Skip to main content
Thoughts from Kentucky's overtime win over Saint Joseph's

Three things Kentucky basketball fans should be thankful for

What should Kentucky basketball fans be thankful for this Thanksgiving?

In this story:

Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky Wildcats

Today is Thanksgiving, which is, of course, a day for people to sit and appreciate things in their lives, like friends and family. 

The question of the day is what should Kentucky basketball fans be thankful for this year? 

Let's take a look at three things Big Blue Nation should be thankful for when it comes to the 2023-24 basketball team. 

Three-point shooting

Nov 10, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves (12) shoots the ball during the second half against the Texas A&M Commerce Lions at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

This 2023-24 Kentucky basketball team loves to shoot the three-ball, which can be a ton of fun for fans. Against Stonehill, the Cats made 17 three-point baskets, which was the most of the John Calipari era. The Cats are shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc, which is an excellent start to the season. There's nothing more fun than a team that can light it up from deep, and this Kentucky team can do that at a very high level. 

Tre Mitchell

Oct 27, 2023; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Tre Mitchell (4) moves to the basket during the second half against the Georgetown Tigers at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky fans need to be thankful for Tre Mitchell and what he has done for this Kentucky basketball team down low. Obviously, the seven-footers haven't been in the lineup, so Mitchell has been playing the five, which against Kansas and Saint Joseph's was a tough ask. Mitchell was also very important in overtime against Saint Joseph's as he made multiple threes, scoring nine points in the bonus five minutes. Hopefully, some help is on the way, but Kentucky fans should be thankful for the way Mitchell has started the year down low.  

The return of the bigs

Nov 20, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats (from left to right) Brennan Canada, Zvonimir Ivisic, Aaron Bradshaw, and Ugonna Onyenso celebrate from the bench during the second half against the Saint Joseph's Hawks at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Mitchell has been great for the Cats, without a doubt, but he needs some help down low, and it sounds like the help could be on the way soon. It was announced yesterday that Aaron Bradshaw is set to get back at practice and be back on the floor soon. This will be a massive boost for the Cats and will help this team start to flow better with even more depth. Hopefully, the NCAA will allow Zvonimir Ivisic to get on the floor soon, and Ugonna Onyenso will continue to heal. Tre Mitchell and Big Blue Nation can eat turkey and watch football on this holiday, knowing help is coming down low. 

Follow Wildcats Today on Socials!

Like Wildcats Today on Facebook!

Follow Wildcats Today on Twitter!

Subscribe to Locked On Kentucky on YouTube!

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.