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Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 01-07-2020, 11:14 AM:

Over the last two games, Richards has totaled 34 points, 22 rebounds and five blocks. The only time he’s beat that point total in a two-game stretch was earlier this year when he scored 40 between games against Utah Valley (21 points) and Mount St. Mary’s (19 points). He matched that two-game rebound total earlier this year in wins over Lamar (13 rebounds) and Alabama-Birmingham (nine rebounds).

Statistically, Richards is on pace to surpass his single-season career-best mark in just about every category. He’s just 24 points shy of his career-best points mark, 189, which he set his freshman year (he’s on pace for 380 in the regular season). He’s 66 rebounds shy of his career-best rebounds mark, 164, which he set his freshman year (he’s on pace for 226). He’s also only 17 blocks shy of his career-best 47 blocks, which he set his sophomore year (he’s on pace for 69).

He’s also posting career highs in field-goal percentage (68%) and free-throw percentage (73%).

In his time at UK, Richards has been notorious for dominating against weaker teams and going silent against UK’s big opponents. In Richards’ freshman and sophomore seasons, he averaged 2.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in six games against UofL, Kansas, North Carolina, Duke and UCLA.

His performances against UK’s biggest rival and the Wildcats’ first conference opponent of the season would suggest a bucking of the trend this year. Richards’ career-high in points against UofL prior to last Saturday’s win was four. His career high in rebounds was six.

He’d historically been no better against Missouri. His career high in points against the Tigers was seven, and his career high in rebounds was four.

“Sophomore Nick Richards” didn’t grow into the player that UK fans hoped he’d be after an underwhelming-yet-encouraging freshman campaign. But fear not; junior Nick Richards is the version that UK has been waiting for.

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[ 01-07-2020, 11:14 AM: Message edited by: catmandoo ]

Posted by WildcatFanatic (Member # 2932) on 01-07-2020, 05:48 PM:

Nick's continued improvement is a big piece of the puzzle for the success of this year's team. He's developing a good sense of the game, when his shot is there and when to kick it back out. Rebounding and blocked shots from the big man add up to a lot of advantages.

Posted by catmandoo (Member # 1284) on 01-08-2020, 02:50 PM:

WF, so true

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 01-08-2020, 03:46 PM:

He's playing a lot like WCS. I love the way he's running the floor.

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 01-08-2020, 04:26 PM:

I also love it when he is THINKING and playing like it. He is finally providing a han d in winning games for us.

But........ he still has short periods where he destroys what he has provided by making dumb decisions. Of course last night part of his problems with fouling can be contributed to some of the ticky-tack fouls called by that striped trio.

I hope the day will come when he plays a whole game with little of no dumb moves. He and Montgomery will definitely need to come back for another year to improve their stock for the draft. Maybe us not being able to get one of the primary big guys on Cal's list is not such a bad thing. Brooks is starting to show he is about to break out and be a permanent starter.