By Drew Holbrook

The Kentucky Wildcats’ regular season was a rollercoaster ride, featuring thrilling highs and frustrating lows. At their best, they looked like a championship contender; at their worst, they left fans scratching their heads. With March Madness around the corner, it’s time to evaluate how each key player performed throughout the season.

Backcourt

Otega Oweh – B+

The explosive guard brought energy on both ends of the floor. His ability to attack the basket and finish through contact was impressive, but inconsistent shooting held him back at times. Defensively, he was a game-changer, disrupting passing lanes and pressuring opposing guards.

D.J. Wagner – B

Wagner showed flashes of brilliance as a playmaker, but turnover issues and streaky shooting plagued his season. When he was on, Kentucky’s offense flowed beautifully. When he struggled, so did the team. His development as a floor general will be crucial in postseason play.

Reed Sheppard – A-

One of the most reliable players on the roster, Sheppard provided steady shooting and high basketball IQ. His three-point shooting was a weapon all season, and his ability to defend multiple positions made him invaluable.

Frontcourt

Justin Edwards – B-

The talented forward had moments where he looked like an NBA lottery pick, but inconsistency hurt his overall impact. He showed improvement as a rebounder and defender, but he’ll need to assert himself more offensively in big games.

Aaron Bradshaw – B+

Bradshaw was a force in the paint, using his length to alter shots and dominate the boards. His offensive game remains a work in progress, but he provided a much-needed interior presence.

Tre Mitchell – A

The veteran forward was arguably Kentucky’s most consistent player. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting while also providing solid rebounding made him a crucial piece of the lineup. When the Wildcats needed a bucket, Mitchell often delivered.

Bench and Coaching

Rob Dillingham – B+

A spark plug off the bench, Dillingham’s scoring ability changed games. However, his defensive lapses and occasional decision-making struggles kept him from earning an A.

John Calipari – B

Calipari did a solid job managing a young roster, but some questionable rotations and slow in-game adjustments raised eyebrows. Still, his ability to develop talent and prepare the team for March can’t be overlooked.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky’s regular season was a mix of brilliance and frustration, but one thing is certain—the Wildcats are dangerous. If they can put it all together in the postseason, they have the talent to make a deep run. The question is, which version of this team will show up when it matters most?

How would you grade the Wildcats this season? Let us know in the comments!