Kentucky’s Gonzaga Loss Sparks Criticism,Including From Draymond Green
SPOKANE,wash. – Kentucky suffered a resounding 88-55 defeat to Gonzaga on Friday night, prompting sharp criticism of the Wildcats’ performance, including pointed remarks from former Kentucky star Draymond Green. the loss, marked by abysmal shooting and a notable rebounding deficit, has raised concerns about the team’s trajectory early in the season.
Kentucky shot a dismal 7-of-31 from the field and 3-of-20 from 3-point range in the first half, falling behind 43-20 at halftime. The 35-point margin of defeat is the program’s largest loss as a 31-point loss to Auburn in 2016. The Wildcats were outrebounded 43-31 and outscored 46-18 in the paint, highlighting a comprehensive dominance by Gonzaga. Green, a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, voiced his frustration on social media, criticizing the team’s lack of physicality and shooting woes.
“Kentucky basketball is SOFT right now,” Green posted on X (formerly Twitter).”Absolutely embarrassing performance. No fight, no energy, no shooting. Fix it.”
Kentucky coach John Calipari acknowledged the team’s struggles and accepted responsibility. “All the boos we heard tonight were incredibly well-deserved mostly for me, and we have to fix it,” pope said. This is the second consecutive game the Wildcats have struggled from beyond the arc, following a 1-of-13 performance in a narrow 67-64 loss to No. 16 North Carolina on Tuesday.
The Wildcats’ struggles come despite high preseason expectations. After reaching the Sweet 16 and finishing 24-12 in his debut season, coach Pope saw hype amplified by a 13-point exhibition win over then-ranked No.1 Purdue in October. Though, injuries to projected starting point guard Jaland lowe (right shoulder) and Mouhamed Dioubate have disrupted the team’s rhythm. Lowe returned to the court against Gonzaga wearing a brace,while Dioubate missed his fourth consecutive game.
Kentucky’s challenging nonconference schedule has also contributed to their 3-3 start, with previous losses to louisville and michigan State. Pope acknowledged the team is in a challenging position. “We have to dig ourselves out of it,” he said. The Wildcats will need to address their shooting woes, rebounding deficiencies, and overall physicality to regain their footing as they navigate a demanding schedule and strive to meet the program’s championship standards.
