Kentucky basketball fans, it's time to face the truth: the team's shooting has been a lingering concern, and the search for a reliable marksman has left many wondering who will step up. But here's where it gets exciting: Collin Chandler might just be the answer we've all been waiting for. While it's still early in the season, his performance has already sparked conversations about his potential to fill the void left by sharpshooters like Koby Brea, Reed Sheppard, and Antonio Reeves.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: sample size skepticism. Yes, we’re only a handful of games in, and it’s risky to crown anyone based on such limited data. However, Chandler’s numbers are hard to ignore. Through Kentucky’s first four games, he’s shooting an impressive 56.5% from beyond the arc—leading the SEC among players attempting at least four 3-pointers per game. Even more eye-opening? He’s averaging 5.8 attempts per game in just 23 minutes of play, which projects to a staggering 10 attempts per 40 minutes. And this is the part most people miss: Chandler isn’t just making more 3s than he’s missing—a feat many players can’t claim—he’s also made history as the first Kentucky player to hit at least four 3s in each of the season’s first three games.
Now, let’s zoom out for a moment. Since March of last season, Chandler has made 25 of his 46 3-point attempts, shooting 54.3% over 12 games. That’s a larger sample size than you might think, and it’s starting to look less like a fluke and more like a trend. Oh, and did we mention he can dunk? (Yes, really—check out this highlight).
But here's where it gets controversial: Can Chandler sustain this level of play? While his shooting is undeniable, his role in Mark Pope’s offense will be pivotal. With Jaland Lowe sidelined, Chandler is expected to step into the starting lineup, much like Koby Brea did last season. However, his effectiveness hinges on whether he’s forced into a point guard role—something he’s clearly more comfortable avoiding. If he can stick to playing off the ball, his shooting could be a game-changer, especially for teammates like Otega Oweh.
Speaking of Oweh, the SEC preseason player of the year has struggled to live up to the hype. While his turf toe injury is a factor, clogged driving lanes haven’t helped. Chandler’s presence as a perimeter threat could be the key to unlocking Oweh’s potential, forcing defenders to choose between stopping a drive or contesting a 3-pointer. Here’s the bold question: Could Chandler’s shooting be the missing piece that elevates Kentucky’s offense to elite status?
If other players like Trent Noah, Kam Williams, and Andrija Jelavic can contribute even moderately from deep, the floor spacing could become a nightmare for opponents. But make no mistake—Chandler is the linchpin. His ability to stretch defenses and create opportunities for his teammates will determine just how high this team’s ceiling can go.
So, what do you think? Is Collin Chandler the shooter Kentucky has been waiting for, or is it too early to crown him? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, the debate is wide open!
