Kentucky Basketball: Breaking Down Every Wildcat's Best Move

After two tight and worrisome games to start SEC play, Kentucky looked like its usual world-beating self in its 86-37 shellacking of Missouri.

John Calipari made some big changes, including inserting Dominique Hawkins into the platoon system, but the biggest reason for the return to form was that each player went back to doing what he does best.

Every player, with the exception of Marcus Lee and Karl-Anthony Towns, made plays offensively that I would call signature moves. Sure, many of these guys have multiple skill sets, but these are the moves they do best, and Kentucky is most successful when its players are playing to their strengths.

Dakari Johnson: drop step to left-hand layup

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Of all the big men on Kentucky, Johnson probably has the best array of post moves, but this is by far my favorite, and he does it well.

This instance involved less of a move after catching the ball, as Johnson sets it up so nicely. Look at the footwork. He's already doing the drop step as he's catching the ball. All that's left to do is go right up with it, which he does. He does not hesitate, which is crucial so defenses don't collapse in.

Willie Cauley-Stein: up-and-under step-through

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Cauley-Stein added this move this season, and I'm in love with it. The defender has to respect the jump hook, so he gets out of position. Willie just drops his shoulder, steps through, goes right up with it and uses the backboard.

It's a textbook move and a huge indicator that Cauley-Stein has been putting a lot of work into his offensive game.

Trey Lyles: 18-footer

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It's funny. Every time Lyles takes a three-point shot, I hang my head. But just one step inside the line, and I'm OK with him taking that shot every time.

Really, any shot for Lyles inside the three-point line is good. He's such a great shooter from mid-range.

Devin Booker: any three-pointer

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Booker has a lifetime green light from me. He's such a pure shooter that I can't imagine a relatively open three-pointer I wouldn't be OK with him taking.

Yes, he has shown the ability to go cold for long stretches, but he's also shown that he can shoot himself out of those stretches and return even better.

Tyler Ulis: penetration via screen and pull-up jumper

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Ulis is an incredibly mental player. He uses screens better than just about any player I can remember. He's always aware of how the defender is playing him and leaning.

So when he does use the screen and gets into the lane, I love his pull-up jumper. He doesn't even need to be set. He's got such a soft touch with the ball.

Dominique Hawkins: drive and floater

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Hawkins is a newcomer to the main squad, and I already know what I want and don't want for him. Drives like this are what he does best. He's athletic, and this is an athletic move.

But do not shoot the three, Dom. Just don't. Please. It hurts my soul.

Aaron Harrison: the deep three

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It's like Aaron has been preparing for the NBA his whole life. He shoots better from NBA range than college range.

Now, this is just a hypothesis on my part, but I feel better when Aaron is taking a three a step behind the line than I do when he's right up on it. And if it's from "the spot," that's even better.

Andrew Harrison: drive and dish

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I thought about using Andrew's Eurostep to the basket, which I'm a fan of, but when it comes down to it, Kentucky is playing its best when Andrew is functioning as a distributor. And this play is a perfect example.

He drives down the lane and has enough of a step on his defender that the other defender has to pay attention to him, and he kicks it out to his brother, who has so much time that he's able to dribble, order lunch and take a test before hitting the wide-open shot.

Marcus Lee: putback dunk

This is a tough one, as these opportunities don't present themselves every game, but Lee is not a great offensive player. Assistant Kenny Payne admitted as much, per Jon Hale of 247Sports. What he is great at is being an energy guy and making plays like this.

If Lee can make one play in which he dunks back a miss, he's done his job for the day.

Karl-Anthony Towns: baby hook

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Towns is a great post player who needs some time to mature and perfect his moves. But right now, his hook shot is the best thing he has going for him.

I love this example from the Ole Miss game. He doesn't rush, makes a great fake over one shoulder and then hits the hook with his left hand while going toward the basket. That's a crucial point. Towns does so much better when his moves aren't taking him away from the bucket.

If Kentucky players make more plays like these, the Wildcats are going to be even tougher to beat. Their defense will keep them in games, but good offense will be what wins them.

Unless noted, all GIFS made from Kentucky Wildcats TV.

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