Kentucky Basketball: 5 Questions for the Wildcats in the 2023-24 Season

At many schools across the country, simply making the NCAA Tournament would be cause for celebration. But at Kentucky, the expectations are much higher. With an impressive basketball legacy that includes eight national titles and 17 Final Fours, the Wildcats are considered March Madness royalty. However, recent seasons have seen the crown slightly askew. Kentucky hasn’t made a Final Four since 2015 or won a national championship since 2012. Even getting past the first weekend of the tournament has been a struggle, with the Wildcats failing to do so since 2019. To stay among the final teams standing in the 2023-24 season, Coach John Calipari and the Wildcats must answer five important questions:

1. When will injured big men Aaron Bradshaw and Ugonna Onyenso return to action?

During SEC Media Days, Calipari joked about not giving timelines for injured players to return because it often leads to longer recovery times. He previously stated that Bradshaw and Onyenso would be ready to play in “five to six weeks,” but declined to provide an update at the conference media event. Both players are battling foot ailments, with Bradshaw’s recovery slightly ahead of Onyenso’s. Calipari assured that both players will be fine in the long term, adding that their injuries were common and allowed them to gain muscle weight. The earliest debut for either player would be the season opener on November 6th, while the latest would be November 20th.

2. What can freshman center Zvonimir Ivišić bring to the team?

After a two-month enrollment process, freshman center Zvonimir Ivišić was finally admitted as a university student in October. The only remaining hurdle for him to play this season is NCAA clearance to retain his amateur status. Calipari expressed confidence that Ivišić’s eligibility won’t be an issue and praised his skills and shooting ability. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches, Ivišić would be the tallest player to appear in a game for Kentucky during Calipari’s tenure. While Calipari cautioned against expecting immediate dominance, Ivišić’s size and shooting skills make him a valuable asset on the team.

3. Who will step up to grab the majority of rebounds for the Wildcats?

With the departure of standout player Oscar Tshiebwe, who led the nation in rebounds per game for two seasons, Kentucky is facing a rebounding challenge. The top-six rebounders from the previous season are gone, with the leading returnee averaging just 2.1 rebounds per game. The responsibility will fall on senior guard Antonio Reeves, who will need support from others, including Tre Mitchell. Mitchell has averaged 5.9 rebounds per game during his college career. Other players, such as Adou Thiero and Jordan Burks, may also need to contribute to the team’s rebounding efforts.

4. Who will provide the team with consistent 3-point shooting?

Kentucky’s long-range shooting took a hit with the departure of most of last season’s shooters. Reeves, who made the most 3-pointers for the team, will need support from the newcomers. Players like Bradshaw, Ivišić, and Mitchell have shown their ability to shoot from beyond the arc. Freshman guards Reed Sheppard and Joey Hart are also known for their sharpshooting skills. While shooting may not be their primary strength, players like Dillingham, Edwards, and Wagner are also capable of contributing from the 3-point line. The team needs to prove their 3-point competency to avoid relying too heavily on Reeves.

5. Can the Kentucky bench provide more scoring impact?

Last season, Kentucky’s bench struggled to make an impact when called upon. With a roster boasting players with diverse skill sets, Calipari has the ability to mix and match lineups to his advantage. The starting lineup will likely consist of Wagner, Reeves, Edwards, Thiero, and Mitchell. During the GLOBL JAM tournament, each player showcased their ability to score, providing optimism for the upcoming season. Highly skilled scorers like Dillingham and Burks may come off the bench, adding a much-needed scoring boost. This season’s bench should bring far more offensive power than last year.

By addressing these five questions, Kentucky hopes to have a successful 2023-24 season. While the road to the Final Four and another national championship won’t be easy, the Wildcats are determined to reclaim their status as March Madness royalty.

For more Kentucky basketball updates, contact Ryan Black at [email protected] or follow him on X at @RyanABlack.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.