After commencing the 2022 - 23 season with an impressive 7 - 3 record, Kentucky found itself ranked No. 8 overall at KenPom as it headed to Missouri for the SEC opener on December 28. However, the Wildcats faced a tough defeat at the hands of Dennis Gates' team, giving up 89 points on 1.31 points per possession and suffering a 14 - point loss that felt much closer than the final score.

Post - Dec. 28 Setbacks and Comebacks

Kentucky unfortunately dropped out of the top - 10 in KenPom's college basketball efficiency ratings. But the Wildcats made a remarkable comeback, re - entering the top - 10 after last night's win over top - five Gonzaga. Mark Pope's team has now moved up to No. 10 overall, having achieved two neutral - site victories against a pair of top - five foes.

Offensive and Defensive Prowess

The Wildcats have shown great offensive and defensive capabilities. They are up to No. 9 in adjusted offensive efficiency and No. 17 in adjusted tempo. UK boasts a remarkable turnover rate of 13.2% and ranks inside the top 100 in both two - point and three - point field goal percentage. On the defensive end, Kentucky ranks No. 26 in adjusted defensive efficiency, standing at No. 6 in three - point field goal percentage defense (25.3%) and being in the top 50 in defensive rebound percentage (74.6%).

Big Non - Conference Wins and Tough Tests Ahead

Kentucky passed the two biggest non - conference tests with convincing wins over Duke and Gonzaga. However, they still have games against Ohio State (No. 28) and Louisville (No. 52) before league play begins. Their road loss to Clemson came against a top - 20 opponent, with Brad Brownell's team now ranked No. 16 overall at KenPom thanks to a 9 - 1 start and a top - five defense.

Conference Play and Tough Rivals

As SEC play begins, the schedule quickly gets tougher. Auburn, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida have joined Kentucky in the top 10 of Ken Pom's rankings. Mississippi State (No. 12), Texas A&M (No. 26), Ole Miss (No. 27), Texas (No. 35), Georgia (No. 39), Oklahoma (No. 42), Arkansas (No. 45), and LSU (No. 48) are all in position to make a strong bid. Pope's first Kentucky team is playing in the toughest conference in hoops, but the Wildcats seem ready to compete for a league title. After starting the season at No. 43 overall, this squad has already exceeded preseason expectations. With two huge Quad 1 wins in their pocket, the Cats are now in a prime position to aim for a No. 1 seed, and the metrics back this up.