This game against Tennessee Tech was very frustrating for me and is emblematic of this team. This game never should have been close. But with under 6 minutes left in the first half, it was 25-25. You can argue Tennessee Tech made shots early they don't normally make and UK missed a bunch of shots early they usually make.
That argument would hold water if this were the only time these things have happened, but it's not the first time. This team struggles with 2 primary issues (other than lack of elite talent)
1. Slow starts have been an issue in nearly every game. Otega Oweh is notorious for his slow starts, and it has continued this season. Last season, his slow starts didn't hurt us because others didn't have that same struggle and when his offense finally would kick in, we'd go on a 2nd half run. But he's not alone this year in slow starts. The entire team seems to sleep walk through the first several minutes. It's like they have to feel their way to some kind of rhythm.
2. This team is bi-polar. Or perhaps similar to something like a junior high girl. Their mood greatly affects their entire game. First half, we looked like brick layers out there- couldn't buy a three. They get down on the themselves when shots don't fall, that leads to poor defensive effort, which leads to early deficits. Made Tennessee Tech look really good for the first 14 minutes of the game. But that kind of play against good teams leads to large deficits and eventually losses (like against Louisville and Mich St) But when shots are falling, it seems they can't miss. That 2nd half tonight, they were on the manic side of bi-polar and couldn't miss. Shot 70% from the floor and 70.6% from 3. Everyone got in on it. And the defense was better also- made steals, blocked shots, run outs for dunks, help defense was better- the team was better on both ends.
The big question for me is this: How do we get the team to shoot like that and defend like that from the start?
Aside from getting completely healthy and adding some additional talent to the floor, there isn't an easy answer. These guys are not elite offensive players, but they CAN be very good defensively, when they're locked in.
So, here's my answer: They've GOT to focus on defense first in every game. They've got to come out like they're down 10 from the opening tip. They need to create offense with their defense. Once they get going, I think they can be pretty good. But these slow starts and fickle feelings about missing shots will kill us.
DEFENSE FIRST. That's the only viable solution for this team, in my opinion, at least until we get fully healthy and have some additional talent.
