What will the Kentucky Wildcats’ seeding be in March Madness? When will they play next? Here’s everything you need to know on Selection Sunday.
Once staring down the barrel of an NCAA Tournament absence, it looks like the Wildcats will make it after all.
Last week, the Wildcats bowed out of the SEC Tournament earlier than they would have liked, losing to Vanderbilt 80-73 in the quarterfinals. Kentucky’s season performance ensured they would avoid the bubble and be included in the field of 68, yet that SEC loss didn’t bode well for the team’s seeding in March Madness.
On paper, the ‘Cats boasts a talented starting lineup with Antonio Reeves, Jacob Toppin, Oscar Tshiebwe; however, the program’s Achilles heel in 2023 could be their defense.
In SEC play, the Cats suffered ugly defeats to Arkansas and Missouri, both teams who put up over 80 points against Kentucky.
Current projections has UK entering March Madness as a 6- or 7- seed, kicking John Calipari and the blue-blooded kings far down the throne.
Just a year ago, Kentucky finished with a 26-7 regular season record and secured the No. 2 seed. Now, they could be playing a No. 2 seed as early as the second round.
Let’s take a look at when Kentucky will play next.
2023 March Madness schedule: When will Kentucky play next?
The Wildcats locked in a No. 6 seed with No. 11-seed Providence up first on Friday, March 17.
How could Kentucky’s March Madness run play out?
The maxim goes: the lower the seed, the tougher the path to the championship, but everyone knows March Madness is pure madness and it’s impossible to predict the Cats’ success as a 6-seed
If the team makes it past the first round, Kentucky may have to prepare for No. 3-seed Kansas State, who plays Montana St. in the first round.
Beyond that, the Wildcats could see No. 2-seed Marquette in the Sweet 16 and No. 1-seed Purdue in the Elite 8.