WKU Basketball: Kentucky Q&A With Jack Pilgrim of KSR
We got Kentucky Sports Radio’s beat writer Jack Pilgrim to answer some questions on UK
Here before the big game that none of us saw coming, we got Jack Pilgrim at Kentucky Sports Radio to answer some questions on the Wildcats for us!
Jack is a beat writer for KSR and is an awesome writer full of insight. If you’re looking to follow a solid UK guy be sure to follow him on Twitter and check out KSR’s website.
Let’s see what he has to say about tonight’s game!
The Towel Rack: How would you say this season has gone for the Wildcats up to this point? The good? The bad?
Jack Pilgrim: Oscar Tshiebwe and TyTy Washington have met and surpassed expectations for Kentucky this season, giving the Wildcats consistent production down low and on the perimeter. Sahvir Wheeler has been erratic at times, but at his best, he’s among the best pure point guards in the SEC. Kellan Grady has also been the team’s consistent shooting threat on the wing, knocking down 44.2% of his 3-point attempts. As a team, Kentucky’s resume has been underwhelming up to this point, with its best win being its most recent, a 29-point blowout over North Carolina in Las Vegas.
The Wildcats have been solid, but not great in the first third of the season, but expectations remain strong that this is a team capable of making it to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament – a clear development after missing the tournament entirely in 2020-21. Western Kentucky will be a nice test.
TTR: We all know that UK never look to schedule the Hilltoppers much due to it usually being a high risk/low reward for the Wildcats. Do you think it was an easy decision to pick up WKU or more of a last resort?
JP: Kentucky looked to schedule the likes of Gonzaga, Texas and Ohio State after the Louisville game got canceled, but a matchup of that magnitude wasn’t able to be put together on such short notice. Western became a strong backup option, one that presented a fantastic opportunity to raise money for families in desperate need after tornadoes hit the area earlier this month.
TTR: Looking at WKU, who would you say are the biggest playmakers that UK need to be prepared for the most on defense?
JP: Sahvir Wheeler is Kentucky’s biggest boom or bust talent. When he’s rolling, it’s hard to stop the Wildcats. When he’s struggling, UK is beatable. At 6-9, 255 pounds, Oscar Tshiebwe is also clearly a force down low and someone Western will have to limit in the paint. It certainly helps to have a 7-5 center there to do that.
Watch out for Kellan Grady, too. He’s coming off his best performance of the year against North Carolina and UK would like to keep that momentum moving forward with him the rest of the year.
TTR: Obviously I know a lot of people are disappointed that Louisville had to cancel due to COVID but with WKU just beating UofL a few days ago, do you think the UK fan base will be as interested or invested in this game?
JP: A typical trade of Louisville for Western Kentucky would fall short of expectations for UK fans, but circumstances are obviously different. Life is bigger than basketball, and tonight proves that. Fans are rallying behind a greater cause and excitement is high. It should be a phenomenal atmosphere at Rupp Arena.
TTR: The Wildcats currently have a 91% chance to win according to ESPN BPI. What do you think would have to happen in this game for the Hilltoppers to leave Rupp Arena with a massive in-state win?
JP: Kentucky’s flaws are clear at this point. If you get Oscar Tshiebwe in foul trouble and Sahvir Wheeler struggles with turnovers and shooting efficiency, you’ve got a chance. It doesn’t hurt that TyTy Washington is dealing with a wrist injury on his shooting hand.
Take out those three pieces and Western Kentucky can make it a game.
TTR: What is your personal prediction for the game?
JP: Kentucky wins 79-64.
We’re super thankful for Jack for answering our question! Be sure to go check out all his content at KSR for more info on the Wildcats.