4 from three while adding four assists, four steals, two rebounds and two blocks in 25:30. He knocked down shots, made plays for his teammates and was a force on the defensive end, earning steals and blocks that led to vicious slams on the other end.

The freshman guard was an all-around star in the win over Team Canada.

How about that ball movement?

Through two games in Toronto, the Wildcats have totaled 51 assists on 66 made baskets, five players recording at least three assists in game one and five with at least three in game two. Against Team Canada, Rob Dillingham led the way with nine assists compared to just one turnover, while Adou Thiero added six, Sheppard with four and Tre Mitchell and Justin Edwards with three.

You’d have no idea this group has been together as a complete unit for less than three weeks, freshmen arriving at the beginning of June. The Wildcats are unselfish and ball movement is an obvious indicator of that. With just 10 combined practices under their belt, it’s pretty hard to not get carried away about this team’s passing and scoring potential this winter as it gets back to full strength.

As of today, ball movement is impressive. Later this year? Goodness.

Other stats and notes

• Kentucky had a 23-8 advantage in points off turnovers, 15-6 lead in fast-break points
• Wildcats forced 21 turnovers
• UK shot 48.6% from the field (35-72), 36.7% from three (11-30) and 85.7% at the line
• Adou Thiero added 11 points, six rebounds and six assists while finishing with a team-high plus-22 with him on the floor
• Tre Mitchell added eight points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a game-high five blocks

Shot chart is a dream

Hate long twos? We all do. With the offensive weapons Kentucky has this season, there’s no reason to settle for 18-footers when you can get paint touches for finishes around the basket or kick-outs for open 3-pointers.

Taking a look at the shot chart from Thursday night, it’s clear that’s the team’s philosophy at this point. Hardly any shots beyond the free-throw line that weren’t beyond the arc, and the efficiency was there to back it up.

That’s how you put up 93 points with four players finishing in double figures.

John Calipari, players discuss win

What did the head coach think of the win? Calipari raved about Reed Sheppard’s contributions, making it clear he has a team of basketball players. He also discussed his time coaching Canadian talent and his love for the city of Toronto, among other topics.

Take a look:

How about the players? Antonio Reeves, Reed Sheppard and Jordan Burks all sat down with the media after the win to talk about this team’s unselfishness and hanging out at Drake’s house on their day off.

Game Highlights

Need a refresher on the win? Check out the game highlights with Tom Leach and Goose Givens on the call.

Not enough to satisfy that itch this morning? Here are the extended first- and second-half highlights.

Photo Gallery

KSR’s Rapid Reaction

And then to break it all down to close out the night, the KSR Rapid Reaction team. What do we make of the Wildcats’ hot start in Toronto? And just how excited should you be about this team?

The crew broke it all down live from the Mattamy Athletic Centre after the win.

Another Sources Say Podcast to come on Friday, as well. Plenty of content brewing here in Canada.

Enjoy your Friday, BBN. Go Cats.