Kentucky Basketball: Each Starter's Biggest Area of Improvement in 2015-16

Kentucky's season has been full of up and downs, but the key for a team of this caliber is to improve from the start of the year to the end. Each player has certainly done this, at least in certain areas.

Even with the disappointing losses over the past couple of months, there is no denying the talent on the roster. With a bunch of future NBA contributors in the rotation, this team could be deadly by March if it can play to its ability.

While there are certainly ways the team as a whole still needs to improve, every player can help a great deal by simply worrying about themselves. On the plus side, just about all of them have gotten better either from last season or even from the beginning of this year.

Here is a closer look at each starter based on the most recent lineups.

Tyler Ulis

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Aggressiveness

A year ago, Tyler Ulis was just a small part of a loaded rotation that had so many contributors it had to platoon two lineups. The guard played 23.8 minutes per game but averaged just 5.6 points while taking a back seat to more veteran players in the lineup.

This is clearly not the case this year as Ulis has taken on a bigger role and is now one of the top point guards in the country. More importantly, he has figured out how to take over games and control the offense like a true leader.

Opposing coaches are starting to notice the impact the 5'9" player has on the court.

"He has a great understanding of the game," Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings said after last game, per UKAthletics.com. "He plays at a great pace. He doesn’t get sped up. He can make shots. He’s a great layup maker. He’s got good vision. He’s really got everything. He actually utilizes his size to his advantage. He creates advantages with his stature. That’s a unique skill."

Ulis has been at his best in recent weeks, averaging 19.1 points and 6.7 assists in seven conference games. He wants the ball in his hands and has been doing great things with it, helping the Wildcats remain a tough team to beat.

Isaiah Briscoe

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On-Ball Defense

This has been a strength for Isaiah Briscoe for much of the season. but he has been even better as of late. The guard has struggled with his consistency offensively and still can't hit a jump shot, but his work on the defensive end will keep him on the floor.

According to Sports-Reference.com, Briscoe is tied for the team lead with 1.0 defensive win shares this season compared to just 0.2 shares from his offense. 

If you aren't into the analytical stuff, his performance against Wade Baldwin IV of Vanderbilt last time out tells you everything you need. Baldwin is averaging 14.5 points per game on the season but managed just seven points on 1-of-9 shooting while being smothered by Briscoe.

Even if he doesn't get better offensively, the freshman will remain a key contributor.

Jamal Murray

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Ball Control

Jamal Murray has been a big-time scorer all year long. From his first game in Lexington, it was clear the guard would be one of the best offensive weapons in college basketball regardless of age.

The problem had been his efficiency with the ball. He missed a lot of shots and turned the ball over at a high rate. Not only has he improved his shooting by getting better attempts inside, he also has taken care of the ball much better in recent weeks.

After averaging 3.33 turnovers per game in nonconference play, Murray is down to just 1.85 giveaways in seven games against SEC opponents. He is down to a 12.4 turnover rate in conference play, per KenPom.com, which is a more respectable mark for someone who has the ball in his hands that often.

There were times this year where Murray was doing almost as much harm as good with his wild play, but he is now playing in control and helping his team.

Derek Willis

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Versatility

Derek Willis scored just 16 total points as a freshman and 25 as a sophomore, averaging fewer than four minutes per game in each season. He earned a spot in the rotation this season, although aside from an early-season start against NJIT, his minutes were still inconsistent.

This has changed in the last three games. After finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds in 31 minutes against Auburn, Willis has started the last two games and doesn't look like he is going anywhere in the near future. The key has been his ability to help the team in a variety of different ways, utilizing his versatility to make an impact on both ends of the court.

In recent games, we have seen the forward's strong on-ball defense, aggressive rebounding, tough inside scoring and impressive outside shooting. Marcus Lee is a great rebounder and shot-blocker, but Willis simply provides more when he is on the floor. Head coach John Calipari has realized this and adjusted his lineup accordingly.

Adding in the intensity Willis brings on every play, and you have a player who deserves plenty of minutes going forward.

Alex Poythress

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Attacking the Basket

Alex Poythress has not been able to find his outside shot, making just one of his 14 attempts from three-point range on the season. However, he has made up for it by using his athleticism and attacking the basket. This has given him high-percentage shots, which he has taken advantage of all year long.

Per Team Rankings, Poythress currently ranks second in the SEC in two-point field-goal percentage at 67 percent, trailing only Texas A&M's Tyler Davis. This efficiency makes Kentucky a better offensive team while opponents simply don't have a way to stop him.

The senior had been a bit hesitant early in the season as he was still recovering from last year's torn ACL. Now that he is comfortable, he has been more aggressive with the ball, and it has made him a force inside.

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