As the college basketball season heats up, the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings have become a focal point for assessing teams’ tournament résumés. Kentucky basketball, both men’s and women’s, has carved out intriguing paths this season. While the men sit at No. 18 and the women at No. 32, both teams have challenges ahead to solidify their standing. Let’s dive into the details.
The Wildcats, led by Mark Pope, hold a respectable No. 18 spot in the NET rankings with an 11-2 record. Their schedule has been a mix of quality wins and learning opportunities, highlighted by their 8-0 record against Quadrant 3 and 4 teams, showcasing their ability to handle lesser competition easily.
Key performances include victories over Duke and Gonzaga. However, their 0-1 away record means they will need to get acclimated to life on the road really quickly.
With six SEC teams ranked higher in the NET—including No. 1 Auburn, No. 2 Tennessee, and No. 4 Florida—Kentucky faces a steep climb in conference play. There will be plenty of chances to move up, or down.
The Wildcats must leverage their depth, and get better shooting efforts from the perimeter players.
