Mark Zerof-USA Today Sports
The comparisons between Nerlens Noel and Anthony Davis were speculated.
The torch from a squad that was nearly untouchable a season ago was passed on to another new group of talented newcomers. Expectations didn’t miss a beat, the Kentucky Wildcats were supposed to be in the hunt for another National Championship in 2013.
Ranked No. 3 in many preseason polls prior to the start of the 2012-13 season, head coach John Calipari said it: “I hope we’re as good as everyone thinks we are.” He was clear right from the get-go that they were not a very good team at the time.
After a three-point win over Maryland and a tough loss to Duke in Atlanta, the Wildcats were quickly forced into a reality that this season would be nothing like last. In addition, more speculation rang through that this Kentucky team would be much different come March and while they may still hold true in the coming months, the window of opportunity to prove their worth is closing quickly.
At 10-5 overall and 1-1 in the SEC, the bottom line is this: Kentucky is not a very good right now.
On an afternoon in which Noel stuffs the stat sheet with 15 points, 11 rebounds, seven blocks, six assists and four steal, the Wildcats should win. Instead however, they gave up 40 points to Texas A&M guard Elston Turner, and at home to boot.
This came on the heels of a near disastrous loss to Vanderbilt on Thursday. On the season, Kentucky’s best showings may have come in losses to Louisville and Duke, two of the nation’s premier teams. In their ten wins, it’s probably clear that Maryland (back on Nov. 9) is their best win, but outside of that, their next best victory may be that nail-biter at a 6-8 Vanderbilt squad or maybe even their win over Marshall.
After Saturday’s loss to Texas A&M, some national media outlets even speculated on Twitter whether or not this Wildcats’ team is bound for the NCAA Tournament.
Long story short, the time to right the ship is plentiful. There are still plenty of opportunities for Kentucky to rebound and make their case, but isn’t that what’s been said for the past two months now?
Only time will tell if this group of ‘Cats can figure things out.
Paul Seaver is the College Basketball Network Manager at Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
