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Louisville basketball: Where are the advantages & disadvantages against Kentucky?

By Alan Thomas

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 05: Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts after making a three pointer against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Watsco Center on November 05, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 05: Jordan Nwora #33 of the Louisville Cardinals reacts after making a three pointer against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Watsco Center on November 05, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Ashton Hagans #0 and Tyrese Maxey #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrate after Hagans got a steal against the Utah Utes and was fouled during the annual Neon Hoops Showcase benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at T-Mobile Arena on December 18, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Utes defeated the Wildcats 69-66. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Ashton Hagans #0 and Tyrese Maxey #3 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrate after Hagans got a steal against the Utah Utes and was fouled during the annual Neon Hoops Showcase benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at T-Mobile Arena on December 18, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Utes defeated the Wildcats 69-66. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Best backcourt: Advantage Kentucky – Ashton Hagans, Immanuel Quickley & Tyrese Maxey

Before I begin this segment, I’d like to take a moment to recognize that this take is more about Louisville’s guards than it is about Kentucky’s guards.

Twelve games into the season, and the Cardinals still no not possess an alpha point guard. Though Darius Perry, Fresh Kimble, and Ryan McMahon (who sure can shoot it from three) have been efficient in splitting the load at the position, the Louisville fanbase has been clamoring for more minutes for the hometown kid, David Johnson.

So to say that Kentucky’s guards are better in a landslide is not true. More talented? Yes. More upside? Absolutely. But I think Louisville’s problem at the one spot is inconsistency and simply setting a tone for the possession.

Not to mention, the offense cannot unfold with fluency if every guard isn’t shooting at a decent percentage. Perry and Kimble can sure handle the rock, but their stroke needs some TLC.

Kentucky, on the other hand, has elite guards coming out of their ears. Coach John Calipari has made recruiting dynamic, driving scorers his calling card. This year’s bunch is no different at the position.

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