NCAA Basketball: T.J. Leaf stands out in UCLA's upset over Kentucky
Dec 3, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford talks with his players during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
What are our three takeaways from UCLA’s upset win over one of NCAA basketball’s finest programs, Kentucky?
UCLA came into Saturday’s showdown at Rupp Arena versus the Kentucky Wildcats with the number 11 next to their name.
But that doesn’t make their performance any less shocking.
We all expected this to be a heavy weight battle between two athletic, fast, quick and aggressive teams, but the expectation was that the atmosphere in Lexington and the Wildcats’ elite defense would ultimately lead John Calipari to victory.
Instead, the Bruins scored 97 points, the most given up by Kentucky in the Calipari era, and snapped the Wildcats’ 42 game home winning streak.
In the first half, it looked like Kentucky was going to win this game rather handily. De’Aaron Fox was making plays in pick-and-roll situations, UCLA was turning the basketball over and Lonzo Ball was nowhere to be found.
Despite UCLA’s inability to guard the ball handler and Isaiah Briscoe taking advantage of his mismatch against Bryce Alford, the Bruins hung around until they received a lightning bolt of energy from Aaron Holiday off the bench.
And that’s when things got going on offense.
The Bruins started clicking on all cylinders – in transition, in the half court and with their ball movement. They scored from all three levels and finished with 18 assists on 35 made baskets.
This is the best win in college basketball to this point – I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. And that means UCLA is not only going to enter the AP Poll’s top 10 this upcoming week, but it also means that if they handle their business for the remainder of the year, this win could drastically impact the team’s seed line in March.
Nov 25, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) dunks the ball against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee-Martin 111-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
3. Kentucky still has issues up front
Last year, the biggest weakness that the Kentucky Wildcats possessed was their front court. Skal Labissiere struggled with confidence and toughness issues, while Marcus Lee was more of a rebounder and energy player than anything else. Isaac Humphries was still adjusting to the game as a 17-year old freshman and Derek Willis played mostly on the perimeter.
This season, Kentucky definitely has more physicality, power and rebounding abilities. They grabbed 19 offensive boards versus UCLA on Saturday, and Edrice ‘Bam’ Adebayo had one of his best games of the season, scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
But other than Adebayo is Kentucky really all that great up front, especially on offense? Do they have a player that they can throw the ball down to and let him operate on the block?
Don’t get me wrong, Kentucky’s length and size is bothersome on the defensive end. Adebayo was blocking shots left and right, Gabriel has a motor like no one else (he can also switch onto anyone) and Humphries is a big body who is awfully tough to move around. But beyond Willis’ shooting, Kentucky lacks offensive weapons.
Adebayo, Gabriel and Humphries are rather raw on that end of the floor, and are counted on mostly for defensive assignments and rebounds.
That’s particularly concerning on a team that isn’t consistent from beyond the three point arc. Kentucky has had outside shooting problems since day one, and they don’t seem to be improving any time soon.
On Saturday, they shot 33 percent from downtown. Isaiah Briscoe was 0-of-5 and De’Aaron Fox was 1-of-4. If it wasn’t for a late flurry of threes from Malik Monk, the percentage would’ve been even worse.
So yes, Kentucky’s front court cannot get dominated for stretches like they were on Saturday against T.J. Leaf and Ike Anigbogu. Post scoring is going to be necessary moving forward.
Dec 3, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) shoots the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) in the first half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
2. UCLA has weapons upon weapons
We all knew UCLA was one of the most exciting teams in the nation to watch on the offensive end of the floor. But we didn’t know they were this good.
The Bruins’ attack revolves around the presence and play of Lonzo Ball. Ball can score and lead the team in transition, but what is most impressive is his ability to make everyone around him better.
It’s rather evident that UCLA has numerous different options beyond just Ball, and it’s tough for any defense, even an elite one like Kentucky, to key in on any one player. And that’s especially true when you have an unselfish point guard.
Just look at all the Bruins’ options.
More from Busting Brackets
Isaac Hamilton is a versatile player and the team’s leading scorer, but somehow he gets overlooked. He can score from all three levels and doesn’t need the ball in his hands all game to have an impact.
Bryce Alford, who was the leader of the show last season, looks like he is having fun in his new role off the ball. He’s taking and making big shots and has the confidence as a spot up shooter.
The fourth guard, Aaron Holiday, might be one of the best sixth men in the country. As I mentioned previously, Holiday’s scoring burst off the bench changed the dynamic of this game. He attacked the rim with relentlessness and he finished around the basket with ease.
But it doesn’t end there, UCLA also has Thomas Welsh (who can score inside, rebound and shoot from the mid-range), T.J. Leaf (more on him in a moment) and newfound gem Ike Anigbogu (who runs the floor and makes plays defensively).
This isn’t just Ball, Hamilton and Alford. This is a legit deep roster that is nearly unstoppable on offense and is improving on defense.
November 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pacific Tigers guard T.J. Wallace (2) moves to the basket against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) and forward TJ Leaf (22) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
1. T.J. Leaf had his coming out party
Five-star freshman forward T.J. Leaf was overlooked coming into Los Angeles because of the hype surrounding point guard Lonzo Ball.
But the nation witnessed the potential greatness of Leaf on Saturday afternoon.
Leaf was absolutely terrific and was the best player on the floor during certain stretches of the game.
He scored 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, grabbed 13 rebounds and dished out five assists. He also blocked a shot and hit one three on two attempts.
Leaf is versatile, athletic, long and agile. His motor on the offensive glass was impressive, to say the least, and Kentucky had no answer whatsoever for his activity in the paint.
He showed a level of toughness, but also instincts for tracking the ball when it came off the rim, and touch from both the mid-range and the three point line. He also has solid moves in the post, including a nice jump hook over his left shoulder.
Leaf is not the best player on UCLA. However, he is currently their second leading scorer and second best rebounder on the roster. He’s also shooting 67 percent from the field overall and 50 percent from beyond the three point line. Add in 1.3 blocks per game, and Leaf has an all-around game that will help him develop into the Pac-12’s best big man.
This article originally appeared on 
