Kentucky Basketball stomps Manhattan to open season: 3 things to know and postgame cheers

The Kentucky Wildcats put the Manhattan Jaspers to shame in their first game of the 2026-27 season, winning 85-57. Despite an early 13-9 deficit, Kentucky rebounded with a 39-9 run to take a 48-22 halftime lead. The team's three-point shooting was solid, but Kentucky's offense was on full display throughout the game. The bench players also contributed, which bodes well for the team's long-term success.

Milan Momcilovic, the team's top transfer, proved his worth with an almost 50% three-point shooting percentage. Standing at 6'9, he is a force to be reckoned with, as he has a tendency to sink shots when given even a small amount of room. His presence in the backcourt gives Kentucky a solid foundation for the season.

The backcourt is a bright spot for the team, with veteran Zoom Diallo serving as the starting point guard. His ability to get into the lane and create open shots for his teammates adds an important dimension to Kentucky's offense. Alex Wilkins, the freshman guard, has shown promise, but his inconsistency is a concern. Mason Williams, another freshman, displayed his potential during the preseason, but his freshman mistakes and uncertainty may hinder his immediate impact.

The frontcourt, however, is a bigger question mark. Justin McBride, the starting center, has yet to solidify his status as a Power Conference player. Ousmane N'Diaye, the starter at small forward, looks promising defensively but struggles with his dribbling and three-point shooting. Malachi Moreno, the third-year forward, has shown improvement but may not be ready to make a significant impact this season.

Despite these concerns, Kentucky's basketball team has shown flashes of brilliance, and the win against Manhattan provides a strong start to the season. The Cats are back and ready to compete. Go Cats!