'Next man up': Kentucky's motto is front and center this season
Injuries and illnesses play a part in every college basketball season. They affect every team to different extents at some point or another. For Kentucky, it’s been an ongoing issue as the regular season begins to wind down. With that said, the Wildcats’ backups have shown up when they’ve been needed the most this season.
Davion Mintz’s return was key for Kentucky this summer. It never hurts to have an extra ball handler, especially one with five years of college experience. His return has proven to be invaluable with multiple injuries in the backcourt. When Sahvir Wheeler and TyTy Washington each missed significant time in Baton Rouge, Mintz stepped up in the Wildcats first SEC road test. He came off the bench and scored a then season-high of 16 points. When Wheeler missed the next game against Georgia, Mintz produced again with another season-high of 19 points. Without their starting backcourt, he’s been instrumental as a steadying force in Kentucky’s latest wins over Alabama and LSU.
Jacob Toppin had his best game of the season on the road at LSU as well. He scored a season-high 14 points on a night when the Wildcats offense went stagnant. He’s been just as instrumental in Kentucky’s last two wins, as well, with contributions through career-high minutes against the Crimson Tide and Tigers.
Daimion Collins was our first example of a freshman being ready when they were called. On the road in Tuscaloosa, Collins recorded his most minutes in a month while scoring his most points in over two months with 10 against Alabama. His ability to finish and defend around the rim with length was key in that victory.
Bryce Hopkins was the latest Wildcat to continue this trend with his breakout against LSU. It was a coming out party for the freshman with a career-high 13 points in his most minutes in over a month. John Calipari said he has wanted to find Hopkins more minutes, and he may very well continue to get them after that performance.
Time and again, Kentucky’s reserves have seamlessly stepped in and made an impact. It has come in moments that were unexpected as well as times when they’ve been asked to step up. Even those who have fallen out of the rotation have done the same this season. In season-high minutes against North Florida with Mintz unavailable, Dontaie Allen scored a season-high 14 points. In a season full of minor injuries that could have thrown the Wildcats off track, they’ve stayed on course time and again because of this bench.
Kentucky’s greatest weakness has been their injury bug. That’s no secret. After these last two wins, the team’s depth has now shined through to the point of being a serviceable enough solution to the problem. It’s obvious that every team in the country is at their best when they’re at full strength — when Kentucky is full strength, there aren’t many that can beat them.
If any more injuries come UK’s way, though, they have a deep and reliable enough bench that’s been able to answer the bell more than once this season.
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