Three things we need to see from Kentucky vs. Mount St. Mary's

Two games into the season, and the Kentucky basketball team’s identity is slowly starting to take shape. The Wildcats fought hard against Duke under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, and then proceeded to hand Robert Morris a 40-point blowout in the team’s home-opener.

Oscar Tshiebwe has quickly emerged as the team’s anchor inside, leading the country averaging 20.0 rebounds per contest. Sahvir Wheeler has also solidified himself as the lead floor general, leading the nation in assists at 11.0 per game. As a team, the Wildcats are shooting 46.3% from deep, averaging 19.5 assists, blocking 6.5 shots and putting up 85.5 points per contest. From top to bottom, there’s plenty to like about this group.

Now it’s time for Kentucky’s next home test, as the Wildcats are set to host Mount St. Mary’s at Rupp Arena on Tuesday, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

After opening the season 1-1, what can fans expect in game three? What do the Wildcats need to show when they take the floor against the Mountaineers?

Continued success for Oscar Tshiebwe and Sahvir Wheeler

Kentucky has one player leading the country in rebounding and another leading the nation in assists. Through two games, Tshiebwe is averaging an absurd 15.5 points (52.0% FG, 71.4% FT) to go with 20.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.5 assists per contest. As for Wheeler, he’s currently averaging 10.5 points (36.4% FG, 60% 3PT), 11.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 3.5 turnovers per game.

As mentioned earlier, the former anchors the post and the latter runs the show as the lead guard. Things start and stop with those two players inside and outside.

Will Tshiebwe be able to continue his record-shattering success on the glass? Will Wheeler be able to continue racking up assists with ease?

Kellan Grady could also fit into this category, as the Davidson transfer is averaging 14.0 points per contest on a smooth 52.6% shooting, 53.8% from three and 100% from the line to go with 2.0 steals and 1.0 rebounds per contest. He’s been a stable scoring and shooting force for the Wildcats to open the season.

Waiting for TyTy Washington’s big moment

On the surface, Washington has had a fine start to his Kentucky career. Through two games, he’s averaging 9.5 points, 3.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and just 1.0 turnovers in 30.5 minutes per contest.

When you account for expectations and production on the big stage, though, the freshman standout has underwhelmed. He finished with nine points on 3-14 shooting overall and 0-2 from three against Duke, adding three assists, one rebound and one steal in the loss. Washington followed it up with a double-digit performance, but still finished with ten points on ten shots to go with three rebounds, three assists, one steal and two turnovers.

He’s been fine, but he didn’t have fine expectations coming into the season. Coaches and teammates raved about Washington as a prolific shot creator and maker, stepping in as an immediate favorite to lead the team in scoring. That hasn’t happened yet, but he’s due a scoring outburst.

When Washington gets hot, he gets hot in a hurry. He’s just got to see the ball fall through the net a few times before taking off. Let’s see if he breaks through this evening.

Dontaie Allen must take advantage

CJ Fredrick is set to undergo season-ending surgery after injuring his hamstring during pregame warmups against Duke last week. It’s a major hit for Fredrick, who has dealt with numerous leg injuries over the course of his career and was on the cusp of returning following surgery earlier this summer.

With Fredrick out, who will replace the minutes and shots that were allocated to him after he returned to action? Davion Mintz is the first clear answer, but he was going to play regardless of Fredrick’s status. Maybe his role expands, but his shots were always going to be there.

The answer is Dontaie Allen, who lit up the scoreboard on a handful of occasions last season, namely against Mississippi State during the regular season and to open the SEC Tournament. He posted 23 points on both occasions, shooting a combined 13-24 from long range in those two outings.

Defense and turnovers were an issue, though, and it’s why John Calipari was hesitant to play him for extended periods of time. The scoring and shooting is there, but if you give up just as many points on the other end, it’s tough to justify your time on the floor.

“First half he scored a three. It was great,” Calipari said following Kentucky’s win over Robert Morris. “And he gave up two. We lose (those possessions).”

Coach Cal did note, however, that he was going to have to let Allen play through his mistakes and hope the shooting outweighs some of the defensive lapses. He compared the situation to Derek Willis from several years back, another player who thrived on offense, but struggled on defense.

“Do you remember Derek Willis? I love Derek. He’s one of the greatest kids I’ve ever coached here,” said Calipari. “Where did he struggle? But we needed him to do what? (Make shots) … When he got the ball, the entire team yelled. We’re here for you, kid.

“I think we’re going to have to do that with Dontaie. … I want to get him some time.”

With Fredrick out, there’s a clear role for a catch-and-shoot specialist on the floor. Calipari says he’ll be giving Allen a longer leash to let him find his groove offensively. Let’s see if that starts tonight.