Here is everything you need to know about the Bellarmine Knights:
- selected to finish fifth in the preseason Atlantic Sun media poll, sixth in the coaches survey
- KenPom Ranking: 238 (9th among ASUN teams)
- This will be the first meeting between the Bluegrass schools.
The record (2-5)
notable games
- November 9: 67-66 W in louisville
- November 18: 66-76 L at Clemson
- November 21: 74-57 L in duke
- November 27: 81-60 L at UCLA
- Battle-tested road warriors. Bellarmine has played just one home game so far this season, traveling from North Carolina to California and now back to Kentucky in a quick trade to face the Wildcats. Total mileage for the Knights in this 9-day span is 5,633 miles, and that doesn’t include incidental travel between the hotel and other destinations, such as team practices and meals.
- A four game home run awaits the Knights after the UK game. It is clear that the challenge that awaits them inside the Rupp Arena will not incite fear.
- It should also be noted that Bellarmine has not died in these tough away games either. After beating Louisville to open the year, Clemson, Duke and UCLA played a fair bit closer than most middle schools would at this early point in the season. The Knights are 4-2 against the spread. Kentucky is a 25-point favorite.
The legendary Scott Davenport
- Scott Davenport, who in just two seasons in Division I guided Bellarmine to an ASUN Tournament title after leading the Knights to a Division II national championship, is in his 18th season as head coach. Accolades of him include:
- -Career record of 400-135
- -ASUN Tournament Champion 2022 Hugh Durham Award Finalist 2021 and 2022
- – 2021 Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year Award Finalist
- -2011 NCAA II National Coach of the Year
- -2011 NCAA II Tournament Champion
- -4 NCAA II Tournament Final Four
- Davenport was an assistant at Louisville from 1996 to 2005. He was also a renowned head coach at Ballard High School in Louisville from 1986 to 1996. He is a Louisville native and a UofL graduate.
Local talent galore
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- All members of the Bellarmine 2022-23 roster are from Kentucky, Indiana or Ohio.
- There are four Kentuckians on the team, including a Lexington native returning to his hometown. ben johnson, a redshirted freshman from Lexington Christian Academy is the second LCA graduate to return to Rupp in as many games, joining North Florida’s Carter Hendricksen. Johnson is averaging 8.0 PPG and is shooting 40 percent from 3-point range.
- Johnson was Kentucky’s “Mr. Basketball” in 2021.
- True Freshman Guard Pedro Suder lead the Knights with 11 points per game. He also leads the team in steals with eight.
- Four players average over 9 PPG.
- ASUN Preseason Defensive Player of the Year justin betz leads the team in rebounding in 5.3 a game, as well as assists. Is his sixth season in Bellarmine. Betz is questionable to play against Kentucky after taking a knee to the labrum. He was one of three players who didn’t play against UCLA on Sunday.
tale of the tape
For UK Athletics:
Other important notes and statistics
- According to KenPom, Bellarmine is averaging 102 points scored per 100 possessions. That brand is the 156 best in Division I.
- Points allowed are a different story. the knights are allowing 108 points per 100 possessions, ranking 306th in the nation. However, that stat feels inflated, as the competition has been steep, especially for a middle race.
- Bellarmine is one of the slowest operating teams in DI. He averages 62.9 possessions per game, the 10th slowest pace in the country.
- Nine players on the roster have had a game in which they scored at least 15 points. There will be no Davenport crew hero dance.
- The Knights have become known for ball movement. UK head coach John Calipari joked on his radio show that sometimes one wonders if they will ever dribble. The stats may not back it up on paper, but watching BU play is different. UCLA head coach Mick Cronin had this to say about the Knights:
- -“If you respect the game, see them [Bellarmine] The game is refreshing, in my opinion. Preparing for it makes you a better team. You have to defend the whole clock, you have to have pressure with the ball, active hands, communication…”
- For a deeper look, you can check out this well-done video by hoopvision68:
Wildcats Today will have live coverage from Rupp Arena as Kentucky looks to continue their winning ways. The announcement between the Cats and Knights is scheduled for 7 pm EST and will air on SEC Network +.
Want the latest in national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats goals? Go to YES All-American for the latest news, blogs and updates on the nation’s top prospects.
Sports Illustrated also offers up-to-date perspectives, information and details for players Check it out here.
