The super-freshmen class that the Kentucky Wildcats brought into Rupp Arena is long and super-athletic. The Boise State Broncos had a tough time competing physically near the rim and ended up losing.
Do not take the Kentucky game too seriously Bronco fans, the Wildcats brought their A-game to the court and came out as the victors.
The four-guard lineup that the Broncos bring to the court every night is troublesome against long teams like Kentucky. However, the Mountain West Conference does not have teams like Kentucky on its slate.
While the roster lacks height, it makes up for it in speed and shooting. The Broncos are currently first in the country in points per game at almost 92.
The Bronco guards, Jeff Elorriaga, Derrick Marks, Anthony Drmic and Igor Hadziomerovic, all have a unique skill set to bring to the table. Ellorriaga is one of the best shooters in the country — on the season he is shooting 63 percent from the behind the arc. Marks is the creator, he can create his own shot off the dribble or catch-and-shoot. Drmic has a decent post game, gets to the foul line and has a remarkable shot from deep — he’s the most talented player on the roster at this point. Hadziomerovic is the slasher; he’s a great ball handler and finisher at the rim.
These complementary styles help the Broncos run and score points from outside.
Going up against Julius Randle and Willie Cauley-Stein was a shock for the Broncos on Tuesday night and center Ryan Watkins failed to get his first double-double on the season. Watkins’ 6-foot-9 frame was no match inside for Randle’s 250-pound frame or Cauley-Stein’s seven-foot length. Cauley-Stein almost finished with a triple-double: six points, nine blocks and seven rebounds; Randle finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The size mismatch the Kentucky Wildcats brought to the table troubled the Broncos.
Luckily for the Broncos, they do not have to worry about playing a Kentucky or Michigan State Spartans team until the NCAA Tournament. It can be a magical season for the Broncos in the Mountain West Conference, but the serious lack of height can hinder the Broncos’ chances against the best teams in the country.
John Lloyd is a PAC-12 Basketball writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @JohnHLloydIII.
