Kentucky’s game at Auburn on Wednesday shapes up as a competition of size versus speed.
Because of injuries, Auburn starts only one player taller than 6-foot-5. That’s Quan Prowell, a 6-8 player who the Tigers envisioned as a shooting guard.
UK doesn’t have the biggest front line. But the Cats have 6-8 Patrick Patterson, who contends for the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year honors. Plus 6-9 Perry Stevenson has been much improved of late.
“Quickness is much better than height any time,” said UK Coach Billy Gillispie, who noted how Auburn’s perimeter shooters can pressure an opponent. The Tigers have six players who have made 14 or more three-point baskets. UK has three, the leader being Ramel Bradley, whose status for the game is questionable.
Patterson gives Kentucky something Auburn lacks: an inside presence.
Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald- Leader has covered Kentucky basketball since the 1981-82 season. That time includes five coaches, five Final Fours, four athletic directors, two interim athletic directors and many memories. Before coming to Lexington, Tipton worked eight years for the Huntington (W.Va.) Herald-Dispatch. He covered Marshall’s basketball team for two seasons before coming to the Herald-Leader.
0 Responses to “Size vs. speed at Auburn”