Kentucky lost to Gonzaga on Friday night to slip to 5-4 on the season. It’s not the start that UK players and fans hoped to see, but the Cats have their minds set to get things turned around.
On Monday, guard Denzel Aberdeen said the Cats need to make some changes to get things going in the right direction.
“We’re definitely going to make a change as far as our energy and effort coming into these games,” Aberdeen said. “They haven’t been where they are supposed to be but we’re definitely going to make a jump.”
Aberdeen and the Cats know that they have plenty of room for growth.
“We know we’re not playing to the capability that we’re supposed to be playing at right now,” he said. “So, each and every day, we’re going to try to come in practice and just give maximum effort every time.”
Aberdeen balked at the notion that this group is not competitive.
“I think our competitiveness is still there,” he said. “We’ve just got to find a way to execute in the game.”
What are the points of emphasis for the Cats in practice right now?
“We’ve just got a lot of things that we need to work on as far as offensively and defensively,” Aberdeen said. “But other than that, I think we’re still together. We’re still coming together. We’re still going to push forward.”
Specifically, head coach Mark Pope and his staff are trying to find ways to get better shots and to play better defense.
“Coming down and making shots, offensively, share the ball together and defensively, we’ve got to get stops,” Aberdeen said. “So, I think just those two, scoring and defense, is what it comes down to.”
Part of the offensive improvement could come with Jaland Lowe now back on the floor. Aberdeen knows that Lowe can really make this offense efficient.
“It will be very good for us,” Aberdeen said of having Lowe back. “He’s a very good, elite guard, unselfish, comes in, brings a lot of energy. Very glad he’s back.”
A renewed energy could help push this talented Kentucky team over the top. They will be testing that theory for the first time on Tuesday against North Carolina Central