The Kentucky Basketball team officially began summer practice on Monday, but fans got an early preview of the Wildcats’ new-look roster thanks to videos posted by the program over the last two days.
On Sunday, Kentucky’s social media team shared footage of players going through various athletic tests, including agility challenges and vertical jump measurements. It served as a nice tease for Big Blue Nation before summer workouts officially began.
Monday’s videos then provided a glimpse of how the new roster is already starting to build chemistry.
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In the first clip, rising sophomore big man Malachi Moreno passed the ball to Iowa State transfer Milan Momcilovic before setting a screen that allowed Momcilovic to knock down a 3-pointer. The early connection between the two stood out immediately. If that chemistry continues to grow, maybe Moreno and Momcilovic can team up for an M&M commercial someday or at least something local with John Morgan and Morgan & Morgan.
The second video showcased Furman transfer Alex Wilkins doing what he has done throughout his college career: creating offense. Wilkins drove into the lane and kicked the ball out, leading to another pass that found Braydon Hawthorne for a made three-pointer. If Kentucky can consistently knock down perimeter shots this season, something the Wildcats lacked at times last year, the offense could become very dangerous.
Following practice, Wilkins spoke with UK Sports Network about Day 1.
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“Nice,” Wilkins said of Day 1. “It went great. High energy, high competitiveness, a lot of skilled guys out there, so it was fun to get out there for the first day.”
Wilkins also pointed to Ousmane N’Diaye as one of the early standouts.
“I’ll say Ousmane. We call him Uzi. Y’all gonna like that. We’ve been kind of like echoing his name whenever he shoots a three or something, but I’ll say his competitiveness and how he’s just adjusted the game really quick here in America. I’m excited for what he’s going to bring to the table.”
The team’s chemistry has also benefited from living together this summer.
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“It’s been really cool for us to be in the lodge. Obviously, we get to meet new guys, get to really take time and spend time with each other… it was fun to play with Zoom [Diallo]; we’re building a really good connection. I’m excited to get on the court with him.”
It’s only the first day of summer workouts, but Kentucky fans already have plenty of reasons to be excited.
One other note: KSR’s Jack Pilgrim reports that the team is holding Kam Williams out right now as they manage his surgically repaired foot. It doesn’t sound like there’s any concern and this is merely the team taking baby steps towards Williams’ return to full-contact practice.
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Let’s hope that’s the case and Williams is back at practice in the coming weeks, but there’s no sense in risking a setback this early in the summer practice season.
