Led by SEC Freshman of the Week Ashton Hagans, the Kentucky Wildcats (12-3) saw their ranking in Monday’s Associated Press Top-25 poll drastically increase. After Kentucky’s loss at Alabama saw the Wildcats fall from 13th to 18th in last week’s poll, John Calipari’s club made the biggest jump of any team by climbing to the 12th spot.
While the Wildcats’ success has been a team effort, there hasn’t been a more spectacular player this season than Hagans. Since the departure of Quade Green in early December, the reclassified freshman has excelled as Kentucky’s starting point guard.
After not scoring more than eight points over his first 11 games, Hagans has been in double-figures in his last four outings. He’s also grabbed three or more steals over his last five games and dished out four or more assists in five of his last seven games.
Kentucky’s backcourt defense has noticeably cracked down as of late, which can be credited to both Hagans and shooting guard Tyler Herro.
Up next for the 12th-ranked Wildcats will be a trip to Athens, GA on Tuesday. Kentucky will suit up against the Georgia Bulldogs for their fourth SEC game in ten days. Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Wildcats have a 74.4% chance of tabbing their 13th victory of the year.
Georgia (9-6) has already faced third-ranked Tennessee and 11th-ranked Auburn in SEC play, with both outings resulting in a loss. Their only SEC win came at home against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Tip-off is set for 7 P.M. EDT with live, on-air coverage provided by 106.5 WKDZ.