Analyzing Kentucky Vs Germany In Toronto: GlobL Jam 2023
It has been a long spring and early summer in the Bluegrass State for Kentucky Basketball and for the Big Blue Nation (BBN). An early exit from March Madness, a long wait on NBA decisions, a difficult transfer portal path, and a late roster completion is finally giving way to summer games. The GlobL Jam kicks off today on the men's side of the FIBA basketball event in Toronto, Canada.
The games begin as the Kentucky Wildcats representing Team USA taking on Team Germany. Head coach John Calipari brings his freshman ladened team to compete in this U23 international event. Team Germany has a roster loaded with 21-23 years old professional players. Two players play college ball in the states. Here is a look at their roster for today's game.
Team Germany’s GLOBL JAM roster
Head coach: Gordon Herbert Assistants: Klaus Perwas, Daniel Herbert
(1) Joshua Obiesie, 6-6 G | Fraport Skyliners (3) Elias Baggette, 5-11 G | HARKO Merlins Crailsheim (4) Johannes Patrick, 6-0 G | MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg (6) Malte Delow, 6-5, G | Alba Berlin (8) Jordan Samare, 6-7 F | Fraport Skyliners (9) Jonas Mattisseck, 6-3 G | Alba Berlin (12) Nicholas Tischler, 6-7 F | Basketball Löwen Braunschweig (15) Bent Leuchten, 7-0 C | UC Irvine (19) Kay Bruhnke, 6-8 F | medi Bayreuth (22) Brandon Tischler, 6-7 F | Basketball Löwen Braunschweig (28) Norris Agbakoko, 7-1 C | EWE Baskets Oldenburg (77) Simas Lukosius, 6-6 G | University of Cincinnati
Yesterday there were reports by Matt Jones of KSR that Kentucky had a scrimmage with Team Africa with both good and bad news reported. The good news was the Cats mostly dominated and won by 20+ points. The bad news was that sophomore center Ugonna Onyenso injured an ankle and had to be helped off the floor. As the game begins today we wait to see if he will play in today's match-up with Team Germany.
Kentucky started the game with DJ Wagner, Antonio Reeves, Adou Thiero, Justin Edwards, and Tre Mitchell with Onyenso sitting out with that ankle injury. The Cats opened the game in a trapping press that created five early turnovers and a 13-7 Kentucky lead. Germany made a nice run to close the first quarter on 9-0 run to keep the game tied 17-17.
Malte Delow(6) opened the second quarter hot from three point land giving Germany the early 26-19 lead over the Cats. UK struggles early of one of nine from the three point line helped Germany take the lead. Reed Sheppard's tough trap created a turnover that led to a DJ Wagner slam dunk cutting the lead to 26-25 with just under 5:00 to go in the second quarter. Kentucky closed out the half on a 20-10 run to take a 39-36 halftime lead. Reeves led the Cats with 13 first half points, Wagner eight, and Thiero seven.
Mid way through the third quarter the Wildcats went on a 9-0 run to take a 56-45 lead. Tre Mitchell dropping two three pointers in the run. Sheppard had a very nice sideline in-bounds pass to Jordan Burks for a slam with one second on the shot clock late in the quarter. The Cats continued to stretch out their lead closing out the third quarter 64-52.
Delow lead the way with 21 for Team Germany knocking down shots from everywhere. To close out the game Kentucky's defense was too much to come back on. Even though Germany played tough down the stretch. The Cats were led by veterans Reeves with 24 and Mitchell with 20 points. Wagner led the talented freshman with 16 as the Wildcats get the win 81-73. Kentucky scored 27 points off of 22 created turnovers in the game.
Kentucky continues round robin play tomorrow July 13th against Team Canada. Sun, July 16th there will be a bronze medal game and a gold medal game, teams yet to be determined.
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