Kriisa has been an impressive point guard for Kentucky thus far.
Another day, another impressive win for the Kentucky Wildcats inside Rupp Arena, as they trounced the Bucknell Bison 100-72.
It was an impressive performance all around the floor tonight, including an absurd shooting night for Koby Brea. Another big story from this one was Kerr Kriisa, who made a strong case to be Kentucky’s best point guard.
Kriisa finished the night with six points on 2/5 shooting from the field while also adding a game-high 12 assists vs. just two turnovers and four rebounds. So far this season, he has 17 assists vs. three turnovers in 35 minutes of play.
Making this one even more special for Kriisa was his mom being in attendance.
After the game, head coach Mark Pope said he wants Kriisa to be “the best pace guy in the country.”
Pope on Kerr Kriisa: “I have to be careful. I think I knew exactly who I was getting. I’ve been recruiting Kerr for I think seven years or something. I’m telling you he’s a really special player. He’s a really special young man.”
Pope says Kriisa’s mom is in town.
— Jacob Polacheck (@PolacheckKSR) November 9, 2024
It was evident in this one that Kriisa is very effective in running the fast break for Kentucky’s offense and picking up the pace, so it’s easy to see why Pope thinks the Estonian can make that kind of impact.
Kriisa was known for his energy and charisma on the floor during his time with Arizona and West Virginia. He is also well known for his passing ability, which was on full display vs. Bison. Sharing time at the point guard spot with Lamont Butler, it is becoming quite obvious that either player could actually be PG1 on this squad on any given night.
Honestly, they make a great 1-2 punch in the backcourt for Pope’s team. With Butler’s special defensive ability paired with Kris’s great offensive skillset, this Kentucky team looks like they could make something special this season.
All the attention now turns to Duke on Tuesday night, as this Kentucky team has its first true test of the season in Atlanta. In what will be a big stage for most of these players, at least when it comes to the lead guard spot, both guys know exactly what to do when the lights come on.
Has Kriisa done enough to earn the PG1 role? I think it is fair to say both players will be able to share the spotlight on any given night. Also, as you’ve likely heard many times, it’s not who starts that matters most. It’s who finishes, and Kerr is making a strong case to be the Cats’ closer at point guard, at least if they’re in need of more offense.
Kerr Kriisa on facing Duke:”The whole world is talking about Cooper Flagg. Excited to play against the number one draft pick. Congrats to him on that already.”
— Aaron Gershon (@agershon99) November 9, 2024
Kerr Kriisa speaks with the media after the game pic.twitter.com/TTv4uERnvH
— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) November 10, 2024
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