Kentucky Basketball: Biggest Things We've Learned About Wildcats in 2015-16

It has been an up-and-down season for the Kentucky Wildcats so far, with every step forward being followed by another step back. This has made it tough to get a read on the squad, even after 22 games.

The Wildcats are 16-6 overall with a 6-3 record in the SEC. While this is a major disappointment compared to preseason expectations, there is still a lot of upside on the roster and plenty of reason to have faith in a late turnaround.

In order to truly judge the squad to this point, it's important to look beyond just wins and losses. The past few months have taught us quite a bit about the team in both good and bad ways.

Here is a look at what we have learned about Kentucky with nine games remaining in the regular season.

Freshmen Develop at Different Paces

Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky has been spoiled by elite freshmen over the past few years. Not only did head coach John Calipari recruit high-upside players to Lexington, many of them were ready to contribute right away. Those who didn't were often able to hide in deeper lineups before coming into their own.

Jamal Murray has kept this trend going with impressive production during his first collegiate season. Isaiah Briscoe has been solid, although he hasn't been as much of an offensive threat as his fellow guard.

On the other hand, Skal Labissiere has struggled despite coming into the year with the highest expectations. Averages of 7.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game are not quite what fans were expecting, while the lack of alternatives has pushed the center's problems into the spotlight.

Labissiere has shown plenty of promise throughout the season, especially with his jump shot, but he still appears to be a long way from making a real impact for this team.

Guard Play Remains Elite

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

One of the positives from Kentucky's season is the play of the backcourt. While it wasn't known how three high school point guards would work together in a starting lineup, the trio of Tyler Ulis, Murray and Briscoe has been one of the best in the nation.

Murray has taken the role of a go-to scorer who can create his own shot and get red-hot from deep. He has improved his decision-making during the year as well as his overall efficiency, and it has made him a serious weapon offensively.

Ulis has a different style, as he makes up for his lack of size (5'9") with quickness to get into the lane. He uses his body well to finish around defenders or draw fouls and get to the line at a high rate. With averages of 19.3 points and 6.7 assists per game in conference play, few in the country have been better at point guard.

Briscoe has struggled a bit more offensively while he attempts to develop his jump shot, but he remains a solid perimeter defender who can take out an opponent's best player.

These three are playing well over 30 minutes per game and are a key part of the Wildcats' success this season.

Road Games Are Difficult

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone in college basketball seems to be learning this lesson with tons of parity throughout the country, but the Wildcats have some real question marks away from home.

Kentucky is just 2-5 in true road games this year with the only other loss coming on a neutral floor against Ohio State. While defeats to Kansas and even LSU are understandable, there is no excuse for losses against Auburn and, most recently, Tennessee.

There have been a bunch of reasons for the losses, from poor shooting to bad defense, but the best way to sum up the problem is focus. The inexperienced squad does not have the same focus on the road as it does at home, and it has led to some bad defeats.

While the good news is no SEC tournament or NCAA tournament games will be held in an opposing team's gym, Kentucky still will have to learn how to perform in a hostile atmosphere before it's too late.

Poor Shooting Will Hold This Team Back

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

No one thought this team was going to be full of lights-out shooters, but Kentucky has been even worse than expectations in 2015-16 when it comes to making shots from deep.

The Wildcats have hit just 32 percent of shots from three-point range, with only Murray and Derek Willis being consistent options. Ulis has especially been a disappointment when it comes to making jump shots.

According to KenPom.com, only 22.3 percent of Kentucky's points have come from three-point range, which ranks 322nd in the country. While inside shots might be more consistent, they are also easier to defend when you know what's coming. A team with a strong interior defense could easily shut the Wildcats down offensively.

Add this to some inconsistency from the free-throw line, and it's clear the bad shooting will keep causing problems this season.

Closing Out Games Is an Issue

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it is fatigue, lack of experience or lack of confidence, Kentucky has struggled to pull out close wins this season.

The Wildcats are just 2-5 this year in games decided by 10 points or less, and in recent games, they have fallen apart down the stretch. They were tied with Tennessee at 70-70 with about five minutes left before giving up a 7-0 run that helped decide the game. They had a late lead against Kansas before allowing the game to go to overtime. From there, the Jayhawks quickly pulled away.

In losses to UCLA, Ohio State and Auburn, Kentucky easily had a chance to win but couldn't close out.

While this team certainly looked good in blowout wins over Arkansas, Vanderbilt and Missouri, it won't be that easy against top opponents in the postseason. If the Wildcats want to make a run, this is one area where they need to improve greatly. 

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for year-round sports analysis.