Whether Kentucky can resolve its rebounding problems will determine whether the season succeeds or fails.

The 2024-2025 Kentucky Wildcats entered the season with high expectations, boasting a roster filled with talent, potential, and depth. Head coach John Calipari had assembled a group of athletes that many predicted would be a serious contender for an NCAA Championship. With standout players like Oscar Tshiebwe, the reigning National Player of the Year, and a highly touted recruiting class, Kentucky was expected to dominate in nearly every facet of the game. However, as the season has unfolded, one glaring issue has held back their progress: rebounding.

Rebounding is an area that often goes unnoticed in the grand scheme of a basketball season, but it plays a critical role in determining a team’s success. Kentucky, despite their incredible talent and depth, has struggled to consistently control the boards. This issue has become even more apparent as the Wildcats have faced top-tier teams, where the margin for error is slim, and second-chance opportunities can prove to be the difference between winning and losing. If Kentucky is unable to address its rebounding woes, it could have a far-reaching impact on their aspirations for success, both in the SEC and the NCAA Tournament.

In this article, we will explore how Kentucky’s rebounding issues have manifested so far this season, why they are such a critical concern, and what steps the Wildcats can take to fix them. We will also delve into how resolving this issue could be the key to determining whether Kentucky’s season succeeds or fails.

The Current Rebounding Struggles

As of midseason, Kentucky’s rebounding numbers are far from impressive. Despite having a frontcourt that includes Oscar Tshiebwe, a player who is regarded as one of the best rebounders in college basketball, the Wildcats have often been outmuscled and out-hustled on the glass. Tshiebwe is, without a doubt, a force in the paint, but his efforts have not always been enough to carry the team when it comes to securing rebounds. This has been particularly evident in games against physically dominant teams and squads with strong rebounding units.

One of the primary issues Kentucky has faced is a lack of consistency in securing defensive rebounds. While Tshiebwe does a great job of cleaning up missed shots in the paint, Kentucky’s guards and wings have been inconsistent when it comes to helping out on the glass. The Wildcats’ inability to consistently rebound as a team has led to numerous second-chance points for their opponents, which has been a major factor in their losses.

In addition, Kentucky’s offensive rebounding has been lacking as well. While Tshiebwe and others are capable of snatching boards off missed shots, Kentucky has not been aggressive enough in pursuing offensive rebounds. This lack of aggression has limited their ability to capitalize on missed shots and get second-chance opportunities, which are essential in a high-level competition.

This lack of overall team effort in rebounding has had ripple effects across Kentucky’s performance. In close games, where possessions are precious and margin for error is thin, failing to secure rebounds often leads to missed opportunities to extend possessions and create high-percentage scoring chances. When the Wildcats are unable to control the boards, it not only affects their scoring but also puts additional pressure on their defense.

Why Rebounding Is Crucial for Kentucky’s Success

Rebounding, at its core, is about effort, positioning, and teamwork—qualities that every team needs to succeed. For Kentucky, the importance of rebounding goes beyond simply securing the ball; it’s about controlling the tempo of the game and limiting opponents’ opportunities. The Wildcats are a team that thrives on fast breaks, transition offense, and a stifling defense. To achieve those goals, they need to control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities for opponents.

1. Defensive Rebounding and Limiting Second-Chance Opportunities

In the modern era of college basketball, second-chance points can swing the momentum of a game. Opponents who grab offensive rebounds not only get extra possessions but also force the defense to expend additional energy, disrupting defensive schemes. For Kentucky, defensive rebounding is essential in maintaining the balance of their defense and ensuring that their opponents don’t capitalize on missed shots.

With Oscar Tshiebwe, who is a top-tier rebounder, Kentucky is well-positioned to dominate the glass on the defensive end. However, this is only effective if the team as a whole is committed to helping Tshiebwe secure the board and limit the opponent’s opportunities. When Kentucky fails to grab defensive rebounds, it allows teams to get second-chance points and regain momentum, which can have a direct impact on the outcome of a game.

2. Offensive Rebounding and Creating Extra Possessions

On the other end of the floor, Kentucky has a wealth of talented shooters and slashers who can take advantage of extra possessions. However, when the Wildcats miss shots, their offensive rebounding becomes a pivotal factor in their success. Offensive rebounds create second-chance opportunities, and teams that consistently win the rebounding battle tend to have more shots on goal, increasing their chances of winning.

Kentucky’s offensive rebounding struggles have been a significant factor in limiting their scoring potential. Despite having Tshiebwe’s dominance in the paint, the Wildcats have not been aggressive enough in pursuing missed shots. This inability to create extra opportunities has hurt them, particularly when they are facing teams that excel at both offensive and defensive rebounding.

3. Rebounding and Transition Play

Rebounding is also key to Kentucky’s transition game. The Wildcats are at their best when they can grab a defensive rebound and quickly push the ball up the floor. In these fast-paced situations, they are able to utilize their depth and athleticism to get easy baskets before the defense has a chance to set. However, if Kentucky struggles to secure the rebound, it often prevents them from starting their fast break and forces them into a half-court offensive set, which is less effective for the team.

In particular, the guard play has been inconsistent when it comes to securing rebounds. While players like Cason Wallace and Antonio Reeves are excellent offensive threats, their effectiveness in rebounding has been sporadic. Rebounding in transition is crucial to maintaining momentum, and if the Wildcats cannot dominate on the glass, they may find themselves unable to effectively execute their fast-paced offense.

How Kentucky Can Address Their Rebounding Issues

For Kentucky to fulfill its potential and contend for an NCAA Championship, the team needs to address its rebounding struggles and improve in this critical area. Fortunately, there are several strategies the Wildcats can employ to enhance their rebounding performance.

1. Improved Team Effort and Commitment

The most immediate solution to Kentucky’s rebounding issues is an increased commitment from the entire team. While Tshiebwe has been a force on the glass, the Wildcats need to ensure that every player is engaged in securing rebounds. Guards, in particular, need to be more aggressive in securing defensive boards and not leave all the work to the bigs.

By focusing on team defense and collective rebounding, Kentucky can be much more effective in limiting their opponents’ second-chance opportunities. Positioning and boxing out are essential skills that need to be emphasized in practice to ensure that all players are consistently in the right places at the right times.

2. More Aggressive Offensive Rebounding

On the offensive end, Kentucky needs to develop a stronger mentality of going after missed shots. Tshiebwe is likely to pull down his fair share of offensive rebounds, but the Wildcats need others to follow suit. Players like CJ Frederick and Chris Livingston need to crash the glass more often to create second-chance opportunities. Kentucky has the athleticism and size to dominate on the offensive boards, but it requires an aggressive mentality and a team-first approach to securing extra possessions.

3. Better Communication and Rebounding Fundamentals

Rebounding is not just about physicality—it’s about communication and fundamentals. Players must know who they are boxing out, where they need to be on the floor, and when to crash the boards. Kentucky needs to emphasize these fundamentals in practice, ensuring that players understand their roles in both defensive and offensive rebounding situations.

Coaching will play a key role in this process. Calipari has always placed an emphasis on defense and physicality, but improving rebounding will require focused drills and a clear understanding of the importance of this aspect of the game.

4. Utilizing Depth and Matchups

Finally, Kentucky has the luxury of depth, which can be advantageous in improving their rebounding efforts. By rotating players effectively and using fresh legs, they can apply pressure on the boards throughout the game. Lance Ware and Jacob Toppin, among others, can contribute as energetic rebounders who can provide relief for Tshiebwe when needed.

Additionally, Kentucky can focus on exploiting matchups with teams that struggle on the boards. By playing to their strength in rebounding, Kentucky can gain an advantage in areas where their opponents may be weaker.