College basketball panic meter: Is Kentucky a title contender?

Less than three weeks into the new men’s college basketball season, a handful of tradition-rich programs have already suffered at least two losses.

Which sluggish starts are aberrations? Which are warning signs? The early-season college hoops panic meter assesses the most intriguing situations.

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KENTUCKY (3-2)

The most expensive roster in college basketball so far hasn’t performed up to its reported $22 million price tag.

Kentucky has lost its only two matchups against credible opponents so far this season, falling 96-88 at Louisville and 83-66 against Michigan State.

Two setbacks away from home against top-20 opponents aren’t normally cause for alarm, but consider the preseason expectations for Kentucky. Its boosters invested heavily this offseason in hopes of helping Mark Pope elevate from a promising debut season into contending for a national championship in Year 2.

The lack of effort and synergy on the floor are also concerning. It isn’t just that Kentucky has been disorganized and undisciplined on offense and defense.

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It’s stuff like this.

Or this.

Then there’s how distraught Pope looked and sounded when he finally addressed reporters more than 45 minutes after the Michigan State game ended. He described his team as “disappointed and discouraged and completely discombobulated.” He said Kentucky is “far away from the team that we aspire to be.”

“My messaging is not resonating with the guys right now, and that’s my responsibility,” Pope added.

The good news for Kentucky is that it’s late-November, not late-February. There’s plenty of time for Pope to make adjustments. Reinforcements could also eventually arrive in the form of future first-round pick and elite rim protector Jayden Quaintance, who hasn’t played since a knee injury last February, and prized transfer and lead guard Jaland Lowe, out indefinitely with a shoulder injury.

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Still, the early vibes aren’t great. And neither are the results. That’s…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/mens-college-basketball/article/college-basketball-panic-meter-is-kentucky-a-title-contender-223056745.html

Author : Jeff Eisenberg

Publish date : 2025-11-20 22:30:00

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