College Basketball Week 2: 5 biggest takeaways

Kevin Knox Is Already Rising

There are still plenty of concerns to be had about the state of Kentucky basketball this season, but as always, most of those issues could be attributed to the youthful nature of the roster. Moreover, issues John Calipari fixes on an annual basis.

So, relax, Big Blue Nation. Be slightly concerned with sometimes iffy defense and a weird habit of not knowing how to defend basic pick-and-roll sets, but know that those sort of issues will be fixed as the youngsters gain more time on the hardwood.

As for a positive that is starting to emerge, Kevin Knox is sincerely incredible. The 6-foot-9, all-everything prospect is beginning to stomp on teams as if he’s playing the role of the Barbershop Window and opposing players are accepting their fates as Marty Jannetty.

(Not shown is the cowardice HBK actually tossing Marty through the window. I don’t want to scar you kids for life)

Anyway, Knox had a rough two first games of the season. Over the last two games, however, he’s been one of the better players in all of the country.

Again, small sample size and all that jazz, but we work with the data we have.

In games against a great Kansas team and something called the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, Knox averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. More important, his efficiency numbers rose from the ashes like Jesus — allegedly — did in a cave back in the day, shooting a wonderful 14-of-26 from the field and a downright impressive 7-of-13 from the land of three.

If he’s closer to the player he was the previous two games, as opposed to the inefficient cat during the first two, the Wildcats will have another rather dynamic offensive talent on their hands.

And seriously, good for this downtrodden, never getting 5-star talent program. It is about time Calipari brought in some good players.

/runs