Kentucky Coach Billy Gillispie and his players expressed a key to Saturday’s game against South Carolina: contain Gamecock guard Devan Downey.
Downey excels in dribbling into the heart of an opposing defense. He’s scored 20 or more points in four straight games and ranks No. 3 among Southeastern Conference players in assists.
“We’re going to have to have very strong help,” UK guard Ramel Bradley said of defending Downey. “We have to stop him from dribble-penetrating, because he’s very good.”
Downey also leads the SEC in steals (3.5 per game).
Stopping opponents from dribbling to the basket area has not been a Kentucky strength this season.
“We’ve been inconsistent at it,” Gillispie said. “He’s outstanding at it.”
[Hear Gillispie's Friday press conference.]
South Carolina starts four players 6-foot-7 or shorter. So UK faces an unorthodox opponent.
“I don’t think you can play conventionally and match up with them,” Gillispie said. “If you play conventionally all the time, you’ll be hoping they miss.”
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