Kentucky opens up its regular season in just three days against the Michigan State Spartans under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden in a #1 vs #2 matchup.
In the two exhibition games leading up to the season opener, we’ve seen some good from the Cats in the form of solid backcourt play and the emergence of Nate Sestina and Keion Brooks. We’ve also found some cause for concern in the frontcourt with the play of EJ Montgomery being a lot left to be desired and an injury to Nick Richards.
Ashton Hagans will draw arguably his toughest assignment of the year on Tuesday in the form of Cassius Winston, the Michigan State point guard who was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award last year given to the top point guard in the country.
The Spartans, led by Winston, return plenty of experience from a team that appeared in the Final Four last season, a stark contrast from a Kentucky squad that returns a few key players from last year, but will also be introducing several newcomers to the roster this year.
With their final exhibition game behind them, the Cats will spend the next few days preparing for the Spartans. In a game where there will likely be NBA scouts from every team, national television and a national audience, there will be a lot of eyes on this game. Hopefully the Cats put on a show.
Tweet of the Day
[NEW] A few things I think I know about Kentucky after three preseason viewings:
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) November 2, 2019
Quickley is the Cats’ best player.
Montgomery is officially a concern.
Sestina will carry the frontcourt.
Whitney and Juzang will be fine.https://t.co/3d1qCr1FC6
Can’t say I disagree here.
Quickies
Kentucky’s secondary is answering preseason questions - KSR
The secondary has been better than expected.
Nick Richards working around the clock to get healthy - Vaughts Views
I’m not expecting to see Nick on Tuesday.
Georgia takes control of SEC East with win over Florida - Yahoo
Looks like the Bulldogs will represent the East in the SEC championship game.
Redskins’ Jeremy Sprinkle fined more than $84k - ESPN
The fine comes from two illegal hits.
World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg to become free agent - Bleacher Report
Apparently a World Series run wasn’t enough to convince Strasburg not to hit the open market.
Week 10 winners and losers - USA Today
Georgia was a big winner yesterday.
WATCH: Dartmouth defeats Harvard on game-ending Hail Mary - USA Today
A wild ending.
Bill Belichick’s son is reportedly behind New England’s defensive success - Yahoo
Belichick’s son has been involved with the Patriots defensive schemes.
Kentucky town to be featured in new ESPN docu-series - Courier Journal
The show airs tonight at 7 on the SEC Network.