Will Kentucky Basketball Shoot More or Less Threes This Season

As the 2025–26 college basketball season approaches, the Kentucky Wildcats under head coach Mark Pope are poised to further evolve their offensive strategy, particularly in their approach to three-point shooting. Building upon the foundation laid in the previous season, where the team averaged 27.8 three-point attempts per game and converted 36.7% of those attempts, Pope’s vision for the Wildcats’ offense is centered around increased volume and efficiency from beyond the arc.

🏀 Mark Pope’s Vision: A Three-Point Heavy Offense

Mark Pope, known for his tenure at BYU where his teams averaged 32 three-point attempts per game, has consistently emphasized the importance of perimeter shooting in modern college basketball. He has openly stated that the Wildcats’ offense reaches its peak when they are “earning” 30 three-point attempts per game, a benchmark he believes signifies optimal ball movement and offensive execution.

Despite the team’s success in the previous season, Pope has expressed a desire for even greater volume and precision from beyond the arc. He attributes the team’s occasional struggles to a lack of aggressive movement and ball circulation, which are essential for generating open three-point opportunities.

🔄 Player Additions and Development

The Wildcats’ roster for the upcoming season features several key players who are expected to contribute significantly to the team’s three-point shooting efforts:

• Denzel Aberdeen (Florida): A seasoned guard with a proven track record, Aberdeen brings experience and perimeter shooting prowess to the backcourt. His addition is anticipated to bolster the team’s outside shooting capabilities.
• Koby Brea (Dayton): Recognized as one of the top shooters in college basketball, Brea’s scoring ability from beyond the arc will be a crucial asset for the Wildcats.
• Jaxson Robinson (BYU): A transfer from BYU, Robinson is expected to integrate seamlessly into Pope’s system, bringing additional shooting depth to the roster.

In addition to these transfers, the development of returning players such as Trent Noah, who has shown potential as a perimeter shooter, will be vital in achieving the team’s three-point shooting objectives.

📊 Statistical Outlook

The Wildcats’ performance in the previous season, with an average of 27.8 three-point attempts per game and a 36.7% shooting percentage, positions them favorably as they aim to increase their three-point volume. With the integration of new talent and the continued development of returning players, the team is well-equipped to meet and potentially exceed the 30 three-point attempts per game target set by Coach Pope.

🧠 Strategic Implications

Increasing the volume of three-point attempts aligns with the evolving trends in college basketball, where perimeter shooting has become a pivotal component of offensive strategies. By emphasizing spacing, ball movement, and player versatility, the Wildcats aim to create high-quality three-point opportunities that can stretch opposing defenses and enhance scoring efficiency.

However, this strategy also presents challenges, including the need for consistent shooting performance and the risk of over-reliance on the three-point shot. Maintaining offensive balance and adaptability will be crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure sustained success throughout the season.

Under Mark Pope’s leadership, the Kentucky Wildcats are set to continue their evolution into a high-volume, high-efficiency three-point shooting team. With a roster that includes experienced shooters and promising talent, the Wildcats are well-positioned to achieve and potentially surpass the 30 three-point attempts per game target. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to execute this strategy effectively will be a key determinant of their success in the competitive landscape of college basketball.