Collin Chandler has quickly become one of Kentucky’s most consistent pieces on the floor, and that was certainly evident in Friday’s win over Loyola Maryland. After the loss to Michigan State, Chandler came back with 13 points, including going 3-for-6 three-point range in an 88-46 win on Friday.
“There’s nothing we can do about the Michigan State game,” Chandler said postgame. “It felt like our emotions and our response to that was actually good as a team. Our response was less getting down on each other and more, let’s just get better. That’s what we’ve been focusing on every day.”
Chandler, the 6-foot-5 sophomore guard, has now scored in double-figures in five of Kentucky’s first six games. With players shuffling in and out of the lineup due to injuries, Chandler is a constant.
“We talk a lot about responding to things,” Chandler said. “Again, it’s another thing you have to respond to, injuries. Today, there were a lot of different lineups that we hadn’t played with yet. I think we responded well to those, taking it as an opportunity. Rather than take it as a challenge, we see it as an opportunity to explore new things and work together, and have new connections that we’re continuing to form.”
Collin Chandler helped get the ball rolling in the first half with four points, two rebounds, and three assists in just 10 minutes. His quick start did wonders for the rest of the team.
“I just think it brings, definitely, energy to me, but also to everyone else,” Chandler said. “And I think it helps space the floor when I can get going early because when I get a few, you can hear the coaches get a little upset at their players, so they start cheating out towards me, so it opens up the lane.”
It’s not just him. Chandler also attributed that to the shot-making abilities of Trent Noah and Kam Williams.
“Right now, it’s an opportunity for everyone to step into roles. We’re continuing to learn roles,” Chandler said. “I think guys are willing. It’s not that guys aren’t willing to do their roles. I don’t think that’s been our issue. It’s really learning. We’re learning roles and how we’re working together.”
Then, there’s the outside noise. Even after Mark Pope finally revealed what happened during the “pregame experience” at Louisville, rumors continued to fly. That’s not something Chandler or anyone else on Kentucky’s roster is worried about.
“I don’t know too much about what’s going on. I’ve heard a little bit. I don’t know if I’ve heard anything that’s true, to be honest,” Chandler said. “Sometimes, we get to giggle at each other with what some people are coming up with.”
