A surprise boost came from the bench for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Kentucky put up a valiant fight against the Texas A&M Aggies, but ultimately gave up in overtime, managing just three points to the Aggies’ eight.
As was predicted before the game, Texas A&M had practically constant second and even third chance opportunities to score, thus rebounding was a problem for the Wildcats. The Aggies were simply strolling to the basket and making easy layups, so Kentucky’s defense also has to improve.
Ugonna Onyenso, a seven-foot sophomore, was one of the pleasant shocks of this game. Fouls kept Aaron Bradshaw from playing the entire game at College Station, so Onyenso shone in the additional minutes he played.
In his thirty-two minutes of action, Onyenso finished with seven points, ten rebounds, and five blocks. With Bradshaw parked on the sidelines, he was a valuable addition to the club, going 3-5 from the field.
Onyenso’s performance impressed Kentucky coach John Calipari during the team’s victory over Texas A&M. Had two plays, one in regulation where he failed to cross the line, resulting in a player going down for a and-one.
We repeat this throughout every timeout, so come on, guy. A few balls that he could have had, but let me tell you, at seven feet tall, he was blocking shots and grabbing rebounds in traffic. It wasn’t Aaron’s game, really. That is what occasionally occurs.”
Unquestionably Bradshaw only played six minutes in this game, so Onyenso still has room to grow. Nevertheless, he performed admirably. Onyenso has the potential to become a star if he can keep improving in the areas of rebounding, post offense, and shot blocking.