Kentucky basketball has already confronted its justifiable share of top-tier expertise by means of the primary 9 video games of the 2022-23 season. 

From Gonzaga’s Drew Timme to Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson, a few of the finest forwards within the nation have gone toe-to-toe — and had their manner — with the Wildcats. 

Timme was certainly one of three Bulldogs to eclipse 20 factors within the Zags’ win over UK in Spokane, dropping 22 to associate with seven rebounds and three assists. Dickinson wasn’t in a position to lead the Wolverines to victory, however he led all scorers with 23 factors, in addition to 9 boards and three blocks. 

One other stout problem awaits UK this Saturday within the type of the No. 16 UCLA Bruins. Main the cost for coach Mick Cronin’s 9-2 crew is senior guard-forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. 

“He’s one of many prime 10 gamers in faculty proper now,” UK assistant coach Orlando Antigua stated of Jaquez when talking to reporters on Thursday. 

The Camarillo, California native is averaging 17.1 points-per-game to associate with 5.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals halfway by means of December. The ahead has began since his freshman season, however has seen regular development throughout his tenure as a Bruin. 

He emerged within the 2020-21 season that noticed UCLA make a run to the Ultimate 4 after barely scraping into March Insanity as an 11-seed. He, together with former Wildcat Johnny Juzang and present level guard Tyger Campbell, discovered 5 consecutive victories within the match, setting the desk for fulfillment within the coming seasons. 

Jaquez poured in 12.3 factors and 6.1 rebounds-per-game that season, then averaged 13.9 PPG final 12 months. He is now amidst one other sturdy begin, retaining UCLA as a perennial contender within the Pac-12.

On Wednesday evening, the Bruins flew throughout the nation handy No. 20 Maryland an 87-60 walloping in Faculty Park, to which Jaquez contributed 14 factors and 7 boards. 

“His versatility,” Antigua stated when requested about Jacquez’s ability.  “Jaime is a particularly gifted younger man. You’ll be able to see over time his development when it comes to his ball-handling means now. Final evening they really had him enjoying some on the level — defending fours, however he was enjoying on the level. He’s been nice on the block, he’s bought nice footwork, is aware of easy methods to play, he’s a troublesome matchup.”

“Jaquez is a first-round draft choose. He can go get baskets and is admittedly good,” head coach John Calipari added. 

There’s not a lot Jaquez cannot do when he is bought the ball in his fingers. He is fast and might rating from the perimeter, however is much more comfy getting down within the submit, sporting defenders down, working to search out essentially the most environment friendly look possible.

So who’ll be the person primarily liable for attempting to lock down the senior on Saturday? 

As you would possibly’ve anticipated, that strain will largely fall on the shoulders of Jacob Toppin, whereas true freshman Chris Livingston and probably Daimion Collins will even give it a go if the forwards will get prolonged run inside Madison Sq. Backyard:

“Jacob is certainly one of our greatest defenders who can transfer with him and make the most of his size just a little bit on him,” Antigua stated. “I feel Jacob will take some pleasure in that type of matchup, however we’ll in all probability must put a few guys on him.”

Irrespective of who’s on Jaquez, he’ll nonetheless seemingly discover the underside of the cup on various events. It will be as much as the Cats to attempt to preserve him in examine as a lot as potential whereas making different Bruins beat them on the offensive finish. 

“The largest factor is that they’re actually bodily,” Calipari stated of the Bruins. “For those who don’t battle, you don’t have any probability on this recreation so that you’ve bought to negate that a part of it. Actually exhausting to do. Not many individuals have been in a position to do it.” 

“They’re actually good. This might be a very exhausting recreation for us.”

Kentucky’s battle confirmed for the primary time this season within the win over Michigan on Dec. 4. Following a 10-point win over Yale, the Cats will look to hold momentum into what might be the turning-point recreation of the season. 

After UCLA’s win over Maryland, Jaquez made positive it was identified that he and the Bruins weren’t waiting for the CBS Sports activities Traditional this weekend, and will not be overlooking the Cats once they share the court docket on the mecca: 

“I feel that’s one thing that as a crew we’ve been good at for a very very long time. I do know since I’ve been right here all 4 years we’ve by no means appeared forward any recreation since I’ve been right here. It’s all the time one step at a time, and finally you’re taking the steps all the best way hopefully all the best way to a different Ultimate 4 and hopefully a nationwide championship.”

Tip-off is ready for five:15 p.m. EST at MSG and can air on CBS. 

Extra on the win over Yale right here.

Extra on Oscar Tshiebwe’s towering efficiency towards the Bulldogs right here.

Extra on CJ Fredrick’s taking pictures struggles right here.

Watch John Calipari post-game right here.

Sport notes for the victory might be discovered right here.

Kentucky moved up three spots to No. 13 within the newest AP Ballot.

Need the most recent on nationwide soccer and basketball recruiting, together with Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the most recent information, blogs, and updates in regards to the nation’s finest prospects.

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