Kentucky is set to face off against Providence in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night, and the Wildcats will have a significant size advantage. While the tallest rotational player for the Friars is 6-foot-8 senior forward Ed Croswell, who is second on the team in rebounds per game at 7.6, Kentucky boasts several frontcourt players who are 6-foot-9 or taller.
Oscar Tshiebwe, one of Kentucky’s 6-foot-9 forwards, is arguably the best rebounder in college basketball over the last 25 years, and Jacob Toppin hauled in 7.1 boards per game during SEC play. Chris Livingston, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound freshman, also fills in at forward. Additionally, head coach John Calipari can roll out two more 6-foot-9 forwards in Lance Ware and Daimion Collins, or even try out 6-foot-11 freshman Ugonna Onyenso, who is an undeniably talented shot blocker. 6-foot-6 freshman Adou Thiero knows how to use his length and athleticism as a strength, and 6-foot-4 freshman Cason Wallace acts as a brick wall in the backcourt.
The Wildcats rank second in the country in offensive rebounding percentage, per KenPom. Not counting bench player Brennan Canada, Calipari rosters seven players that are at least 6-foot-6. Providence has just five, and that includes two freshmen that rarely play.
While Kentucky’s size advantage will undoubtedly pose problems for Providence, the Friars have faced similar challenges before. “I think we have to be much better defensively. Obviously, they’re one of the better offensive-rebounding teams in the country,” said head coach Ed Cooley this week about Kentucky. “Having played Connecticut, who is right up there with the best in the country, it’ll be a similar match. Tshiebwe is one of the leading rebounders, he’s just got a knack for it. They’re athleticism, they’re length. And then I think we need to run great offense. They have length at every position so we’ll need to be efficient offensively.”
The Cats face off against the Friars tonight at 7:10 PM EST.
Read: 6 Things Slowly Killing College Basketball
Read: 14 Reasons Cal Needs To Go
Read: Big Oscar Tshiebwe 2X All American
Read: Tyler Ulis Making An Impression At Kentucky
Read: Frisbee Dog Takes Dump On Floor At YUM Center
