Kentucky has been driven by their stellar underclassmen this season, but Senior Night in Lexington reminded us of one thing: Darius Miller is going to be just as important for the Wildcats as they pursue a national title.
The senior guard Miller had 17 points, including 5-of-9 shooting from three-point range, pacing Kentucky in their 79-49 blowout win over Georgia on Thursday night.
Though the focus has been on Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and the rest, Miller has been the rock off the bench, and the Wildcats would be weaker heading into the NCAA Tournament, were Miller not playing how he is.
Would they still be the best team in the country without him? Probably. But would they be as feared as they are? Probably not.
With Miller and sophomore guard Doron Lamb as the Wildcats’ two threats from three-point land, Kentucky is more well-rounded, especially when teams want to pack the defense inside the three-point line to limit the interior attack.
Take, for example, Kentucky’s come-from-behind win against Mississippi State. Miller’s 12 points in the final eight minutes sparked the Wildcat comeback and kept them sitting at the No. 1 spot in the country.
What’s the point, Kentucky fans? Just be sure not to forget the gift you’ve got. I trust you won’t, and have not, but when you’ve got a guy who is a arguably the best Sixth Man in the country, don’t let the cloud of phenomenal freshman obscure the view of such a man’s impact.
He’ll be handy in March.
Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_